Mastering “Stop Saying That” in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning how to tell someone to “stop saying that” in Spanish is crucial for effective communication, setting boundaries, and expressing your feelings. This phrase can be used in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to more formal settings. Understanding the nuances of different Spanish phrases and their appropriate usage will help you navigate social interactions with confidence and sensitivity. This article is designed for English speakers learning Spanish, providing a detailed breakdown of the various ways to express this sentiment, along with examples, usage rules, common mistakes, and practice exercises.

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the linguistic tools to communicate your message clearly and respectfully. By mastering these phrases, you’ll not only improve your Spanish fluency but also enhance your ability to engage in meaningful conversations and build stronger relationships. This comprehensive guide aims to cover all aspects, ensuring you feel prepared in any situation.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition and Usage
3. Structural Breakdown
4. Variations of “Stop Saying That”
5. Examples
6. Usage Rules
7. Common Mistakes
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
10. FAQ
11. Conclusion

Definition and Usage

The concept of “stop saying that” in Spanish can be expressed in several ways, each with its own nuance and level of formality. The most common translation is “Deja de decir eso,” but other options include “No digas eso,” “Para de decir eso,” and more emphatic versions like “¡Basta de decir eso!” The choice of phrase depends on the context, your relationship with the speaker, and the urgency or intensity of your request.

Classification: These phrases are primarily imperative sentences, used to give a direct command or make a request. They can also function as expressions of annoyance or frustration.

Function: The primary function is to halt the speaker from continuing to say something that is considered offensive, irritating, or simply unwanted. It’s a way to set a boundary and express your discomfort or disapproval.

Contexts: These phrases are applicable in a wide range of scenarios:

• Casual Conversations: Among friends or family members, you might use a more informal expression.
• Formal Settings: In professional environments, a more polite and indirect approach may be necessary.
• Arguments: During disagreements, a stronger, more direct phrase might be used.
• Children: When addressing children, a simpler and clearer command is often preferred.

Structural Breakdown

Let’s break down the structure of the most common phrases:

1. “Deja de decir eso”
   • Deja: Imperative form of the verb dejar (to leave, to stop).
   • de: Preposition (of, from).
   • decir: Infinitive form of the verb decir (to say).
   • eso: Demonstrative pronoun (that).

   Therefore, the literal translation is “Stop from saying that,” which is idiomatically translated as “Stop saying that.”

2. “No digas eso”
   • No: Negative adverb (no, not).
   • digas: Present subjunctive form of the verb decir (to say). This is used in negative commands.
   • eso: Demonstrative pronoun (that).

   The literal translation is “Don’t say that.”

3. “Para de decir eso”
   • Para: Imperative form of the verb parar (to stop).
   • de: Preposition (of, from).
   • decir: Infinitive form of the verb decir (to say).
   • eso: Demonstrative pronoun (that).

   Similar to “Deja de decir eso,” the literal translation is “Stop from saying that,” which is idiomatically “Stop saying that.”

Understanding the individual components of these phrases helps in grasping the underlying grammar and allows you to adapt them to different situations.

Variations of “Stop Saying That”

There are several variations you can use to express “stop saying that” in Spanish, each with slightly different connotations. Here’s a breakdown:

Formal vs. Informal

The level of formality depends on your relationship with the person you’re addressing. Here’s how to adjust your language:

• Informal: “Deja de decir eso,” “No digas eso,” “Para de decir eso”
• Formal: “Por favor, no diga eso,” “Le ruego que no diga eso” (I beg you not to say that)

Emphasis

To add emphasis, you can use stronger words or exclamations:

• Emphasis: “¡Basta de decir eso!,” “¡Ya basta de decir eso!,” “Deja de decir eso, por favor!,” “¡Cállate! (rude, use with caution)”

Specificity

You can be more specific about what you want them to stop saying:

• Specific: “Deja de decir tonterías” (Stop saying nonsense), “No digas esas cosas” (Don’t say those things)

Politeness

To be more polite, you can add softening phrases:

• Polite: “¿Podrías dejar de decir eso?,” “¿Te importaría no decir eso?” (Would you mind not saying that?)

