detuvo
“detuvo” means “stopped” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
stopped, halted
Also: delayed
📝 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.
detained, arrested
📝 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.
paused, stopped oneself
📝 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')
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: detuvo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'detuvo' to mean someone stopped their own action?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'detener' comes from the Latin verb *detinere*, which is formed by combining the prefix *de-* (meaning 'down' or 'away') and *tenere* (meaning 'to hold'). The original meaning was literally 'to hold back' or 'to keep from going forward,' which perfectly explains both 'stopping' and 'detaining.'
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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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.