Confusing Past Tenses

'Detuvo' is the simple past tense (preterite) used when talking about a single, completed action in the past by a third person (he, she, or formal you).

Tense Identification

The verb 'detener' is irregular, following the pattern of 'tener' (to have). Notice the 'u' (detUvo, tUve) in the simple past.

Irregularity Pattern

Use 'detuvo' when the stopping action is the main point and the result is known (e.g., the car is now still).

Focus on the Result

Extremely common, used daily when talking about past events, actions, or travel.

In this meaning, 'detuvo' often implies an official or legal action, usually carried out by law enforcement or border patrol.

Formal Context

If you mean 'arrested,' you can use 'arrestó' for clarity, but 'detuvo' is often the preferred, more neutral term in Spanish news.

Avoiding Ambiguity

Common in news reports, legal contexts, and discussions of crime.

Missing the Reflexive Pronoun

When the subject stops *themselves* (He stopped), you must use the reflexive pronoun 'se' (Se detuvo). Without 'se', it means He stopped *something else* (Él detuvo el coche).

The 'Se' Difference

Extremely common in everyday narration when describing someone stopping their own movement.

Learn the meaning and conjugation of the Spanish word 'detuvo,' the simple past form of 'detener' (to stop, to detain). Includes examples for movement and legal contexts.

detuvo

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations