quitarle
/kee-TAHR-leh/
to take (something) away from him/her/it
Quitarle can mean to physically take an object away from someone.
quitarle(Verb)
to take (something) away from him/her/it
?physical removal of an object
,to remove (something) from you (formal)
?formal address
to steal from him/her
?in the context of theft
📝 In Action
Necesito quitarle las llaves antes de que se vaya.
A2I need to take his keys away before he leaves.
¡Quitarle ese juguete, por favor! Es peligroso.
A2Take that toy away from her, please! It's dangerous.
El camarero vino a quitarle el plato vacío.
B1The waiter came to take the empty plate away from him.
💡 Grammar Points
Pronoun Placement
When using a verb in its base form (infinitive) or the command form (imperative), the pronoun 'le' is attached directly to the end of the verb, forming one word: 'quitarle'.
The Meaning of 'le'
The 'le' tells you who is losing the item. It means 'from him,' 'from her,' 'from it,' or 'from you (formal)'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'le' and 'lo/la'
Mistake: "Using 'quitarlo' when meaning 'to take it away from him.'"
Correction: The person affected is always 'le' (indirect object). 'Lo' or 'la' refers to the thing being removed. Example: 'Voy a quitarle (a él) el libro (el objeto).' (I'm going to take the book from him.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'le' with compound tenses
When using two verbs (like 'I want to remove'), you can either attach 'le' to the end of the infinitive ('quiero quitarle') or place it before the conjugated verb ('le quiero quitar').
Quitarle is also used metaphorically to mean relieving someone of pain or worry.
quitarle(Verb)
to relieve him/her of (pain/worry)
?easing a condition
,to take away (a feeling) from him/her
?emotional relief
to alleviate for him/her
?medical context
📝 In Action
La aspirina le va a quitarle el dolor de cabeza.
B1The aspirin is going to take away his headache.
Su presencia logró quitarle el miedo a la oscuridad.
B2His presence managed to take away her fear of the dark.
Es difícil quitarle la costumbre de hablar en voz alta.
C1It is difficult to break him of the habit of speaking loudly.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
In this context, 'quitarle' means removing an abstract thing (like pain or a feeling) rather than a physical object. The structure remains the same: the person affected is 'le'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Relief
This verb is the most natural way to talk about medicine or actions that relieve symptoms or feelings. For example, 'Me quitó la sed' means 'It quenched my thirst.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quitarle
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'quitarle' to mean 'to take away the pain'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use 'quitarle' in a command?
When giving a command, you attach 'le' directly to the affirmative command form. For example, '¡Quítale el teléfono!' (Take the phone away from him!). For negative commands, 'le' goes before the verb: '¡No le quites el teléfono!'
If I am removing something from a woman, should I use 'quitarla' instead of 'quitarle'?
No. 'La' or 'lo' refers to the *thing* being removed (the direct object, like a jacket). 'Le' refers to the *person* who is losing the item (the indirect object, the woman). You should say: 'Voy a quitarle la chaqueta' (I am going to remove the jacket from her).