The phrase dejar de lado is a common idiom used in the Spanish language. It can be translated to English as “to put aside”, “to set aside”, or “to leave behind”. This idiomatic expression is often used in everyday conversation, literature, and media.
| Context | Example Sentence |
| In personal relationships | “Después de nuestra discusión, decidimos dejar de lado nuestras diferencias y seguir adelante juntos.” |
| In business or work settings | “Para poder cumplir con el plazo de entrega, tuvimos que dejar de lado otros proyectos menos urgentes.” |
| In decision-making processes | “Al tomar una decisión importante, es necesario dejar de lado las emociones y pensar en los hechos objetivos.” |
This idiom can also be combined with other words to create new expressions that convey slightly different meanings. For example:
- “Dejar algo/a alguien de lado”: To neglect something/someone or not pay attention to it/them.
- “Dejar algo/a alguien a un lado”: To move something/someone to the side or out of the way.
- “Dejar algo/a alguien al margen”: To leave something/someone aside or out of consideration.
Origins and Historical Context of the Spanish Idiom “dejar de lado”
The phrase dejar de lado is a common idiom in the Spanish language that has been used for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the early days of Spain, when it was commonly used to describe the act of putting something aside or setting it apart from other things.
Over time, this phrase evolved to take on a more metaphorical meaning, referring to the act of ignoring or neglecting something or someone. This could be anything from a task or responsibility to a person’s feelings or needs.
Throughout history, there have been many instances where this idiom has played an important role in shaping Spanish culture and society. For example, during times of political turmoil or social unrest, people may have used this phrase as a way to express their frustration with those in power who were not addressing their concerns.
Today, dejar de lado remains an important part of everyday conversation in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries around the world. Whether used casually among friends or in more formal settings like business meetings or political debates, this idiom continues to serve as a powerful tool for expressing ideas and emotions in the Spanish language.
Usage and Variations of the Spanish Idiom “dejar de lado”
When it comes to expressing oneself in Spanish, idioms play a crucial role in conveying meaning beyond the literal translation of words. One such idiom is dejar de lado, which can be roughly translated as “to put aside” or “to set aside.” This phrase has several variations that are commonly used in different contexts, each with its own nuances.
One common variation is dejar algo de lado, which means to leave something aside or to neglect something. For example, if someone says “Dejé mi trabajo de lado para pasar tiempo con mi familia,” they mean that they neglected their work to spend time with their family.
Another variation is dejar a alguien de lado, which means to exclude or ignore someone. For instance, if someone says “No me invitaron a la fiesta y me dejaron de lado,” they mean that they were excluded from the party and ignored by others.
Additionally, there’s also the expression no dejar nada por el camino (not leaving anything on the way), which means not missing any opportunity or leaving anything undone. It implies being thorough and attentive in everything one does.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Spanish Idiom “dejar de lado”
When it comes to understanding idioms in a foreign language, it’s important to not only know their literal translation but also their cultural context. The Spanish idiom dejar de lado is no exception. This phrase can be translated as “to set aside” or “to put aside,” but its meaning goes beyond just physically moving something out of the way.
In Spanish culture, dejar de lado implies neglecting or ignoring someone or something that should be given attention. It can also mean abandoning an idea or project without giving it proper consideration. To fully grasp the nuances of this idiom, let’s explore some synonyms and antonyms that will help us better understand its usage.
Synonyms:
– Ignorar: to ignore
– Desatender: to neglect
– Descuidar: to neglect/carelessness
– Abandonar: to abandon
Antonyms:
– Prestar atención: to pay attention
– Atender: to attend/assist
– Cuidar: take care of/tend
Cultural Insights:
In Spain, personal relationships are highly valued and considered essential for building trust and establishing successful business partnerships. Therefore, using the phrase dejar de lado when referring to people can be seen as disrespectful or rude. It’s important always to show respect and consideration towards others in both personal and professional settings.
Practical Exercises for the Spanish Idiom “dejar de lado”
Here are some practical exercises to help you better understand and use the Spanish idiom dejar de lado:
Exercise 1: Conversation Practice
Find a language partner or tutor and engage in a conversation where you intentionally use the phrase dejar de lado. Start with simple sentences like, “Dejé mi teléfono de lado mientras estudiaba” (I set my phone aside while studying) and gradually work your way up to more complex sentences that convey deeper meanings.
Exercise 2: Reading Comprehension
Read articles or short stories in Spanish that use the phrase dejar de lado. As you read, try to identify how it’s being used in context and what message it’s conveying. You can even highlight or write down examples of its usage for future reference.
- “Decidí dejar mis miedos de lado y perseguir mis sueños.”
- “Es importante dejar las diferencias políticas de lado y trabajar juntos por el bien común.”
Exercise 3: Writing Practice
Write short paragraphs using the phrase dejar de lado. You can write about personal experiences, opinions on current events, or fictional scenarios. The goal is to practice incorporating this idiom into your writing naturally.
- I decided to leave my worries behind and focus on the present moment. (Decidí dejar mis preocupaciones de lado y enfocarme en el momento presente.)
- We need to put our differences aside and work together towards a common goal. (Tenemos que dejar nuestras diferencias de lado y trabajar juntos hacia un objetivo común.)
By practicing these exercises, you’ll become more comfortable using the Spanish idiom dejar de lado in everyday conversations, reading materials, and writing assignments. Remember that language learning is a process, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes and keep practicing!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Spanish Idiom “dejar de lado”
When it comes to using idioms in a foreign language, it can be easy to make mistakes. The Spanish idiom dejar de lado is no exception. This phrase can be translated as “to put aside” or “to leave behind,” but there are some common mistakes that learners of Spanish should avoid when using this expression.
Avoiding Literal Translations
Using It Incorrectly in Context
Another mistake that learners of Spanish make when using this idiom is not understanding its proper context. The phrase dejar de lado is often used when talking about putting something aside or leaving something behind in order to focus on something else. However, if used incorrectly, it can lead to confusion or misunderstandings.
- Incorrect: Dejé mi teléfono móvil de lado mientras estaba en el trabajo.
- Correct: Dejé mis preocupaciones laborales de lado para disfrutar del fin de semana.
In the incorrect example above, the speaker uses dejar de lado to mean physically putting their phone aside while at work. In contrast, the correct example uses the expression correctly by referring to leaving work-related worries behind during leisure time.