When you're at a C2 level in Spanish, you'll encounter 'salir' in a much wider array of contexts than just its basic meanings. For instance, 'salir con' can mean to date someone, as in 'Sale con mi hermana.' (He's dating my sister.) You might also hear 'salir adelante' (to get ahead, to succeed), or 'salir bien/mal' (to turn out well/badly), such as in 'La reunión salió bien.' (The meeting went well.) Additionally, 'salirse con la suya' means to get one's way. Understanding these idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs is key to truly mastering 'salir' at an advanced level.
§ Salir: The Basics
You've learned that salir generally means 'to leave' or 'to go out.' It's a very common and versatile verb. But, like in English, there are several ways to express the idea of 'leaving' in Spanish. Understanding when to use salir versus other verbs is key to sounding natural.
Let's break down the main differences so you can confidently pick the right word every time.
§ Salir vs. Irse
This is perhaps the most common confusion. Both salir and irse can mean 'to leave,' but they emphasize different aspects.
- Salir
- Focuses on the *act of exiting* a place. It often implies movement *out of* something.
Voy a salir de la oficina a las cinco. (I'm going to leave the office at five.)
- Irse
- Focuses on the *act of departing* or *going away* from a place. It emphasizes the destination or the idea of moving on.
Necesito irme temprano hoy. (I need to leave early today.)
You often use salir when you mention *where* you are leaving from, or what you are exiting. Irse is more about simply making your departure, often without specifying the origin.
When you're leaving a building, a room, or a confined space, salir is usually the best choice.
When you're leaving a city, a job, or even a relationship, irse is more appropriate.
§ Salir vs. Dejar
This pair is different. While salir is intransitive (it doesn't take a direct object for 'what' you are leaving), dejar is transitive (it requires a direct object).
- Salir
- To exit, to go out. The subject performs the action of leaving.
Vamos a salir a cenar. (We are going to go out to dinner.)
- Dejar
- To leave (something behind), to abandon, to let/allow. The action is performed *on* an object.
No olvides dejar tus llaves. (Don't forget to leave your keys.)
§ Salir vs. Partir
While less common in everyday conversation for simply 'leaving a place,' partir does mean 'to depart' and can sometimes be used.
- Salir
- General 'to leave/go out' from a specific location.
¿A qué hora vas a salir de casa? (What time are you going to leave home?)
- Partir
- To depart, often with a more formal or fixed schedule connotation, like for travel. It also means 'to cut' or 'to split.' Its use for 'leaving' is more common in written contexts or for scheduled departures (trains, planes).
El tren parte a las siete. (The train departs at seven.)
§ Summary of 'To Leave' Verbs
Here's a quick reference to help you choose:
Salir: To exit, to go out (from a place). Focuses on the act of coming out of something.
Irse: To go away, to depart (from a place). Focuses on the act of moving on from a location.
Dejar: To leave something behind, to abandon, to allow. Requires a direct object.
Partir: To depart (often scheduled travel), to split/cut. More formal or specific.
Practice using these in different contexts, and you'll soon get a feel for which one is most appropriate. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; that's how you learn!
How Formal Is It?
"Permítame notificarle que mi vuelo partirá a las ocho de la mañana. (Allow me to inform you that my flight will depart at eight in the morning.)"
"Necesito salir de la casa temprano para llegar al trabajo a tiempo. (I need to leave the house early to get to work on time.)"
"¡Lárgate de aquí! (Get out of here!)"
"Es hora de irse a casa, cariño. (It's time to go home, honey.)"
"Nos piramos después de la fiesta. (We bailed after the party.)"
Curiosidade
This word is related to the English word 'salient,' meaning 'prominent' or 'jumping out.'
Nível de dificuldade
Common verb, usually clear in context. Some phrasal uses might require more familiarity.
Straightforward usage, but remember the irregular 'yo' form (salgo) and other irregular conjugations.
Frequent in conversation. The 'go' verb irregularity (salgo) is key to practice.
Very common. Can be quickly understood in most simple sentences. Pay attention to context for nuanced meanings.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Exemplos por nível
Después de tanto trabajo, solo quiero salir a bailar y olvidarme de todo.
After so much work, I just want to go out dancing and forget everything.
Here 'salir a' means 'to go out to (do something)'.
Para cuando salgamos de aquí, el sol ya se habrá puesto.
By the time we leave here, the sun will have already set.
'Salgamos' is in the subjunctive mood, used after 'para cuando' (by the time) to express a future hypothetical action.
No puedo creer que su nombre haya salido en la lotería. ¡Qué suerte!
I can't believe their name came up in the lottery. What luck!
