How to Say "stop" in Spanish

Even though it ends in 'a', remember that this word is feminine, so you always use 'la parada' or 'una parada'.

The most frequent way to use this meaning is with the verb 'hacer' (to do/make): 'hacer una parada'.

When you want to give a command formally (to someone you call 'Usted'), you use the same form as the 'él/ella/usted' version of the present subjunctive. This is why 'pare' is used here.

"Paren" is the command form used when you are giving an order or instruction to a group of people (ustedes).

Since 'parar' is a regular -ar verb, its command form follows the pattern of the subjunctive mood, which makes it easy to remember.

The 'te' at the end of the word means you are doing the action to yourself. It is a command used for friends or family.

Most verbs use their 'he/she' form for commands, but 'detener' is special. Instead of 'detiene', we use 'detén' when telling a friend to stop.

Deténgase is how you give a direct command to someone you address formally (Usted). It uses a special verb form that also appears when expressing wishes or desires.

Because the verb is detenerse (to stop oneself), the 'se' (meaning 'yourself') must be attached directly to the end of the positive command. This is why the word is so long!

The accent mark on the 'é' is necessary to keep the stress on the correct syllable (de-TÉN-ga-se). Without it, the stress would incorrectly fall on the third-to-last syllable.

"Detengan" is the formal way (using 'ustedes') to tell a group of people to stop doing something. It comes directly from the special verb form used for wishes and commands.

When used as 'they stop,' it appears after phrases expressing desire, necessity, doubt, or emotion, like 'Quiero que...' (I want that...) or 'Es necesario que...' (It is necessary that...).

'Parad' is the command form for 'vosotros' (you all, informal). This form is used when giving an order or instruction to a group of friends or peers, primarily in Spain.

This is an affirmative command ('Do this'). If you want to tell them 'Don't stop,' you must use the subjunctive form: 'No paréis'.

Even though it ends in 'e', this word is always masculine: 'el tope'.

The word 'cese' is used as a special verb form (present subjunctive) when you are wishing for something to stop, like 'Espero que cese la lluvia' (I hope the rain stops).

To tell someone politely to stop doing something, use 'Cese de...' followed by the action. For example: 'Cese de fumar' (Stop smoking).

This noun comes from the verb 'detener' (to stop or detain). If you understand how 'detener' works, you understand 'detención'.

The form 'detenga' is used after expressions of desire, necessity, or emotion (e.g., 'Quiero que...' or 'Es necesario que...'). It expresses uncertainty or influence.

When giving a formal instruction to 'Usted' (formal you), 'detenga' is the affirmative command, and 'no detenga' is the negative command.

The 'se' at the end tells you that the people are stopping themselves. In Spanish, when you give a command and include a word like 'me', 'te', or 'se', it attaches directly to the end of the action word.

Notice the accent on the second 'e'. When we add 'se' to the end of 'detengan', the stress stays on that syllable, so we must draw an accent mark to show it.

To command someone to stop doing something, you must use 'Dejen de' followed by the verb in the '-ing' form (gerundio): 'Dejen de correr'.

This form, 'dejad', is the command for 'you all' (plural informal) and is only used in Spain. It tells a group of friends or family what to do.

For -ar verbs like 'dejar', the affirmative command for 'vosotros' is always the infinitive form ('dejar') with the 'r' changed to 'd'. (dejad)