How to Say “Let’s put this behind us” in Spanish

Introduction

Learning how to express reconciliation and moving forward in Spanish is essential for meaningful conversations. Whether you’re resolving a disagreement with a friend, smoothing over a workplace misunderstanding, or healing a relationship, knowing how to say let’s put this behind us in Spanish helps you navigate sensitive situations with cultural awareness and linguistic precision.

The Most Common Translation: Dejemos esto atrás

The most direct and widely used translation for let’s put this behind us in Spanish is dejemos esto atrás. This phrase literally means let’s leave this behind and perfectly captures the spirit of moving forward from a difficult situation.

The verb dejar (to leave) combined with atrás (behind) creates a powerful visual metaphor that Spanish speakers immediately understand. When you use dejemos esto atrás, you’re suggesting that both parties actively choose to move forward together.

Example:
Ya hablamos del problema. Dejemos esto atrás y sigamos adelante.
(We already talked about the problem. Let’s put this behind us and move forward.)

Regional Variations Across the Spanish-Speaking World

Spanish is spoken across numerous countries, and each region has developed its own preferred expressions for reconciliation. Understanding these variations helps you communicate more naturally with native speakers from different backgrounds.

Spain: Pasemos página

In Spain, you’ll frequently hear pasemos página, which literally translates to let’s turn the page. This expression draws from the metaphor of closing one chapter and beginning another, similar to how English speakers might say turn over a new leaf.

Example:
Lo que pasó, pasó. Pasemos página.
(What happened, happened. Let’s turn the page.)

Latin America: Olvidemos el pasado

Throughout Latin American countries, olvidemos el pasado (let’s forget the past) is commonly used. While this phrase is more direct than dejemos esto atrás, it expresses the same desire to move beyond previous conflicts.

Example:
No tiene sentido seguir discutiendo. Olvidemos el pasado.
(There’s no point in continuing to argue. Let’s forget the past.)

Formal vs. Informal Expressions

The level of formality in your reconciliation phrase matters greatly in Spanish-speaking cultures. Choosing the appropriate register shows respect and cultural competence.

Informal Settings

When speaking with friends, family members, or peers, you can use the tú form of verbs. Dejemos esto atrás already uses the nosotros (we) form, which works in both formal and informal contexts. However, you might also hear more casual expressions like:

Ya fue (It’s done/over) – This short, colloquial phrase is extremely common among younger Spanish speakers in casual conversations.

Borrón y cuenta nueva (Clean slate) – Literally meaning erased and new account, this expression suggests starting fresh with no hard feelings.

Example:
Tuvimos nuestras diferencias, pero borrón y cuenta nueva.
(We had our differences, but clean slate.)

Formal or Professional Contexts

In business settings or when addressing someone with respect, you might prefer more formal expressions:

Dejemos este asunto en el pasado (Let’s leave this matter in the past) – The word asunto (matter) adds formality to the statement.

Sería mejor dejar esto atrás (It would be better to leave this behind) – Using the conditional tense softens the suggestion, making it more polite.

Alternative Phrases for Moving Forward

Spanish offers numerous ways to express the concept of reconciliation and moving past difficulties. Each phrase carries slightly different nuances that can help you express exactly what you mean.

Sigamos adelante

Sigamos adelante means let’s move forward and often accompanies other reconciliation phrases. While it doesn’t explicitly mention putting something behind you, it implies moving past obstacles.

Example:
Ya no podemos cambiar lo que pasó. Sigamos adelante.
(We can’t change what happened anymore. Let’s move forward.)

No vale la pena guardar rencor

No vale la pena guardar rencor translates to it’s not worth holding a grudge. This phrase explicitly addresses negative feelings and suggests releasing them.

Example:
Sé que estás molesto, pero no vale la pena guardar rencor.
(I know you’re upset, but it’s not worth holding a grudge.)