'Haya salido' is the present perfect subjunctive, expressing a past event with current relevance or an emotional reaction.
Si las cosas salen bien, estaremos en casa antes de medianoche.
If things turn out well, we'll be home before midnight.
'Salen' refers to how things 'turn out' or 'go'.
A pesar de la lluvia, decidimos salir a caminar por el parque.
Despite the rain, we decided to go out for a walk in the park.
'Salir a caminar' means 'to go out for a walk'.
Cuando salimos de la reunión, todos estábamos de acuerdo con la decisión.
When we left the meeting, we all agreed with the decision.
Simple past tense 'salimos' referring to a completed action.
Es fundamental salir de la rutina de vez en cuando para recargar energías.
It's essential to break free from the routine from time to time to recharge.
'Salir de la rutina' means 'to break free from the routine' or 'to get out of the routine'.
Me gusta salir con mis amigos los fines de semana, aunque sea solo a tomar un café.
I like to go out with my friends on weekends, even if it's just for coffee.
'Salir con' means 'to go out with' (people).
Expressões idiomáticas
"Salir con alguien"
To date someone; to go out with someone romantically.
Está saliendo con un chico nuevo. (She's dating a new guy.)
neutral"Salir de fiesta"
To go out to party; to go out and have fun.
¿Quieres salir de fiesta esta noche? (Do you want to go out and party tonight?)
neutral"Salir adelante"
To get ahead; to overcome difficulties; to succeed.
Después de la crisis, le costó mucho salir adelante. (After the crisis, it was very hard for him to get ahead.)
neutral"Salir bien/mal"
To turn out well/badly; to go well/badly.
Espero que todo salga bien con el examen. (I hope everything goes well with the exam.)
neutral"Salir corriendo"
To run out; to leave in a hurry.
Cuando vio la hora, salió corriendo para no llegar tarde. (When he saw the time, he ran out so as not to be late.)
neutral"Salir por la tangente"
To dodge the question; to avoid the topic.
Siempre sale por la tangente cuando le preguntan por sus planes. (He always dodges the question when they ask him about his plans.)
informal"Salir de dudas"
To clear up doubts; to get rid of uncertainty.
Le preguntaré para salir de dudas. (I'll ask him to clear up my doubts.)
neutral"Salir a flote"
To stay afloat (financially); to come to light; to emerge.
Pudimos salir a flote a pesar de los problemas económicos. (We were able to stay afloat despite the economic problems.)
neutral"Salir el sol"
For the sun to rise.
Me gusta ver salir el sol por la mañana. (I like to watch the sun rise in the morning.)
neutral"Salir ganando/perdiendo"
To come out winning/losing; to benefit/suffer (from a situation).
Al final, salió ganando con el trato. (In the end, he came out winning with the deal.)
neutralFamília de palavras
Substantivos
Adjetivos
Origem da palavra
Latin 'salīre'
Significado original: to leap, jump
Indo-European, RomanceContexto cultural
<p>When talking about leaving a place or going out in Spanish, 'salir' is your go-to verb. It's super versatile and you'll hear it constantly in everyday conversations. Think of 'salir' as expressing movement from an inside space to an outside space, or simply departing.</p><p>For example, you can 'salir de casa' (leave the house) or 'salir con amigos' (go out with friends). It's a fundamental verb for expressing social plans or basic movements.</p>
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasThis is a great question that often trips up learners! 'Salir' generally means 'to leave' a place, emphasizing the act of moving out or going out. For example, "Salgo de la casa." (I leave the house.) or "¿Quieres salir esta noche?" (Do you want to go out tonight?). On the other hand, 'dejar' means 'to leave something or someone behind,' or 'to allow/let.' For instance, "Dejé las llaves en la mesa." (I left the keys on the table.) or "Mi madre me dejó ir al concierto." (My mom let me go to the concert.).
The conjugation of 'salir' in the present tense is pretty straightforward, but remember that 'yo' form is irregular! Here's how it goes:
- Yo: salgo (I leave/go out)
- Tú: sales (You leave/go out - informal)
- Él/Ella/Usted: sale (He/She/You leave/go out - formal)
- Nosotros/Nosotras: salimos (We leave/go out)
- Vosotros/Vosotras: salís (You all leave/go out - informal, used in Spain)
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes: salen (They/You all leave/go out - formal/plural)
Absolutely! 'Salir' is very commonly used in Spanish to mean 'to go out on a date' or 'to be dating.' You'll often hear phrases like "Estamos saliendo." (We are dating/going out.) or "¿Quieres salir conmigo?" (Do you want to go out with me?). It's a key phrase for talking about relationships.
