dejaras
/deh-HAH-rahs/
you left
Depicting the action of leaving a place, as in the hypothetical past tense 'you left.'
dejaras(Verb)
you left
?as in: 'if you left' (hypothetical past)
,you were leaving
?as in: 'that you were leaving'
you would leave
?in a past context
,you abandoned
?referring to objects or people
📝 In Action
Si me dejaras tu coche, iría a la playa.
B1If you left me your car, I would go to the beach.
Ella me pidió que no dejaras los platos sucios.
B2She asked me that you not leave the dishes dirty.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Tú' Imperfect Subjunctive
This form ('dejaras') is the informal 'you' form of the Imperfect Subjunctive. You use it when the main action is in the past, but the secondary action (the leaving) is still uncertain, wished for, or hypothetical.
Using 'Si' (If)
When you talk about hypothetical situations that are unlikely or contrary to fact, you often use 'si' (if) followed by the Imperfect Subjunctive: 'Si dejaras...' (If you were to leave...).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Subjunctive and Indicative
Mistake: "Using 'Si dejaste' (preterite indicative) instead of 'Si dejaras' (imperfect subjunctive) for a contrary-to-fact past condition."
Correction: The rule for 'if' clauses involving hypothetical situations is always 'Si' + Subjunctive: 'Si dejaras la llave, entraría.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Alternative Form
Spanish has two correct forms for the Imperfect Subjunctive. You might also hear 'dejases,' which means exactly the same thing as 'dejaras.' Both are correct.
Illustrating the act of granting permission or allowing someone to proceed, representing 'you would let.'
dejaras(Verb)
you would let
?as in: 'if you would allow me'
,you allowed
?that you allowed (past request)
you permitted
?formal allowance
📝 In Action
Esperaba que dejaras a tu hermano venir con nosotros.
B2I was hoping that you would let your brother come with us.
Si dejaras que el perro saliera, no estaría ladrando.
B1If you allowed the dog to go out, it wouldn't be barking.
💡 Grammar Points
Verbs of Influence
When the main verb expresses a desire or command in the past (like 'quería' or 'pedía'), the secondary verb (dejaras) must shift into the Subjunctive to show uncertainty or influence.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Direct translation of 'would'
Mistake: "Using the conditional tense ('dejarías') when permission is being requested or influenced by a past action."
Correction: When one person influences another's action, use the Subjunctive: 'Te pedí que me dejaras salir' (I asked you to let me go out).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Politeness
Using the Imperfect Subjunctive, especially after 'si,' is a very polite and indirect way to ask for permission or express a wish: 'Si me dejaras pasar...' (If you would just allow me to pass...).
Visualizing the cessation of an activity, such as 'if you quit' (doing something).
dejaras(Verb)
you quit
?as in: 'if you quit doing something'
,you stopped
?as in: 'that you stopped something'
you gave up
?referring to a habit
📝 In Action
Si dejaras de fumar, te sentirías mucho mejor.
B2If you stopped smoking, you would feel much better.
Era importante que dejaras de preocuparte tanto.
B2It was important that you stop worrying so much.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'De' Preposition
When 'dejar' means 'to stop' or 'to quit,' it must always be followed by the preposition 'de' before the next verb: 'dejar de [infinitive]'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the 'de'
Mistake: "Using 'Si dejaras estudiar' (If you quit study)."
Correction: The correct structure is 'Si dejaras de estudiar' (If you quit studying). The 'de' is mandatory here.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
preterite
present
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: dejaras
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'dejaras' to express a hypothetical condition?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'dejaras' translate so many ways (left, allowed, would leave)?
'Dejaras' is in the Imperfect Subjunctive, a mood Spanish uses to talk about things that are uncertain, wished for, or hypothetical in the past. Its English translation always depends heavily on the word or phrase that introduces the clause (like 'if,' 'I wanted that,' or 'it was important that').
Is 'dejaras' the same as 'dejases'?
Yes! Both 'dejaras' and 'dejases' are correct forms of the Imperfect Subjunctive for 'tú.' They are completely interchangeable and mean the exact same thing.