salgan
/SAHL-gahn/
leave
This image shows the concept of 'leaving' or 'exiting a place'.
salgan(Verb Form)
leave
?To exit a place
,go out
?To move from inside to outside
get out
?Often used as a strong command
📝 In Action
Es urgente que salgan de la casa antes de las dos.
A2It is urgent that they leave the house before two.
¡Salgan de mi oficina inmediatamente!
B1Leave my office immediately! (Formal command to a group)
No creo que salgan con buen tiempo hoy.
B1I don't think they will go out with good weather today.
💡 Grammar Points
Dual Function of 'Salgan'
'Salgan' serves two roles: it is the special verb form (subjunctive) used when expressing wishes or doubt about others, AND it is the formal command for a group ('ustedes').
The 'G' Irregularity
The base verb 'salir' is irregular. Notice how the 'yo' form (salgo) and all the subjunctive forms (salga, salgas, salgan) gain a 'g' sound that isn't present in the infinitive.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Command Forms
Mistake: "¡Salen de aquí!"
Correction: ¡Salgan de aquí! (If addressing 'ustedes' formally). Remember that commands for 'usted' and 'ustedes' always use the special subjunctive verb form.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Commands
Use 'salgan' when giving a direct order to a group of people you address formally (ustedes) or to emphasize respect or distance.
This image shows the concept of 'going out socially' or attending a social event.
salgan(Verb Form)
go out (socially)
?To attend social events
,date
?To be in a romantic relationship
📝 In Action
Mis padres quieren que salgan a bailar más a menudo.
B1My parents want them to go out dancing more often.
No es bueno que salgan con la misma persona por tanto tiempo.
B2It is not good that they date the same person for so long.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive for Influence
This meaning often uses 'salgan' after verbs of influence, like 'querer' (to want) or 'sugerir' (to suggest), because you are influencing or wishing for their social actions.
This image shows the concept of 'turning out' or resulting well.
salgan(Verb Form)
turn out
?To result or end up
,come out
?To be published or manufactured
be published
?e.g., a book or article
📝 In Action
Ojalá que los resultados del examen salgan bien.
B2Hopefully the exam results turn out well.
Dudo que sus nuevos productos salgan a tiempo para Navidad.
B2I doubt that their new products will come out in time for Christmas.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive for Doubt/Hope
When 'salir' means 'to turn out,' it is almost always used with the subjunctive ('salgan') because the speaker is expressing hope, doubt, or uncertainty about the final outcome.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Ojalá'
The phrase 'Ojalá que...' (Hopefully...) almost always requires the subjunctive, making constructions like 'Ojalá que salgan...' very common in this context.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: salgan
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'salgan' as a formal command (Ustedes)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'salir' change to 'salgan'?
'Salir' is an irregular verb. In the special verb form used for commands and wishes (the subjunctive), Spanish adds a 'g' to the stem, derived from the irregular 'yo' form 'salgo'. This is why we say 'salga' and 'salgan'.
When do I use 'salen' versus 'salgan'?
Use 'salen' (present tense) when stating a fact: 'Ellos salen a las ocho' (They leave at eight). Use 'salgan' (subjunctive/command) when expressing a wish, doubt, necessity, or giving a formal order: 'Necesito que salgan' (I need them to leave).