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A high-quality illustration showing two simple gold wedding rings lying apart from each other on a pale surface, symbolizing separation.

divorcio

dee-VOR-see-oh

nounmA2
divorce?The legal termination of a marriage
Also:separation?Used informally to refer to the separation itself

📝 In Action

El divorcio fue un proceso largo y difícil para ambos.

A2

The divorce was a long and difficult process for both of them.

Después de veinte años de matrimonio, decidieron pedir el divorcio.

B1

After twenty years of marriage, they decided to file for divorce.

El abogado se especializa en casos de divorcio sin culpa.

B2

The lawyer specializes in no-fault divorce cases.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • separación (separation)
  • ruptura matrimonial (marital breakdown)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • pedir el divorcio – to file for divorce (literally: to ask for the divorce)
  • trámites de divorcio – divorce proceedings/paperwork
  • un divorcio amistoso – an amicable divorce

💡 Grammar Points

Gender and Articles

Since 'divorcio' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. Always use the masculine article 'el' before it: 'el divorcio'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the Verb Directly

Mistake: "Estamos divorcio."

Correction: Estamos divorciados. (We are divorced.) The word 'divorcio' is the noun (the event), not the adjective (the state). Use the adjective 'divorciado' instead.

⭐ Usage Tips

Starting the Process

When talking about initiating the action, Spanish speakers commonly use the verb 'pedir' (to ask for): 'Ellos van a pedir el divorcio' (They are going to file for divorce).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: divorcio

Question 1 of 2

Which verb is most commonly used when talking about initiating the legal process of 'divorcio'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

divorciar(to divorce (as an action)) - verb
divorciarse(to get divorced (reflexive verb)) - verb
divorciado/a(divorced) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'divorcio' the same as 'separación'?

While they are related, 'divorcio' is the legal ending of the marriage. 'Separación' often refers to the couple living apart, which may or may not lead to a formal 'divorcio'.

How do I say 'divorce rate' in Spanish?

You would say 'la tasa de divorcio' or 'el índice de divorcios'. Remember to use the plural 'divorcios' when talking about rates or statistics.