Inklingo

How to Say "i stop" in Spanish

English → Spanish

paro

/PAH-roh//ˈpa.ɾo/

verbA1general
Use 'paro' when you are halting movement, stopping a vehicle, or ceasing an activity.
A cartoon character who was running quickly is now standing completely still, raising one hand in a clear signal to halt.

Examples

Yo paro el coche justo delante de la puerta.

I stop the car right in front of the door.

Cuando suena la alarma, yo paro de trabajar inmediatamente.

When the alarm rings, I stop working immediately.

En el fútbol, yo paro el penalti y ganamos.

In soccer, I save the penalty kick and we win.

Transitive vs. Intransitive

You can use 'paro' to stop something else (transitive: 'paro el tren') or to stop yourself (intransitive: 'yo paro').

Reflexive Use

When used with 'me' ('me paro'), it often means 'I stand up' or 'I stop myself' (e.g., 'Me paro para ver el mapa' - I stop/stand up to see the map).

Using 'Parar' for Locations

Mistake: “Using 'parar' when you mean 'stay' or 'remain' at a place.”

Correction: Use 'quedarse' or 'alojarse' for staying somewhere overnight. 'Parar' is just a brief halt.

atajo

/ah-TAH-ho//aˈtaxo/

verbB1general
Use 'atajo' specifically when you are taking a shortcut or a quicker route, often through an unusual path.
A person standing at a crossroad, stepping onto a side path to get ahead of a group.

Examples

Yo atajo por el callejón todos los días.

I take a shortcut through the alley every day.

Si veo un problema, lo atajo de inmediato.

If I see a problem, I stop it immediately.

Two-for-one

The word 'atajo' can mean the noun 'shortcut' or the action 'I take a shortcut'. Context tells you which is which!

Parar vs. Atajar

Learners often confuse 'parar' and 'atajar' because both can relate to 'stopping'. Remember that 'parar' is for halting movement or activity in general, while 'atajar' specifically means to take a shortcut or a faster route.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.