Inklingo

How to Say "halt" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “halt” is “paren” — use this as a formal command, often given by authority figures like police or military, to make a group stop immediately.

paren🔊A1

Use this as a formal command, often given by authority figures like police or military, to make a group stop immediately.

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alto🔊B1

Use this noun to refer to a complete stop or pause in movement, often during a journey or activity.

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deténgaseA2

This is a formal, singular command, often used in official, military, or very polite contexts, instructing one person to stop.

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detenga🔊B1

Use this as a formal command to a single person or a group (in some regions) to stop, often in a more general or less strictly official context than 'deténgase'.

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deténganseB1

This is a command directed at multiple people, often used in more formal or authoritative situations to make a group stop.

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detenciónB1

This noun refers to the act or instance of stopping, a pause, or a cessation, often used for vehicles or processes.

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parad🔊A2

Use this informal command when addressing a group of people you know well (using 'vosotros') and telling them to stop.

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suspensiónB1

This noun is used for an official or temporary stop to an event, activity, or process, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

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English → Spanish

paren

PAHR-ehn'pa.ɾen

verbA1Formal, especially military or police
Use this as a formal command, often given by authority figures like police or military, to make a group stop immediately.
A simple drawing showing three figures walking along a path. The leading figure has stopped and holds one hand out in front of them with an open palm, signaling the other two figures to halt.

Examples

¡Paren! No crucen la calle sin mirar.

Stop! Don't cross the street without looking.

Señores, paren el motor inmediatamente.

Gentlemen, stop the engine immediately.

Paren de hacer ruido, por favor.

Stop making noise, please.

A Command for Many People

"Paren" is the command form used when you are giving an order or instruction to a group of people (ustedes).

Regular Verb Pattern

Since 'parar' is a regular -ar verb, its command form follows the pattern of the subjunctive mood, which makes it easy to remember.

Using the wrong ending for commands

Mistake: “Using 'paran' (present tense) instead of 'paren' (command form) for an order.”

Correction: Say '¡Paren! (Stop!)' not '¡Paran!'. The '-en' ending is required for plural commands.

alto

al-tohˈalto

nounB1General
Use this noun to refer to a complete stop or pause in movement, often during a journey or activity.
A car pulled over safely next to a large tree on a road, with two people outside stretching and taking a break from their journey.

Examples

Hicimos un alto en el camino para comer.

We made a stop on the way to eat.

La policía le dio el alto al coche.

The police ordered the car to halt.

En la carretera, hay una señal de alto.

On the road, there is a stop sign.

deténgase

verbA2Official or military command
This is a formal, singular command, often used in official, military, or very polite contexts, instructing one person to stop.

Examples

¡Deténgase! No puede cruzar la línea amarilla.

Stop! You cannot cross the yellow line.

detenga

deh-TENG-gahdeˈteŋ.ɡa

verbB1Formal command
Use this as a formal command to a single person or a group (in some regions) to stop, often in a more general or less strictly official context than 'deténgase'.
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.)

deténganse

verbB1More formal or authoritative command to a group
This is a command directed at multiple people, often used in more formal or authoritative situations to make a group stop.

Examples

¡Deténganse! No pueden cruzar por aquí.

Stop! You cannot cross through here.

detención

nounB1General
This noun refers to the act or instance of stopping, a pause, or a cessation, often used for vehicles or processes.

Examples

La detención del tren duró solo dos minutos.

The stopping of the train lasted only two minutes.

parad

pah-RAHDpaˈɾað

verbA2Informal command (vosotros)
Use this informal command when addressing a group of people you know well (using 'vosotros') and telling them to stop.
A simplified illustration showing two people running outdoors. The person in front has stopped abruptly and holds up their hand with the palm facing the second runner, signaling them to halt.

Examples

¡Parad inmediatamente! Hay un peligro más adelante.

Stop immediately! There is danger ahead.

Chicos, parad de gritar, por favor.

Kids, stop shouting, please.

Si estáis cansados, parad un momento y bebed agua.

If you are tired, stop a moment and drink water.

The 'You All' Command

'Parad' is the command form for 'vosotros' (you all, informal). This form is used when giving an order or instruction to a group of friends or peers, primarily in Spain.

Affirmative vs. Negative

This is an affirmative command ('Do this'). If you want to tell them 'Don't stop,' you must use the subjunctive form: 'No paréis'.

Using 'ar' ending incorrectly

Mistake: “Using *parais* instead of *parad* for the command.”

Correction: The *vosotros* command for -ar verbs always ends in -d (e.g., *hablad, mirad, parad*). The form *paráis* is the present tense statement ('You all stop').

suspensión

nounB1General
This noun is used for an official or temporary stop to an event, activity, or process, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

Examples

La suspensión del partido se debió a la lluvia.

The suspension of the game was due to the rain.

Command vs. Noun Forms

The most common confusion is between the noun forms ('alto', 'detención', 'suspensión') and the verb command forms ('paren', 'detenga', 'deténgase', 'deténganse', 'parad'). Remember that nouns describe the act of stopping, while verbs are direct instructions to stop.

Related Translations

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