detuvieron
/deh-tue-VYER-on/
they stopped
The car stopped in its tracks.
detuvieron(verb)
they stopped
?physical movement or a process
,they halted
?stopping an activity or motion
you all stopped
?plural formal 'you' (ustedes)
📝 In Action
Los guardias detuvieron el tráfico para dejar pasar a la ambulancia.
A2The guards stopped the traffic to let the ambulance pass.
Ellos detuvieron la producción de la fábrica por un error.
B1They halted the factory production because of an error.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Tener' Connection
This word belongs to the verb 'detener.' Because it has the word 'tener' (to have) inside it, it follows all the same irregular patterns as 'tener' in the past.
Past Actions
Use 'detuvieron' for a specific, completed action in the past. It's like a snapshot of a moment where the stopping happened.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Avoiding 'detenieron'
Mistake: "detenieron"
Correction: detuvieron
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal 'You'
In most of Latin America, 'detuvieron' is also the word you use to tell a group of people 'you all stopped,' even if they are your friends.
The police arrested the individual.
detuvieron(verb)
they arrested
?police taking someone into custody
,they detained
?holding someone for questioning
📝 In Action
Las autoridades detuvieron al sospechoso cerca de la frontera.
B1The authorities arrested the suspect near the border.
Los oficiales lo detuvieron por conducir sin licencia.
B1The officers detained him for driving without a license.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Personal A'
When 'detuvieron' means arresting a specific person, you must put the little word 'a' before the person being arrested (e.g., 'detuvieron a Juan').
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: detuvieron
Question 1 of 1
Which of these is the correct way to say 'They arrested the thief'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'detuvieron' used for stopping a car?
Yes! You can use it when people stop a vehicle, though 'pararon' is also very common in casual conversation.
Why is it not 'detenieron'?
Because the verb 'detener' is based on 'tener'. Since the past of 'tener' is 'tuvieron', the past of 'detener' must be 'detuvieron'.