Inklingo

How to Say "detain" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “detain” is “detenga” — use 'detenga' when referring to the act of stopping or bringing something to a halt, often in a legal or official context, like a vehicle or a process..

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detenga

/deh-TENG-gah//deˈteŋ.ɡa/

verbB1legal
Use 'detenga' when referring to the act of stopping or bringing something to a halt, often in a legal or official context, like a vehicle or a process.
A high-quality, simple storybook illustration of a single human hand raised with the palm facing forward, performing the universal gesture to signal 'stop.'

Examples

Es crucial que el tren se detenga antes del cruce.

It is crucial that the train stop before the crossing.

No detenga el proceso; siga trabajando.

Don't stop the process; keep working.

El presidente pidió que nadie detenga las negociaciones.

The president asked that no one hold up the negotiations.

Subjunctive Use

The form 'detenga' is used after expressions of desire, necessity, or emotion (e.g., 'Quiero que...' or 'Es necesario que...'). It expresses uncertainty or influence.

Formal Command

When giving a formal instruction to 'Usted' (formal you), 'detenga' is the affirmative command, and 'no detenga' is the negative command.

Misusing the Base Verb

Mistake: “Espero que la policía lo detiene.”

Correction: Espero que la policía lo detenga. (The wish/hope triggers the special subjunctive form.)

detengan

/deh-TEHN-gahn//deˈten.ɡan/

verbB1legal
Use 'detengan' when the meaning is to arrest or hold individuals in custody, typically by law enforcement.
A simplified illustration showing one person gently but firmly grasping the wrist and arm of another person, preventing them from moving forward, symbolizing detention.

Examples

La policía ha pedido que detengan a los sospechosos de inmediato.

The police have asked that they detain the suspects immediately.

¡Detengan al ladrón! No dejen que escape.

Detain the thief! Don't let him escape.

Formal Context

When 'detengan' is used in a legal or official context, it almost always means 'to take into custody' or 'to arrest,' rather than just 'to stop a car.'

Stopping vs. Holding People

The most common mistake is confusing the general act of 'stopping' something (like a vehicle) with 'detaining' a person. Remember that 'detenga' often refers to stopping an object or process, while 'detengan' specifically implies holding people in custody.

Related Translations

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