There are many useful phrases with 'salir'! Here are a few to get you started:
- Salir bien/mal: to turn out well/badly. "El examen me salió bien." (The exam turned out well for me.)
- Salir de: to leave from. "Salgo de la oficina a las cinco." (I leave the office at five.)
- Salir con: to go out with (friends, for a date). "Voy a salir con mis amigos." (I'm going to go out with my friends.)
- Salir a flote: to come to light, to emerge. "La verdad siempre sale a flote." (The truth always comes to light.)
- Salir corriendo: to run out, to leave in a hurry. "Salió corriendo de la casa." (He ran out of the house.)
'Salir' is an irregular verb. While many of its conjugations follow a predictable pattern, the 'yo' form in the present tense (salgo) is irregular. This makes it a stem-changing verb in some tenses, but for CEFR A2, focusing on the present tense 'yo' form is the most important irregularity to remember.
The most common and direct way to say 'I'm leaving now' using 'salir' is "Salgo ahora." or "Ya salgo." The 'ya' adds a sense of 'already' or 'now, finally' which fits well with leaving.
Yes, absolutely! 'Salir' is perfect for these situations. You can say "Vamos a salir a cenar." (We are going to go out to dinner.) or "¿Quieres salir de fiesta?" (Do you want to go out to a party?). It's a versatile verb for social outings.
For the past tense, you'll mainly use two forms: the preterite and the imperfect.
- Preterite (for completed actions):
Yo: salí (I left/went out)
Tú: saliste (You left/went out)
Él/Ella/Usted: salió (He/She/You left/went out)
Nosotros/Nosotras: salimos (We left/went out)
Vosotros/Vosotras: salisteis (You all left/went out)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes: salieron (They/You all left/went out)
Example: "Salí de casa a las ocho." (I left home at eight.) - Imperfect (for ongoing or habitual actions in the past):
Yo: salía (I used to leave/was leaving)
Tú: salías (You used to leave/were leaving)
Él/Ella/Usted: salía (He/She/You used to leave/was leaving)
Nosotros/Nosotras: salíamos (We used to leave/were leaving)
Vosotros/Vosotras: salíais (You all used to leave/were leaving)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes: salían (They/You all used to leave/were leaving)
Example: "Salía todos los viernes." (I used to go out every Friday.)
Yes, it does have a few other useful meanings! Beyond 'to leave' or 'to go out,' 'salir' can also mean:
- To appear, to come out: "El sol salió." (The sun came out.) or "La noticia salió en el periódico." (The news appeared in the newspaper.)
- To result, to turn out: "Todo salió bien." (Everything turned out well.)
- To rise (e.g., the sun): "El sol sale por el este." (The sun rises in the east.)
- To exit (a highway, a game): "Salimos en la próxima salida." (We exit at the next exit.)
This is another excellent and common question! While both can mean 'to leave,' there's a subtle but important difference. 'Salir' means 'to leave a place' or 'to go out,' focusing on the act of exiting. For example, "Salgo del trabajo." (I leave work.)
'Irse' (which is the reflexive form of 'ir,' to go) means 'to leave' with a stronger sense of 'going away' or 'departing' from a place, often implying a more definitive departure or a change of location. It emphasizes the act of going away. For instance, "Me voy de vacaciones." (I'm leaving for vacation.) or "Ya es tarde, me tengo que ir." (It's late, I have to go/leave.) Think of 'irse' as 'to take oneself away.'
Teste-se 48 perguntas
Yo ____ de casa a las ocho. (I leave home at eight.)
The verb 'salir' is irregular in the 'yo' form. 'Salgo' means 'I leave/go out.'
Ella ____ al parque con sus amigos. (She goes out to the park with her friends.)
For 'ella' (she), the correct form of 'salir' is 'sale'.
Nosotros ____ para ir al cine. (We go out to go to the cinema.)
For 'nosotros' (we), the correct form of 'salir' is 'salimos'.
Tú ____ con tu perro por la mañana. (You go out with your dog in the morning.)
For 'tú' (you, informal singular), the correct form of 'salir' is 'sales'.
Ellos no ____ de casa hoy. (They don't leave home today.)
For 'ellos' (they), the correct form of 'salir' is 'salen'.
Usted ____ a cenar esta noche. (You (formal) go out to dinner tonight.)
For 'usted' (you, formal singular), the correct form of 'salir' is 'sale'.
Which of these means 'to leave'?
'Salir' means 'to leave' or 'to go out'.
What is the correct way to say 'I leave'?
The 'yo' form of 'salir' is 'salgo'.
