ruptura
/roop-TOO-rah/
breakup
Ruptura, meaning 'breakup', often describes the ending of a romantic relationship.
ruptura(noun)
breakup
?ending a romantic relationship
,split
?division within a group
rupture
?diplomatic or formal break
,breach
?of contract or trust
📝 In Action
Su ruptura después de cinco años fue muy dolorosa.
B1Their breakup after five years was very painful.
La ruptura de las negociaciones sorprendió a todos los países.
B2The rupture of negotiations surprised all the countries.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Since 'ruptura' ends in '-a' and is a feminine noun, you must always use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la ruptura', 'una ruptura difícil').
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing the Action
To talk about the action of breaking up, use the verb 'romper' (e.g., 'Ellos rompieron' - They broke up).
Ruptura can also mean a physical 'break' or damage to an object.
ruptura(noun)
break
?physical damage
,fracture
?medical term for a broken bone
tear
?in fabric or muscle
,burst
?of a pipe or container
📝 In Action
El doctor confirmó la ruptura del hueso.
B1The doctor confirmed the fracture of the bone.
Tuvimos que reparar la ruptura en la tubería de agua.
A2We had to repair the break in the water pipe.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'rotura' vs 'ruptura'
Mistake: "Using 'rotura' for a relationship breakup."
Correction: 'Rotura' is often preferred for simple physical breaks (like a broken glass), while 'ruptura' is used for bone fractures, ligament tears, and all figurative breaks (relationships, diplomacy, etc.).
When referring to a 'break with tradition,' ruptura signifies a radical change or departure from established norms.
ruptura(noun)
break (with tradition)
?radical change
,schism
?formal division in a group or ideology
disruption
?a major change in continuity
📝 In Action
El nuevo movimiento artístico supuso una ruptura con el clasicismo.
C1The new artistic movement meant a break with classicism.
La caída del muro significó una ruptura histórica en la política global.
C2The fall of the wall signified a historic break in global politics.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
Use this meaning when discussing major shifts in history, philosophy, or art, suggesting a decisive end to an old way of doing things.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ruptura
Question 1 of 2
Which translation of 'ruptura' is correct in the sentence: 'La ruptura del tendón fue grave.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between 'ruptura' and 'rotura'?
'Ruptura' is the more formal and general term, used for serious physical breaks (like bones or ligaments) and almost always for figurative breaks (relationships, contracts, diplomacy). 'Rotura' is often used for simpler, everyday physical breaks, like a broken plate or a hole in clothing.
How do I express 'to have a breakup' in Spanish?
You usually use the verb 'tener' (to have) or 'sufrir' (to suffer) followed by 'una ruptura': 'Tuvieron una ruptura' (They had a breakup). Alternatively, you use the verb 'romper': 'Ellos rompieron' (They broke up).