Diese Seite in deiner Sprache

English

فارسی

العربية

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 verb #1,700 am häufigsten 9 Min. Lesezeit

quitar

Top 1,700

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps quitar in 30 Sekunden

Erklärung quitar in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'quitar' is introduced as a simple action verb meaning 'to remove' or 'to take away'. Learners focus on physical objects and basic household chores. The most common phrase is 'quitar la mesa' (to clear the table). At this stage, students learn the present tense conjugation and how to use it with direct objects. The concept of 'taking something away' is very literal. For example, 'Yo quito el libro de la silla' (I take the book off the chair). The focus is on building a basic vocabulary for daily life, where 'quitar' helps describe cleaning or tidying up. Students also begin to see it in the context of simple math, like 'quitar uno' (take away one). The grammatical structure is kept simple: Subject + Verb + Object. No complex pronouns are usually introduced yet.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the A2 level, the use of 'quitar' expands significantly with the introduction of the reflexive form 'quitarse'. This is crucial for daily routines, specifically for taking off clothes ('quitarse la ropa', 'quitarse los zapatos'). Learners also start using 'quitar' with indirect object pronouns to show who something is being taken from ('Le quito el juguete'). The range of objects increases to include abstract things like 'quitar el dolor' (to take away pain). A2 students learn to distinguish 'quitar' from 'sacar' (to take out) and 'llevar' (to take/carry). They also encounter the imperative form in common commands like '¡Quita eso!' (Take 그것 away!). The focus is on practical, everyday communication and describing personal habits and physical sensations.

By B1, students use 'quitar' in more idiomatic and figurative ways. They understand phrases like 'quitar el sueño' (to worry someone/keep them awake) and 'quitarle importancia' (to downplay something). The grammar becomes more complex as 'quitar' is used in the past tenses (Preterite and Imperfect) and the present subjunctive. For example, 'No creo que eso te quite el hambre' (I don't think that will take away your hunger). Learners also start to use 'quitar' in the context of social and professional interactions, such as 'quitar obstáculos' (to remove obstacles). The distinction between 'quitar' and more formal synonyms like 'retirar' or 'eliminar' begins to form. B1 learners can describe processes, such as how to remove a stain or how a law was removed.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the B2 level, 'quitar' is used with nuance and in complex sentence structures. Learners are comfortable with idiomatic expressions like 'quitarle hierro al asunto' (to downplay the importance of a matter) or 'quitarse el sombrero' (to express admiration). They can use 'quitar' in the conditional and all subjunctive tenses. The verb appears in more formal contexts, such as legal or political discussions ('quitar derechos', 'quitar subsidios'). B2 students understand the subtle difference between 'quitar' and 'despojar' or 'privar'. They can also use 'quitar' in passive constructions or with 'se' for unplanned events ('Se me quitó el dolor'). The focus is on fluency, idiomatic accuracy, and the ability to use the verb in both casual and professional registers.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C1 level, 'quitar' is used with full mastery, including its most subtle and literary applications. Learners can use it to express complex philosophical or psychological removals, such as 'quitarse la máscara' (to reveal one's true self). They are familiar with rare or regional uses and can distinguish between 'quitar' and its most formal counterparts like 'erradicar' or 'suprimir' in academic writing. C1 students can use 'quitar' in sophisticated rhetorical devices. They also understand the historical etymology and how the verb has evolved. The focus is on precision, style, and the ability to use 'quitar' to convey specific emotional or structural tones in both written and spoken Spanish. They can analyze the use of 'quitar' in literature and film.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C2 level, 'quitar' is a tool for absolute precision. The speaker or writer can use it to navigate the most delicate linguistic situations, choosing it over synonyms to achieve a specific rhythmic or tonal effect. They are aware of the most obscure idioms and can use 'quitar' in highly technical legal, medical, or scientific contexts where the exact nature of 'removal' is critical. C2 mastery involves understanding how 'quitar' interacts with the entire Spanish grammatical system to produce subtle shades of meaning, such as using it in the 'se' accidental construction to deflect responsibility or in the 'dative of interest' to emphasize personal impact. The verb is used with the ease of a native speaker, reflecting a deep cultural and linguistic integration.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

quitar in 30 Sekunden

Quitar is a versatile Spanish verb meaning to remove, take away, or clear. It is used for physical objects and abstract concepts.
The reflexive form 'quitarse' is essential for daily routines, specifically for taking off clothing or accessories from oneself.
It is commonly used in medical contexts to describe the relief of pain or symptoms, such as 'quitar el dolor'.
Grammatically, it often uses indirect object pronouns (me, te, le) to indicate who is being deprived of an object.

