retirar
/reh-tee-RAHR/
to remove
Retirar can mean 'to remove' something, like taking an object away.
retirar(verb)
to remove
?taking something away
,to take away
?clearing a space
to pick up
?collecting an order
,to recall
?product from the market
📝 In Action
Por favor, retira los vasos sucios de la mesa.
A2Please, remove the dirty glasses from the table.
La tienda tuvo que retirar el producto defectuoso.
B1The store had to recall the defective product.
¿Puedes retirar mi paquete de la oficina de correos?
B1Can you pick up my package from the post office?
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Action
When 'retirar' is used this way, it means you are actively taking something and moving it away from someone or something else.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Quitar'
Mistake: "Quitar is often used for removing clothes or small items ('quitar la chaqueta'), while retirar is better for formal removal or taking something away entirely ('retirar el coche mal estacionado')."
Correction: Use 'retirar' when the action involves a formal withdrawal or a significant movement away from a location.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
Use 'retirar' when speaking formally about removing products, complaints, or items from circulation.
When you take money out of your bank account, you 'withdraw' it (retirar).
📝 In Action
Fui al banco a retirar dinero para el viaje.
B1I went to the bank to withdraw money for the trip.
No puedo retirar más de 300 dólares por día.
B1I cannot withdraw more than 300 dollars per day.
💡 Grammar Points
Transitive Usage
In this context, 'retirar' is always followed by what is being withdrawn (the money or funds).
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Sacar'
In many parts of Latin America, 'sacar dinero' is more common than 'retirar dinero' when talking about ATMs.
Retirarse means 'to retire' or end one's working career.
retirar(verb)
to retire
?ending a career (must be used as 'retirarse')
,to retreat
?military or competition
to step down
?from a position
,to withdraw
?from a race or tournament
📝 In Action
El famoso tenista se retiró después de ganar el campeonato.
B2The famous tennis player retired after winning the championship. (Note the 'se')
El general ordenó a sus tropas retirarse a la base.
B2The general ordered his troops to retreat to the base.
Si te retiras de la carrera, no puedes volver a participar.
C1If you withdraw from the race, you cannot participate again.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Use is Key
When talking about ending a career or withdrawing oneself from a situation, you must use the reflexive form 'retirarse,' meaning the person is performing the action on themselves (e.g., 'me retiro', 'se retira').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'Se'
Mistake: "Saying 'Mi padre retiró' instead of 'Mi padre se retiró.'"
Correction: If the action is 'to retire from work,' you need the little word 'se' before the verb form: 'Mi padre *se* retiró' (My father retired).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Personal Retirement
While 'retirarse' is general, 'jubilarse' is specifically used for formal retirement that involves collecting a pension.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: retirar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'retirar' to mean 'to retire' (end a career)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'retirar' and 'retirarse'?
'Retirar' (non-reflexive) means to remove something else (e.g., 'I remove the car'). 'Retirarse' (reflexive) means to remove yourself or pull yourself back, which is why it is used for personal actions like 'to retire from work' or 'to retreat from a place' ('I retire').
Can I use 'retirar' instead of 'sacar' for withdrawing money?
Yes, absolutely. 'Retirar' is a standard and slightly more formal way to say 'to withdraw money,' especially in Spain. 'Sacar' is also very common, particularly in Latin America.