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.
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.'
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'
Learners often confuse 'echar' and 'expulsar' by using the informal 'echar' in formal contexts like school expulsions. Remember that 'expulsar' is the standard term for official removal from an institution, while 'echar' is more general and often informal, like telling someone to leave or firing them.
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.