paren
/PAHR-ehn/
Stop
When giving a direct command to multiple people to halt an action, you use paren.
paren(verb)
Stop
?Giving a direct command to multiple people (ustedes form)
,Halt
?Formal command, especially military or police
Wait
?Used informally to ask people to pause an action
📝 In Action
¡Paren! No crucen la calle sin mirar.
A1Stop! Don't cross the street without looking.
Señores, paren el motor inmediatamente.
A2Gentlemen, stop the engine immediately.
Paren de hacer ruido, por favor.
A1Stop making noise, please.
💡 Grammar Points
A Command for Many People
"Paren" is the command form used when you are giving an order or instruction to a group of people (ustedes).
Regular Verb Pattern
Since 'parar' is a regular -ar verb, its command form follows the pattern of the subjunctive mood, which makes it easy to remember.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong ending for commands
Mistake: "Using 'paran' (present tense) instead of 'paren' (command form) for an order."
Correction: Say '¡Paren! (Stop!)' not '¡Paran!'. The '-en' ending is required for plural commands.
⭐ Usage Tips
Always use the command form
For direct orders, always use the imperative forms (like 'paren' or 'no paren'). It feels much more natural than using the simple present tense.
We use paren when describing the action of multiple people stopping, often used after a verb of influence (e.g., 'I asked that they stop').
paren(verb)
that they stop
?Used in the second part of a sentence after a verb of influence.
,that you (plural formal) stop
?Used after expressions of necessity or emotion.
whether they stop
?Used after expressions of doubt.
📝 In Action
Necesito que ellos paren de hablar tan alto.
B1I need them to stop talking so loudly.
Es bueno que ustedes paren a descansar un rato.
B2It is good that you (all) stop to rest for a while.
Dudo que paren la construcción por la lluvia.
B2I doubt they will stop the construction because of the rain.
💡 Grammar Points
The Subjunctive Mood
"Paren" is the special verb form (the present subjunctive) that Spanish uses when the first part of the sentence expresses desire, emotion, or uncertainty about the action in the second part.
Two Subjects Rule
You use 'que' + 'paren' when the person wanting the action (e.g., 'I') is different from the people performing the action ('they' or 'you plural').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the special verb form
Mistake: "Saying 'Quiero que ellos paran' (using the normal present tense) instead of 'paren'."
Correction: When expressing desire or influence, the verb after 'que' must change to the subjunctive: 'Quiero que paren'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Think 'WEIRDO'
If the main clause expresses Wish, Emotion, Impersonal expressions, Request, Doubt, or Ojalá, the next verb will likely need the subjunctive form like 'paren'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: paren
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'paren' as a direct command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'paren' formal or informal?
'Paren' is the command form for 'ustedes' (you plural). In Latin America, it is the standard way to address any group of people. In Spain, it is usually reserved for formal groups, while 'parad' is used for informal groups.
How do I say 'Don't stop' to a group of people?
You use the negative imperative, which is identical to the subjunctive form: '¡No paren!' (Do not stop!).