detén
“detén” means “stop” in Spanish (telling someone to cease movement or an action).
stop
Also: hold, arrest
📝 In Action
¡Detén el coche, hay un perro en la calle!
A1Stop the car, there is a dog in the street!
Detén un segundo lo que haces y mírame.
A2Stop what you're doing for a second and look at me.
Detén el avance de los enemigos.
B1Hold back the enemies' progress.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: detén
Question 1 of 1
When would you use the word 'detén'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'detinere', which is made of 'de-' (away/down) and 'tenere' (to hold). It literally means to hold something back from moving forward.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'detén' the same as 'para'?
Mostly, yes! 'Para' (from parar) is the most common way to say 'stop'. 'Detén' is slightly more formal or emphatic, often used for stopping a process or 'holding' something back.
What is the formal version of 'detén'?
If you are talking to a stranger or someone you want to show respect to, use 'detenga'.