detenga
“detenga” means “stop” in Spanish (as a command or wish).
stop, detain
Also: hold up, halt
📝 In Action
Es crucial que el tren se detenga antes del cruce.
B1It is crucial that the train stop before the crossing.
No detenga el proceso; siga trabajando.
B2Don't stop the process; keep working.
El presidente pidió que nadie detenga las negociaciones.
C1The president asked that no one hold up the negotiations.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: detenga
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'detenga' as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word is formed by combining the prefix 'de-' (meaning down or away) with the verb 'tener' (to hold or have). Literally, it means 'to hold back' or 'to stop holding/moving forward.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'detenga' the only form of the verb 'detener'?
'Detenga' is just one specific form. It serves as the 'yo' form and the 'él/ella/usted' form in the present subjunctive, and the 'usted' form in the imperative (commands). The base verb is 'detener'.
Why is 'detener' considered irregular?
It is irregular because it does not follow the standard conjugation rules for '-er' verbs. Specifically, it shares its irregularity with the verb 'tener' (to have), especially in the present tense (detengo, detienes) and the preterite (detuve, detuvo).