romper
/rrohm-pehr/
to break
Romper (to break) in the context of a physical object.
romper(verb)
to break
?physical object
,to shatter
?glass, brittle objects
to smash
?hitting something hard
📝 In Action
Ten cuidado de no romper el jarrón de mi abuela.
A1Be careful not to break my grandmother's vase.
El niño rompió la ventana con la pelota.
A2The boy broke the window with the ball.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Past Participle
Unlike most ER verbs, the past participle of 'romper' is irregular: it's roto, not rompido. Use it for compound tenses (e.g., 'He roto' - I have broken).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Regular Past Participle
Mistake: "La taza ha rompido."
Correction: La taza ha roto. (The cup has broken.) Remember, *roto* is the correct form.
⭐ Usage Tips
Accidents and Reflexive 'Se'
When something breaks by accident, Spanish often uses the 'accidental se' structure: 'Se me rompió el móvil' (My phone broke on me). This avoids blaming anyone.
Romper (to violate) a rule or law.
romper(verb)
to violate
?a rule or law
,to break
?a promise or oath
to interrupt
?silence or routine
,to break off
?negotiations
📝 In Action
Si rompes el código de conducta, serás sancionado.
B1If you violate the code of conduct, you will be penalized.
Ella rompió el silencio con una pregunta incómoda.
B2She broke the silence with an awkward question.
Lamento romper mi promesa, pero es necesario.
B1I regret breaking my promise, but it is necessary.
💡 Grammar Points
Transitive Use
In this context, 'romper' requires a direct object—you must break something (a rule, a promise, silence).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'Incumplir' for Formal Breach
For formal settings, especially contracts or legal obligations, 'incumplir' (to fail to comply) is often a better choice than 'romper'.
Romperse (to break up) a relationship.
romper(verb)
to break up
?a relationship (reflexive: romperse)
,to tear
?cloth or paper
to break off
?a friendship
📝 In Action
María y Luis se rompieron después de tres años.
B2María and Luis broke up after three years.
Ella rompió la carta en pedazos antes de tirarla.
A2She tore the letter into pieces before throwing it away.
Cuando te caes, te puedes romper la muñeca.
B1When you fall, you can break your wrist.
💡 Grammar Points
Breaking Up (Reflexive)
To talk about a couple splitting up, use the reflexive form 'romperse' ('se rompieron'). This shows the action is mutual or internal to the relationship.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Romper' and 'Arruinar'
Mistake: "Rompí mi día libre."
Correction: Arruiné mi día libre. ('Romper' is for physical or abstract laws/relationships; use 'arruinar' for ruining plans or experiences.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Idiom: Sudden Actions
The phrase 'romper a' followed by an infinitive means to start doing something abruptly: 'romper a reír' (to burst out laughing).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: romper
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses the irregular past participle of 'romper' correctly?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'romper' used for breaking relationships?
Yes, but usually in its reflexive form, 'romperse' (e.g., 'Se rompieron' - They broke up). It is a very common way to talk about the end of a romantic partnership or even a close friendship.
What's the difference between 'romper' and 'quebrar'?
'Romper' is the most general term for breaking or smashing. 'Quebrar' often implies breaking something hard and brittle, like a bone or a tree branch, and is also very common in figurative uses (like 'quebrar una empresa' - to bankrupt a company).