Hagamos las paces

Hagamos las paces means let’s make peace and is particularly useful when reconciling after an argument. This phrase has a warm, friendly tone that emphasizes harmony.

Example:
Llevamos días sin hablarnos. Hagamos las paces.
(We haven’t talked in days. Let’s make peace.)

Cultural Context and Usage Tips

Understanding when and how to use reconciliation phrases in Spanish-speaking cultures requires awareness of social dynamics and communication styles.

Direct vs. Indirect Communication

Some Spanish-speaking cultures value direct communication, while others prefer indirect approaches. In countries like Spain and Argentina, people might address conflicts more directly and use phrases like dejemos esto atrás straightforwardly. In contrast, cultures that emphasize harmony might soften these expressions with additional phrases that acknowledge feelings.

The Importance of Acknowledging the Issue

Before suggesting to put something behind you, it’s culturally appropriate in most Spanish-speaking contexts to acknowledge what happened. Jumping straight to reconciliation without validation can seem dismissive.

Example:
Entiendo que te lastimé con mis palabras. Dejemos esto atrás y reconstruyamos nuestra amistad.
(I understand I hurt you with my words. Let’s put this behind us and rebuild our friendship.)

Body Language and Tone

When using reconciliation phrases in Spanish, your tone and body language matter enormously. A warm tone and open posture make phrases like hagamos las paces feel genuine and sincere.

Practical Scenarios and Example Dialogues

Seeing these phrases in realistic contexts helps you understand when and how to use them effectively.

After a Disagreement Between Friends

Ana: Siento mucho haber dicho eso. No fue mi intención herirte.
(I’m very sorry I said that. It wasn’t my intention to hurt you.)

Carlos: Yo también me pasé con mis comentarios. Dejemos esto atrás.
(I also went too far with my comments. Let’s put this behind us.)

In a Workplace Setting

Manager: Hubo malentendidos en el proyecto anterior, pero sería mejor dejar esto atrás y concentrarnos en nuestros próximos objetivos.
(There were misunderstandings in the previous project, but it would be better to leave this behind and focus on our next goals.)

Between Family Members

Hermana: Ya no quiero pelear más contigo. Borrón y cuenta nueva.
(I don’t want to fight with you anymore. Clean slate.)

Hermano: Tienes razón. Hagamos las paces.
(You’re right. Let’s make peace.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Language learners often make predictable errors when trying to express reconciliation in Spanish. Being aware of these mistakes helps you communicate more accurately.

Literal Translation Errors

Avoid translating put this behind us word-for-word as pongamos esto detrás de nosotros. While grammatically possible, this sounds unnatural to native speakers. Stick with established expressions like dejemos esto atrás or pasemos página.

Inappropriate Formality Levels

Using overly casual expressions in professional settings or formal phrases with close friends can create awkwardness. Match your language to the relationship and context.

Skipping the Apology

In many Spanish-speaking cultures, suggesting to move forward without first acknowledging responsibility or expressing genuine remorse can seem insincere. Consider pairing reconciliation phrases with appropriate apologies or acknowledgments.

Expanding Your Reconciliation Vocabulary

Building a broader vocabulary around forgiveness and moving forward enhances your ability to navigate complex social situations in Spanish.

Perdonar (to forgive) – Te perdono por lo que dijiste.
(I forgive you for what you said.)

Reconciliarse (to reconcile) – Quiero que nos reconciliemos.
(I want us to reconcile.)

Empezar de nuevo (to start over) – Podemos empezar de nuevo.
(We can start over.)

Dar vuelta a la página (to turn the page) – Another variation of pasemos página, commonly used in Latin America.

Conclusion

Mastering how to say let’s put this behind us in Spanish through expressions like dejemos esto atrás, pasemos página, and hagamos las paces equips you with essential tools for maintaining healthy relationships in Spanish-speaking environments. These phrases, combined with cultural sensitivity and appropriate formality, help you navigate reconciliation with grace and authenticity across diverse Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.