lo retiro
/lo ɾetiɾo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'I take it back' is said as lo retiro.
The phrase lo retiro is used when you realize you have made a factual error or when you realize you have been rude or unfair during a social interaction. It serves as a way to withdraw a statement or apology.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the thing you are retracting is a feminine noun, such as palabra (word), you must change the pronoun to la and say la retiro.
How do you pronounce it?
/lo ɾetiɾo/
Did you know?
- In highly emotional arguments, a speaker might say me retiro instead, which means 'I am withdrawing' or 'I am leaving the conversation' entirely.
- The word retiro can also be a noun meaning 'retreat' or 'sanctuary', which is the same root used when you 'withdraw' your statement.
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, using lo retiro can sound more like a formal legal retraction than a casual 'I take it back' used among friends.
Examples in context
- Me equivoqué y lo retiro.I was wrong and I take it back.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are arguing about a mistake at work.
- MateoTú cometiste un error, Lucía.You made a mistake, Lucía.
- LucíaNo fue mi culpa, Mateo.It wasn't my fault, Mateo.
- MateoTienes razón, lo retiro.You are right, I take it back.
- LucíaGracias por admitirlo.Thanks for admitting it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