Examples

Here are some examples of how to use these phrases in different contexts:

Basic Examples

This table presents basic examples of the most common phrases, showing their direct translation and a sample context.

Spanish Phrase	English Translation	Context
Deja de decir eso.	Stop saying that.	When someone is repeating a hurtful comment.
No digas eso.	Don’t say that.	When someone is about to reveal a secret.
Para de decir eso.	Stop saying that.	When someone is complaining excessively.
¡Basta de decir eso!	Enough of saying that!	When someone is being extremely annoying.
Ya basta de decir eso.	That’s enough of saying that.	When someone is repeatedly making offensive jokes.
Por favor, no digas eso.	Please, don’t say that.	When someone is about to say something inappropriate in a formal setting.
Deja de decir tonterías.	Stop saying nonsense.	When someone is making ridiculous claims.
No digas esas cosas.	Don’t say those things.	When someone is making offensive remarks.
¿Podrías dejar de decir eso?	Could you stop saying that?	When you want to be polite and indirect.
¿Te importaría no decir eso?	Would you mind not saying that?	When you want to be very polite and avoid confrontation.
Deja de hablar de eso.	Stop talking about that.	When someone is discussing a sensitive topic.
No hables de eso.	Don’t talk about that.	When someone is about to reveal private information.
Para de hablar de eso.	Stop talking about that.	When someone is dwelling on a negative subject.
¡Basta de hablar de eso!	Enough of talking about that!	When someone is obsessively discussing an unpleasant event.
Ya basta de hablar de eso.	That’s enough of talking about that.	When a discussion is becoming unproductive and repetitive.
Por favor, no hables de eso.	Please, don’t talk about that.	When you want to avoid a topic in a polite manner.
Deja de inventar cosas.	Stop making things up.	When someone is fabricating stories.
No inventes cosas.	Don’t make things up.	When someone is spreading false information.
¿Podrías dejar de inventar cosas?	Could you stop making things up?	When you want to politely point out that someone is lying.
¿Te importaría no inventar cosas?	Would you mind not making things up?	When you want to very politely correct someone’s fabrications.

Contextual Examples

This table provides examples in different scenarios, illustrating how the choice of phrase can vary based on the situation.

Scenario	Spanish Phrase	English Translation
A friend is making fun of your new haircut.	Deja de burlarte de mi corte de pelo.	Stop making fun of my haircut.
Someone is spreading rumors about a colleague.	No difundas esos rumores.	Don’t spread those rumors.
A child is repeating a swear word they heard.	Para de decir esa grosería.	Stop saying that swear word.
Someone is constantly interrupting you.	¡Basta de interrumpirme!	Enough of interrupting me!
Your partner is bringing up a past mistake.	Ya basta de recordarme eso.	That’s enough of reminding me of that.
A student is making inappropriate jokes in class.	Por favor, no haga esos comentarios.	Please, don’t make those comments.
Someone is exaggerating a story to make it more exciting.	Deja de exagerar la historia.	Stop exaggerating the story.
Someone is making hurtful comments about someone’s appearance.	No hagas comentarios sobre su apariencia.	Don’t make comments about their appearance.
You want to politely ask someone to stop gossiping.	¿Podrías dejar de chismear?	Could you stop gossiping?
You want to very politely ask someone to stop complaining.	¿Te importaría no quejarte tanto?	Would you mind not complaining so much?
A friend is constantly talking about their ex.	Deja de hablar de tu ex.	Stop talking about your ex.
Someone is revealing spoilers for a TV show.	No reveles spoilers.	Don’t reveal spoilers.
A child is repeating a phrase they don’t understand.	Para de repetir eso si no sabes lo que significa.	Stop repeating that if you don’t know what it means.
Someone is constantly making negative predictions.	¡Basta de ser tan pesimista!	Enough of being so pessimistic!
Your roommate is constantly reminding you of your chores.	Ya basta de recordarme mis tareas.	That’s enough of reminding me of my chores.
A colleague is making offensive jokes about a different culture.	Por favor, no haga esos chistes.	Please, don’t make those jokes.
Someone is constantly making excuses for their behavior.	Deja de poner excusas.	Stop making excuses.
Someone is making assumptions about your intentions.	No asumas mis intenciones.	Don’t assume my intentions.
You want to politely ask someone to stop spreading negativity.	¿Podrías dejar de ser tan negativo?	Could you stop being so negative?
You want to very politely ask someone to stop interrupting your work.	¿Te importaría no interrumpir mi trabajo?	Would you mind not interrupting my work?

