quitarte
/kee-TAR-teh/
to take off (clothing)
Use this image to visualize the meaning of quitarte as 'to take off (clothing)'.
quitarte(Verb)
to take off (clothing)
?removing items worn on the body
to remove yourself
?physical removal of an object you are carrying
📝 In Action
Necesitas quitarte el casco antes de subir al coche.
A1You need to take off your helmet before getting into the car.
¿Vas a quitarte los guantes? Hace calor aquí.
A1Are you going to take your gloves off? It's hot in here.
💡 Grammar Points
Pronoun Attachment
The word 'quitarte' is the base verb 'quitar' plus the pronoun 'te' (you, informal). This structure is used when the verb is in the infinitive form (after 'deber,' 'poder,' 'ir a') and the action is reflexive—you are doing it to yourself.
Placement Choice
You have two options: attach the pronoun to the end ('quitarte') or place it before the conjugated verb ('te tienes que quitar'). Both mean the same thing!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'te'
Mistake: "Voy a quitar mi chaqueta."
Correction: Voy a quitarme la chaqueta. (The 'te' is required if you are talking about yourself, using the reflexive 'quitarse'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Reflexive Action
Think of 'quitarse' as 'to remove from oneself.' If the action is done to your own body or belongings, you need the 'se' (or 'te' for tú).
Use this image to visualize the meaning of quitarte as 'to move out of the way'.
quitarte(Verb)
to move out of the way
?physical movement or avoidance
to get rid of (a habit)
?figurative removal
📝 In Action
Tienes que quitarte para que pueda pasar el coche.
A2You have to move out of the way so the car can pass.
Deberías quitarte esa mala costumbre de fumar.
B1You should get rid of that bad habit of smoking.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'de'
When using 'quitarte' to mean 'move away from something,' you often follow it with the preposition 'de' (from): 'quitarte de la puerta' (move from the door).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use the Command Form
If you are giving a direct order to move, you use the imperative: '¡Quítate!' (Move! / Get out of the way!). Remember the accent mark when attaching the pronoun to the command.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quitarte
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'quitarte' to mean 'to move out of the way'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'quitarte' the same as 'te vas a quitar'?
Yes, they mean the same thing! 'Quitarte' (infinitive + pronoun) is used when following a conjugated verb (like 'vas a' or 'tienes que'). 'Te vas a quitar' separates the pronoun and places it before the conjugated verb. Both are perfectly correct.
What is the difference between 'quitar' and 'quitarse'?
'Quitar' means to remove something from someone else ('Quito la mesa' - I clear the table). 'Quitarse' means to remove something from yourself, making it reflexive ('Me quito la chaqueta' - I take off my jacket).