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How to Say "you leave" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “you leave” is “sales” — use this when talking about the present action of departing from a place, like work or home, in a general sense..

English → Spanish

sales

/SAH-les//ˈsa.les/

VerbA1General
Use this when talking about the present action of departing from a place, like work or home, in a general sense.
A simple storybook illustration of a young figure cheerfully stepping out of a brightly colored doorway onto a green lawn, symbolizing departure.

Examples

¿A qué hora sales del trabajo?

What time do you leave work?

Si sales tarde, perderemos el tren.

If you go out late, we will miss the train.

¡Sales de mi vista!

Get out of my sight!

The 'Go' Verb Irregularity

'Salir' is irregular in the 'yo' present tense ('yo salgo') and the future/conditional stems ('saldr-'). The 'tú' form ('sales') is regular in the present tense but highly irregular as a simple command ('sal').

Confusing Tenses

Mistake: “Tú salgo (using the wrong ending).”

Correction: Tú sales. The 'sales' form is exclusively for the informal 'you' (tú) in the present tense.

dejas

DEH-hahs/ˈdexas/

VerbA1General
Use this when referring to the act of putting something down and leaving it behind, or abandoning something.
A cartoon figure walking away from a bright red suitcase they forgot or abandoned on a grassy path.

Examples

¿Dónde dejas las llaves cuando llegas a casa?

Where do you leave the keys when you get home?

Siempre dejas tu cama sin hacer.

You always leave your bed unmade.

Si dejas ese libro aquí, se mojará.

If you leave that book here, it will get wet.

When 'Dejar' means 'Forget'

In Spanish, if you accidentally leave an item somewhere, you use 'dejar' (or 'olvidar'), not a verb related to 'forgetting' a memory.

Mixing up Leaving Things vs. People

Mistake: “Using 'abandonar' for leaving simple objects behind.”

Correction: Use 'dejar' for objects (Dejas el teléfono en la mesa). Use 'abandonar' or 'irse' (go away) for people/places.

salgas

/sahl-gahs//ˈsalɣas/

VerbA2General
This form is used when you want to tell someone to leave, or express a desire, doubt, or command that they leave or go out.
A child is stepping through an open doorway, moving from the interior of a room to the exterior, illustrating the action of leaving or departing.

Examples

Quiero que salgas a tomar un poco de aire fresco.

I want you to go out and get some fresh air.

No creo que salgas con ella este fin de semana.

I don't think you are dating her this weekend. / I don't think you will go out with her this weekend.

¡No salgas sin tu paraguas, va a llover!

Don't leave without your umbrella, it's going to rain!

The Subjunctive Mood

Salgas is the special verb form (present subjunctive) you must use after words that express wishes, emotions, necessity, or doubt, especially when two different people are involved (e.g., 'I want that you leave').

Negative Commands

When you tell someone (tú) 'Don't leave,' you use 'No salgas.' The negative command form is exactly the same as the present subjunctive form.

Confusing Indicative and Subjunctive

Mistake: “Espero que sales pronto. (Using the regular present tense)”

Correction: Espero que salgas pronto. (Using the special form for wishes). Remember to use 'salgas' when you are wishing or hoping for the action.

dejes

/DEH-hess//ˈdexes/

VerbA2General
Use this in subordinate clauses after expressions of desire, doubt, or emotion, indicating that someone should not leave or abandon something.
A person holding a small bag is stepping out of a brightly lit doorway onto a path, looking over their shoulder as they depart.

Examples

Espero que no me dejes solo.

I hope you don't leave me alone.

Quiero que dejes tus zapatos en la entrada.

I want you to leave your shoes at the entrance.

Dudo que me dejes conducir tu coche nuevo.

I doubt that you'll let me drive your new car.

The 'Wishing and Wanting' Verb Form

'Dejes' is a special form of 'dejar' used after phrases that express wishes, doubts, emotions, or suggestions. For example, after 'Quiero que...' (I want that...), you use 'dejes', not the usual 'dejas'.

Using 'dejas' instead of 'dejes'

Mistake: “Espero que me dejas un mensaje.”

Correction: Espero que me dejes un mensaje. After phrases like 'espero que' (I hope that), Spanish requires this special '-es' ending for '-ar' verbs when talking about 'tú'.

partes

/PAR-tess//ˈpaɾ.tes/

VerbA2General
This specific word implies departing on a journey or leaving a place with the intention of going somewhere else.
A pair of hands holding a knife, actively cutting a large red apple into two equal halves on a cutting board.

Examples

Tú siempre partes el pastel en porciones iguales.

You always cut the cake into equal portions.

¿Por qué partes la nuez con los dientes?

Why are you breaking the nut with your teeth?

Si partes ahora, llegarás a tiempo.

If you leave now, you will arrive on time.

Action for 'Tú' (You)

This is a verb form from 'partir' used when you're talking to one friend ('tú'). The '-es' ending on an '-ir' verb is a common signal that you're talking to 'tú' right now.

Leaving a Place vs. a Journey

Mistake: “¿Partes de la oficina ahora?”

Correction: ¿Sales de la oficina ahora? Use 'salir' for leaving a building or room. Use 'partir' more for starting a longer trip or journey, like 'partir a Madrid' (to leave for Madrid).

Indicative vs. Subjunctive Mood

The most common confusion is between the indicative forms (like 'sales' and 'dejas') and the subjunctive forms (like 'salgas' and 'dejes'). Remember to use the subjunctive mood when expressing wishes, doubts, or commands, especially after phrases like 'quiero que' or 'espero que'.

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