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How to Say "let's leave" in Spanish

English → Spanish
VerbA1Informal
Use 'vámonos' when you want to strongly and directly express the idea of leaving a place, often with a sense of urgency or finality for the current situation.

Examples

Ya es tarde, vámonos a casa.

It's late, let's go home.

salgamos

/sal-GAH-mos//salˈɣa.mos/

VerbB1Neutral
Choose 'salgamos' when suggesting going out to do something, like a specific activity or outing, rather than just leaving a place.
Two cheerful figures, a girl and a boy, are stepping through an open door from a room into bright daylight, signifying the act of leaving.

Examples

¡Salgamos a tomar un café! Hace mucho que no hablamos.

Let's go out for a coffee! It's been a long time since we talked.

Es crucial que salgamos de la reunión antes de las tres.

It is crucial that we leave the meeting before three o'clock.

Si no salgamos pronto, perderemos el tren.

If we don't leave soon, we will miss the train.

The 'Let's' Command

In Spanish, the way to say 'Let's...' (a suggestion for 'us') is to use the 'nosotros' form of the special Subjunctive verb form. So, 'salgamos' means 'Let's leave/go out'.

Subjunctive Use

You must use 'salgamos' (the special verb form) when the first part of the sentence expresses a wish, doubt, or necessity for the group: 'Quiero que salgamos' (I want us to leave).

Irregularity Tip

The 'g' in 'salgamos' comes from the irregular 'yo' form of the verb: 'yo salgo' (I leave). Almost all verbs irregular in the 'yo' form keep that irregularity across the entire special Subjunctive form.

Indicative vs. Subjunctive

Mistake: “Using the regular present tense: '¡Salimos a cenar!'”

Correction: Use the special command form: '¡Salgamos a cenar!' ('Salimos' means 'We leave/We left' as a statement of fact, not a suggestion.)

dejemos

deh-HEH-mohs/deˈxemos/

VerbA2Neutral
Use 'dejemos' when suggesting to abandon or leave something behind, whether it's a physical object, a task, or a current state.
Two small, stylized figures holding hands and walking away from a brightly colored cottage, looking backward slightly over their shoulders.

Examples

Dejemos la televisión encendida para el perro.

Let's leave the TV on for the dog.

Ya es muy tarde, dejemos de trabajar por hoy.

It's very late already, let's stop working for today.

Dejemos ese tema para otro momento.

Let's leave that topic for another time.

The 'Let's' Command

In Spanish, the 'nosotros' (we) command, which translates to 'Let's...', uses the same form as the Present Subjunctive: 'dejemos'.

Leaving vs. Allowing

The verb 'dejar' is versatile. It can mean 'to leave behind' (like an object) or 'to allow/let' (like giving permission). Context determines the meaning.

Mixing up 'Leave'

Mistake: “Using 'salgamos' (let's go out) when you mean 'dejemos' (let's leave something behind).”

Correction: 'Salgamos de aquí' means 'Let's go out of here.' 'Dejemos las maletas' means 'Let's leave the suitcases.'

Vámonos vs. Salgamos

Learners often confuse 'vámonos' and 'salgamos'. Remember that 'vámonos' is a direct command or strong suggestion to leave *from* a place, while 'salgamos' is about going *out* to do something specific.

Related Translations

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