descomponer
“descomponer” means “to break down” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to break down
Also: to stop working
📝 In Action
Mi computadora se descompuso ayer.
A2My computer broke down yesterday.
Si no cuidas el motor, se va a descomponer.
B1If you don't take care of the engine, it's going to break.
El ascensor está descompuesto desde el lunes.
B1The elevator has been out of order since Monday.
to rot/decompose
Also: to break down
📝 In Action
La fruta se descompone rápido con el calor.
B1The fruit rots quickly in the heat.
Debemos descomponer este problema en pasos más sencillos.
B2We must break this problem down into simpler steps.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: descomponer
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the correct 'I' form for a past action (Preterite)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish prefix 'des-' (which means 'un-' or 'the opposite') combined with 'componer' (to put together). Originally from Latin 'componere'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'descomponer' the same as 'romper'?
Not exactly. 'Romper' usually implies physical damage (like dropping a glass), while 'descomponer' implies a internal or mechanical failure (like a car engine stopping).
Why does it sometimes have 'se' at the end?
We use 'se' (descomponerse) when something breaks on its own. If you are the one doing the breaking or the analyzing, you leave the 'se' off.
Can it mean a person feels sick?
Yes! If someone says 'se descompuso', it can figuratively mean they felt suddenly unwell or very upset.