déjame ir
/dexame iɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "let me go" is translated into Spanish as déjame ir.
The phrase is used when asking for permission to leave a place or to move. However, if someone is physically holding you, you should use suéltame to convey the same meaning with a sense of urgency or frustration.
Which one should you use?
While déjame ir is used for asking permission to leave or move, suéltame is used specifically when someone is physically holding you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form déjame ir uses the informal tú imperative. If you are speaking to someone formally, you should use déjeme ir.
How do you pronounce it?
/dexame iɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb ir is a 'suppletive' verb, meaning it uses entirely different roots for different tenses. While déjame ir comes from the Latin 'īre', the word for 'I go' (voy) comes from 'vādere' and the word for 'I went' (fui) actually comes from the Latin verb 'to be'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to say me voy while remaining seated or standing in the same spot for several more minutes of talking.
- In some Latin American regions, the command 'go' is expressed as andá instead of ve, borrowing from the verb andar which means 'to walk'.
Examples in context
- Por favor déjame ir.Please let me go.This example shows how to use déjame ir with "please".Tatoeba #790543 by Shishir, translation #433631 by CK
- Déjame ir a comprar algo de pan.Let me go and buy some bread.This example shows how to use déjame ir to ask to go buy something.Tatoeba #1715654 by marcelostockle, translation #1140081 by CK
- Solo déjame ir a hablar con Tom.Just let me go talk to Tom.This example shows how to use déjame ir to ask to go talk to someone.Tatoeba #4340060 by Shishir, translation #9360405 by DJ_Saidez
- Por favor, déjeme ir. Tengo una reunión importante.Please, let me go. I have an important meeting.
- Amigo, déjame ir. Ya es tarde y debo irme a casa.Friend, let me go. It is already late and I must go home.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier is trying to leave a party, but Lucía keeps talking to him.
- JavierDéjame ir, Lucía, tengo que trabajar.Let me go, Lucía, I have to work.
- LucíaSolo un minuto más, por favor.Just one more minute, please.
- JavierNo puedo, es muy tarde.I can't, it is very late.
- LucíaEstá bien, vete entonces.Fine, go then.
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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