The Spanish verb quitar is a fundamental pillar of the language, primarily functioning as a transitive verb that denotes the action of removing, taking away, or displacing something from its original position or possessor. At its core, it represents the act of separation. Whether you are removing a physical object from a surface, stripping away a layer of clothing, or metaphorically relieving someone of a burden, 'quitar' is the go-to term. Understanding 'quitar' requires a grasp of its spatial and possessive implications. It often implies that something was 'there' or 'belonged' to someone, and now, through the action of the verb, it is gone. This distinguishes it from verbs like 'sacar' (to take out from inside) or 'llevar' (to carry away to another location).

Physical Removal: The most common use is the physical act of moving an object. For example, 'quitar el polvo' (to remove dust) or 'quitar las manchas' (to remove stains). It suggests a cleaning or clearing action.

Por favor, quita los libros de la mesa para que podamos cenar.

Deprivation and Loss: In a more abstract sense, 'quitar' is used when someone is deprived of something they possess, such as rights, money, or even life. 'Le quitaron el carné de conducir' (They took away his driver's license).

La crisis le quitó todas sus esperanzas de comprar una casa.

Relief of Sensation: It is frequently used in medical or physical contexts to describe the cessation of pain or discomfort. 'Esta medicina te quitará el dolor de cabeza' (This medicine will take away your headache).

Un vaso de agua fría me quitó la sed de inmediato.

No me quites la razón sin escuchar mis argumentos primero.

El gobierno decidió quitar los subsidios al transporte público.

In summary, 'quitar' is about subtraction, removal, and relief. It covers everything from clearing a table to stripping off a coat, and from losing a job to curing a fever. Its versatility makes it an indispensable verb for any Spanish learner at the A2 level and beyond.

Mastering 'quitar' involves understanding its syntax, particularly how it interacts with indirect objects and its reflexive form. The grammatical structure of 'quitar' often follows the pattern: [Subject] + [Indirect Object Pronoun] + [Verb] + [Direct Object]. This is used when you are taking something away *from* someone. For example, 'Le quité el juguete al niño' (I took the toy away from the child). Here, 'le' and 'al niño' represent the person from whom the object is removed.

The Reflexive Form: Quitarse: When 'quitar' becomes 'quitarse', the action is performed on oneself. This is primarily used for clothing, accessories, or parts of the body (metaphorically). 'Me quito los zapatos' (I take off my shoes). Note that in Spanish, we use the definite article (los) rather than the possessive adjective (mis) because the reflexive pronoun 'me' already indicates possession.

Al llegar a casa, siempre me quito el abrigo y lo cuelgo.

Quitar vs. Sacar: A common confusion for English speakers is between 'quitar' and 'sacar'. Use 'quitar' for removing something from a surface or a person. Use 'sacar' for taking something out of a container, a pocket, or a room. You 'quitas' a stain from a shirt, but you 'sacas' a pen from your pocket.

¿Puedes quitar las llaves de encima del sofá?

Idiomatic Usage: 'Quitar' appears in many idioms. 'Quitar el hipo' (to cure hiccups) or 'Quitar el sueño' (to keep someone awake/worry them). These uses are less about physical removal and more about the cessation of a state.

Este problema me quita el sueño todas las noches.

Si quitamos los gastos innecesarios, podremos ahorrar más.

No te quites importancia; tu ayuda fue fundamental.

Whether you are cleaning, dressing, or debating, 'quitar' provides the structural framework for expressing the removal of objects and ideas. Pay close attention to the indirect object pronouns, as they are the key to sounding natural when using this verb in a social context.

The verb 'quitar' is ubiquitous in Spanish-speaking environments, appearing in a wide range of contexts from domestic chores to professional settings. In the home, you will hear it most frequently in relation to cleaning and organization. Parents often tell their children to 'quitar la mesa' (clear the table) after a meal, or to 'quitarse los zapatos' before entering the living room. It is the language of daily maintenance and order.

In the Kitchen and Dining Room: Waiters and hosts use 'quitar' when clearing dishes. '¿Puedo quitarle el plato?' (May I take your plate?). It is also used in recipes: 'Quitar la piel del tomate' (Remove the tomato skin).

El camarero quitó las copas vacías con mucha elegancia.

In Medical and Health Contexts: Doctors and pharmacists use 'quitar' to discuss the elimination of symptoms. 'Este jarabe quita la tos' (This syrup removes the cough). It is also used for surgical procedures: 'Quitar un lunar' (To remove a mole).

Me han tenido que quitar los puntos de la operación hoy.

