retractarse
/retɾaɡtaɾse/from spelling rules
In Spanish, to retract something said or written is retractarse.
The verb is used when a person takes back or withdraws a statement, an accusation or a written claim.
Meaning: of something said or written: to take back or withdraw (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb is pronominal, which means it is almost always used with a reflexive pronoun, such as yo me retracto or él se retractó.
How do you pronounce it?
/retɾaɡtaɾse/
Did you know?
- In certain historical Spanish contexts, a retractación was not just a correction but a required legal ceremony that could save a person from execution during the Inquisition.
- The Spanish language uses the word retraído to describe a shy or socially awkward person, sharing the same root as retractarse in the sense of pulling back from the world.
- The verb retractarse is often paired with públicamente in Spanish media, as a public retraction is seen as a necessary act of honor to restore a person's reputation.
Examples in context
- El periodista tuvo que retractarse de sus declaraciones falsas.The journalist had to retract his false statements.
- Las noticias publicaron una disculpa y se retractaron de la información errónea.The news outlet issued an apology and retracted the incorrect information.
- Deberías rectificar tus afirmaciones apresuradas.You should retract your hasty claims.
- No hay problema, tú puedes echar para atrás tus palabras si te arrepientes.No problem, you can retract your words if you regret it.
- Es mejor desdecirse cuando sabes que te has equivocado.It's better to retract when you know you're wrong.
- El político intentó desdecirse de sus comentarios ofensivos.The politician tried to retract his offensive comments.
- Se retractó de sus acusaciones.He retracted his accusations.
- Él decidió retractarse de sus acusaciones.He decided to retract his accusations.
- Ella tuvo que retractarse de su declaración.She had to retract her statement.
Example conversation
A tense discussion in a workplace office.
- JavierJuan se negó a retractarse de sus palabras.Juan refused to retract his words.
- Elena¿De verdad no va a retractarse?Is he really not going to retract them?
- JavierNo, él es muy testarudo.No, he is very stubborn.
- ElenaEsto va a ser un gran problema.This is going to be a big problem.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry retractarse, 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.
