salir is a Spanish verb that means “to leave” or “to go out,” capturing the idea of departing from a place or going out for social activities. It is commonly used to describe when someone leaves a location, goes out with others, or starts something (e.g., a trip).
- Core meanings: to leave, to go out, to take off (vehicles), to get out (objects)
- Used for: departing, social outings, relationships (“going out” together)
- Essential for describing everyday movements and plans in Spanish
*salir* means “to leave” or “to go out.”
*salir* is used for leaving, going out, and even for vehicles or objects departing.
*salir* corresponds to “to leave,” “to go out,” and sometimes “to get out.”
Conjugation Pattern
salir is an irregular verb, especially in its stem changes and certain forms. It’s categorized as a salir-type verb with unique irregularities.
- Present tense: irregular in “yo” form (salgo), regular elsewhere (with stem “sal-”): salgo, sales, sale, salimos, salís, salen
- Preterite: irregular stem sal- with regular -ir endings: salí, saliste, salió, salimos, salisteis, salieron
- Imperfect: regular -ir endings: salía, salías, salía, salíamos, salíais, salían
- Subjunctive: “salga-” stem: salga, salgas, salga...
The 'yo' form of *salir* is 'salgo.'
In preterite, 'nosotros' is 'salimos' (same as present but context differs).
*salir* is irregular, especially in 'yo' present form and some stems.
Typical Uses and Examples
To Leave (Depart)
When someone leaves a place, salir expresses their departure.
- Use: When departing from somewhere
- Example: Salimos de la oficina a las seis. (We leave the office at six.)
*salir* requires 'de' for 'leaving' a place: 'Ellos salen de la casa temprano.'
To Go Out (Socially)
salir is used for going out with others for entertainment or socializing.
- Use: For social outings (dinners, movies, parties)
- Example: ¿Quieres salir conmigo? (Do you want to go out with me?)
Relationships ("To Date"/"To Go Out")
For romantic relationships, salir means “to date” or “to go out” with someone.
- Use: For couples starting a relationship
- Example: Ellos salen desde hace tres meses. (They have been dating for three months.)
Literal “To Go Out” (Things Leaving)
salir can also refer to things physically going out (e.g., smoke, a report).
- Use: When something emerges or is released
- Example: El sol sale por el este. (The sun rises/goes out through the east.)
You can use *salir* for leaving, going out socially, and things coming out.
Common Phrases with Salir
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Salir bien/mal | To turn out well/bad |
| Salir de casa | To leave the house |
| Salir con alguien | To go out with someone (romantically) |
| Salir a tiempo/tarde | To leave on time/late |
| Salir adelante | To get ahead/succeed |
*salir con alguien* means to date or go out with someone romantically.
Metaphorically, *salir* is used for results (salir bien) and progress (salir adelante).
Conclusion
salir is a versatile, irregular verb essential for describing departures, social outings, and even things that emerge. Learning its core meanings and conjugations opens up real-world communication in Spanish.
- Root meanings: to leave, to go out, to date (in context)
- Irregular in “yo” present, with some unique forms
- Used for people, social events, relationships, and even objects or phenomena
*salir* means to leave or to go out.
The 'yo' form is 'salgo.'
*salir* is also used for going out socially and dating.