What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb desalojar (to vacate/evict) and the noun phrase el inmueble (the property/the real estate).
Which one should you use?
You can also use desalojar la propiedad to mean vacate the property, which is another common alternative used in legal and formal contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
desalojar el inmueble is a formal expression typically used in legal, administrative or official contexts rather than in casual conversation. For an even more formal instruction, such as an order, you might use Desaloje las instalaciones.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, you may hear the phrase desocupar el lugar to convey the same message.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that the premises were vacated in the past, you can use the preterite form desalojó el inmueble for he/she/it or desalojaron el inmueble for they.
Did you know?
- While inmueble refers to a building or plot of land, its literal root means 'immobile'. In Spanish legal terms, real estate is defined by the fact that it cannot be moved.
- The term desalojar comes from alojar, which means 'to lodge'. To vacate the premises is literally to 'un-lodge' oneself or others.
- The verb desalojar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'dislodge'.
Examples in context
- El edificio estará cerrado temporalmente. Por favor, desaloje las instalaciones.The building will be temporarily closed. Please vacate the premises.
- Por favor, abandone el local. Le agradecemos su comprensión.Please vacate the premises. We appreciate your understanding.
- La policía ordenó desalojar el inmueble de inmediato.The police ordered to vacate the premises immediately.
- Deben desalojar el inmueble antes del viernes.They must vacate the premises before Friday.
- El juez decidió que es necesario desalojar el inmueble.The judge decided that it is necessary to vacate the premises.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are discussing a legal notice regarding their apartment.
- SofíaMateo, nos han enviado una orden para desalojar el inmueble.Mateo, they have sent us an order to vacate the premises.
- Mateo¿Es verdad? ¿Tenemos poco tiempo para salir?Is it true? Do we have little time to leave?
- SofíaSí, tenemos que buscar un nuevo lugar pronto.Yes, we have to find a new place soon.
- MateoNo te preocupes, Sofía, yo te ayudaré con la mudanza.Don't worry, Sofía, I will help you with the move.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desalojar, el, inmueble, CC BY-SA 4.0.