Which sentence means 'We go out to the park'?
'Nosotros salimos' means 'we go out'.
The verb 'salir' is only used for leaving a place.
'Salir' can also mean 'to go out' for social activities or events.
In the sentence 'Yo salgo de la casa', 'salgo' means 'I leave'.
Yes, 'salgo' is the 'yo' form of 'salir' and means 'I leave'.
'Salir' is an irregular verb.
Yes, 'salir' is irregular because its 'yo' form is 'salgo', not 'salo'.
Write a sentence describing when you usually leave your house in the morning.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Yo salgo de casa a las ocho de la mañana.
Write a sentence saying where you are going out with friends this weekend.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Este fin de semana, salgo al parque con mis amigos.
Write a sentence about what time your brother leaves for work.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mi hermano sale al trabajo a las siete de la mañana.
¿Cuándo sale María de casa?
Read this passage:
María siempre sale de casa temprano para ir a la escuela. Le gusta salir con sus amigos después de clases para jugar al fútbol.
¿Cuándo sale María de casa?
The passage says 'María siempre sale de casa temprano'.
The passage says 'María siempre sale de casa temprano'.
¿Cuándo sale de vacaciones la familia?
Read this passage:
Mi familia sale de vacaciones en verano. Vamos a la playa y salimos a cenar todas las noches.
¿Cuándo sale de vacaciones la familia?
The passage states 'Mi familia sale de vacaciones en verano'.
The passage states 'Mi familia sale de vacaciones en verano'.
¿Con quién va a salir al cine la persona?
Read this passage:
Hoy voy a salir al cine con mi hermana. Queremos ver una película nueva.
¿Con quién va a salir al cine la persona?
The passage says 'voy a salir al cine con mi hermana'.
The passage says 'voy a salir al cine con mi hermana'.
Listen for when they plan to leave home.
Listen for the time question.
Listen for the condition to arrive on time.
Read this aloud:
Voy a salir con mis amigos este fin de semana.
Focus: salir, fin de semana
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Read this aloud:
Siempre salimos a cenar los viernes.
Focus: siempre, salimos, cenar
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
No quiero salir hoy, estoy muy cansado.
Focus: quiero, salir, cansado
Você disse:
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Mañana, después de trabajar, nosotros ___ a cenar.
The subject is 'nosotros' (we), so the correct conjugation of 'salir' is 'salimos'.
Si no te apuras, vas a ___ tarde para la reunión.
After the verb 'ir a' (to be going to), the main verb 'salir' remains in its infinitive form.
Espero que no ___ ningún problema con el proyecto.
The verb 'esperar que' (to hope that) triggers the subjunctive mood, so the correct conjugation of 'salir' is 'salga' (for 'él/ella/usted').
Cuando ___ de casa, asegúrate de cerrar la puerta con llave.
This is an imperative statement directed at 'tú' (you), so the conjugation for 'tú' is 'sales'.
Después de la película, todos ___ del cine en silencio.
The sentence is in the past tense, referring to 'todos' (everyone, they), so the correct preterite conjugation of 'salir' is 'salieron'.
Aunque llueva, tenemos que ___ a comprar la comida.
After 'tener que' (to have to), the main verb 'salir' remains in its infinitive form.
The speaker is talking about a departure time to avoid something.
The speaker mentions a reason for going out.
The speaker is expressing hope about an outcome.
Read this aloud:
Quiero salir de mi zona de confort y probar nuevas experiencias.
Focus: salir
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Es crucial salir a la calle para votar en las elecciones.
Focus: calle
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
¿A qué hora te gustaría salir esta noche?
Focus: gustaría
Você disse:
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You are planning a surprise party for a friend. Write an email to another friend, explaining that you need to 'salir' (leave/go out) early from an event to set up, and asking for their help. Make sure to use 'salir' in a natural context related to exiting a place to go somewhere else for a purpose.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Hola [Nombre del amigo], Espero que todo esté bien. Te escribo porque necesito tu ayuda con algo importante. Como sabes, el viernes es el cumpleaños de [Nombre del festejado], y estoy planeando una fiesta sorpresa para él/ella. La idea es que tengamos que 'salir' un poco antes de la cena de empresa para poder ir a decorar el local. ¿Crees que podrías unirte y ayudarme con eso? Necesitaríamos salir discretamente para que no sospeche nada. Avísame si puedes. Un abrazo, [Tu nombre]
Imagine you are a journalist reporting on an unexpected natural phenomenon. Describe how people had to 'salir' (evacuate/exit) quickly from their homes due to a sudden event. Focus on the urgency and the necessity of leaving a place under duress.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
La madrugada de hoy, los habitantes de la pequeña localidad costera de San Juan tuvieron que 'salir' precipitadamente de sus hogares. Un inusual aumento del nivel del mar, combinado con fuertes vientos, provocó una inundación repentina que dejó a muchos con solo lo puesto. Los equipos de emergencia trabajaron incansablemente para asegurar que todos pudieran salir a salvo de las zonas afectadas. La prioridad fue que nadie quedara atrapado.
