solo quédate aquí
/solo kedate aki/from spelling rules
The English phrase "just stay here" can be translated into Spanish as solo quédate aquí.
This phrase is used as a request or command for someone to remain in their current location.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase solo quédate aquí, the word solo literally means "only" or "alone" in this context.
Which one should you use?
While solo quédate aquí is a standard way to express the idea, you can also use the common alternative nada más quédate aquí to mean the same thing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form quédate is the informal singular imperative, used when speaking to a friend, child or peer. If you are telling a group of people to stay here, use the plural form solo quédense aquí.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the command quédate is a reflexive verb, meaning the speaker is literally telling the person to 'stay yourself'.
- The word aquí is a linguistic fusion that traces back to the Vulgar Latin combination of eccum and hīc, merging 'this' and 'here' into one.
- The word solo can mean both 'only' and 'alone', so if you say solo quédate aquí, you could accidentally be telling someone 'Stay here alone'.
Examples in context
- Quédate aquí, por favor.Stay here, please.
- Solo quédate aquí.Just stay here.
- No te muevas de aquí.Don't move from here.
- Solo quédate aquí mientras yo voy a la tienda.Just stay here while I go to the store.
- No te muevas, solo quédate aquí un momento.Don't move, just stay here for a moment.
- Es peligroso afuera, solo quédate aquí.It is dangerous outside, just stay here.
Example conversation
Elena is waiting for Mateo to finish a task while she looks for her keys.
- ElenaMateo, solo quédate aquí un segundo.Mateo, just stay here for a second.
- Mateo¿Tienes que buscar algo?Do you have to look for something?
- ElenaSí, no encuentro mis llaves.Yes, I can't find my keys.
- MateoEstá bien, me quedo aquí.Okay, I'll stay here.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aquí, solo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
