detuvieron
“detuvieron” means “they stopped” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
they stopped, they halted
Also: you all stopped
📝 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.
they arrested, they detained
📝 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.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "detuvieron" in Spanish:
they arrested→they detained→they halted→they stopped→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: detuvieron
Question 1 of 1
Which of these is the correct way to say 'They arrested the thief'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'detinere', which is built from 'de-' (back/away) and 'tenere' (to hold). It literally means to 'hold back' something.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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'.