Examples with Subjunctive

This table focuses on examples using the subjunctive mood, which is common in more formal or polite requests.

Spanish Phrase	English Translation	Context
No quiero que digas eso.	I don’t want you to say that.	Expressing a desire to avoid a specific statement.
Es importante que no digas eso.	It’s important that you don’t say that.	Emphasizing the importance of not making a particular statement.
Te pido que no digas eso.	I ask you not to say that.	Making a formal request to avoid a specific statement.
Prefiero que no digas eso.	I prefer that you don’t say that.	Expressing a preference to avoid a specific statement.
Es necesario que no digas eso.	It’s necessary that you don’t say that.	Emphasizing the necessity of avoiding a particular statement.
Dudo que debas decir eso.	I doubt you should say that.	Expressing doubt about the appropriateness of a statement.
No creo que sea apropiado que digas eso.	I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to say that.	Questioning the appropriateness of a statement in a formal context.
Ojalá que no digas eso.	I hope you don’t say that.	Expressing a hope to avoid a specific statement.
Me sorprende que digas eso.	It surprises me that you say that.	Expressing surprise at a statement.
No me gusta que digas eso.	I don’t like that you say that.	Expressing dislike for a specific statement.
No quiero que hables de eso.	I don’t want you to talk about that.	Expressing a desire to avoid a specific topic.
Es importante que no hables de eso.	It’s important that you don’t talk about that.	Emphasizing the importance of not discussing a particular topic.
Te pido que no hables de eso.	I ask you not to talk about that.	Making a formal request to avoid a specific topic.
Prefiero que no hables de eso.	I prefer that you don’t talk about that.	Expressing a preference to avoid a specific topic.
Es necesario que no hables de eso.	It’s necessary that you don’t talk about that.	Emphasizing the necessity of avoiding a particular topic.
Dudo que debas hablar de eso.	I doubt you should talk about that.	Expressing doubt about the appropriateness of discussing a topic.
No creo que sea apropiado que hables de eso.	I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to talk about that.	Questioning the appropriateness of discussing a topic in a formal context.
Ojalá que no hables de eso.	I hope you don’t talk about that.	Expressing a hope to avoid a specific topic.
Me sorprende que hables de eso.	It surprises me that you talk about that.	Expressing surprise at the discussion of a topic.
No me gusta que hables de eso.	I don’t like that you talk about that.	Expressing dislike for the discussion of a specific topic.

Usage Rules

Understanding the grammar rules behind these phrases is essential for correct usage. Here are some key points to remember:

