pare
formal command
In Colombia "stop" is pare when you address someone as usted and para when you address a friend as tú. Alto is a firm "halt". It is also called ¡Para! and ¡Alto!
Meaning: command to halt (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| pare | formal command |
| ¡Para! | informal command |
| ¡Alto! | strong command |
On a bus you ask the driver to let you off by saying ¿me para aquí, por favor? or by pressing the button.
How does it change in a sentence?
Pare and para are commands of the verb parar. The two differ because Spanish distinguishes polite usted from tú.
Did you know?
- In many Colombian cities a bus stop is also called a paradero, from the verb parar.
Examples in context
- ¡Pare, por favor, aquí me bajo!Stop, please, I get off here!
- ¡Para ya, que me haces cosquillas!Stop it, you are tickling me!
- ¡Alto, no pase!Halt, do not go through!
Example conversation
Marcela rides a bus in Bogotá and asks the driver to stop.
- MarcelaSeñor, ¿me para en la próxima, por favor?Sir, could you stop at the next one, please?
- ConductorClaro, señora.Of course, ma'am.
- MarcelaMuchas gracias.Thank you very much.
