despidieron
/des-pee-DYER-on/
they fired
A person leaving their job after being fired.
despidieron(verb)
they fired
?removing someone from a job
they dismissed
?formal employment termination
📝 In Action
Despidieron a tres personas de mi oficina ayer.
B1They fired three people from my office yesterday.
Lamentablemente, los despidieron sin darles una razón.
B2Unfortunately, they were dismissed without being given a reason.
💡 Grammar Points
The Stem Change
Notice how the 'e' from 'despedir' changes to an 'i' in 'despidieron.' This happens in the past tense for 'they' and 'he/she' forms.
Completed Action
This word describes a completed action that happened once in the past, rather than something that used to happen repeatedly.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Spelling Error
Mistake: "despedieron"
Correction: despidieron. Even though the original verb is 'despedir', the 'e' must change to 'i' in this specific past form.
⭐ Usage Tips
When to use it
Use this form when you want to say 'they fired [someone].' If you want to say 'they said goodbye,' you must add the word 'se' before it: 'Se despidieron'.
The pie giving off a sweet scent into the air.
despidieron(verb)
they gave off
?releasing a smell or vapor
they emitted
?releasing light or heat
📝 In Action
Aquellas flores despidieron un aroma maravilloso durante la noche.
C1Those flowers gave off a wonderful scent during the night.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: despidieron
Question 1 of 1
Which of these is the correct way to say 'They fired the manager'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'despidieron' always mean firing someone?
Not always, but usually! If you use it with the word 'se' (Se despidieron), it means 'They said goodbye to each other.' Without 'se,' it usually means 'They fired [someone]' or 'They gave off [a smell].'