quédate aquí
/kedate aki/from spelling rules
The English phrase "stay here" is translated into Spanish as quédate aquí.
This phrase is used to issue a request or a command for someone to remain in their current location.
What does it mean word for word?
The word quédate is a combination of the verb quedarse (to stay/remain) and the reflexive pronoun te (you), which is used in the imperative mood.
Which one should you use?
While quédate aquí is the informal command, you should use quédense aquí when telling a group of people to stay here.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to someone formally (using usted), you should use quédese aquí instead of quédate aquí. To tell a group of people to stay here, use the plural form quédense aquí.
How do you pronounce it?
/kedate aki/
Did you know?
- If you are in a shop and want to tell a clerk to 'stay here' while you look for something, using the command quédate aquí can sound strangely aggressive or bossy.
- While quédate means 'stay', the verb quedar without the reflexive se is frequently used to describe a planned meeting or appointment between people.
- The word aquí is a linguistic fusion of two ancient Latin words, eccum meaning 'this' and hīc meaning 'here'.
Examples in context
- Quédate aquí con Tom.Stay here with Tom.This sentence is useful for using quédate aquí to suggest staying with a specific person.Tatoeba #2220559 by Shishir, translation #1860606 by CK
- Quédate aquí con ella.Stay here with her.This sentence is useful for using quédate aquí to suggest staying with a female person.Tatoeba #13566284 by Seael, translation #3903767 by CH
- Quédate aquí y espérale.Stay here and wait for him.This sentence is useful for using quédate aquí to combine the command with the instruction to wait.Tatoeba #1196088 by Shishir, translation #61866 by CK
- Quédate aquí, pronto volveréStay here, I'll come back soon
- Permanezcan aquí hasta que les llamenStay here until they call you
- Mantente aquí, estaré contigo en un momentoStay here, I'll be with you in a moment
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a park, Lucía and Javier are deciding whether to move.
- LucíaQuédate aquí un momento.Stay here for a moment.
- Javier¿Por qué no me voy con la pelota?Why don't I go with the ball?
- LucíaNo, quédate aquí conmigo.No, stay here with me.
- JavierEstá bien, me quedo.Alright, I'll stay.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aquí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
