Inklingo

How to Say "i quit" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dejé

verbB1
Use this past tense form when you have stopped a habit (like smoking) or left a job in the past.

Examples

Dejé de comer dulces hace un mes.

I quit eating sweets a month ago.

renuncio

/reh-NOON-syoh//reˈnunsjo/

verbB1formal
Use this present tense form when you are formally resigning from a job or a specific position, often implying an immediate or future departure.
A person placing their employee ID badge and a set of keys on an empty wooden desk.

Examples

Si no me pagan, renuncio ahora mismo.

If they don't pay me, I quit right now.

Si las condiciones no mejoran, renuncio mañana mismo.

If conditions don't improve, I'm quitting tomorrow.

Renuncio a mi derecho a guardar silencio.

I waive my right to remain silent.

Yo renuncio a comer dulces por un mes.

I am giving up eating sweets for a month.

The 'A' Connection

In Spanish, when you quit something, you must follow the verb with the word 'a'. For example: 'Renuncio a mi trabajo' (I quit my job).

Missing 'A'

Mistake: “Renuncio mi puesto.”

Correction: Renuncio a mi puesto. In Spanish, you always resign 'to' something.

dejo

DEH-hoh/ˈdexo/

verbA1
Use this present tense form to indicate stopping an ongoing action or leaving something (like an object) in a particular place, not typically for quitting a job or habit.
A close-up illustration of a hand gently setting a small, bright red box down onto a plain wooden surface, depicting the action of depositing an object.

Examples

Dejo las llaves en la mesa.

I leave the keys on the table.

Siempre dejo mi bicicleta en el garaje.

I always leave my bicycle in the garage.

No dejo que nadie use mi teléfono.

I don't let anyone use my phone.

Dejo de fumar mañana, lo prometo.

I quit smoking tomorrow, I promise.

Stopping an Action

When you want to say 'I stop doing something,' you must use the structure 'dejo de' followed by the action verb in its base form: 'Dejo de correr' (I stop running).

'I allow' vs. 'I leave'

The meaning is usually clear from the context. If 'dejo' is followed by 'que' and a person, it means 'I let/I allow': 'Dejo que ellos salgan' (I let them go out).

Leaving a Place

Mistake: “Yo dejo la fiesta.”

Correction: When you mean 'I am leaving a place,' you should use 'irse' or 'salir': 'Yo salgo de la fiesta' (I leave the party). Use 'dejar' for objects.

Confusing 'dejé' and 'renuncio'

Learners often confuse 'dejé' (I quit - past habit/job) with 'renuncio' (I quit - present job resignation). Remember 'renuncio' is for actively quitting a job *now*, while 'dejé' is for having quit something *in the past*.

Related Translations

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