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How to Say "to resign" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dimitir

/dee-mee-TEER//dimiˈtiɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'dimitir' when you are formally announcing your resignation from a job, political office, or similar position.
A person carrying a small cardboard box containing a plant and office supplies, walking away from a desk toward an open door.

Examples

El ministro tuvo que dimitir por el escándalo.

The minister had to resign because of the scandal.

El presidente decidió dimitir tras el escándalo.

The president decided to resign after the scandal.

Si no estás de acuerdo con la empresa, puedes dimitir.

If you don't agree with the company, you can step down.

Muchos ciudadanos piden que el ministro dimita de su cargo.

Many citizens are asking for the minister to resign from his position.

Using 'de' for your job

When you want to say what you are resigning from, use the word 'de'. For example: 'Dimitió de su puesto' (He resigned from his post).

A Regular '-ir' Verb

Good news! This verb follows all the standard patterns for verbs ending in -ir, with no tricky stem changes.

Dimitir vs. Quitar

Mistake: “Voy a dimitir mi ropa.”

Correction: Voy a quitarme la ropa.

cesar

verbB1general
Use 'cesar' for the act of stopping or ceasing an activity, a job, or a state. It is often used reflexively ('cesarse') when referring to a person leaving a position, but can also mean 'to cease' for inanimate objects or phenomena.

Examples

El empleado decidió cesarse voluntariamente.

The employee decided to quit voluntarily.

Choosing between 'dimitir' and 'cesar'

Learners often confuse 'dimitir' and 'cesar' because both can relate to leaving a job. Remember that 'dimitir' is specifically for formal resignations from a position of responsibility, while 'cesar' is broader and can mean 'to stop' or 'to cease' in various contexts, including leaving a job, but less formally.

Related Translations

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