In Legal and Official Situations: Official documents often use 'quitar' when referring to the revocation of rights or the removal of restrictions. 'Quitar una multa' (to waive a fine) or 'Quitar la custodia' (to take away custody).

El juez decidió quitar los cargos por falta de pruebas.

¡No me quites el sitio, que yo estaba aquí primero!

La lluvia quitó el calor sofocante de la tarde.

From the casual 'quítate de ahí' (get out of there) in the street to the formal 'quitar obstáculos' (remove obstacles) in a business meeting, 'quitar' is a versatile tool that adapts to every level of Spanish society. Its frequency in speech makes it one of the most practical verbs to master for real-world interaction.

Even though 'quitar' seems straightforward, learners often stumble over its nuances, especially when comparing it to similar English concepts or other Spanish verbs. The most frequent error is the confusion between 'quitar' and 'sacar'. While both can be translated as 'to take away' or 'to take out', their usage is distinct. 'Sacar' implies moving something from an enclosed space to the outside (like taking a wallet out of a pocket), whereas 'quitar' implies removing something from a surface or taking it away from someone.

Mistake 1: Quitar vs. Sacar: Incorrect: 'Voy a quitar dinero del cajero'. Correct: 'Voy a sacar dinero del cajero'. You use 'sacar' because the money is inside the machine. Use 'quitar' for 'quitar la nieve' (remove snow from the ground).

No digas 'quitar la basura'; lo correcto es 'sacar la basura' al contenedor.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the Reflexive for Clothing: Learners often say 'Quito mi chaqueta' instead of 'Me quito la chaqueta'. In Spanish, when you remove your own clothing, the reflexive 'se' is mandatory to indicate that the action is performed on yourself.

Recuerda: siempre quitarse el sombrero al entrar en la iglesia.

Mistake 3: Quitar vs. Llevar: 'Llevar' means to take something to a destination. 'Quitar' means to remove it from its current spot. If you take a book to the library, use 'llevar'. If you remove a book from a shelf, use 'quitar'.

Si quitas la silla de aquí, ponla en su sitio original.

Es un error común usar 'quitar' para decir 'to delete' un archivo; aunque se entiende, 'borrar' es más preciso.

No confundas 'quitar' con 'quedarse'; son acciones opuestas.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will not only speak more accurately but also sound more like a native speaker. Pay attention to the 'from where' and 'from whom' of the action to choose the right verb every time.

While 'quitar' is the most general term for removal, Spanish offers a rich palette of synonyms that provide more specific nuances. Choosing the right word depends on the context—whether it's physical, formal, or abstract. Understanding these distinctions will elevate your Spanish from basic to sophisticated.

Retirar vs. Quitar: 'Retirar' is more formal and often implies moving something back or away to a safe or designated place. You 'retiras' money from a bank (formally) or 'retiras' troops from a battlefield. 'Quitar' is more everyday and direct.

El banco retiró el producto del mercado por seguridad.

Eliminar vs. Quitar: 'Eliminar' suggests a complete eradication or deletion. You 'eliminas' a file from a computer or 'eliminas' a competitor from a race. 'Quitar' might just mean moving it aside.

Debemos eliminar las distracciones para poder estudiar mejor.

Extraer vs. Quitar: 'Extraer' is used when force or a specific tool is needed to remove something from within. A dentist 'extrae' a tooth, or a scientist 'extrae' DNA. 'Quitar' is much simpler and less technical.

El cirujano extrajo la bala con mucho cuidado.

A veces, apartar la vista es la única forma de no sufrir.

Si despojas a alguien de sus bienes, estás cometiendo un robo.

By learning these synonyms, you can tailor your language to the specific situation. Use 'quitar' for your daily needs, but don't be afraid to reach for 'retirar' or 'eliminar' when the context demands more precision or formality.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Reflexive pronouns

Indirect object pronouns

Definite articles with body parts

Imperative mood

Dative of interest

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Beispiele nach Niveau

Yo quito la mesa después de comer.

I clear the table after eating.

Present indicative, 1st person singular.

Ella quita el libro de la silla.

She takes the book off the chair.

Simple transitive use.

¿Puedes quitar el vaso de aquí?

Can you take the glass away from here?

Interrogative with modal 'poder'.

Nosotros quitamos las flores viejas.

We remove the old flowers.

Present indicative, 1st person plural.

Él quita el polvo de los muebles.

He dusts the furniture.

Common collocation: quitar el polvo.

Quita la mano de la mesa.

Take your hand off the table.

Imperative (tú) form.

Ellos quitan la nieve de la puerta.

They remove the snow from the door.

Physical removal from a surface.

A diez le quitas dos y son ocho.

