deja de leer
/dexa de leeɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "stop reading" can be translated into Spanish as deja de leer.
The standard construction to express ceasing an action in Spanish is to use dejar de followed by an infinitive.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form deja de leer is the informal singular imperative. To address a single person formally, use deje de leer. To tell a group of people to stop reading, use the plural form dejen de leer.
Did you know?
- The verb leer shares a common ancestor with the English word 'legend', as both stem from the Latin 'legere', meaning 'to collect or gather'.
- While deja de leer is a direct command, Spanish speakers often use the phrase ya basta to tell someone to stop an annoying activity, including reading aloud.
- In some Spanish dialects, the phrase dejar de can imply a permanent habit change, such as dejar de fumar for 'to quit smoking', rather than just stopping a momentary action.
Examples in context
- Deja de leer.Stop reading.Tatoeba #4505713 by cueyayotl, translation #1738962 by CK
- Deja de leer mientras estemos conduciendo, o te vas a marear.Stop reading while we're driving, or you'll get dizzy.This sentence is useful for advising someone to stop reading while driving to avoid getting dizzy.Tatoeba #9690725 by arh, translation #9690723 by DJ_Saidez
- Por favor, pare de leer para que podamos comenzarPlease, stop reading so we can begin
- Oye, deja de leer y salgamos a dar una vueltaHey, stop reading and let's go for a walk
- ¡Para ya de leer y presta atención a lo que te digo!Stop reading already and pay attention to what I'm saying!
- Deja de leer ese libro de terror.Stop reading that horror book.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is sitting in a living room.
- MaríaDaniel, deja de leer y ven a cenar.Daniel, stop reading and come to dinner.
- DanielSolo un capítulo más, María.Just one more chapter, María.
- MaríaLa comida se va a enfriar.The food is going to get cold.
- DanielEstá bien, ya voy.Alright, I'm coming.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, deja, leer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
