quiero irme
/kjeɾo iɾme/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I want to leave" is expressed as quiero irme.
This phrase is a statement used to express a desire to depart from a current location.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of quiero (I want), ir (to go) and the reflexive pronoun me (myself), which together create the meaning of leaving or departing.
Which one should you use?
While quiero ir means "I want to go" (to a destination), quiero irme specifically emphasizes the act of departing or leaving the current place.
How does it change in a sentence?
When specifying the place you are leaving, you must use the preposition de after irme, as in quiero irme de la fiesta (I want to leave the party).
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo iɾme/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying quiero irme too abruptly can be perceived as a social insult to your host, suggesting you are eager to escape their company.
- While quiero irme is a direct request, adding the word ya as in ya me quiero ir often signals a strong feeling of boredom or impatience rather than just a need to depart.
- In highly formal settings or legal contexts, the phrase deseo retirarme is used instead of quiero irme to express the desire to leave with dignity and professional distance.
Examples in context
- Quiero irme de París.I want to leave Paris.This sentence shows how to specify a city you want to leave using quiero irme.Tatoeba #5054229 by don_ramon, translation #895072 by pauldhunt
- Quiero irme de Boston.I want to leave Boston.Tatoeba #5752648 by arh, translation #3024238 by CK
- Quiero irme temprano.I want to leave early.This sentence uses quiero irme to express leaving at a specific time.Tatoeba #1386313 by marcelostockle, translation #680762 by Source_VOA
- Me gustaría irme, ¡muchas gracias por todo!I would like to leave, thank you very much for everything!
- Quiero irme ahora, ya es tarde, nos vemos mañana.I want to leave now, it's late, see you tomorrow.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are at a very loud party.
- SofíaHay mucha gente aquí y quiero irme.There are too many people here and I want to leave.
- DanielEstá bien, Sofía, podemos irnos ahora.It's okay, Sofía, we can leave now.
- SofíaGracias, Daniel, prefiero estar en casa.Thanks, Daniel, I prefer being at home.
- DanielYo también quiero irme, esto es aburrido.I want to leave too, this is boring.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
