déjala en paz
/dexala en paθ/from spelling rules
To say "leave her alone" in Spanish, use déjala en paz.
The phrase is used as a request or command to stop bothering or annoying a female person. While it is a common way to express this, it is more idiomatic and carries a slightly stronger sense of "leave her in peace" than a literal translation of the English word "alone". Another common way to express this idea is déjala tranquila, which focuses on leaving the woman in a state of tranquility or undisturbed.
Which one should you use?
The phrase déjala en paz is idiomatic, meaning "leave her in peace." An alternative is déjala tranquila, which means "leave her be" or "leave her alone" by focusing on her being undisturbed.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of people to tell them to leave her alone, use the plural imperative form déjenla en paz.
Did you know?
- The word paz shares an ancient root with the English word 'pact'. This is because the original meaning focused on a formal agreement or treaty rather than just a quiet environment.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying déjala en paz can sound much more aggressive or final than the English 'leave her alone', as it carries the weight of an absolute demand for silence or solitude.
- The phrase déjala en paz can be used sarcastically to imply that the person being told to stop is actually the one causing a scene, even if they are not physically touching the other person.
Examples in context
- Déjala en paz, por favor.Leave her alone, please.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use the phrase déjala en paz with a polite addition.Tatoeba #13838890 by Seael, translation #3913696 by CH
- Por favor, déjela tranquila.Please, leave her alone.
- Déjala en paz, no la molestes.Leave her alone, don't bother her.
- Ella está llorando, así que déjala en paz.She is crying, so leave her alone.
- No es divertido, déjala en paz.It is not funny, leave her alone.
Example conversation
Javier is teasing Lucía's sister.
- LucíaJavier, déjala en paz.Javier, leave her alone.
- JavierSolo estoy bromeando con ella.I'm just joking with her.
- LucíaElla ya no se ríe.She isn't laughing anymore.
- JavierEstá bien, ya no la molesto.Okay, I won't bother her anymore.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, paz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
