pare
/PAH-reh/
Stop
When used as a formal command, 'pare' means 'Stop!'
📝 In Action
Por favor, pare el coche frente al banco.
A1Please, stop the car in front of the bank.
Señorita, pare aquí, hemos llegado.
A1Miss, stop here, we have arrived.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Command (Usted)
When you want to give a command formally (to someone you call 'Usted'), you use the same form as the 'él/ella/usted' version of the present subjunctive. This is why 'pare' is used here.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong command form
Mistake: "Using 'para' (the informal command) when speaking to a boss or elder: 'Jefe, para aquí.'"
Correction: Use 'pare' for formal situations: 'Jefe, pare aquí.' The choice depends on your relationship with the person.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Traffic Sign
In many Spanish-speaking countries, the stop sign is called 'Pare' or 'Alto.' If you see 'Pare,' it means 'Stop!'
This form of 'pare' is the first person singular present subjunctive, used in phrases like 'I hope that I stop' (que yo pare).
pare(Verb)
that I stop
?present subjunctive, first person singular
that he/she/it stop
?present subjunctive, third person singular
📝 In Action
Espero que la lluvia pare pronto.
B1I hope the rain stops soon.
Quizás yo pare de estudiar para cenar.
B1Maybe I will stop studying to eat dinner.
El doctor recomienda que Ud. pare de fumar inmediatamente.
B2The doctor recommends that you stop smoking immediately.
💡 Grammar Points
The Subjunctive Trigger
This form ('pare') is required after phrases that express uncertainty, wishes, or influence, like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...), 'Quiero que...' (I want that...), or 'Dudo que...' (I doubt that...).
Who Does the Action?
The subjunctive is usually needed when the person doing the wishing/hoping is DIFFERENT from the person who is supposed to 'pare' (stop). Example: 'Yo quiero que él pare.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up moods
Mistake: "Saying 'Espero que la lluvia para pronto.' (Using the regular, indicative form)"
Correction: Spanish requires the special 'subjunctive' form for hopes: 'Espero que la lluvia pare pronto.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pare
Question 1 of 2
Which of these situations requires the formal command 'pare'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pare' the same word as 'para'?
'Pare' and 'para' are both forms of the verb 'parar' (to stop), but they are used differently. 'Para' is the informal command (tú), while 'pare' is the formal command (usted) and the subjunctive form.
How do I know if 'pare' is a command or subjunctive?
If 'pare' starts the sentence or follows a direct address (like 'Señor, pare...'), it's likely a command. If it follows a phrase like 'que' or 'espero que,' it is the subjunctive form.