Quiero dejar este libro en casa.

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Breakdown of Quiero dejar este libro en casa.

• querer: to want
• la casa: the house
• el libro: the book
• en: at
• este: this
• dejar: to leave

Questions & Answers about Quiero dejar este libro en casa.

Why is the verb dejar used here, and can it be replaced by other verbs to express leaving something behind?

Dejar means “to leave” or “to leave behind.” In this sentence, it focuses on intentionally leaving the book at home rather than taking it with you. You could use other verbs like poner (to put) in a certain context, but dejar carries the nuance of leaving something behind, which is the core meaning here.

Why do we use en casa instead of a casa or para casa?

En casa means “at home” or “in the house,” indicating location. A casa would imply movement towards home, and para casa would mean “towards home” (as a destination). Since the sentence emphasizes the book’s final location (staying at home), en casa is appropriate.

What is the difference between este libro, ese libro, and aquel libro in Spanish?

Este libro (this book) refers to something close to the speaker, both physically or in terms of context. Ese libro (that book) usually refers to something a bit farther or associated with the listener, and aquel libro (that book over there) indicates something far from both the speaker and the listener. In this sentence, este is used because the speaker is talking about a book presumably close to them or just mentioned.

Why is the sentence Quiero in the present tense?

In Spanish, the present tense here indicates a simple, direct desire: “I want.” It’s the most straightforward way to express an immediate wish or intention. If you wanted to soften it, you might use quisiera (subjunctive/imperfect form) for a more polite request, but quiero is common for direct statements of intent.

Do I always need the infinitive form after quiero?

Yes, in Spanish, when you use querer + another verb, you must follow it with that second verb in the infinitive form (e.g., Quiero comer, Quiero salir). This structure is very similar to saying “I want to eat” or “I want to go out” in English, where “to eat” and “to go out” also share the infinitive form.