Abandonar vs. dejar
The Spanish words 'abandonar' and 'dejar' both translate to 'to leave' in English, but they are used in different contexts. Understanding these differences can help in selecting the appropriate word for each situation.
Abandonar
The word 'abandonar' means 'to abandon' or 'to leave something or someone with no intention of returning'. It often carries a sense of neglect or desertion.
Él decidió abandonar su casa y mudarse a otra ciudad.
(He decided to abandon his house and move to another city.)
No debes abandonar tus sueños, sigue luchando por ellos.
(You should not abandon your dreams, keep fighting for them.)
El capitán tuvo que abandonar el barco en medio de la tormenta.
(The captain had to abandon the ship in the middle of the storm.)
Dejar
'Dejar' means 'to leave' in a more general sense, often implying a temporary or intentional act without the same connotation of neglect as 'abandonar'. It can also mean 'to stop doing something'.
Voy a dejar mis cosas aquí mientras voy al baño.
(I am going to leave my things here while I go to the bathroom.)
Mañana voy a dejar de fumar por mi salud.
(Tomorrow I am going to stop smoking for my health.)
Puedes dejar el libro en la mesa cuando termines de leerlo.
(You can leave the book on the table when you finish reading it.)
Summary
'Abandonar' implies leaving something or someone behind with no intention of returning and often carries emotional weight, suggesting neglect. In contrast, 'dejar' is more neutral and versatile, used for various situations involving leaving or stopping an action temporarily or permanently.