You are writing a review for a play. Describe how one of the main characters, in a pivotal moment, decides to 'salir' (make an appearance/come out) from their comfort zone or a hidden place to confront a challenge. Use 'salir' to convey the idea of emerging or making an appearance.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
En el tercer acto, la protagonista, Elara, nos conmueve al decidir 'salir' de su reclusión voluntaria. Tras años escondida en las sombras de su pasado, finalmente encuentra el coraje para enfrentar a su antagonista. Su aparición en el escenario, en ese momento crucial, marca un punto de inflexión en la obra, simbolizando su liberación y su disposición a luchar por su futuro. Fue un momento verdaderamente poderoso.
¿Cuál es el significado más adecuado de 'salir' en el contexto de que la exposición de arte 'va a salir de gira'?
Read this passage:
El director del museo anunció que la exposición de arte moderno iba a 'salir' de gira por varias ciudades europeas el próximo año. Esta es una oportunidad única para que más personas puedan apreciar las obras maestras que normalmente solo están disponibles en la capital. Los preparativos para que las piezas puedan 'salir' del país de forma segura ya están en marcha.
¿Cuál es el significado más adecuado de 'salir' en el contexto de que la exposición de arte 'va a salir de gira'?
En este contexto, 'salir de gira' se refiere a que la exposición viajará y será mostrada en diferentes ciudades, lo cual es una aplicación común del verbo 'salir' para indicar el inicio de un viaje o movimiento hacia fuera de un lugar.
En este contexto, 'salir de gira' se refiere a que la exposición viajará y será mostrada en diferentes ciudades, lo cual es una aplicación común del verbo 'salir' para indicar el inicio de un viaje o movimiento hacia fuera de un lugar.
¿Qué implica 'no lograron salir de la crisis diplomática' en el texto?
Read this passage:
A pesar de las intensas negociaciones, los líderes políticos no lograron 'salir' de la crisis diplomática. Las conversaciones se estancaron y no se vislumbra una solución a corto plazo. La presión internacional para que las partes encuentren una manera de 'salir' de este conflicto es cada vez mayor, pero parece que las diferencias son demasiado profundas.
¿Qué implica 'no lograron salir de la crisis diplomática' en el texto?
Cuando se dice que no lograron 'salir de la crisis', significa que no consiguieron encontrar una solución o una manera de resolver el problema y superarlo. Es una expresión figurada de 'salir' para referirse a la superación de una situación.
Cuando se dice que no lograron 'salir de la crisis', significa que no consiguieron encontrar una solución o una manera de resolver el problema y superarlo. Es una expresión figurada de 'salir' para referirse a la superación de una situación.
¿Cuál es el significado de 'salir a la luz' en el contexto de la verdad que 'comenzó a salir a la luz'?
Read this passage:
Tras meses de investigación, la verdad finalmente comenzó a 'salir' a la luz. Los detalles ocultos del escándalo financiero fueron revelados, y los implicados no tuvieron más remedio que enfrentar las consecuencias. La comunidad esperó ansiosamente que toda la información relevante 'saliera' y se presentara de forma transparente para que se hiciera justicia.
¿Cuál es el significado de 'salir a la luz' en el contexto de la verdad que 'comenzó a salir a la luz'?
La expresión 'salir a la luz' se usa idiomáticamente para indicar que algo que estaba oculto, desconocido o secreto se hace público, se revela o se descubre. Se refiere a la revelación de información.
La expresión 'salir a la luz' se usa idiomáticamente para indicar que algo que estaba oculto, desconocido o secreto se hace público, se revela o se descubre. Se refiere a la revelación de información.
Focus on 'salir derrotado'.
Listen for the metaphorical use of 'salir'.
Note the phrase 'salir adelante'.
Read this aloud:
En retrospectiva, ¿crees que la empresa logró salir airosa de la crisis financiera?
Focus: airosa
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Tras años de dedicación, finalmente pudo salir victorioso de su lucha personal.
Focus: victorioso
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
La novela es tan envolvente que uno no puede salir de su hechizo fácilmente.
Focus: envolvente
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/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Exemplo
In context, `salir` expresses: to leave, to go out.
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