detente
/deh-TEN-teh/
Stop!
This image visualizes 'detente' used reflexively, meaning 'Stop yourself!' or 'Halt!'
detente(Verb)
Stop!
?Used reflexively, meaning 'stop yourself'
,Wait!
?Used to halt a person's action or movement
Hold it!
?Informal command
📝 In Action
¡Detente! Hay un coche viniendo.
A2Stop! There's a car coming.
Detente un momento, necesito atarme los zapatos.
B1Hold on a moment, I need to tie my shoes.
Si ves algo sospechoso, detente y llama a la policía.
B2If you see something suspicious, stop and call the police.
💡 Grammar Points
Imperative + Pronoun Rule
When you give a positive command to someone using the tú form, you always attach the pronoun te to the end of the verb, making one word: detente.
Base Verb Irregularity
The base verb detener ('to stop' or 'to detain') follows the same irregular patterns as tener ('to have'), so memorize those conjugations first.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Incorrect Separation
Mistake: "¡Deten te!"
Correction: ¡Detente! Remember, the command and the pronoun fuse together into a single word for affirmative commands.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Reflexive Form
Use detenerse (and thus detente) when the subject is stopping themselves (like stopping walking), versus using detener when you are stopping an object (like stopping a car).
This image visualizes 'detente' as a protective badge or small devotional scapular.
detente(Noun)
protective badge
?small devotional scapular or image
talismán
?charm or amulet (in this specific context)
📝 In Action
Llevaba un detente del Sagrado Corazón en el bolsillo.
C1He wore a protective badge of the Sacred Heart in his pocket.
El soldado cosió un detente en el interior de su chaqueta para la suerte.
C2The soldier sewed a protective charm inside his jacket for good luck.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Note
Even though it refers to a small, often flat object, it usually takes the masculine article: el detente.
⭐ Usage Tips
Origin of the Name
This object is often called 'Detente, Bala' (Stop, Bullet) because people believed the spiritual command itself protected them from harm.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: detente
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'detente' correctly as a reflexive command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'detente' the same as 'detén'?
No, but they are related. 'Detén' is the simple command ('Stop [an object or person]!'). 'Detente' is the reflexive command ('Stop yourself!' or 'Pause!'), where the pronoun 'te' is attached to 'detén'.
If I want to politely ask someone to stop, should I use 'detente'?
No. 'Detente' is the informal (tú) command. For a polite or formal command, you should use the Usted form: 'Deténgase' (pronounced: deh-TEN-gah-seh).