déjale
/DEH-hah-leh/
Let him/her
When we mean 'Allowing or permitting someone to do something,' we use déjale.
déjale(verb)
Let him/her
?Allowing or permitting someone to do something
,Allow him/her
?Granting permission
Leave him/her alone
?Telling someone not to interfere
📝 In Action
No quiere comer ahora, déjale.
A1He doesn't want to eat right now, let him.
Déjale que lo haga a su manera, aprenderá.
A2Let him do it his way, he will learn.
Si está ocupado, déjale un mensaje.
B1If he is busy, leave him a message.
💡 Grammar Points
Command + Pronoun = One Word
When you give an affirmative command (like 'deja'), the small words that receive the action (like 'le') get attached to the end, forming a single word.
Why the Accent Mark?
The accent on 'déjale' is necessary to keep the stress on the original syllable ('de-') after adding the extra pronoun ('le'). Without it, the stress would wrongly shift to the 'ja' syllable.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Separating the Command
Mistake: "Deja le un mensaje."
Correction: Déjale un mensaje.
⭐ Usage Tips
Informal Command
Remember 'déjale' uses the informal 'tú' command ('deja'). If you need to be formal or address a person with respect, you must use 'déjele' (the 'usted' command).
This action of placing an object down for someone else (Put it down for him/her) is captured by the command déjale.
déjale(verb)
Put it down (for him/her)
?Telling someone to place an object somewhere, where 'it' is the direct object and 'him/her' is the indirect recipient.
Leave it for him/her
?Abandoning an object for someone else to find or use.
📝 In Action
El libro es para Juan. Déjale la mochila encima de la mesa.
A2The book is for Juan. Leave the backpack on the table for him.
¡No toques eso! Déjale la herramienta al señor.
B1Don't touch that! Leave the tool for the man (Give it to him).
💡 Grammar Points
Implied Direct Object
In this structure, the direct object (the 'what' being left or put down, like 'el libro' or 'la llave') is often mentioned separately or implied, while 'le' clarifies 'for whom' the action is done.
⭐ Usage Tips
Clarity is Key
Because 'déjale' means 'leave him' AND 'leave it for him,' always mention the object you are leaving (e.g., 'el coche') to avoid confusion.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: déjale
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'déjale' to mean 'allow him/her'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'déjale' have an accent mark?
The accent mark is needed because when we attach a pronoun (or two) to the end of a verb command, the natural stress of the word shifts. The accent ensures the stress stays on the original first syllable ('dé-') of the command 'deja'.
Can I use 'déjalo' instead of 'déjale'?
'Déjalo' means 'Leave/Let IT' (the object). 'Déjale' means 'Leave/Let HIM/HER' (the person). You use 'déjalo' if you are talking about an object that receives the action, and 'déjale' if you are talking about a person who is the indirect recipient.