How to Say "to deport" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to deport” is “deportar” — use 'deportar' when referring to the legal act of forcing a person, especially a non-citizen, to leave a country..
deportar
/deh-por-TAR//depoɾˈtaɾ/
Examples
El gobierno decidió deportar a los ciudadanos sin documentos.
The government decided to deport the citizens without documents.
Muchos temen que los vayan a deportar pronto.
Many fear they will be deported soon.
Fue deportado a su país de origen tras el juicio.
He was deported to his country of origin after the trial.
The Personal 'A'
When you are deporting a specific person or group, you must use the word 'a' before them. For example: 'Deportaron a Juan' (They deported Juan).
Talking about things being done
In news reports, you'll often see 'fue deportado' (he was deported). This is how Spanish explains that someone received an action from an authority.
Confusing Deportar with Sports
Mistake: “Using 'deportar' to mean 'to play sports'.”
Correction: To play sports, use 'hacer deporte'. 'Deportar' is only for expelling someone from a country.
expulsar
/ex-pool-SAR//eks.pulˈsaɾ/
Examples
El director decidió expulsar al alumno por su mal comportamiento.
The principal decided to expel the student for his bad behavior.
El gobierno va a expulsar a los diplomáticos extranjeros.
The government is going to deport the foreign diplomats.
Si no sigues las reglas, te van a expulsar del club.
If you don't follow the rules, they are going to kick you out of the club.
Using 'a' with People
When you are kicking a specific person out, you must use the word 'a' before their name or description (e.g., 'expulsar a Juan').
Expelling From a Place
To say where someone is being kicked out from, use the word 'de' (e.g., 'expulsar del grupo').
Expulsar vs. Despedir
Mistake: “Usar 'expulsar' para perder el trabajo.”
Correction: Use 'despedir' for losing a job. 'Expulsar' is for schools, clubs, or physical things.
Deportar vs. Expulsar
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