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How to Say "to unfasten" in Spanish

English → Spanish

desatar

deh-sah-tahrdesaˈtaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'desatar' when unfastening something that is tied, like knots, ropes, or shoelaces.
A close-up of a hand loosening a simple knot in a thick rope.

Examples

Por favor, desata los cordones de tus zapatos.

Please, untie your shoelaces.

No puedo desatar este nudo porque está muy apretado.

I can't untie this knot because it is very tight.

Ella desató el paquete con mucho cuidado.

She unfastened the package very carefully.

The 'Des-' Prefix

In Spanish, adding 'des-' to the start of many verbs acts like 'un-' in English, meaning the opposite of the original action (atar = tie, desatar = untie).

Using 'Desatar' with Objects

This is a transitive verb, which means you usually need to say what you are untying right after the verb.

Using 'Abrir' for Shoes

Mistake: “Voy a abrir mis zapatos.”

Correction: Voy a desatar mis zapatos. We 'open' doors, but we 'untie' shoes and knots.

soltar

sohl-TAHRsolˈtaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'soltar' when releasing something, such as unbuckling a seatbelt or letting go of a balloon.
A close-up view of a person's hand opening its grip, allowing a small, colorful ball to fall downwards.

Examples

Solté el globo por accidente y voló muy alto.

I accidentally let go of the balloon and it flew very high.

El policía soltó al detenido porque no había pruebas.

The police officer released the detainee because there was no evidence.

Stem-Change Alert

In the present tense, the 'o' in the root changes to 'ue' (soltar -> suelto), except for the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms.

Confusing Physical vs. Emotional Release

Mistake: “Using 'dejar' when you mean 'soltar' (physical grip).”

Correction: 'Dejar' means 'to leave' or 'to allow.' Use 'soltar' for dropping or releasing a physical object.

desprender

des-pren-DERdespɾenˈdeɾ

verbB1general
Use 'desprender' when detaching or removing something that is attached, like a label or a sticker.
A hand pulling a bright orange autumn leaf away from a green branch.

Examples

Desprendí la etiqueta de mi camiseta nueva.

I took the tag off my new t-shirt.

Es difícil desprender el pegamento viejo de la mesa.

It is hard to remove the old glue from the table.

Tienes que desprender el cable con mucho cuidado para no romperlo.

You have to detach the cable very carefully so you don't break it.

Using 'Desprender' vs 'Quitar'

Use 'desprender' when something was stuck or joined and you are separating it. 'Quitar' is more general for just 'taking something away.'

Action Flow

This verb describes an action you do to an object. If the object falls off by itself, you'll need the reflexive version 'se desprende'.

Missing the 'se'

Mistake: “La pintura desprende.”

Correction: La pintura se desprende. (Use 'se' when something falls off on its own.)

Tying vs. Detaching vs. Releasing

Learners often confuse 'desatar' (for things tied) with 'desprender' (for things attached). Remember: 'desatar' deals with knots and ties, while 'desprender' is for separating something that's stuck or affixed.

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