Inklingo

How to Say "they abandon" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “they abandon” is “dejan” — use 'dejan' when referring to the act of leaving something or someone in a particular place or state, often implying a lack of care or intention to return.

English → Spanish

dejan

DEH-hahndeˈxan

verbA1general
Use 'dejan' when referring to the act of leaving something or someone in a particular place or state, often implying a lack of care or intention to return.
Two figures walking away, leaving a colorful red suitcase behind on the ground.

Examples

Ellos siempre dejan los platos sucios en la mesa.

They always leave the dirty dishes on the table.

Ustedes dejan la casa muy limpia después de la fiesta.

You all leave the house very clean after the party.

Mis vecinos dejan la música encendida cuando salen.

My neighbors leave the music on when they go out.

The 'ellos/ellas/ustedes' Form

This form 'dejan' is used for 'they' (ellos/ellas) or for the formal plural 'you' (ustedes). The ending -an is standard for regular -ar verbs in the present tense.

Mixing up 'dejar' and 'salir'

Mistake: “They say 'Dejan el restaurante' when they mean 'They leave the restaurant' (salir).”

Correction: Use 'dejar' when you leave *something* behind (Dejan su abrigo). Use 'salir' when you leave *a location* (Salen del restaurante).

dejen

DEH-hen (like 'day-hen')ˈde.xen

verbA1general
Use 'dejen' when the meaning is to quit, cease, or give up a place or activity, often as a polite imperative.
A person's silhouette is seen walking away from a brightly lit doorway, symbolizing departure or leaving.

Examples

Dejen sus abrigos en el guardarropa, por favor.

Leave your coats in the cloakroom, please.

Espero que ellos dejen un mensaje antes de irse.

I hope they leave a message before leaving.

¡Dejen de gritar ahora mismo!

Stop shouting right now!

Formal Plural Command

"Dejen" is the formal way to give a command to a group of people (ustedes). It translates to 'You all leave' or 'You all place'.

Subjunctive Use

When used after verbs of desire, doubt, or emotion (like 'querer' or 'esperar'), 'dejen' means 'that they leave/place'.

Confusing Commands

Mistake: “Using 'dejan' (present indicative) for a formal command.”

Correction: Always use 'dejen' for the formal plural command (Ustedes), which comes from the special verb form (subjunctive).

Confusing 'leaving behind' with 'quitting a place'

Learners often confuse 'dejan' (leaving things/people behind) with 'dejen' (quitting a place or activity). Remember that 'dejan' focuses on the object or person left, while 'dejen' focuses on the act of departing from a location or stopping an action.

Related Translations

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