rota

ROH-tah

adjectivefA1

broken?physically damaged,torn?paper or fabric

Also:smashed?glass, window,shattered?fragile objects

📝 In Action

La taza se cayó y está rota.

The cup fell and it is broken.

Mi pierna se sentía rota después del accidente.

My leg felt broken after the accident.

Necesito tirar esta ropa porque está rota.

I need to throw away these clothes because they are torn.

Word Connections

Synonyms

estropeada (damaged)
quebrada (broken (often bones or finances))

Antonyms

entera (whole, intact)
arreglada (fixed)

Common Collocations

cristal roto – broken glass
promesa rota – broken promise

Idioms & Expressions

tener el alma rota – to be heartbroken

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Estar' with Adjectives

Since 'rota' describes a resulting state (something that was broken), you almost always use the verb 'estar' (to be, temporary state) with it, not 'ser' (to be, permanent quality).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Gender Mismatch

Mistake: "El silla está roto. (Incorrect gender agreement)"

Correction: La silla está rota. (The adjective must match the feminine noun 'silla'.)

⭐ Usage Tips

The Root Verb

'Rota' is the feminine form of 'roto,' which comes from the verb 'romper' (to break). Always think of 'roto' and 'rota' as describing the result of 'romper.'

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: rota

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'rota' as an adjective meaning 'broken'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

roto(broken (masculine)) - adjective

romper(to break) - verb

rotar(to rotate) - verb

rotura(break, fracture) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if 'rota' means 'broken' or 'rotates'?

The context and the grammar tell you everything! If it follows the verb 'estar' (está rota), it is the adjective (broken). If it's used as an action performed by a person or thing (el motor rota), it is the verb (rotates).