How to Say "to expel" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to expel” is “echar” — use 'echar' when referring to informally forcing someone out of a place or, more commonly, firing someone from a job.
echar
eh-CHAReˈt͡ʃaɾ
Examples
Lo echaron del trabajo por llegar tarde todos los días.
They fired him from the job for arriving late every day.
Si sigues haciendo ruido, te van a echar de la biblioteca.
If you keep making noise, they are going to kick you out of the library.
Usage with Reflexive Pronouns
When used with a reflexive pronoun (like 'me echaron'), it often implies 'I was the one who was fired' or 'They threw me out.'
expulsar
ex-pool-SAReks.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.
Formal vs. Informal 'Expel'
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