SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to With Friends

Spanish Phrase

No puedo dejar de escuchar.

/no ˈpwe.ðo ðeˈxaɾ ðe es.kuˈʧaɾ/
Meaning"I can't stop listening."
💡

Meaning

This phrase literally translates to "I cannot stop to listen." It's used to express that you are so engrossed or captivated by something you are hearing that you are unable to stop. It conveys a strong sense of engagement or addiction to the sound.

🎯

When to use

Use this phrase when you are really enjoying a song, a podcast, an audiobook, or even a captivating conversation, and you don't want it to end. It's perfect for expressing how much you're hooked on something auditory.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Nopuedodejar deescuchar

1

No puedo

'No puedo' means 'I cannot' or 'I can't'. 'No' negates the verb 'poder' (to be able to), which is conjugated in the first person singular present tense as 'puedo'.

2

dejar de + infinitive

This is a common verbal periphrasis meaning 'to stop doing something' or 'to quit an action'. It's crucial to use the infinitive form of the second verb (e.g., escuchar, hablar, comer) after 'dejar de'.

3

escuchar

This is the infinitive verb 'to listen'. In this construction, it directly follows 'dejar de' to specify the action that one cannot stop doing.

🗨In Conversation

A

Esta canción es increíble, ¿verdad?

This song is incredible, right?

¡Sí! No puedo dejar de escuchar.

Yes! I can't stop listening.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • No puedo parar de escuchar.

    While 'parar de' also means 'to stop doing something', 'dejar de' is more commonly and idiomatically used in Spanish to express 'to stop doing' or 'to quit' an action, especially when referring to an ongoing activity you're unable to cease.

  • No puedo dejar de escuchando.

    After 'dejar de', you must use the infinitive form of the verb (escuchar), not the gerund (escuchando). The structure is always 'dejar de + infinitive'.

↔Alternatives

  • Estoy enganchado/a a esto.

    I'm hooked on this.

  • Me encanta escuchar esto.

    I love listening to this.

  • No me canso de oírlo.

    I don't get tired of hearing it.

es

Cultural Tip

In many Spanish-speaking cultures, music, storytelling, and lively conversations are central to social life. Expressing strong enjoyment or engagement, like being unable to stop listening, is a common and appreciated way to show enthusiasm and connection, whether it's about a new song, a friend's anecdote, or a captivating podcast.