apártate
ah-PAR-tah-teh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
¡Apártate de la puerta, por favor! Necesito pasar.
A2Move away from the door, please! I need to pass.
El guardia gritó: «¡Apártate! Hay peligro de derrumbe.»
B1The guard shouted: "Stand back! There is a risk of collapse."
Apártate un momento para que pueda tomar la foto.
B1Step aside for a moment so I can take the photo.
💡 Grammar Points
The Accent Rule for Commands
When you attach a pronoun (like 'te') to a positive command, you must add an accent mark to the original stressed syllable ('aPARta') to keep the pronunciation correct: 'apártate'.
The Reflexive Verb
This verb is apartarse (to move oneself). The 'te' means 'you' are performing the action on yourself, telling you to move your own body.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Accent
Mistake: "Apartate (without the accent)"
Correction: Apártate. Without the accent, the stress shifts to the 'a' in 'ta', making it sound incorrect.
⭐ Usage Tips
Be Polite
Because this command is direct, always soften it with 'por favor' (please) unless it's an emergency, to avoid sounding overly aggressive or rude.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: apártate
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses the formal way to ask someone to move away?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'apártate' have an accent mark?
The accent mark is needed because when you attach a pronoun (te, se, nos, etc.) to a positive command, the word gets longer, but the stress must stay on the same syllable as the original verb ('aPARta'). The accent ensures the stress remains on the second 'a'.
Is 'apártate' rude?
It is a very direct command. If used without 'por favor' (please) in a non-urgent situation, it can sound impatient or rude. Always try to add 'por favor' unless you need an immediate reaction for safety.