Lael logo

retirar means to withdraw — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 28, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

retirar

verb • /[re-tee-RAR]/

to withdraw

Example:

Voy a retirar dinero del cajero.

I'm going to withdraw money from the ATM.

🧠 What does retirar mean?

The verb 'retirar' primarily means 'to withdraw' or 'to take out', most commonly used when taking money from a bank or ATM. It also means 'to remove' or 'to take away' an object from a place. In its reflexive form, 'retirarse', it has several important meanings: 'to retire' from a job or career, 'to retreat' or move back from a position, or 'to withdraw' from a competition or activity. It can also be used to mean 'to go to bed' or go to a private space.

📚 Extra examples

  • Tuve que retirar dinero del cajero para pagar la cena.
    I had to withdraw money from the ATM to pay for dinner.
  • El camarero retiró los platos vacíos de la mesa.
    The waiter removed the empty plates from the table.
  • Después de 40 años en la empresa, mi abuelo se retiró.
    After 40 years at the company, my grandfather retired.
  • El equipo se retiró del campo en señal de protesta.
    The team retreated from the field as a sign of protest.
  • La tenista se retiró del torneo debido a una lesión.
    The tennis player withdrew from the tournament due to an injury.

💡 Did You Know?

While both 'retirarse' and 'jubilarse' can mean 'to retire', there is a subtle difference. 'Jubilarse' refers specifically to stopping work permanently, usually upon reaching retirement age and receiving a pension. 'Retirarse' is broader; one can retire from a specific career, a sport, or public life at any age, or simply retreat from a situation for a short time.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "retirar"

Synonyms: sacar, quitar, apartar, jubilarse
Opposites: depositar, ingresar, poner, colocar, avanzar

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to withdraw' in Spanish?
The most common verb for 'to withdraw' is 'retirar', especially for withdrawing money. 'Sacar' is also frequently used in this context.
How do you pronounce 'retirar' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is reh-tee-RAHR. The 'r' at the beginning and end are soft, tapped 'r' sounds.
How do you use 'retirar' in a sentence?
A common example is: 'Voy a retirar cien dólares del banco.' (I am going to withdraw one hundred dollars from the bank.)
What is the English translation of 'retirar'?
The primary English translation is 'to withdraw'. It can also mean 'to remove', 'to take away', and in its reflexive form, 'to retire' or 'to retreat'.
Does 'retirar' change for gender or number?
As a verb, 'retirar' does not change for gender or number. It is conjugated according to the subject pronoun and the tense.
Is 'retirar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'retirar' is a very common and practical verb used in daily situations like banking, cleaning, and talking about work or competitions.
Does 'retirar' have slang or double meanings?
'Retirar' itself does not have common slang meanings. However, the reflexive form 'retirarse' has multiple established meanings, such as to retire from work, to retreat, or even to go to bed for the night.
Is 'retirar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The use of 'retirar' is quite standard across the Spanish-speaking world. In some regions, 'sacar' might be more common for withdrawing money, but 'retirar' is universally understood.
How do you conjugate 'retirar' in Spanish?
'Retirar' is a regular -ar verb. For the pronoun 'yo' (I), the conjugations are: 'retiro' (present), 'retiré' (preterite), 'retiraba' (imperfect), and 'retiraré' (future).

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store