dejar caer (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The phrase "dejar caer" is a verbal phrase (infinitive) in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/deˈxaɾ ˈka.eɾ/

Translation Options into English

"Dejar caer" can be translated as: - "to let fall" - "to drop"

Meaning and Usage

"Dejar caer" refers to the act of allowing something to fall or dropping something, often without intention. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly encountered in everyday spoken Spanish rather than in written language.

Example Sentences

1. No quiero dejar caer el vaso.

2. I don't want to let the glass fall.

3. Ella decidió dejar caer el libro sobre la mesa.

4. She decided to drop the book on the table.

5. Puedes dejar caer la pelota si quieres.

6. You can let the ball fall if you want.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Dejar caer" appears in several idiomatic expressions in Spanish, often implying not just the physical act of dropping something but also hints of letting go or revealing information casually.

1. Dejar caer una pista
2. To drop a hint.

3. Siempre deja caer una pista sobre lo que realmente quiere.

   • He always drops a hint about what he really wants.

4. Dejar caer la careta

5. To drop the mask (reveal true intentions).

6. Al final, dejó caer la careta y mostró su verdadera personalidad.

   • In the end, he dropped the mask and showed his true personality.

7. Dejar caer la bomba

8. To drop a bombshell (reveal surprising news).

9. Cuando dejó caer la bomba, todos se quedaron en shock.

   • When he dropped the bombshell, everyone was left in shock.

10. Dejar caer los brazos

11. To let one's arms fall (to give up).
12. Después de tantos intentos fallidos, decidió dejar caer los brazos.
    • After so many failed attempts, he decided to give up.

Etymology

The phrase "dejar caer" stems from the Spanish verb "dejar," meaning "to let" or "to allow," combined with "caer," which means "to fall." The combination conveys the act of permitting something to fall or be dropped.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Soltar (to release) - Caer (to fall) - when used in the context of dropping something.

Antonyms: - Agarrar (to grab) - Sostener (to hold)

This comprehensive overview provides insight into the usage and meaning of "dejar caer" in the Spanish language.