Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| dejar de | /dexaɾ de/ (from spelling rules) |
| parar de | /paɾaɾ de/ (from spelling rules) |
These verbs are used to express the idea of not continuing an action, similar to the English words cease or desist.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb dejar literally means 'to leave' or 'to let', so dejar de can be understood as 'leaving off' an activity.
Which one should you use?
Dejar de often implies a permanent or long-term cessation of a habit or state, whereas parar de often implies a temporary interruption of an ongoing action.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, alto is commonly used to indicate 'halt'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both dejar de and parar de must be followed by an infinitive when expressing the cessation of an action.
How do you pronounce it?
/dexaɾ de/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When using these verbs to mean 'stop doing something', do not omit the de. For example, avoid saying dejar jugar and instead use the correct dejar de jugar.
Did you know?
- The word dejar is related to the English word 'laxative', as both involve the concept of 'loosening' or 'releasing'.
- In some Spanish dialects, parar can be used to describe a car 'stopping' or a person 'stopping' to chat, but it can also mean 'to stay' or 'to hang out' in a certain place.
Examples in context
- Debes dejar de jugar.You need to stop playing.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of dejar de.Tatoeba #1205369 by cueyayotl, translation #1205344 by Eldad
- No pude parar de reír.I couldn't stop laughing.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of parar de.Tatoeba #1562175 by marcelostockle, translation #461180 by jeanne
- ¿Vas a parar de hablar?Will you stop talking?Tatoeba #972488 by hayastan, translation #326571 by CK
- Cuando llegue al semáforo, deténgase.When you reach the traffic light, stop.
- No siga conduciendo después de la señal de alto.Do not continue driving after the stop sign.
- Para de hablar por un momento, quiero decirte algo.Stop talking for a moment, I want to tell you something.
- Deja de correr, estás cansado.Stop running, you're tired.
- 152 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are discussing a new hobby.
- DanielLucía, debes dejar de practicar tanto piano.Lucía, you must stop practicing piano so much.
- LucíaNo puedo, Daniel, es mi pasión.I can't, Daniel, it is my passion.
- DanielPero necesitas dejar de estresarte tanto.But you need to stop stressing yourself so much.
- LucíaTienes razón, voy a descansar un poco.You are right, I am going to rest a little.
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.
