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How to Say "leaving" in Spanish

English → Spanish

saliendo

sah-LYEN-doh/saˈljen.do/

Verb Form (Gerund)A1General
Use 'saliendo' to describe the ongoing physical action of departing from a place, often in the immediate present.
A person walking away from a house, stepping onto a path with a suitcase in hand, illustrating physical departure.

Examples

¡Date prisa! Ya estamos saliendo de la casa.

Hurry up! We are already leaving the house.

Mi jefe está saliendo de una reunión importante ahora.

My boss is walking out of an important meeting right now.

Forming the Progressive

This word is the '–ing' form of 'salir'. You combine it with the verb 'estar' (to be) to describe an action happening right now (e.g., 'Está saliendo' means 'He is leaving').

Using Ser instead of Estar

Mistake: “Soy saliendo”

Correction: Estoy saliendo. Remember, ongoing actions always use 'estar' (like 'temporary state') and never 'ser' (like 'permanent quality').

dejando

deh-HAHN-doh/deˈxando/

VerbA1General
Use 'dejando' when the focus is on abandoning or giving up a place, person, or thing, implying a more permanent separation.
A small figure walks away from a brightly colored house, looking over their shoulder, symbolizing abandoning a place.

Examples

Mi hermana está dejando la ciudad mañana.

My sister is leaving the city tomorrow.

Ella sigue dejando sus zapatos en el pasillo.

She keeps leaving her shoes in the hallway.

Continuous Action

The '-ando' ending always shows an action that is currently happening or continuing over time. It is the Spanish equivalent of the English '-ing' form.

Forming the Continuous Tense

You must use 'dejando' with a form of the verb 'estar' (like 'estoy', 'estás', 'está') to say what someone 'is leaving' right now.

Using 'ser' instead of 'estar'

Mistake: “Soy dejando.”

Correction: Estoy dejando. Remember, 'estar' is always used to talk about actions that are currently in progress.

salida

/sa-LEE-dah//saˈliða/

NounA2General
Use 'salida' as a noun to refer to the act or event of departure itself, like a scheduled departure time or an exit.
A bright red and yellow passenger train is actively moving away from a small, empty railway platform, emphasizing the act of leaving.

Examples

La hora de salida del vuelo es a las 10:30.

The flight's departure time is at 10:30.

La salida del sol fue espectacular esta mañana.

The sunrise was spectacular this morning.

Los corredores se preparan en la línea de salida.

The runners are getting ready at the starting line.

Gerund vs. Verb for 'Leaving'

Learners often confuse 'saliendo' (gerund) and 'dejando' (verb). Remember that 'saliendo' describes the action in progress ('we are leaving'), while 'dejando' implies abandonment or leaving something behind ('she is leaving the city').

Related Translations

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