partir
“partir” means “to divide” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to divide, to split
Also: to cut, to share
📝 In Action
Necesito partir el pastel en ocho rebanadas iguales.
A1I need to cut the cake into eight equal slices.
Partieron la leña para la chimenea antes de la cena.
A2They split the firewood for the fireplace before dinner.
Ellos partieron la herencia entre los tres hermanos.
B1They divided the inheritance among the three siblings.
to leave, to set off
Also: to be off
📝 In Action
El tren a Sevilla parte a las siete en punto.
A2The train to Seville leaves exactly at seven o'clock.
¿A qué hora partimos de la casa mañana?
A2What time are we leaving the house tomorrow?
Partieron rumbo al norte en busca de nuevas tierras.
B1They set off toward the north in search of new lands.
to break, to crack up
Also: to fracture, to break one's heart
📝 In Action
Se me partió un plato cuando estaba lavando los trastes.
B1A plate broke on me when I was washing the dishes.
El chiste fue tan bueno que nos partimos de risa.
B2The joke was so good that we cracked up laughing.
Ese acontecimiento le partió el alma.
C1That event broke his spirit (or heart).
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "partir" in Spanish:
left→to break→to cut→to divide→to fracture→to leave→to share→to split→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: partir
Question 1 of 3
Which translation of 'partir' is used in the phrase: 'Nos partimos de risa'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Vulgar Latin verb *partīre*, which itself came from the classical Latin *partīrī*, meaning 'to share' or 'to distribute.' This is built on the Latin noun *pars*, meaning 'a part' or 'a portion.' The core idea is always about separation, whether it's splitting an object, sharing a portion, or separating oneself to leave.
First recorded: Before the 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'partir' irregular?
No, 'partir' is a regular verb. You follow the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ir, making it easy to conjugate once you know the pattern.
When should I use 'partir' instead of 'salir' or 'irse' for leaving?
'Partir' often implies the beginning of a longer journey or a scheduled departure (like a plane or train). 'Salir' is more general (to go out), and 'irse' emphasizes moving away from the current location.