quitar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Verb

Phonetic Transcription

• /kiˈtaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To take away
• To remove
• To get rid of

Meaning and Usage

The verb "quitar" in Spanish is primarily used to indicate the action of taking something away from a place or person, or removing something. It signifies the act of eliminating or extracting an object, or even a situation. The word is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, and is considered fairly frequent in everyday conversation.

Example Sentences

1. Quiero quitar las manchas de la camisa.

2. I want to remove the stains from the shirt.

3. Tienes que quitar el polvo de los muebles.

4. You have to dust the furniture.

5. Voy a quitarme los zapatos antes de entrar.

6. I will take off my shoes before entering.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Quitar" is often used in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Below are some common idiomatic phrases that involve "quitar".

1. Quitar el sueño
2. Meaning: To lose sleep over something.

3. Example: Las preocupaciones me quitan el sueño.

   • My worries keep me awake.

4. Quitar de en medio

5. Meaning: To remove someone or something from a situation.

6. Example: Tienes que quitar de en medio a esa gente.

   • You need to remove those people from the situation.

7. Quitar las ganas

8. Meaning: To take away someone's desire to do something.

9. Example: Su comentario me quitó las ganas de continuar.

   • His comment took away my desire to continue.

10. Quitar el aliento

11. Meaning: To take one's breath away.
12. Example: La vista desde la montaña me quitó el aliento.
    • The view from the mountain took my breath away.

Etymology

The word "quitar" comes from the Latin word "quietare," which means "to quiet" or "to put away." The evolution of the word reflects a transition towards the meaning of taking something away or removing it.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Sacar (to take out)
• Eliminar (to eliminate)
• Remover (to remove)

Antonyms

• Poner (to put)
• Agregar (to add)
• Colocar (to place)

"Quitar" serves as a versatile verb in the Spanish language across various contexts, making it essential for both conversational and written communication.