Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| dejar de | /dexaɾ de/ (from spelling rules) |
| parar de | /paɾaɾ de/ (from spelling rules) |
These forms are used to express the idea of not continuing an action, similar to the English verbs cease or desist.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase dejar de is literally composed of dejar (to leave/let) and de (of/from).
Which one should you use?
While they are frequently interchangeable in many contexts, dejar de is typically used when someone ceases a habit or a continuous action, such as 'stop smoking'. In contrast, parar de is often used for the cessation of a physical movement or a specific activity that was in progress.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing the cessation of an action, both dejar de and parar de must be followed by an infinitive verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/dexaɾ de/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When you want to express the cessation of an action, do not omit the de. Avoid saying dejar [verb] and instead use dejar de [verb].
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a 'stop' sign on the road does not say parar but instead uses the word alto.
- The verb dejar is actually a distant relative of the English words 'lax', 'laxative' and 'lease'.
- In Old Spanish, the verb was spelled dexar with an 'x' instead of the modern 'j'.
Examples in context
- Debes dejar de jugar.You need to stop playing.Tatoeba #1205369 by cueyayotl, translation #1205344 by Eldad
- No pude parar de reír.I couldn't stop laughing.Tatoeba #1562175 by marcelostockle, translation #461180 by jeanne
- ¿Vas a parar de hablar?Will you stop talking?Tatoeba #972488 by hayastan, translation #326571 by CK
- Por favor, deténgasePlease stop
- AltoStop sign
- ¡Basta ya!Stop it now!
- ¡Ya!Stop it!
- 152 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are in their living room at night.
- MateoSofía, por favor, deja de usar el teléfono.Sofía, please, stop using the phone.
- SofíaLo siento, Mateo, voy a dejar de usarlo ya.I'm sorry, Mateo, I'm going to stop using it now.
- MateoGracias, quiero que descansemos un poco.Thank you, I want us to rest a bit.
- SofíaTienes razón, voy a dejar de mirar la pantalla.You're right, I'm going to stop looking at the screen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stop” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, dejar, parar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
