Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| dejar de | /dexaɾ de/ (from spelling rules) |
| parar de | /paɾaɾ de/ (from spelling rules) |
These phrases are used to express the cessation of an action, meaning not to continue. If you are looking for a noun related to a place to get on and off mass transport, use parada or paradero. If you are referring to a punctuation symbol, use punto or punto final.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb dejar literally means 'to let', 'to leave' or 'to allow'. Therefore, dejar de is a periphrasis used to express the cessation of an action.
Which one should you use?
While both mean to stop, dejar de often implies a permanent cessation or quitting a habit. In contrast, parar de often implies a temporary interruption of an ongoing action.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using dejar de or parar de to mean 'stop doing something', the following verb must be in the infinitive form.
How do you pronounce it?
/dexaɾ de/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Debes dejar de jugar.You need to stop playing.This sentence uses dejar de to show someone needs to stop an activity.Tatoeba #1205369 by cueyayotl, translation #1205344 by Eldad
- No pude parar de reír.I couldn't stop laughing.This sentence uses parar de to describe an inability to stop a continuous action.Tatoeba #1562175 by marcelostockle, translation #461180 by jeanne
- ¿Vas a parar de hablar?Will you stop talking?This sentence uses parar de to ask if someone will cease a continuous action.Tatoeba #972488 by hayastan, translation #326571 by CK
- Por favor, deténgase en la intersección.Please stop at the intersection.
- Pare el vehículo antes de cruzar la línea.Stop the vehicle before crossing the line.
- ¡Para de hacer ruido, por favor!Stop making noise, please!
- Basta de bromas, necesitamos concentrarnos ahora.Enough jokes, we need to focus now.
- 152 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are talking about a bad habit.
- Javier¿Vas a dejar de beber café?Are you going to stop drinking coffee?
- ElenaNo, no quiero dejar de tomarlo.No, I don't want to stop drinking it.
- JavierPero te hace daño, Elena.But it's bad for you, Elena.
- ElenaLo sé, pero es muy difícil.I know, but it is very difficult.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stop” translations, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, dejar, parar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
