Two common verbs in Spanish that relate to leaving are dejar and salir. However, they are not interchangeable — each has its own meaning and usage. This guide explains the differences between dejar and salir, plus example sentences to illustrate.
Meanings and Uses
Dejar
Dejar means “to leave behind”, “to let”, or “to stop” — depending on context. When it relates to leaving, it’s about leaving something in a place or abandoning something.
- Often followed by a direct object (something you leave behind).
- Can also mean “to allow” (e.g., dejar + infinitive = let do something).
- Can mean “to stop doing something” (e.g., dejar de fumar = to quit smoking).
Salir
Salir means “to go out” or “to leave (a place)” — focusing on the act of departing or exiting.
- Usually used without a direct object.
- Commonly followed by de + place (e.g., salir de la casa).
- Can also mean “to go out” socially (e.g., salir con amigos).
Leaving in Different Contexts
Leaving Something Behind
Leave a letter on the table.
- Dejar una carta en la mesa.
Don’t leave your bags here!
- ¡No dejes tus bolsas aquí!
Note: You cannot use salir* in these sentences because you are not departing, but leaving something behind.
Leaving a Place
Leave the house at 8 a.m.
- Salir de la casa a las 8 a.m.
He left without saying goodbye.
- Salió sin decir adiós.
Note: You cannot use dejar to express physically leaving a place. Dejar* would imply leaving something or someone behind there instead.
Is it correct to say 'dejar la casa' to mean 'leave the house' (physically go out)?
No, 'dejar la casa' means to leave the house behind, not to physically exit it.
'Dejar la casa' means to leave the house behind or abandon it; to physically exit, use 'salir de la casa.'
Letting Someone Do Something (Dejar + Infinitive)
Let me go with you.
- Déjame ir contigo.
My parents let me stay out late.
- Mis padres me dejan salir tarde.
Note: Using salir* here doesn’t work because the meaning is “to allow,” not “to leave.”
Key Takeaways
- Use dejar when you mean “to leave something/someone behind” or “to let/allow.”
- Use salir when you mean “to leave” or “go out” (physically departing a place).
- Dejar usually has an object. Salir usually does not.
- You can use dejar + infinitive to mean “let/allow [someone] do something.”
Which verb means 'to leave' or 'go out' (physically departing a place)?
salir
'Salir' means to physically leave or go out of a place, often with 'de + lugar.'
Examples Summary
| Meaning | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|
| Leave something behind | Dejé las llaves en la mesa. | I left the keys on the table. |
| Leave a place | Salgo de la oficina a las 5. | I leave the office at 5. |
| Let someone do something | Déjame hablar contigo. | Let me talk with you. |
| Leave someone behind | No dejes a tu hermano solo. | Don’t leave your brother alone. |
| Depart socially | Salgo con mis amigos esta noche. | I’m going out with my friends tonight. |
By understanding these distinctions, you can choose the correct verb to express leaving in Spanish.
Flashcards (1 of 5)
- Meaning: Leave something behind
- English Example: I left the keys on the table.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
