déjanos en paz
/dexanos en paθ/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'leave us alone' is translated into Spanish as déjanos en paz.
This phrase is used as a request for someone to stop bothering or disturbing a group of people. While it is a common way to say 'leave us alone', it carries a slightly more forceful or exasperated tone in Spanish than the English equivalent.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative déjanos (leave us) and en paz (in peace).
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form déjanos en paz uses the 'tú' (informal) imperative, which is used when speaking to one person you know well.
Did you know?
- The word paz shares an ancient root with the English word 'pact', as both originate from the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to fasten' or 'to fix'.
- In Spanish, the concept of 'leaving someone alone' is often expressed as being 'in peace' (en paz), whereas English focuses on the 'absence' of the other person ('alone').
- If you are speaking to a group of people in Spain, you must use the form dejadnos en paz, whereas in Latin America you would use déjennos en paz.
Examples in context
- Déjanos en paz, y nosotros te dejaremos en paz.Leave us alone and we'll leave you alone.This sentence shows a reciprocal request using déjanos en paz.Tatoeba #2800673 by marcelostockle, translation #2208712 by CK
- Déjanos en paz.Just leave us alone.This sentence uses déjanos en paz as a direct command.Tatoeba #4554604 by swyter, translation #2208383 by CK
- Déjanos en paz, por favor. Necesitamos un momento de tranquilidad.Leave us alone, please. We need a moment of peace.
- Por favor, déjanos en paz mientras trabajamos.Please, leave us alone while we work.
Example conversation
Alejandro keeps interrupting Lucía and her friend while they study.
- LucíaAlejandro, déjanos en paz, estamos estudiando.Alejandro, leave us alone, we are studying.
- AlejandroSolo quería preguntarles algo rápido.I just wanted to ask you something quickly.
- LucíaAhora no es el momento, vete.Now is not the time, go away.
- AlejandroEstá bien, lo siento.Alright, I'm 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
