Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| soltar | /solˈtaɾ/ |
| desasir | /desasiɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
The primary meaning is to no longer hold on to something. It is used when releasing a physical object or a person's limb.
Which one should you use?
soltar is the most common way to say 'to let go' or 'to release' when referring to a physical object or a limb. desasir is another form available, while liberar is a formal way to express 'letting go' emphasizing freeing oneself.
How does it change in a sentence?
soltar is a transitive verb. This means the thing being let go must follow the verb directly as a direct object, without a preposition.
How do you pronounce it?
/solˈtaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid adding the preposition de after soltar. While English speakers often say 'to let go of' (soltar de), in Spanish you should place the object immediately after the verb, such as soltar la mano instead of soltar de la mano.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, if you are told to suéltalo, it might be used colloquially to mean 'tell me everything' or 'spill the beans' regarding a secret.
- If someone is 'letting go' in an emotional sense, Spanish speakers often use soltar in the phrase soltar lastre, which literally means 'to release ballast'.
- The verb soltar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'solve', as both stem from the Latin root 'solvere', meaning to loosen or untie.
Examples in context
- ¿Me soltarías el brazo?Would you please let go of my arm?This sentence is useful for asking someone to let go of your arm using soltar.Tatoeba #1154062 by marcelostockle, translation #326607 by CK
- El perro no quería soltar la pelota.The dog wouldn't let go of the ball.This sentence shows how a dog might refuse to let go of a ball using soltar.Tatoeba #1604709 by marcelostockle, translation #48268 by CK
- Ese niño no quería soltar la mano de su madre.That child wouldn't let go of his mother's hand.This sentence illustrates a child refusing to let go of a mother's hand using soltar.Tatoeba #1604708 by marcelostockle, translation #47440 by CK
- Es hora de soltar el pasado y mirar hacia el futuro.It's time to let go of the past and look towards the future.
- Tienes que liberar tus miedos y perseguir tus sueños.You need to let go of your fears and chase your dreams.
- Suelta esa carga y disfruta de la vida.Let go of that burden and enjoy life.
- Tienes que dejar ir esa experiencia y buscar nuevas oportunidades.You need to let go of that experience and look for new opportunities.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are at a park with a kite.
- Lucía¡El viento es fuerte, Daniel!The wind is strong, Daniel!
- DanielNo puedo soltar la cuerda.I can't let go of the rope.
- Lucía¡Ten cuidado con el niño!Be careful with the child!
- DanielYa voy a soltarlo.I am about to let it go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “let go” translations and entries soltar, desasir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desasir, soltar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
