detiene
/de-TYEH-neh/
stops
When referring to movement or flow, detiene means 'stops'.
detiene(verb)
stops
?movement, action, or flow
,halts
?a vehicle or process
checks
?a process or progress
📝 In Action
El conductor detiene el autobús en la parada.
A2The driver stops the bus at the stop.
Ella detiene el tiempo cuando sonríe.
B1She stops time when she smiles. (Figurative)
¿Por qué se detiene el coche de repente?
A2Why does the car suddenly stop itself?
💡 Grammar Points
Irregular Verb Pattern
The verb 'detener' follows the pattern of 'tener' (to have). Notice how the 'yo' form is 'detengo' and the past tense (preterite) is highly irregular ('detuvo').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Transitive and Reflexive
Mistake: "El tren detiene (The train stops, meaning it stops something else)."
Correction: Use the reflexive form 'se detiene' when the subject is stopping itself: 'El tren se detiene' (The train stops).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Stopping
'Detener' is slightly more formal or implies a more decisive stop than 'parar' (to stop).
When referring to a person, detiene means 'detains'.
detiene(verb)
detains
?a person
,arrests
?a suspect
holds in custody
?legal terminology
📝 In Action
La policía detiene al sospechoso cerca de la escena.
B1The police detain the suspect near the scene.
El oficial detiene a la persona por exceso de velocidad.
B1The officer stops/detains the person for speeding.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Personal 'a'
Because 'detiene' is acting on a person or pet (the direct object), Spanish requires the preposition 'a': 'detiene a la persona'.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Detained Person
The person who is detained is called 'el detenido' (the detainee/suspect), which is the past participle of the verb used as a noun.
Detiene means 'captures' when referring to attention or gaze.
detiene(verb)
captures
?attention or gaze
,holds back
?a feeling or action
occupies
?attention
📝 In Action
La obra de arte detiene la mirada de todos los visitantes.
B2The artwork captures the gaze of all the visitors.
Ella detiene su respiración antes de saltar.
C1She holds her breath before jumping.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
In this context, 'detiene' is used figuratively, often with intangible things like 'gaze,' 'attention,' or 'breath,' meaning to pause or fix them.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: detiene
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'detiene' in its legal/formal sense (to detain)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'detiene' and 'para'?
'Para' (from 'parar') is generally the most common and simple way to say 'stops.' 'Detiene' (from 'detener') often implies a more deliberate, formal, or even forced stop, and is also used specifically for detaining people.
How do I say 'it stops itself' using 'detiene'?
You must use the reflexive form: 'se detiene.' For example, 'El motor se detiene' (The engine stops itself).