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 stop movement..

paren🔊A1

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

{ui.learnMore}
deténgaseA2

This is an official or military command directed at a single person to stop.

{ui.learnMore}
parad🔊A2

Use this command form when addressing a group of people informally using the 'vosotros' conjugation.

{ui.learnMore}
detenga🔊B1

This is a formal command, often used in written instructions or by authorities, requiring a single person or thing to stop.

{ui.learnMore}
deténganseB1

This is a more formal or authoritative command used to tell a group of people to stop.

{ui.learnMore}
alto🔊B1

Use this noun to refer to a complete cessation of movement or a pause, like a break during a journey.

{ui.learnMore}
detenciónB1

This noun refers to a pause or cessation, often used for events like the stopping of a vehicle or a temporary interruption.

{ui.learnMore}
English → Spanish

paren

PAHR-ehn/'pa.ɾen/

verbA1formal, authoritative
Use this as a formal command, often given by authority figures like police or military, to stop movement.
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.

deténgase

verbA2official, military command
This is an official or military command directed at a single person to stop.

Examples

¡Deténgase! No puede cruzar la línea amarilla.

Stop! You cannot cross the yellow line.

parad

/pah-RAHD//paˈɾað/

verbA2informal command (vosotros)
Use this command form when addressing a group of people informally using the 'vosotros' conjugation.
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').

detenga

/deh-TENG-gah//deˈteŋ.ɡa/

verbB1formal command
This is a formal command, often used in written instructions or by authorities, requiring a single person or thing to stop.
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

verbB1formal, authoritative command (plural)
This is a more formal or authoritative command used to tell a group of people to stop.

Examples

¡Deténganse! No pueden cruzar por aquí.

Stop! You cannot cross through here.

alto

/al-toh//ˈalto/

nounB1noun
Use this noun to refer to a complete cessation of movement or a pause, like a break during a journey.
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.

detención

nounB1noun
This noun refers to a pause or cessation, often used for events like the stopping of a vehicle or a temporary interruption.

Examples

La detención del tren duró solo dos minutos.

The stopping of the train lasted only two minutes.

Commands vs. Nouns

The most common mistake is confusing the noun forms ('alto', 'detención') with the verb command forms ('paren', 'deténgase', etc.). Remember that 'alto' and 'detención' describe a stop as a thing, while the others are direct orders to stop.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.