Inklingo

How to Say "go out" in Spanish

English → Spanish

salgan

SAHL-gahn/ˈsal.ɣan/

Verb FormA2General
Use 'salgan' when instructing or stating the necessity for multiple people (they) to exit a place or situation, often in a subjunctive or urgent context.
A person stepping through an open, brightly lit blue door, moving from an indoor space to an outdoor garden.

Examples

Es urgente que salgan de la casa antes de las dos.

It is urgent that they leave the house before two.

¡Salgan de mi oficina inmediatamente!

Leave my office immediately! (Formal command to a group)

No creo que salgan con buen tiempo hoy.

I don't think they will go out with good weather today.

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.

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.

salga

SAHL-gah/ˈsal.ɣa/

Verb (Conjugated Form)B1General
Use 'salga' as a command or suggestion directed at one person (usted/él/ella) to leave or exit a place or situation.
A storybook illustration of a person stepping outside through an open door, symbolizing leaving.

Examples

Quiero que mi hermano salga de ese club.

I want my brother to leave that club.

Ojalá que el sol salga mañana.

Hopefully the sun comes out tomorrow.

Por favor, Señor, salga de la oficina inmediatamente.

Please, Sir, leave the office immediately.

The 'Wish' or 'Doubt' Form

Use 'salga' when you are expressing a wish, desire, command, or doubt about someone else leaving. This is the special verb form required after phrases like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...).

Formal Commands

If you are giving a polite, formal command to 'usted' (you, formal singular), you use 'salga' (e.g., 'Salga ahora, por favor'). For negative formal commands, you also use 'no salga'.

Mixing Moods

Mistake: “Quiero que él sale.”

Correction: Quiero que él salga.

salid

/sah-LEED//saˈlið/

verbA2Informal
Use 'salid' as a direct, informal command to a group of people (vosotros) to exit a building or room immediately.
A group of people walking together out of a large open doorway into a bright outdoor area.

Examples

¡Salid de aquí ahora mismo!

Leave this place right now!

Salid a jugar al jardín, niños.

Go out and play in the garden, children.

Si hay una emergencia, salid por la puerta principal.

If there is an emergency, leave through the main door.

The 'D' Rule for Spain

To give a command to a group in Spain (the 'vosotros' form), take the base verb 'salir', remove the 'r', and add a 'd'.

Confusing 'Salid' with 'Salen'

Mistake: “Using 'Salen de aquí' to tell a group to leave.”

Correction: Use 'Salid' for a direct command. 'Salen' is just a statement meaning 'They leave'.

Commanding vs. Suggesting an Exit

Learners often confuse these forms because they all relate to exiting. The main pitfall is using an informal command ('salid') when a more formal or subjunctive construction ('salga'/'salgan') is required, or vice-versa. Pay close attention to whether you are commanding a specific group (vosotros) or expressing a desire/necessity for someone to leave.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.