solo ignóralo
/solo iɡnoɾalo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'just ignore him' is translated into Spanish as solo ignóralo.
This phrase is a suggestion to pay no attention to a person who is behaving badly or annoyingly. While solo ignóralo is a direct way to express this, the idiomatic phrase no le hagas caso is much more common in natural Spanish conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of solo, which literally means 'only' or 'just' in this context and ignóralo, which means 'ignore him'.
Which one should you use?
solo ignóralo serves as a direct translation of the English phrase. However, for more natural-sounding speech, you might prefer the idiomatic expression no le hagas caso, which means 'don't pay attention to him'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Latin America, you might hear the informal version No le hagás caso instead of No le hagas caso.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ignóralo is the imperative (command) form of the verb ignorar with the direct object pronoun lo (him) attached to the end.
How do you pronounce it?
/solo iɡnoɾalo/
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'ignore' to mean paying no attention, in Spanish, the verb ignorar can also mean 'to be unaware of' or 'to not know' a specific fact.
- The word solo is a double agent in Spanish, as it can mean both 'alone' and 'only' depending on the context of the sentence.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, if you want to tell someone to 'ignore' a situation or a person's comments, you might use the slangy ni caso, which is a very short, punchy way to say 'don't even bother'.
Examples in context
- Solo ignóralo.Just ignore him.Tatoeba #1804074 by marcelostockle, translation #1655756 by Spamster
- Si dice tonterías, solo ignóralo.If he says nonsense, just ignore him.
- Él es muy pesado, solo ignóralo.He is very annoying, just ignore him.
Example conversation
Lucía is upset by a rude coworker.
- JavierParece que está muy enfadado hoy.It seems like he is very angry today.
- LucíaSí, me ha gritado sin razón.Yes, he shouted at me for no reason.
- JavierNo te preocupes, solo ignóralo.Don't worry, just ignore him.
- LucíaTienes razón, no vale la pena.You're right, it's not worth it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
