dejarvssalir
/deh-HAR/
/sah-LEER/
💡 Quick Rule
Use `dejar` for leaving *things* or *people* behind. Use `salir` for leaving *places*.
Dejar = Drop it (leave something). Salir = Step out (leave a place).
- `Dejar de` + verb means 'to stop doing something' (e.g., dejar de fumar - to stop smoking).
- `Salir con` someone can mean 'to date someone'.
📊 Comparison Table
| Context | dejar | salir | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Work | Dejé mi almuerzo en la oficina. | Salí de la oficina a las 6. | `Dejar` for the object you left behind, `salir` for exiting the place. |
| Relationships | Ella va a dejar a su novio. | Ella va a salir con sus amigos. | `Dejar` means to break up with someone. `Salir con` means to go out socially. |
| Giving a Command | ¡Deja eso ahí! | ¡Sal de aquí! | `Dejar` focuses on the object ('Leave that!'). `Salir` focuses on the person exiting a space ('Get out!'). |
✅ When to Use "dejar" / salir
dejar
To leave (something/someone behind), to put, to allow/let
/deh-HAR/
Leaving an object somewhere
Dejé mis llaves en la mesa.
I left my keys on the table.
Leaving a person (or breaking up)
Tuve que dejar a mi perro en casa.
I had to leave my dog at home.
To allow or let someone do something
Mis padres no me dejan salir tarde.
My parents don't let me go out late.
To stop doing something (dejar de)
Voy a dejar de comer azúcar.
I'm going to stop eating sugar.
salir
To leave/exit (a place), to go out
/sah-LEER/
Exiting a physical place
Salgo de la oficina a las cinco.
I leave the office at five.
Going out socially
¿Salimos a cenar esta noche?
Are we going out for dinner tonight?
To appear or come out
El sol sale por la mañana.
The sun comes out in the morning.
To date someone (salir con)
Ana está saliendo con Carlos.
Ana is dating Carlos.
🔄 Contrast Examples
With "dejar":
Dejé la luz encendida.
I left the light on.
With "salir":
Salí de casa muy temprano.
I left home very early.
The Difference: `Dejar` focuses on what you left behind (the light). `Salir` focuses on your action of exiting the location (the house).
With "dejar":
Voy a dejar a mi novio.
I'm going to leave/break up with my boyfriend.
With "salir":
Voy a salir con mi novio.
I'm going to go out with my boyfriend.
The Difference: `Dejar` means to end the relationship. `Salir con` means to go on a date or go out socially. The difference is huge!
🎨 Visual Comparison
`Dejar` is for what you leave behind; `salir` is for where you leave from.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Salí mis llaves en casa.
Dejé mis llaves en casa.
You leave *objects* behind with `dejar`. You leave *places* with `salir`.
Dejo de mi casa a las 8.
Salgo de mi casa a las 8.
Use `salir` to talk about exiting a place like your house. `Dejar la casa` would mean to abandon your house permanently.
📚 Related Grammar
Want to understand the grammar behind this pair? Explore these lessons for a deep dive:
🏷️ Key Words
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: Dejar vs Salir
Question 1 of 2
Which verb completes the sentence? 'Ayer, ___ mis llaves en el coche.'
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I say 'Salí mi teléfono en casa'?
Because `salir` is about you, the person, exiting a place. It doesn't take a direct object like 'my phone'. To talk about an object you've left behind, you always need `dejar`. Think of it this way: *You* `salir de casa` (leave home), and *you* `dejar el teléfono` (leave the phone).
Does 'dejar' always mean to leave something by mistake?
Not at all! It can be intentional. For example, 'Te dejé un mensaje' (I left you a message) or 'Deja los platos en el fregadero' (Leave the plates in the sink). It just means to put something somewhere and leave it there.