• Imperative Mood: The phrases “Deja de decir eso” and “Para de decir eso” use the imperative mood, which is used to give direct commands. Make sure you conjugate the verb dejar or parar correctly. For the tú form, it’s deja and para.
• Subjunctive Mood: When using “No digas eso,” the verb decir is in the present subjunctive mood (digas) because it’s a negative command. In Spanish, negative commands are formed using the subjunctive.
• Formality: Remember to adjust your language based on the context and your relationship with the speaker. Use more formal phrases like “Por favor, no diga eso” in professional settings or when addressing someone you don’t know well.
• Pronoun Placement: When using pronouns, be mindful of their placement. For example, instead of saying “Deja de decirme eso,” which is correct, make sure you understand the difference between direct and indirect object pronouns.
• Clarity: Ensure your message is clear and unambiguous. Avoid using overly complex language that might confuse the listener.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes that learners make when using these phrases:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
No dices eso.	No digas eso.	Using the indicative mood (dices) instead of the subjunctive (digas) in a negative command.
Deje de decir eso.	Deja de decir eso.	Using the formal imperative form (deje) when addressing someone informally (tú).
Parar de decir eso.	Para de decir eso.	Forgetting to conjugate the verb parar in the imperative mood.
¡Basta decir eso!	¡Basta de decir eso!	Omitting the preposition de after basta.
No decir eso.	No digas eso.	Using the infinitive instead of the correct subjunctive form.
No quiero que dices eso.	No quiero que digas eso.	Using the indicative mood (dices) instead of the subjunctive (digas) after “quiero que” in a negative context.
Es importante que no dices eso.	Es importante que no digas eso.	Using the indicative mood (dices) instead of the subjunctive (digas) after “es importante que” in a negative context.
Te pido que no dices eso.	Te pido que no digas eso.	Using the indicative mood (dices) instead of the subjunctive (digas) after “te pido que” in a negative context.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice exercises:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences with the correct form of “stop saying that” in Spanish.

Question	Answer
Por favor, ________ (decir) esas cosas.	Por favor, no digas esas cosas.
________ (dejar) de molestarme con eso.	Deja de molestarme con eso.
________ (parar) de hablar de eso, es muy aburrido.	Para de hablar de eso, es muy aburrido.
¡________ (bastar) de decir tonterías!	¡Basta de decir tonterías!
No quiero que tú ________ (decir) eso nunca más.	No quiero que tú digas eso nunca más.
Es importante que no ________ (decir) nada a nadie.	Es importante que no digas nada a nadie.
Prefiero que no ________ (hablar) de ese tema.	Prefiero que no hables de ese tema.
Te pido que no ________ (mencionar) su nombre.	Te pido que no menciones su nombre.
________ (dejar) de inventar historias.	Deja de inventar historias.
¿Te importaría no ________ (repetir) eso?	¿Te importaría no repetir eso?

Exercise 2: Translation

Translate the following sentences into Spanish.

English	Spanish
Stop saying those lies.	Deja de decir esas mentiras.
Don’t say that again.	No digas eso otra vez.
Enough of saying the same thing!	¡Basta de decir lo mismo!
Please, don’t talk about my family.	Por favor, no hables de mi familia.
I don’t want you to say that in front of the children.	No quiero que digas eso delante de los niños.
It’s important that you don’t mention this to anyone.	Es importante que no menciones esto a nadie.
Could you stop making so much noise?	¿Podrías dejar de hacer tanto ruido?
Would you mind not interrupting me?	¿Te importaría no interrumpirme?
Stop exaggerating everything!	¡Deja de exagerar todo!
Stop making excuses.	Deja de poner excusas.

Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Phrase

Select the most appropriate phrase for each situation.

Situation	Options	Correct Answer
A friend is repeatedly making offensive jokes.	a) No digas eso. b) ¡Basta de decir eso! c) ¿Podrías dejar de decir eso?	b) ¡Basta de decir eso!
You want to politely ask a colleague to stop gossiping.	a) Deja de chismear. b) No chismees. c) ¿Podrías dejar de chismear?	c) ¿Podrías dejar de chismear?
A child is repeating a swear word.	a) Para de decir eso. b) No digas eso. c) ¡Cállate!	a) Para de decir eso. or b) No digas eso.
Someone is constantly interrupting you during a meeting.	a) ¡Basta de interrumpirme! b) No me interrumpas. c) ¿Te importaría no interrumpirme?	a) ¡Basta de interrumpirme! or c) ¿Te importaría no interrumpirme?
You want to formally request someone to stop spreading rumors.	a) No difundas esos rumores. b) Te pido que no difundas esos rumores. c) Deja de difundir esos rumores.	b) Te pido que no difundas esos rumores.
A friend is constantly complaining about their life.	a) Para de quejarte. b) Deja de quejarte. c) Ya basta de quejarte.	c) Ya basta de quejarte.
You want to politely ask someone to stop talking about a sensitive topic.	a) No hables de eso. b) ¿Te importaría no hablar de eso? c) Deja de hablar de eso.	b) ¿Te importaría no hablar de eso?
Someone is making assumptions about your intentions.	a) No asumas mis intenciones. b) Deja de asumir mis intenciones. c) ¿Podrías dejar de asumir mis intenciones?	a) No asumas mis intenciones.
You are tired of someone constantly making excuses.	a) Deja de poner excusas. b) No pongas excusas. c) ¡Basta de poner excusas!	c) ¡Basta de poner excusas!
You want to politely correct someone who is spreading false information.	a) No inventes cosas. b) ¿Podrías dejar de inventar cosas? c) Deja de inventar cosas.	b) ¿Podrías dejar de inventar cosas?

