Spanish Phrase
Mejor quitarse todos los objetos metálicos.
Meaning
The sentence advises that it is preferable to remove every metal item you are wearing or carrying. It is commonly heard in security or medical contexts where metal can interfere with equipment.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are about to go through a security checkpoint (airport, concert venue), before entering an MRI room, or any situation where metal objects must be taken off for safety reasons.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Mejorquitarsetodoslosobjetosmetálicos
Mejor (adverb)
Used as a comparative adverb meaning 'better'; often starts a suggestion and can imply an omitted verb like 'sería'.
quitarse (reflexive infinitive)
Reflexive form of 'quitar' meaning 'to take off/remove oneself'; the subject is understood (you/one).
todos (indefinite adjective)
Means 'all' and must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
los (definite article)
Plural masculine article that matches 'objetos'.
objetos (noun)
Masculine plural noun meaning 'objects' or 'items'.
metálicos (adjective)
Adjective meaning 'metallic', agrees in gender and number with 'objetos' and carries an accent on the 'a'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Puedo pasar con mi reloj y mi cinturón?
Can I go through with my watch and belt?
Mejor quitarse todos los objetos metálicos.
Better to remove all metal objects.
✕Common Mistakes
Mejor quitar todos los objetos metálicos.
The verb must be reflexive here; 'quitar' without 'se' would mean 'to take away' something else, not 'to take off yourself'.
Mejor quitarse todos los objetos metalicos.
Missing the accent on the 'a' in 'metálicos' changes the stress pattern.
Mejor quítese todos los objetos metálicos.
Using the imperative 'quítese' changes the tone to a direct command; the original phrase is a suggestion, not a command.
↔Alternatives
Es mejor quitarse todos los objetos metálicos.
It is better to remove all metal objects.
Sería conveniente retirar todos los objetos metálicos.
It would be advisable to take off all metal items.
Le recomendamos retirar todos los objetos metálicos.
We recommend that you remove all metal objects.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking airports and hospitals, staff will use this short, elliptical construction. The word 'mejor' at the beginning implies a missing verb like 'sería' or 'es', which is perfectly natural in spoken Spanish. Using the reflexive 'quitarse' sounds more informal and friendly than the more formal 'retirar'. Remember the accent on 'metálicos' – omitting it changes the pronunciation and can look sloppy in writing.