There are two verbs in Spanish that are commonly confused: dejar and salir. Though they both have to do with leaving, they have different meanings and uses. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between dejar and salir, so that you can use them correctly in your Spanish sentences.
What is Dejar?
Dejar is a Spanish word that means “to leave.” It can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective. When used as a verb, it typically refers to the act of leaving something behind. For example, you might dejar un libro en la mesa (“leave a book on the table”). As a noun, dejar usually refers to the act of giving something up, such as dejar el tabaco (“giving up smoking”). Finally, as an adjective, dejar usually means “abandoned” or “deserted.” For example, you might describe an abandoned building as un edificio dejado (“an abandoned building”).
What is Salir?
Salir in Spanish means “to leave.” It can be used as an intransitive verb, meaning that it does not require a direct object, or it can be used transitively, taking a direct object. When used intransitively, salir often conveys the idea of going out or departing, as in “We’re leaving for vacation tomorrow” or “I’m going out for a walk.” When used transitively, salir generally means “to take out,” as in “Can you please take the trash out?” Salir can also be used reflexively, meaning that the subject is both the actor and the object of the verb. In this case, it typically conveys the idea of getting away from or escaping from something, as in “I need to get away from this heat” or “He’s trying to escape from prison.” As you can see, salir is a versatile verb with many different uses. Next time you’re in a Spanish-speaking country, be sure to give it a try!
Differences between Dejar and Salir
- Dejar and Salir both mean “to leave” in Spanish, but there are some important distinctions between the two words. Dejar typically refers to leaving something behind, whereas Salir implies going or moving away from something.
- For example, you might “dejar la luz encendida” when you leave a room, meaning that you leave the light on. On the other hand, “salir de la ciudad” would imply that you are leaving the city.
- Another common use of Dejar is in the phrase “Dejar de + infinitive,” which translates to “to stop doing something.” So if you wanted to say “I’m going to stop eating sweets,” you would say “Dejaré de comer dulces.” As you can see, understanding the subtle differences between Dejar and Salir can be helpful in communicating more accurately in Spanish.
Conclusion
Although both verbs have similar meanings, there are some distinctions to be made between them. Dejar is often used when referring to people or things that are no longer in one’s life, while salir is more commonly used for physical actions or occurrences. Additionally, dejar can take on a number of different verb forms depending on its usage, while salir always uses the infinitive form. Understanding these nuances can help you choose the correct verb for your particular situation and ensure that your Spanish communication is accurate and precise.
