Stopping Yourself vs. Stopping Something Else

To say you 'stop doing something', use the structure 'parar de' + the action verb. For example, 'Paré de comer' means 'I stopped eating'.

Stopping an Action

The simple command '¡Para!' is very common and direct, just like 'Stop!' in English. You can use it to stop a person, a car, or an action.

Quick Commands

Extremely common. One of the first verbs you'll learn and use daily.

It's just a verb where the action reflects back on the person doing it. You show this by adding a little word like 'me', 'te', or 'se' before the verb. So 'pararse' means to stop oneself or to make oneself stand up.

What's a 'Pronominal Verb'?

In Spain, using 'pararse' for 'to stand up' is very common. In many parts of Latin America, you're more likely to hear 'ponerse de pie'.

Spain vs. Latin America

Very common, especially in Spain. Used to talk about body position.

This meaning often appears as 'ir a parar a...' which emphasizes the journey to the unexpected destination or outcome. Think of it as 'to go and end up at...'

Common Structure: 'ir a parar'

Less common, but useful for storytelling and describing unexpected outcomes.

This meaning is tied completely to sports. If you hear 'parar' during a soccer or basketball game, it almost certainly means 'to save' or 'to block'.

Context is Everything

Common, but only used when talking about sports.

Learn the Spanish verb 'parar'. Discover its meanings like 'to stop', 'to stand up', and 'to save' a goal. See full conjugation tables, examples, and common mistakes.

parar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations