Inklingo

How to Say "they stopped" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dejaron

/de-HA-ron//deˈxa.ɾon/

verbB1general
Use 'dejaron' when 'they stopped' refers to ceasing an activity, habit, or ongoing action.
Two people standing completely still on a grassy field next to a bicycle lying on its side, indicating they have ceased riding.

Examples

Ellas dejaron de fumar hace dos años.

They quit smoking two years ago.

Dejaron de buscar una solución y se rindieron.

They stopped looking for a solution and gave up.

Stopping an Action (Dejar de)

When 'dejar' means 'to stop doing something,' it must always be followed by the little word 'de' and then the action verb: 'dejaron de trabajar' (they stopped working).

detuvieron

/deh-tue-VYER-on//detuˈβjeɾon/

verbA2general
Use 'detuvieron' when 'they stopped' refers to halting physical movement, such as stopping a vehicle, traffic, or a person.
A bright red car halted in front of a crosswalk.

Examples

Los guardias detuvieron el tráfico para dejar pasar a la ambulancia.

The guards stopped the traffic to let the ambulance pass.

Ellos detuvieron la producción de la fábrica por un error.

They halted the factory production because of an error.

The 'Tener' Connection

This word belongs to the verb 'detener.' Because it has the word 'tener' (to have) inside it, it follows all the same irregular patterns as 'tener' in the past.

Past Actions

Use 'detuvieron' for a specific, completed action in the past. It's like a snapshot of a moment where the stopping happened.

Avoiding 'detenieron'

Mistake: “detenieron”

Correction: detuvieron

Activity vs. Physical Halt

The most common mistake is using 'detuvieron' for habits or activities. Remember, 'dejaron' (from 'dejar de') is for stopping an action you were doing, while 'detuvieron' (from 'detener') is for stopping movement or a process.

Related Translations

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