Inklingo

How to Say "to halt" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to halt” is “detenerme” — use this word when you need to stop yourself or cause yourself to stop, often for a brief pause or rest, in a formal or military context. It implies a voluntary stop.

English → Spanish

detenerme

deh-teh-NEHR-mehdeteˈneɾme

verbA2formal or military context
Use this word when you need to stop yourself or cause yourself to stop, often for a brief pause or rest, in a formal or military context. It implies a voluntary stop.
A cartoon figure running quickly who has suddenly stopped, leaning back slightly with feet planted firmly on the ground, showing a clear halt in physical movement.

Examples

Necesito detenerme un momento para beber agua.

I need to stop myself for a moment to drink water.

No pude detenerme antes de chocar contra la pared.

I couldn't stop myself before hitting the wall.

¿Por qué no quieres detenerme cuando hablo demasiado?

Why don't you want to stop me when I talk too much?

Reflexive Action

The 'me' at the end tells you that 'I' am doing the action to 'myself'. If you want someone else to stop, you drop the 'me' and use a different pronoun, like 'detenerte' (to stop yourself, singular).

Placement Rule

When using an infinitive (the base form of the verb, like 'detener'), you can attach the pronoun ('me') to the end, or you can place it before the conjugated verb: 'Quiero detenerme' is the same as 'Me quiero detener'.

Forgetting the Reflexive

Mistake: “Voy a detener el coche.”

Correction: Voy a detenerme (if you mean stopping *yourself*, not the car). 'Detener' without the 'me' usually means stopping an outside object or person.

suspender

soos-pen-DEHRsuspenˈdeɾ

verbB1general
Choose this word when an ongoing process, activity, or event is stopped, often temporarily, due to an external reason like weather or a decision.
A rainy outdoor stadium with empty seats and a closed gate.

Examples

Han suspendido el partido por la lluvia.

They have cancelled the game because of the rain.

El servicio de trenes ha sido suspendido temporalmente.

The train service has been temporarily suspended.

Tuvieron que suspender la reunión a última hora.

They had to call off the meeting at the last minute.

Suspender vs. Cancelar

While often used interchangeably, 'suspender' implies a temporary stop or a delay, whereas 'cancelar' sounds more permanent.

Confusing with 'Suspending' physically

Mistake: “Quiero suspender mi suscripción.”

Correction: Quiero cancelar mi suscripción. Use 'suspender' for events or official processes, 'cancelar' for services or memberships.

arrestar

ah-rrehs-TAHRa.resˈtaɾ

verbC1general
Use this word to describe stopping or preventing the progress or spread of something, like a disease or a negative trend, often implying an active effort to contain it.
A large, solid gray wall successfully blocking the forceful forward movement of a stylized blue wave, illustrating the stopping of progress.

Examples

Los médicos intentaron arrestar el avance de la enfermedad.

The doctors tried to halt the advance of the disease.

El gobierno debe arrestar el deterioro del sistema educativo.

The government must check the deterioration of the educational system.

Formal Usage

This meaning is usually found in written reports, scientific papers, or very formal speeches. In everyday conversation, you would typically use 'parar' or 'detener' instead.

Voluntary vs. External Stops

Learners often confuse 'detenerme' and 'suspender'. Remember that 'detenerme' usually implies a voluntary stop by oneself, often for a personal need, while 'suspender' refers to an external force or decision causing a stop to an event or process.

Related Translations

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