romper
“romper” means “to break” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to break, to shatter
Also: to smash
📝 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.
to violate, to break
Also: to interrupt, to break off
📝 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.
to break up, to tear
Also: to break off
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "romper" in Spanish:
to break→to interrupt→to shatter→to smash→to tear→to violate→you break→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: romper
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses the irregular past participle of 'romper' correctly?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the vulgar Latin *rumpere*, which meant 'to break or burst.' It shared roots with the classical Latin *rumpere* with the same meaning, emphasizing a sudden, forceful separation.
First recorded: Around the 10th century in early Iberian texts.
Cognates (Related words)
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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).