retirarse
/reh-tee-RAHR-seh/
to retire
Retirarse translates to 'to retire' when referencing leaving one's work or profession.
retirarse(verb)
to retire
?from work/profession
to step down
?from a position
📝 In Action
Mi abuelo se retiró a los 65 años después de trabajar 40 años en la fábrica.
B1My grandfather retired at 65 after working 40 years in the factory.
¿Cuándo planeas retirarte? Queremos hacer una gran fiesta.
B1When do you plan to retire? We want to throw a big party.
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive 'Se'
Since this is a reflexive verb, you must use the pronoun 'se' (or 'me,' 'te,' etc.) to show that the action of 'retiring' is done by the subject to themselves.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'se'
Mistake: "Mi padre retiró el año pasado."
Correction: Mi padre se retiró el año pasado. (If you omit 'se', 'retirar' means 'to withdraw something else,' like money.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Retirement vs. Pension
While 'retirarse' is the general term for leaving work, 'jubilarse' is often used when specifically referring to receiving a state pension or retirement fund.
To retirarse can mean 'to withdraw' from a competition or specific place.
retirarse(verb)
to withdraw
?from a competition/place
,to retreat
?military/physical movement
to pull out
?from an agreement or location
📝 In Action
El equipo tuvo que retirarse del torneo debido a las lesiones.
B2The team had to withdraw from the tournament due to injuries.
Los soldados se retiraron a una posición más segura después del ataque.
B2The soldiers retreated to a safer position after the attack.
💡 Grammar Points
Movement Away
When used for physical movement, 'retirarse' emphasizes moving oneself away from a previous location, often implying a defensive or intentional action.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'De'
Always use the preposition 'de' (from) immediately after 'retirarse' when specifying the competition, organization, or place being left: 'Se retiró de la carrera' (He withdrew from the race).
In formal or literary contexts, retirarse means 'to go to bed'.
📝 In Action
Señoras y señores, con su permiso, me voy a retirar que mañana madrugo.
C1Ladies and gentlemen, with your permission, I am going to go to bed as I have an early start tomorrow.
Después de la cena, el duque se retiró a sus aposentos.
C2After dinner, the duke retired to his chambers.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Context
Use this meaning primarily in formal situations, when talking about nobility, or in older literature. For friends and family, use 'acostarse'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: retirarse
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'retirarse' in the sense of 'to go to bed'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'retirarse' to talk about withdrawing cash from an ATM?
No. When you are withdrawing money or an object, you must use the non-reflexive verb 'retirar' (without the 'se'). Example: 'Voy a retirar dinero' (I am going to withdraw money).
Is 'retirarse' a stem-changing verb?
No, 'retirarse' is a regular verb. The 'i' in the stem always stays the same, unlike verbs that change 'e' to 'ie' or 'o' to 'ue'.