déjame en paz
/dexame en paθ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "leave me be" can be said in Spanish as déjame en paz.
This phrase is a request for someone to stop bothering or disturbing you. While déjame en paz is a common way to say 'leave me be', it carries a stronger, more irritated tone than simply asking for space.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase déjame en paz is composed of the verb dejar (to leave/let), the pronoun me (me) and the prepositional phrase en paz (in peace).
Which one should you use?
Other options include the informal Déjame solo(a) for "leave me alone" or the informal Dame un respiro to ask someone to "give me a break" or some breathing room.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form déjame en paz uses the informal imperative (tú) form of the verb dejar.
Did you know?
- To increase the intensity of déjame en paz, some speakers add the word santa to create déjame en santa paz, meaning 'leave me in holy peace'.
- In some regions, asking for space is phrased as dame aire, which literally means 'give me air'.
- The word paz comes from the Latin pācem, which originally meant a 'pact' or 'treaty' rather than a general state of peace.
Examples in context
- Cuando estoy trabajando, por favor, déjeme en paz.When I am working, please leave me be.
- Le ruego que me deje tranquilo(a) mientras resuelvo este asunto personal.I beg you to leave me in peace while I handle this personal matter.
- Déjame en paz, necesito un momento para pensar.Leave me be, I need a moment to think.
- Déjame solo(a) un rato, por favor.Leave me alone for a while, please.
- Estoy estresado(a), dame un respiro.I'm stressed, give me a break.
- ¡Déjame en paz, estoy tratando de estudiar!Leave me be, I am trying to study!
- ¡Déjame en paz, estoy trabajando!Leave me be, I am working!
- Por favor, déjame en paz un momento.Please, leave me be for a moment.
- No quiero hablar, así que déjame en paz.I don't want to talk, so leave me be.
Example conversation
Daniel is constantly asking María questions while she tries to study.
- MaríaDaniel, por favor, déjame en paz.Daniel, please, leave me be.
- DanielSolo quería saber si tienes hambre.I only wanted to know if you are hungry.
- MaríaAhora no, tengo que estudiar.Not now, I have to study.
- DanielEstá bien, lo siento.Okay, I am sorry.
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.