Take two from ten and it's eight.

Mathematical usage.

Me quito la chaqueta porque hace calor.

I take off my jacket because it's hot.

Reflexive: quitarse.

¿Te quitas los zapatos al entrar?

Do you take off your shoes when entering?

Reflexive: quitarse.

Le quité el caramelo al niño.

I took the candy away from the child.

Indirect object pronoun 'le'.

Esta pastilla te quita el dolor.

This pill takes away your pain.

Abstract removal of sensation.

No me quites el mando de la tele.

Don't take the TV remote away from me.

Negative imperative with pronouns.

Se quitó el sombrero para saludar.

He took off his hat to say hello.

Reflexive preterite.

Quítate de la luz, por favor.

Move out of the light, please.

Reflexive imperative: get out of the way.

Le quitaron el móvil en el colegio.

They took his phone away at school.

Deprivation/Confiscation.

Ese ruido me quita el sueño.

That noise keeps me awake.

Idiom: quitar el sueño.

No le quites importancia a lo que pasó.

Don't downplay what happened.

Idiom: quitar importancia.

Espero que esta crema me quite la mancha.

I hope this cream removes the stain.

Subjunctive after 'espero que'.

El gobierno quitó los impuestos al pan.

The government removed the taxes on bread.

Formal removal of a regulation.

Si te quitas el miedo, podrás hacerlo.

If you get rid of your fear, you'll be able to do it.

Reflexive with abstract concept.

Me quitaron una muela ayer.

I had a tooth pulled yesterday.

Medical removal (extraction).

Quitaron la película de la cartelera.

They took the movie off the listings.

Removal from a schedule.

Quítale las pilas al juguete.

Take the batteries out of the toy.

Imperative with indirect object.

Hay que quitarle hierro al asunto.

We need to downplay the matter.

Idiom: quitar hierro.

Me quito el sombrero ante tu valentía.

I take my hat off to your bravery.

Idiom of admiration.

Se me ha quitado el hambre de repente.

My hunger has suddenly vanished.

Accidental 'se' construction.

Le quitaron la patria potestad.

They stripped him of parental rights.

Legal terminology.

No me quites la razón sin pruebas.

Don't tell me I'm wrong without proof.

Idiom: quitar la razón.

El ayuntamiento quitó las vallas ayer.

The city council removed the fences yesterday.

Public works context.

Quítate esa idea de la cabeza.

Get that idea out of your head.

Reflexive with mental concept.

La huelga quitó las ganas de viajar.

The strike took away the desire to travel.

Abstract cause and effect.

La nueva ley quita las trabas burocráticas.

The new law removes bureaucratic hurdles.

Metaphorical removal in formal context.

Se quitó la máscara y mostró su verdadera cara.

He took off the mask and showed his true face.

Literary/Metaphorical.

Nada me quita el sabor amargo de la derrota.

Nothing takes away the bitter taste of defeat.

Abstract emotional removal.

El autor quita todo adorno innecesario a su prosa.

The author strips his prose of all unnecessary ornament.

Stylistic removal.

Le quitaron la vida en un duelo.

They took his life in a duel.

Euphemism for killing.

Quitarse de en medio es a veces lo más sabio.

Stepping aside is sometimes the wisest thing.

Reflexive idiom: to step aside.

La inflación le quita valor a nuestros ahorros.

Inflation takes value away from our savings.

Economic context.

Quisiera quitarle el velo de misterio al proyecto.

I would like to remove the veil of mystery from the project.

Figurative expression.

La sentencia le quita toda legitimidad al proceso.

The ruling strips the process of all legitimacy.

High-level legal register.

No por mucho madrugar se quitan las penas.

Waking up early doesn't take away sorrows.

Variation of a proverb.

El tiempo no quita, sino que sedimenta los recuerdos.

Time doesn't take away, but rather settles memories.

Philosophical usage.

Se quitó de encima la responsabilidad con una excusa.

He shrugged off the responsibility with an excuse.

Complex reflexive idiom.

La poda quita las ramas superfluas para fortalecer el árbol.

Pruning removes superfluous branches to strengthen the tree.

Technical/Agricultural.

Quitar el hipo a la economía requiere medidas drásticas.

Curing the economy's hiccups requires drastic measures.

Advanced metaphorical idiom.

Su discurso le quitó el aliento a la audiencia.

His speech took the audience's breath away.

Idiom: quitar el aliento.

El frío le quitó el color a sus mejillas.

The cold drained the color from her cheeks.

Literary description.

