detuvo
/deh-TOO-voh/
stopped
The hand stopped (detuvo) the ball.
detuvo(Verb)
stopped
?He/She/It/You (formal) stopped something
,halted
?Brought movement to a stop
delayed
?Caused a delay or interruption
📝 In Action
El conductor detuvo el autobús de repente.
A2The driver stopped the bus suddenly.
Ella detuvo la grabación para hablar por teléfono.
B1She paused the recording to talk on the phone.
La policía detuvo el tráfico por el accidente.
B1The police halted traffic because of the accident.
💡 Grammar Points
Tense Identification
'Detuvo' is the simple past tense (preterite) used when talking about a single, completed action in the past by a third person (he, she, or formal you).
Irregularity Pattern
The verb 'detener' is irregular, following the pattern of 'tener' (to have). Notice the 'u' (detUvo, tUve) in the simple past.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Past Tenses
Mistake: "Using 'detenía' when referring to a single, quick action: 'Ella detenía el carro.'"
Correction: Use 'detuvo' for single completed actions: 'Ella detuvo el carro.' 'Detenía' describes continuous or habitual past actions.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Result
Use 'detuvo' when the stopping action is the main point and the result is known (e.g., the car is now still).
The officer detained (detuvo) the person.
detuvo(Verb)
detained
?He/She/It/You (formal) held someone in custody
,arrested
?Taken into legal custody
📝 In Action
La policía detuvo al sospechoso inmediatamente después del robo.
B1The police detained the suspect immediately after the robbery.
El oficial lo detuvo para interrogarlo.
B2The officer arrested him for questioning.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Context
In this meaning, 'detuvo' often implies an official or legal action, usually carried out by law enforcement or border patrol.
⭐ Usage Tips
Avoiding Ambiguity
If you mean 'arrested,' you can use 'arrestó' for clarity, but 'detuvo' is often the preferred, more neutral term in Spanish news.
The runner paused (detuvo) mid-race.
detuvo(Verb)
paused
?He/She/It/You (formal) stopped moving or talking
,stopped oneself
?Halted their own action (requires 'se')
📝 In Action
Se detuvo en la puerta a mirar la lluvia.
A2He paused at the door to look at the rain. (Requires the 'se')
Ella se detuvo antes de cruzar la calle.
A2She stopped herself before crossing the street. (Requires the 'se')
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Se' Difference
When the subject stops themselves (He stopped), you must use the reflexive pronoun 'se' (Se detuvo). Without 'se', it means He stopped something else (Él detuvo el coche).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Reflexive Pronoun
Mistake: "Saying: 'Él detuvo y miró.' (This means 'He stopped something and looked.')"
Correction: Say: 'Él se detuvo y miró.' (This correctly means 'He stopped himself/paused and looked.')
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: detuvo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'detuvo' to mean someone stopped their own action?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'detuvo' have a 'u' but the infinitive 'detener' has an 'e'?
'Detener' is an irregular verb that follows the pattern of 'tener' (to have). In the simple past tense (preterite), verbs like this change their vowel sound to a 'u' (tenEr → tUve; detEnEr → detUvo). This is a common irregularity pattern you must memorize.
Is 'detuvo' the same as 'paró'?
They are very similar, both meaning 'stopped.' However, 'detuvo' (detener) can also mean 'to detain/arrest' and is often used for stopping machines or processes. 'Paró' (parar) is more general and common for simple physical stopping.