dejas
/DEH-hahs/
you leave
When you abandon or forget something, dejas (you leave) it behind.
dejas(verb)
you leave
?to forget or abandon something
you forget
?leaving an object behind unintentionally
,you drop off
?leaving a person or item at a location
📝 In Action
¿Dónde dejas las llaves cuando llegas a casa?
A1Where do you leave the keys when you get home?
Siempre dejas tu cama sin hacer.
A2You always leave your bed unmade.
Si dejas ese libro aquí, se mojará.
A2If you leave that book here, it will get wet.
💡 Grammar Points
When 'Dejar' means 'Forget'
In Spanish, if you accidentally leave an item somewhere, you use 'dejar' (or 'olvidar'), not a verb related to 'forgetting' a memory.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up Leaving Things vs. People
Mistake: "Using 'abandonar' for leaving simple objects behind."
Correction: Use 'dejar' for objects (Dejas el teléfono en la mesa). Use 'abandonar' or 'irse' (go away) for people/places.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Reflexive Pronouns
To say 'to leave a place,' use the reflexive form 'dejarse' ('Te dejas' doesn't mean 'you leave,' use 'Te vas' instead).
When you allow someone to do something, dejas (you let) them.
📝 In Action
¿Por qué le dejas usar tu coche?
A2Why do you let him use your car?
Nunca dejas que te ayuden.
B1You never let them help you.
💡 Grammar Points
Structure: Dejar + Infinitive
When 'dejar' means 'to let,' the next action verb stays in its basic form (the infinitive): 'Dejas correr' (You let run).
⭐ Usage Tips
Need for 'que'
If you want to say 'You let someone else do something,' you often need 'que' (e.g., 'Dejas que ellos decidan' — You let them decide).
If you stop an activity or habit, dejas (you quit) it.
dejas(verb)
you quit
?to stop a habit or activity
you stop
?ceasing an action (followed by 'de' and an action verb)
📝 In Action
¿Cuándo dejas de fumar?
B1When are you going to quit smoking?
Si no dejas esa dieta, te vas a enfermar.
B2If you don't quit that diet, you are going to get sick.
💡 Grammar Points
'Dejar' to Mean 'Stop'
To express stopping an activity, 'dejar' nearly always requires the little word 'de' right before the action verb: 'Dejas de trabajar' (You stop working).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Omitting 'de'
Mistake: "Decir 'Dejas trabajar' para 'You stop working.'"
Correction: The correct phrase is 'Dejas de trabajar.' The 'de' is essential when 'dejar' means 'to quit doing something.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: dejas
Question 1 of 2
Which English translation correctly uses 'dejas' meaning 'to allow'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'dejas' only used when speaking to 'tú'?
'Dejas' is a specific form reserved for the informal 'you' (tú), used with friends, family, or people your own age. If you were speaking formally or to a group, you would use 'deja' (usted) or 'dejan' (ustedes).
How do I know if 'dejas' means 'to leave' or 'to let'?
Look at the rest of the sentence. If 'dejas' is followed directly by an object (like 'las llaves' or 'el coche'), it means 'to leave.' If it is followed by an action verb (like 'correr' or 'entrar'), it usually means 'to let' or 'to allow.'