Para
command, tú
To order someone to stop in Spanish, say Para to one person you call tú and Pare to someone you call usted. Alto is the short word used on stop signs and for strict orders. It is also called Deténgase.
Meaning: stop, as an order (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Para | command, tú |
| Pare | command, usted |
| Alto | sign, order |
| Deténgase | formal, usted |
Both Para and Pare come from the verb parar. Use ¡Para! with a friend who is doing something wrong. On a road, the sign says ALTO in Mexico and much of Latin America.
Which one should you use?
Deténgase is more formal and sounds like an official order. Basta means "enough" and is used to end a behavior, not movement.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain the stop sign reads STOP, while in Mexico and Central America it reads ALTO.
Did you know?
- The stop sign in Mexico reads ALTO instead of "STOP", which surprises many drivers from the United States.
Examples in context
- ¡Para, que me haces cosquillas!Stop, you are tickling me!
- Pare en la esquina, por favor.Stop at the corner, please.
- El policía gritó: ¡Alto!The police officer shouted: Stop!
Example conversation
Sergio rides in a taxi in Mexico City.
- SergioPare aquí, por favor.Stop here, please.
- TaxistaAquí en la esquina, ¿verdad?Here at the corner, right?
- SergioSí, aquí está bien. Gracias.Yes, here is fine. Thank you.
