detengan
/deh-TEHN-gahn/
stop
The image shows a clear signal to halt, illustrating the command to "stop."
detengan(verb)
stop
?as a command or request (you plural, formal)
,they stop
?used after verbs of influence, doubt, or necessity (they/you plural, formal)
hold up
?to cause a delay
,check
?to limit or control
📝 In Action
¡Detengan la música! Es demasiado tarde.
A2Stop the music! It's too late.
Es crucial que detengan el coche antes de la curva.
B1It is crucial that they stop the car before the curve.
No permitan que estas dificultades los detengan.
B2Don't let these difficulties hold you (formal plural) back.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Plural Command
"Detengan" is the formal way (using 'ustedes') to tell a group of people to stop doing something. It comes directly from the special verb form used for wishes and commands.
Subjunctive Use
When used as 'they stop,' it appears after phrases expressing desire, necessity, doubt, or emotion, like 'Quiero que...' (I want that...) or 'Es necesario que...' (It is necessary that...).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Formal Command
Mistake: "Using *detienen* (the indicative form) for a command: ¡Detienen el carro!"
Correction: Use the command form: ¡Detengan el carro! (The verb form changes when you give an order or instruction).
⭐ Usage Tips
Irregularity Tip
The stem of detener changes to 'deteng-' in this form. Think of it as following the pattern of the verb 'tener' (to have), which also has a 'teng-' sound in its irregular forms.
This illustration shows one figure restraining another, depicting the act of detention or holding someone in custody.
detengan(verb)
detain
?to hold someone in custody
,arrest
?to take someone into police custody
📝 In Action
La policía ha pedido que detengan a los sospechosos de inmediato.
B1The police have asked that they detain the suspects immediately.
¡Detengan al ladrón! No dejen que escape.
B2Detain the thief! Don't let him escape.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Context
When 'detengan' is used in a legal or official context, it almost always means 'to take into custody' or 'to arrest,' rather than just 'to stop a car.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: detengan
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'detengan' as a direct command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'detengan' used instead of 'paren'?
'Paren' (from parar) is the most common, general way to say 'stop.' 'Detengan' (from detener) often implies a more forceful, official, or prolonged stop, like stopping a criminal, halting a machine, or delaying an action. It carries a slightly more formal weight.
Is 'detengan' a present tense verb?
Yes, but it belongs to the 'Present Subjunctive' mood, which is a special verb form used not for stating facts (like the regular present tense), but for expressing wishes, commands, doubt, or necessity. It is also the form used for formal plural commands ('ustedes').