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How to Say "give up" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “give up” is “dejar” — use 'dejar' when you are telling someone to stop doing something, often an annoying habit or an unproductive effort..

English → Spanish

dejar

verbA2informal
Use 'dejar' when you are telling someone to stop doing something, often an annoying habit or an unproductive effort.

Examples

¡Déjate de quejas y empieza a trabajar!

Stop complaining and start working!

renunciar

reh-noon-see-AR/renunˈsjaɾ/

verbB2formal
Use 'renunciar' when formally giving up a right, a claim, a position, or a belief.
A close-up shot of a hand opening and releasing a small, golden, shining trophy, symbolizing giving up a claim or goal.

Examples

El acusado renunció a su derecho de guardar silencio.

The accused waived his right to remain silent.

Nunca renunciaré a mis sueños, por difíciles que sean.

I will never give up my dreams, no matter how difficult they are.

Tuvo que renunciar a la herencia para evitar problemas legales.

He had to renounce the inheritance to avoid legal problems.

Giving Up Actions

If you are giving up an action (a verb), you must use 'renunciar a' followed by the base form of the verb (the infinitive): 'Renunció a seguir estudiando' (He gave up continuing to study).

Informal vs. Formal 'Give Up'

Learners often confuse 'dejar' and 'renunciar' by using the formal 'renunciar' in casual conversations when telling someone to stop an action. Remember, 'dejar' is for telling someone to stop doing something, while 'renunciar' is for formal relinquishment.

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