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separación

seh-pah-rah-SYOHN (The 'c' sounds like an 's' in Latin America, but like 'th' in Spain)/se.pa.raˈθjon/

“separación” means “separation” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

separation, distance

Also: gap, sorting
NounfB1
Two identical green rectangular blocks resting on a surface, clearly separated by a large gap between them.

📝 In Action

La separación entre las mesas es obligatoria por seguridad.

B1

The separation (distance) between the tables is mandatory for safety.

El plan requiere la separación de residuos orgánicos e inorgánicos.

B1

The plan requires the separation of organic and inorganic waste.

Hay una clara separación de poderes en el gobierno.

B2

There is a clear separation of powers in the government.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • unión (union)
  • junto (togetherness)

Common Collocations

  • separación de residuos – waste sorting/separation
  • separación de bienes – separation of assets/property

separation

Also: breakup
NounfB2neutral/formal
Two simple, stylized human figures walking away from each other in opposite directions, symbolizing a relationship breakup.

📝 In Action

Tras veinte años de matrimonio, firmaron los papeles de separación.

B2

After twenty years of marriage, they signed the separation papers.

La separación fue difícil para los niños, pero necesaria.

C1

The breakup was difficult for the children, but necessary.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • separación de cuerpos – legal separation (literally: separation of bodies)
  • separación amistosa – amicable separation

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: separación

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'separación' in a legal or relational context?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
separar(to separate (verb)) — Verb
separado/a(separated (adjective)) — Adjective
separador/a(separator/divider (noun/adjective)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
nacióncondicióncanción
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word 'separatio,' which meant 'a dividing' or 'a parting.' It has maintained its core meaning throughout its journey into Spanish.

First recorded: Medieval Latin

Cognates (Related words)

English: separationFrench: séparationPortuguese: separação

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'separación' and 'divorcio'?

'Separación' means the couple stops living together and may divide assets, but they are still technically married. 'Divorcio' is the legal dissolution of the marriage, meaning they are no longer married.

How do I describe someone who is separated from their spouse?

You use the related adjective 'separado' (for a male) or 'separada' (for a female). For example: 'Mi hermano está separado' (My brother is separated).