soltar
“soltar” means “to let go” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
to let go, to drop, to release
Also: to unfasten
📝 In Action
Solté el globo por accidente y voló muy alto.
A2I accidentally let go of the balloon and it flew very high.
El policía soltó al detenido porque no había pruebas.
B1The police officer released the detainee because there was no evidence.
to blurt out, to let out
Also: to utter
📝 In Action
No pude evitarlo, solté una risa en medio de la reunión.
B1I couldn't help it, I let out a laugh in the middle of the meeting.
Antes de irse, soltó un comentario muy hiriente.
B2Before leaving, he blurted out a very hurtful comment.
to loosen, to untie
Also: to discharge
📝 In Action
Necesitas soltar la tuerca un poco para que encaje.
B2You need to loosen the nut a bit so it fits.
Cuando llueve mucho, la presa suelta el exceso de agua.
C1When it rains a lot, the dam discharges the excess water.
to let oneself go, to loosen up
Also: to get the hang of it
📝 In Action
Al principio era tímida, pero después de un rato se soltó y empezó a bailar.
B2At first she was shy, but after a while she loosened up and started dancing.
Necesito practicar más para soltarme hablando inglés.
C1I need to practice more to get comfortable/fluent speaking English.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "soltar" in Spanish:
to discharge→to drop→to loosen→to release→to unfasten→to untie→to utter→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: soltar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'soltar' in the reflexive sense (soltarse)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Vulgar Latin *subsoltāre*, which is a combination of the prefix *sub-* (under) and *saltāre* (to jump or leap). Over time, the meaning evolved from 'to leap up' or 'to throw out' to the current sense of 'to release' or 'to let go.'
First recorded: Around the 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'soltar' different from 'dejar'?
'Soltar' specifically means to release something you are holding, or to drop it (like letting go of a rope). 'Dejar' is broader; it means 'to leave,' 'to allow,' or 'to abandon' (like leaving your keys on the table).
Can 'soltar' be used for emotional release?
Yes! While it often describes physical release, it's very common for sudden emotional expressions, like 'soltar una lágrima' (to shed a tear) or 'soltar un grito' (to let out a scream).