Inklingo

How to Say "they stop" in Spanish

The Spanish word forthey stopis detenganA2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishA2
verbA2
used after verbs of influence, doubt, or necessity (they/you plural, formal)
A stylized image of a large, open human hand held up facing forward, acting as a barrier. A small, simplified car is approaching the hand but is clearly stopping right before it.

Examples

¡Detengan la música! Es demasiado tarde.

Stop the music! It's too late.

Es crucial que detengan el coche antes de la curva.

It is crucial that they stop the car before the curve.

No permitan que estas dificultades los detengan.

Don't let these difficulties hold you (formal plural) back.

Formal Plural Command

"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.

Subjunctive Use

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...).

Confusing Formal Command

Mistake:Using *detienen* (the indicative form) for a command: ¡Detienen el carro!

Correction: Use the command form: ¡Detengan el carro! (The verb form changes when you give an order or instruction).

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