How to Say "to suspend" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to suspend” is “colgar” — use 'colgar' when you mean to hang an object on a hook, rack, or similar support.
Use 'colgar' when you mean to hang an object on a hook, rack, or similar support.
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Choose 'interrumpir' to indicate the temporary stopping of a process, activity, or event.
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Use 'congelar' specifically when you mean to freeze or suspend financial accounts, processes, or activities officially.
Learn more →kohl-GAHRkolˈɡaɾ
Examples
Por favor, cuelga tu abrigo en el perchero.
Please hang your coat on the coat rack.
Vamos a colgar luces de Navidad en el balcón.
We are going to hang Christmas lights on the balcony.
The O to UE Change
In the present tense, the 'o' changes to 'ue' whenever the stress falls on the root of the word (yo, tú, él/ella, ellos/ellas). Remember: 'Nosotros' and 'vosotros' keep the original 'o'.
Spelling Change in the Past
In the 'yo' form of the preterite (simple past), 'colgar' changes to 'colgué' (adding a 'u') to make sure the 'g' keeps its hard sound, like in 'gato'.
een-teh-rroohm-peerinteˈrrumpiɾ
Examples
La caída del sistema interrumpió la transmisión de datos.
The system crash stopped the data transmission.
El gobierno decidió interrumpir las negociaciones de paz.
The government decided to suspend the peace negotiations.
Tuvimos que interrumpir el rodaje de la película por falta de fondos.
We had to halt the filming of the movie due to lack of funds.
Passive Voice
This meaning is often used in the passive voice, especially when discussing technical issues: 'La electricidad fue interrumpida' (The electricity was interrupted/cut off).
kohn-heh-LAHRkoŋxeˈlaɾ
Examples
El banco decidió congelar sus cuentas bancarias.
The bank decided to freeze his bank accounts.
El gobierno va a congelar los precios este mes.
The government is going to freeze prices this month.
Congela la imagen para ver el detalle.
Freeze the image to see the detail.
Abstract Freezing
Just like in English, 'congelar' works perfectly for abstract things like money or time where movement stops.
Confusing 'interrumpir' and 'congelar'
Learners often confuse 'interrumpir' (to interrupt) with 'congelar' (to freeze). While both can mean to stop something, 'congelar' is typically used for more official or prolonged suspensions, especially concerning accounts or formal processes, whereas 'interrumpir' implies a more temporary halt to an activity or event.
Related Translations
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