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects:

• Idiomatic Expressions: Explore idiomatic ways to express similar sentiments, such as “¡Corta el rollo!” (Cut the crap!) or “¡Déjame en paz!” (Leave me alone!). Note that these expressions can be quite informal and even rude.
• Regional Variations: Be aware that the preferred phrasing can vary by region. For example, some regions might favor “Deja de” while others prefer “Para de.”
• Subtleties of Tone: Pay attention to your tone of voice and body language, as these can significantly impact how your message is received. A phrase delivered with a smile can be interpreted very differently than one delivered with a frown.

FAQ

1. What’s the difference between “Deja de decir eso” and “Para de decir eso”?

   Both phrases essentially mean “stop saying that,” but “Deja de decir eso” is slightly more common and versatile. “Para de decir eso” is equally correct but might sound slightly less natural in certain contexts. The choice often comes down to personal preference.

2. Is “No digas eso” rude?

   “No digas eso” is generally not considered rude, but its tone can depend on the context and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. Adding “por favor” (please) can soften the tone and make it more polite.

3. When should I use the formal “Por favor, no diga eso”?

   Use “Por favor, no diga eso” in formal settings, such as professional environments, when addressing someone you don’t know well, or when speaking to someone older than you. It shows respect and politeness.

4. What’s the best way to express strong disapproval?

   For strong disapproval, you can use phrases like “¡Basta de decir eso!” or “¡Ya basta de decir eso!” These phrases convey a sense of frustration and indicate that you’ve had enough.

5. How can I be more polite when asking someone to stop saying something?

   To be more polite, use phrases like “¿Podrías dejar de decir eso?” or “¿Te importaría no decir eso?” These are indirect questions that soften the command and show consideration for the other person’s feelings.

6. Are there any regional variations in how people say “stop saying that”?

   Yes, there can be regional variations. While “Deja de decir eso” and “No digas eso” are widely understood, some regions might prefer other expressions. For example, in some Latin American countries, you might hear variations using different verbs or idiomatic phrases.

7. Can I use “Cállate” to tell someone to stop saying something?

   While “Cállate” literally means “shut up,” it is generally considered rude and should be used with extreme caution. It’s best to avoid this phrase unless you’re in a very informal setting with someone you know very well and you’re prepared for a potentially negative reaction.

8. How do I know when to use the subjunctive mood?

   The subjunctive mood is often used in Spanish to express doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty. In the context of “stop saying that,” it’s used in negative commands (“No digas eso”) and after certain expressions like “No quiero que…” (I don’t want you to…) and “Es importante que…” (It’s important that…).

Conclusion

Mastering the various ways to say “stop saying that” in Spanish is an essential skill for any language learner. From the basic “Deja de decir eso” to the more formal “Por favor, no diga eso,” each phrase carries its own nuance and level of politeness. Understanding these nuances, along with the underlying grammar, will enable you to communicate effectively and respectfully in a wide range of situations. Remember to consider the context, your relationship with the speaker, and the desired level of emphasis when choosing the appropriate phrase.

By practicing the examples and exercises provided in this guide, you can build your confidence and fluency in Spanish. Pay attention to common mistakes and strive to use the correct verb tenses and moods. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you’ll be well-equipped to express yourself clearly and assertively in Spanish-speaking environments. Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they are a natural part of the learning process.