dejando
/deh-HAHN-doh/
leaving
The act of dejando can mean abandoning a location or object.
dejando(Verb)
leaving
?abandoning a place or object
putting down
?placing something somewhere
,dropping off
?transporting and leaving an item
📝 In Action
Mi hermana está dejando la ciudad mañana.
A1My sister is leaving the city tomorrow.
Ella sigue dejando sus zapatos en el pasillo.
A2She keeps leaving her shoes in the hallway.
💡 Grammar Points
Continuous Action
The '-ando' ending always shows an action that is currently happening or continuing over time. It is the Spanish equivalent of the English '-ing' form.
Forming the Continuous Tense
You must use 'dejando' with a form of the verb 'estar' (like 'estoy', 'estás', 'está') to say what someone 'is leaving' right now.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'ser' instead of 'estar'
Mistake: "Soy dejando."
Correction: Estoy dejando. Remember, 'estar' is always used to talk about actions that are currently in progress.
⭐ Usage Tips
Attaching Pronouns
You can attach direct object pronouns (like 'lo', 'la', 'me') to 'dejando': 'dejándolo' (leaving it). Make sure to add an accent mark (dejándolo) to keep the stress on the correct syllable!
The adult is dejando (allowing) the child to play.
📝 In Action
El guardia no estaba dejando entrar a nadie sin identificación.
A2The guard was not allowing anyone to enter without ID.
Ella se está dejando crecer el pelo.
B1She is letting her hair grow out (She is allowing her hair to grow).
💡 Grammar Points
Structure with 'Que'
When 'dejando' means 'allowing,' it is often followed by 'que' and a conjugated verb: 'dejando que coman' (allowing them to eat).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Direct Translation Error
Mistake: "Está dejando a ir (He is letting go)."
Correction: Está dejando ir (The 'a' is not needed when followed by a simple infinitive like 'ir').
⭐ Usage Tips
Reflexive Use
When used with 'se' (dejándose), it means allowing oneself to do something, often used for personal habits or changes: 'dejándose llevar' (letting oneself be carried away).
The action of watering is dejando (resulting in) a beautiful flower.
dejando(Verb)
resulting in
?causing a consequence or effect
causing
?producing an outcome
📝 In Action
El discurso fue tan emotivo, dejando a la audiencia en silencio.
B1The speech was so emotional, resulting in the audience being silent.
La lluvia estaba cayendo fuerte, dejando un rastro de lodo.
B2The rain was falling heavily, leaving a trail of mud.
💡 Grammar Points
Adverbial Function
In this usage, 'dejando' often acts like an adverb, describing how the main action affects the situation or the people involved.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Effects
This meaning is perfect for storytelling or journalism, linking an action in the first part of the sentence directly to its emotional or physical consequence in the second part.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: dejando
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'dejando' to mean 'allowing'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'dejando' an action that is finished or ongoing?
'Dejando' describes an ongoing, continuous action. It is the form you use when you want to emphasize that the action is happening *right now* or is still in progress over a period of time.
When should I use 'dejando' instead of the past participle 'dejado'?
Use 'dejando' (the -ing form) for actions in progress (e.g., 'Está dejando'). Use 'dejado' (the -ed form) for completed actions when paired with 'haber' (e.g., 'Ha dejado' - 'He has left').