In Spanish, both dejar and salir express forms of "to leave," but they are used differently. Dejar means "to leave (something behind)" or "to let," focusing on what remains, while salir means "to go out" or "to leave (a place)," emphasizing departure.
- Dejar: to leave (something), to let, to allow
- Salir: to leave (a place), to go out, to depart
Dejar: to leave (something), to let
When you use dejar, the focus is on leaving something behind or allowing something to happen. It's a transitive verb, so it usually needs a direct object.
- Use dejar when you're leaving an object, a message, or someone in a certain state.
- You can also use dejar to mean "to let" or "to allow."
Examples:
- Dejé mi libro en la mesa.
(I left my book on the table.)
→ You leave something behind.
- ¿Puedes dejarme en paz?
(Can you leave me alone?)
→ You leave someone in a state.
- Ella deja salir a los niños después de la escuela.
(She lets the kids go out after school.)
→ You allow.
*Dejar* is used when leaving something behind or letting/allowing something. (Not when leaving as a person.)
*Dejar* means to leave (something) behind or to let/allow.
Salir: to leave (a place), to go out
Salir focuses on the subject's departure from a place or their going out. It's intransitive, so it doesn't take a direct object.
- Use salir when you're talking about someone leaving a location or going out (for fun, work, etc.).
- Commonly used with de to show where someone is leaving from: salir de.
Examples:
- Salgo de la oficina a las seis.
(I leave the office at six.)
→ You leave a place.
- ¿Quieres salir esta noche?
(Do you want to go out tonight?)
→ You go out (for social reasons).
*Salir* is used when the subject leaves a place or goes out (as a person).
*Salir* expresses leaving a place, going out, or departing.
Summary
| Verb | Core Meaning | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dejar | To leave (something), to let | Leaving something behind, allowing | Dejé las llaves allí. |
| Salir | To leave (a place), to go out | When the subject departs or goes out | Salgo de casa temprano. |
*dejar* is used for leaving things or messages behind, or for letting/allowing.
*salir* is used when the subject leaves a place or goes out.
Dejar and salir both involve leaving, but with different focuses: dejar is for leaving things behind or letting something happen, while salir is for departing or going out as a person.*
- Use dejar when something is left behind or when giving permission.
- Use salir when someone leaves a place or goes out.
*Dejar* is correct because you're leaving something behind.
*Salir* is used for leaving a place.
Yes, *dejar* can also mean to let or to allow.