The Verb to Drop

Question

I need some help in understanding how to conjugate the verb "to drop" which in Spanish is dejar caer - is it dejar that's conjugated or caer? I'm quite confused with this one.

Answer 1

dejar caer literally mean "to let fall", so you would conjugate the "dejar", but I think it's more natural to use "caerse" plus an indirect object.

It depends. In English things can drop, or you can drop things yourself. The former is "caer" or "caerse", depending on how the motion is described, and the latter is "dejar caer" when it is purposefully or carelessly, and "caérsele a alguien" when it is accidental.

Muchas gracias! - Luciente, Apr 12, 2011

Answer 2

According to the Oxford Spanish Dictionary there are two different constructions you might use here depending on whether you want to say that, someone:

1 Accidentally dropped somethingYou would use the verb caerse : e,g,: se me cayó la taza = I dropped the cup

or

2 Deliberately dropped something dejar caer is used for this situation literally meaning to let fall or allow somthing to fall so you would conjugate dejar ...as Luciente correctly said;

I hope this helps

Certainly does. Thanks much - croberts, Apr 12, 2011

You were much more clearer than I was. Thanks! - Luciente, Apr 12, 2011

That's Kind of you to say so:) I tend to go into quite lot of detail which can sometimes be a good thing lol - FELIZ77, Apr 12, 2011

Also, I don't know why I said "more clearer". :( Sad English moment - Luciente, Apr 12, 2011

Answer 3

dejar caer literally mean "to let fall", so you would conjugate the "dejar", but I think it's more natural to use "caerse" plus an indirect object.

Literally: "The book fell to me." for "I dropped the book." (Se me cayó el libro)?

Answer 4

You would only conguate dejar dejo caer dejas caer etc.

Answer 5

What about when you want to tell someone not to drop something?

For instance, I tried to tell a friend, "Don't drop your phone in the water[lake]"

Al principio, pensé «No tira tu celular en el agua» pero entonces le dije: «No caigate el celular en el agua.»

Obviamente, no fue correcto... para nada.

Que es eso?... y por favor explique la razón. Muchas gracias!!