dejar
/deˈxaɾ/
The English phrase 'put down' can be translated into Spanish as dejar.
dejar is used to mean setting something down or stopping the act of carrying it. To specify where an object is being placed, you often use the construction dejar [object] en [location], such as dejar algo en el suelo to say 'to put something on the floor'.
Meaning: set down, stop carrying (verb)
Which one should you use?
While dejar is the standard way to express 'to put down', it is also used for the meanings 'to leave', 'to let' or 'to allow', so you must rely on the context of the sentence to determine which meaning is intended.
How does it change in a sentence?
Be careful with the construction dejar de followed by an infinitive. In this specific grammatical structure, the meaning shifts from 'to put down' to 'to stop (doing something)', such as in the phrase dejar de fumar (to stop smoking).
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈxaɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word dejar shares a root with the English words 'lax' and 'laxative' because they all stem from the idea of loosening or releasing.
Examples in context
- El libro que estaba leyendo era difícil de dejar.The book she was reading was difficult to put down.This sentence demonstrates how the word dejar is used when talking about a book that is difficult to put down.Tatoeba #12853835 by mexicanhere, translation #12382654 by InfinitusPrimus
- Por favor, coloque el libro sobre la mesa.Please put the book on the table.
- Favor de depositar los documentos en la bandeja.Please put the documents in the tray.
- Le ruego que apoye la bandeja en la mesa.I kindly ask you to put the tray on the table.
- Pon el vaso en la mesa, por favor.Put the glass on the table, please.
- Deja tus zapatos junto a la puerta.Put down your shoes by the door.
- Puedes dejar las llaves en la mesa.You can put the keys down on the table.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are cleaning the living room.
- JavierSofía, ¿puedes dejar esa caja aquí?Sofía, can you put that box down here?
- SofíaSí, la dejo ahora mismo.Yes, I'll put it down right now.
- JavierGracias, ahora ayúdame con la mesa.Thanks, now help me with the table.
- SofíaClaro, yo te ayudo, Javier.Sure, I'll help you, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dejar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dejar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
