“¡Alto!”: How to Say “Stop” in Spanish

Are you wondering how to say “stop” in Spanish? Whether you’re traveling in a Spanish-speaking country or improving your language skills, knowing how to say “stop” can be crucial. This guide will walk you through various ways to express “stop” in Spanish, covering different contexts and levels of formality.

Common Ways to Say “Stop” in Spanish

1. ¡Alto!

“Alto” is one of the most common ways to say “stop” in Spanish. It’s direct and widely understood.

Examples:

• “¡Alto! No puedes entrar aquí.” (Stop! You can’t enter here.)
• “¡Alto ahí!” (Stop right there!)
• “El ladrón se dio al alto cuando vio a la policía.” (The thief came to a stop when he saw the police.)

2. ¡Pare!

“Pare” is another common way to say “stop,” often seen on stop signs in many Spanish-speaking countries.

Examples:

• “¡Pare el coche inmediatamente!” (Stop the car immediately!)
• “Pare de hablar, por favor.” (Stop talking, please.)
• “La máquina no quiere parar.” (The machine doesn’t want to stop.)

3. ¡Detente!

“Detente” is a more formal way to say “stop” and is often used as a command.

Examples:

• “¡Detente ahora mismo!” (Stop right now!)
• “Detente a pensar antes de actuar.” (Stop to think before acting.)
• “El tiempo pareció detenerse.” (Time seemed to stop.)

Contextual Uses

1. In Traffic:    – “Stop” on traffic signs: “ALTO” or “PARE”    – To a driver: “¡Para el coche!” (Stop the car!)    – “Detén el vehículo en el próximo semáforo.” (Stop the vehicle at the next traffic light.)
2. To Stop an Action:    – “¡Deja de hacer eso!” (Stop doing that!)    – “¡Basta ya!” (That’s enough! / Stop it!)    – “¡Para de molestar a tu hermana!” (Stop bothering your sister!)
3. In Emergency Situations:    – “¡Alto! ¡Policía!” (Stop! Police!)    – “¡Detente o disparo!” (Stop or I’ll shoot!)    – “¡Pare la máquina, hay un problema!” (Stop the machine, there’s a problem!)

Remember, the tone and context are crucial when using these commands. In formal situations or with people you don’t know well, it’s better to use more polite forms like “Por favor, deténgase” (Please stop).

By mastering these various ways to say “stop” in Spanish, you’ll be well-equipped to handle different situations, from casual conversations to emergencies. Whether you need to say stop in Spanish as a command or in everyday speech, this guide has you covered.