Häufige Kollokationen

quitar el polvo

quitar la mesa

quitar el dolor

quitar el sueño

quitar importancia

quitar las manchas

quitar la sed

quitar el hambre

quitar la ropa

quitar la razón

Häufige Phrasen

quitarse de en medio

quitarle hierro

quitar el hipo

quitar el aliento

quitar de la vista

quitar de la lista

quitar la palabra

quitar la vida

quitar el sitio

quitar las ganas

Wird oft verwechselt mit

quitar vs sacar

quitar vs llevar

quitar vs retirar

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"quitar el sueño"

"quitarle hierro al asunto"

"quitarse el sombrero"

"quitar la razón"

"quitar el hipo"

"quitar de en medio"

"quitar el aliento"

"quitar la venda de los ojos"

"quitar el habla"

"quitar las telarañas"

Leicht verwechselbar

quitar vs sacar

To take out from inside something.

quitar vs llevar

To take something to another place.

quitar vs quedarse

To stay (the opposite of removing oneself).

quitar vs quite

Subjunctive of quitar, not 'quite' (bastante).

quitar vs restar

Specifically for mathematical subtraction or diminishing value.

Satzmuster

Registriere dich kostenlos, um alle Beispiele zu sehen

So verwendest du es

nuance

Quitar implies a loss for the source, while sacar implies a gain for the destination.

regional

In some Caribbean regions, 'quitar' is used more frequently than 'sacar'.

Häufige Fehler

Reflexive pronoun and definite article are required for clothing.
Money is inside the bank/ATM, so use 'sacar'.
You take the trash 'out' of the house, so use 'sacar'.
If you are moving it to a destination, use 'llevar'.
Symptoms 'leave' you; use the accidental 'se' or simple transitive.

Tipps

Reflexive Rule

Always use 'quitarse' for clothing. 'Me quito el abrigo' is correct, 'Quito mi abrigo' is not.

Surface vs. Interior

Use 'quitar' for things on top of something, 'sacar' for things inside something.

Politeness

When asking someone to move, '¿Te puedes quitar?' is better than '¡Quítate!'.

Medical

Use 'quitar' for symptoms. It sounds very natural to say 'se me quitó la tos'.

Formal Synonyms

In essays, consider using 'retirar' or 'suprimir' for a more professional tone.

Pronoun Clues

If you hear 'le quité', someone lost something. The 'le' tells you who.

Chores

'Quitar la mesa' is the standard way to say 'clear the table' in every Spanish home.

Worry

Use 'quitar el sueño' to describe deep anxiety about a specific problem.

Subtraction

Teach kids math using 'quitar'. It's the most intuitive word for subtraction.

Self-Removal

Use 'quitarse' to mean 'to get out of the way' or 'to move oneself'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'quitting' a job as 'removing' yourself from it. Quitar = Remove.

Wortherkunft

From Medieval Latin 'quittare', meaning 'to free' or 'to release'.

Kultureller Kontext

Clearing the table is often a shared task in domestic life.

Always 'quitarse el sombrero' or 'quitarse las gafas de sol' when speaking to someone formally.

Some believe 'quitar la sal' (passing salt directly) is bad luck.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"¿Me puedes quitar esto de aquí?"

"¿Qué te quita el sueño por las noches?"

"¿A qué edad te quitaste los ruedines de la bici?"

"¿Crees que deberían quitar los exámenes?"

"¿Cómo te quitas el estrés después del trabajo?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Escribe sobre algo que te quita el sueño.

Describe tu rutina de quitarse la ropa al llegar a casa.

¿Qué cosas quitarías de tu ciudad para mejorarla?

Relata una vez que te quitaron algo importante.

¿Cómo te quitas las preocupaciones de la cabeza?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Quitar se usa para superficies o posesiones (quitar el polvo, quitar un juguete). Sacar se usa para el interior de algo (sacar las llaves del bolsillo).

Se dice 'quitarse la ropa'. Es importante usar el pronombre reflexivo 'se'.

Sí, se puede decir 'quitar de la lista', pero para archivos digitales es más común usar 'borrar' o 'eliminar'.

Es una expresión que significa que algo te preocupa tanto que no puedes dormir.

Sí, es un verbo regular terminado en -ar en todos sus tiempos.

Se usa para la resta. Por ejemplo: 'A cinco le quitas dos y quedan tres'.

Significa apartarse para no estorbar o dejar de participar en un asunto.

Sí, es muy común: 'Esta aspirina quita el dolor de cabeza'.

En español, con partes del cuerpo y ropa, usamos el reflexivo y el artículo definido, no el posesivo.

Significa tratar de que un problema parezca menos grave o importante de lo que es.

Registriere dich kostenlos für Tipps & Notizen