separación
/seh-pah-rah-SYOHN (The 'c' sounds like an 's' in Latin America, but like 'th' in Spain)/
separation
Illustrating the general act of physical division or separation.
separación(Noun)
separation
?general act of dividing
,distance
?physical space or gap
gap
?a space between objects
,sorting
?act of classifying items
📝 In Action
La separación entre las mesas es obligatoria por seguridad.
B1The separation (distance) between the tables is mandatory for safety.
El plan requiere la separación de residuos orgánicos e inorgánicos.
B1The plan requires the separation of organic and inorganic waste.
Hay una clara separación de poderes en el gobierno.
B2There is a clear separation of powers in the government.
💡 Grammar Points
The -ción Ending
Words ending in -ción are almost always feminine nouns in Spanish, and they often describe the result or act of a verb (e.g., 'separar' becomes 'separación').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong gender
Mistake: "El separación"
Correction: La separación. Remember that most nouns ending in -ción are feminine and need 'la' or 'una'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
When talking about formal or political concepts (like 'separation of church and state'), 'separación' is the correct term.
This image symbolizes the legal or marital separation of a couple.
📝 In Action
Tras veinte años de matrimonio, firmaron los papeles de separación.
B2After twenty years of marriage, they signed the separation papers.
La separación fue difícil para los niños, pero necesaria.
C1The breakup was difficult for the children, but necessary.
⭐ Usage Tips
Separación vs. Divorcio
In legal terms, 'separación' means the couple stops living together but is still legally married. 'Divorcio' means the marriage is completely dissolved.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: separación
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'separación' in a legal or relational context?
📚 More Resources
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).