Confusing 'le' and 'lo/la'

When using a verb in its base form (infinitive) or the command form (imperative), the pronoun 'le' is attached directly to the end of the verb, forming one word: 'quitarle'.

Pronoun Placement

The 'le' tells you *who* is losing the item. It means 'from him,' 'from her,' 'from it,' or 'from you (formal)'.

The Meaning of 'le'

When using two verbs (like 'I want to remove'), you can either attach 'le' to the end of the infinitive ('quiero quitarle') or place it before the conjugated verb ('le quiero quitar').

Using 'le' with compound tenses

Extremely common in everyday conversation, used whenever something is removed from a person.

In this context, 'quitarle' means removing an abstract thing (like pain or a feeling) rather than a physical object. The structure remains the same: the person affected is 'le'.

Figurative Use

This verb is the most natural way to talk about medicine or actions that relieve symptoms or feelings. For example, 'Me quitó la sed' means 'It quenched my thirst.'

Expressing Relief

Commonly used in medical or emotional contexts to describe relief or easing of a condition.

Learn the meaning of the Spanish verb 'quitarle,' which means 'to take away from him/her' or 'to relieve,' and see its full conjugation and examples.

quitar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations