How to Say "to decline" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to decline” is “decaer” — use this word when referring to a general weakening or deterioration in quality, strength, or health, such as an economy, a person's vitality, or a general state.
Use this word when referring to a general weakening or deterioration in quality, strength, or health, such as an economy, a person's vitality, or a general state.
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Use this word to politely turn down an invitation or a specific request, indicating a refusal.
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Use this word specifically when politely excusing yourself from an event or obligation, often implying you have a reason for not attending.
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Use this word only when referring to a patient's physical health worsening or becoming more serious.
Learn more →deh-kah-ehrdekaˈeɾ
Examples
La popularidad del político empezó a decaer tras el escándalo.
The politician's popularity began to decline after the scandal.
La economía del país empezó a decaer después de la guerra.
The country's economy began to decline after the war.
Su salud ha decaído mucho en los últimos meses.
His health has deteriorated a lot in recent months.
El imperio romano comenzó a decaer lentamente.
The Roman Empire began to decay slowly.
The 'G' and 'Y' Spells
This verb adds a 'g' in the 'yo' form (decaigo) and turns an 'i' into a 'y' when it's caught between two vowels in the past (decayó).
A more formal choice
While 'bajar' means to go down, 'decaer' is used for more serious or formal types of decline, like health or civilizations.
Don't follow the 'comer' pattern
Mistake: “Yo decaeo.”
Correction: Yo decaigo. Remember that 'decaer' comes from 'caer' (to fall), so it keeps that irregular 'g' in the present tense.
ray-oo-SARreuˈsaɾ
Examples
Rehusó la oferta de trabajo porque el salario era muy bajo.
He declined the job offer because the salary was too low.
Ella rehusó la invitación porque tenía mucho trabajo.
She declined the invitation because she had a lot of work.
El testigo rehusó contestar a las preguntas del abogado.
The witness refused to answer the lawyer's questions.
No puedes rehusar una oferta tan generosa.
You cannot refuse such a generous offer.
Directly Followed by Action
When you want to say you refuse 'to do' something, put the other verb right after 'rehusar' without any connecting words like 'a' or 'de'.
The Accent Mark Pattern
Even though it is a regular verb, it gets an accent mark on the 'ú' in many present-tense forms (like 'rehúso') to keep the sound of the 'u' clear and separate from the 'e'.
Rehusar vs. Reusar
Mistake: “Using 'reusar' to mean 'to refuse'.”
Correction: Use 'rehusar' (with an 'h') to refuse something. Use 'reusar' (without an 'h') to mean 'to reuse' something, like a plastic bottle.
ex-koo-SAReksuˈsaɾ
Examples
Me excusé de la reunión por un compromiso previo.
I declined the meeting due to a prior commitment.
Excusó su asistencia a la gala por motivos personales.
He declined his attendance at the gala for personal reasons.
No pudo excusar el cumplimiento de su deber.
He could not avoid the fulfillment of his duty.
Formal objects
In this high-level sense, 'excusar' often takes an abstract noun as its object, like 'responsabilidad' (responsibility) or 'asistencia' (attendance).
ah-grah-BAHRa.ɣɾa.ˈβaɾ
Examples
No tomar la medicación puede agravar su condición.
Not taking the medication can make his condition decline.
Si el paciente no toma su medicina, su estado se puede agravar.
If the patient doesn't take his medicine, his condition could become more serious.
La infección se agravó durante la noche.
The infection worsened during the night.
El médico teme que el clima frío agrave su asma.
The doctor fears the cold weather will worsen her asthma.
The Reflexive Connection
When an illness gets worse on its own, we often add 'se' to the end (agravarse). Example: 'Su estado se agravó' (His condition worsened).
Refusing vs. Worsening
Learners often confuse 'decaer' (to weaken, deteriorate) with 'rehusar' or 'excusar' (to politely refuse). Remember that 'decaer' describes a worsening state, while 'rehusar' and 'excusar' are about turning down an offer or invitation.
Related Translations
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