Inklingo

How to Say "paused" in Spanish

The Spanish word forpausedis detuvoA2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishA2

detuvo

VerbA2
He/She/It/You (formal) stopped moving or talking
A cartoon figure running quickly on a path suddenly stands completely motionless, signifying a pause.

Examples

Se detuvo en la puerta a mirar la lluvia.

He paused at the door to look at the rain. (Requires the 'se')

Ella se detuvo antes de cruzar la calle.

She stopped herself before crossing the street. (Requires the 'se')

The 'Se' Difference

When the subject stops themselves (He stopped), you must use the reflexive pronoun 'se' (Se detuvo). Without 'se', it means He stopped something else (Él detuvo el coche).

Missing the Reflexive Pronoun

Mistake:Saying: 'Él detuvo y miró.' (This means 'He stopped something and looked.')

Correction: Say: 'Él se detuvo y miró.' (This correctly means 'He stopped himself/paused and looked.')

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