déjalo ir
/dexalo iɾ/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "let it go" is déjalo ir.
déjalo ir is used when you want to express the idea of stopping holding onto a person or an object to allow them to leave.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb deja (let/leave), the object pronoun lo (it/him) and the infinitive ir (to go).
Which one should you use?
While déjalo ir implies allowing a person or a situation to depart, the word suéltalo is used specifically for physically releasing a grip on an object or person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes based on the gender and number of the object being released. To say "let her go" or "let it go" (feminine), use déjala ir. To say "let them go" for a masculine or mixed group, use déjalos ir. For a group consisting only of females, use déjalas ir.
Did you know?
- In certain regions of Latin America, the command to 'let it go' changes to andá when using the voseo form. This is because the verb ir borrows a form from the verb andar, which means 'to walk'.
- If you want to describe the process of emotional detachment or letting go of a burden, the verb desapegarse is used. It refers to the act of unsticking oneself from an emotional bond.
- An idiomatic way to say you are giving someone more freedom or 'letting go of the reins' is to use the phrase soltar la rienda.
Examples in context
- Por favor, deje ir esas preocupacionesPlease let go of those worries
- Deje de aferrarse a lo que ya no le sirveLet go of what no longer serves you
- Suéltenlo y sigan adelanteRelease it and move on
- Suelta todo eso y disfruta del momentoLet go of all that and enjoy the moment
- Deja de darle vueltas, no vale la penaLet it go, it's not worth it
- Olvida eso, ya no importaForget about it, it doesn't matter anymore
- Deja de aferrarte al rencor, solo te hace dañoLet go of the grudge, it only harms you
- Amigo, por favor, deja de darle vueltas a eso, hay cosas más importantesFriend, please let go of that, there are more important things
- Olvida eso, todos cometemos errores. No te castiguesForget about it, we all make mistakes, don't punish yourself
- No lo retengas, déjalo ir.Don't hold him back, let him go.
Example conversation
A woman is talking to her brother about a difficult breakup.
- DanielNo puedes seguir sufriendo por él.You can't keep suffering because of him.
- MaríaSé que es difícil, pero no puedo.I know it's hard, but I can't.
- DanielMaría, tienes que aceptarlo, déjalo ir.María, you have to accept it, let him go.
- MaríaTienes razón, Daniel.You are right, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
