salir con alguien
Lemma Details
Translation: to date someone; to go out with someone
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines the verb 'salir' (to go out, to leave) with the preposition 'con' (with) and the indefinite pronoun 'alguien' (someone). 'Salir' comes from Latin 'salire' meaning 'to leap, jump' which evolved to mean 'to exit' in Spanish. The phrase as a whole has taken on the romantic connotation of dating in modern usage, similar to how English uses 'going out with someone'.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Juan está saliendo con María desde hace tres meses.
Juan has been dating María for three months.
¿Estás saliendo con alguien actualmente?
Are you dating anyone currently?
Mis padres no saben que salgo con Roberto.
My parents don't know that I'm dating Roberto.
Salí con él durante dos años antes de casarnos.
I dated him for two years before we got married.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'salir' (to go out) + 'con' (with) as literally 'going out with' someone, which has the same romantic connotation in English.
- Imagine a couple 'saliendo' (leaving) a house together, symbolizing their relationship status.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'salir con alguien' typically implies a romantic relationship that may range from casual dating to a more serious commitment. The phrase is widely used across all Spanish-speaking countries, though some regions might prefer local variations. Dating customs vary across Spanish-speaking countries, but this phrase is universally understood to refer to romantic involvement.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'salir con alguien' implies a romantic relationship, 'salir con amigos' simply means going out with friends in a non-romantic context.
Confused word:
Carlos está saliendo con sus amigos esta noche.
Carlos is going out with his friends tonight.
Notes: Context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended, but the romantic connotation is the default when talking about 'salir con' one specific person.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'alguien' (someone) suggests one special person, while 'amigos' (friends) clearly indicates a group outing.
Explanation: 'Salir con alguien' implies an ongoing romantic relationship, while 'quedar con alguien' typically means to meet up with someone (which could be romantic or platonic).
Notes: 'Quedar con alguien' can sometimes have romantic implications depending on context, but it doesn't inherently suggest a relationship like 'salir con alguien' does.
Mnemonic: 'Salir' suggests an ongoing activity (dating), while 'quedar' suggests a specific appointment or meeting.