separado
/seh-pah-RAH-doh/
separated
Depicting physical distance: two houses standing 'separado' (separated).
separado(adjective)
separated
?relationship status or physical distance
,apart
?physical distance
divorced
?often used informally instead of 'divorciado'
📝 In Action
Mis padres están separados, pero se llevan bien.
A2My parents are separated, but they get along well.
Las mesas estaban separadas por una cortina.
B1The tables were separated by a curtain.
Necesitas un recibo separado para cada compra.
B1You need a separate receipt for each purchase.
💡 Grammar Points
Changing Endings
Like many Spanish descriptions, 'separado' must match the person or thing it describes. Use 'separada' for a female, 'separados' for multiple males/mixed groups, and 'separadas' for multiple females.
Status vs. Action
When talking about marital status, 'separado' often pairs with the verb 'estar' (to be) because it describes a current state or condition.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting Gender/Number
Mistake: "Mi hermana es separado."
Correction: Mi hermana es separada. (The adjective must end in -a to match the feminine noun 'hermana'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Relationship Context
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, 'separado' often implies a marital separation that is not yet a legal divorce ('divorcio').
Visualizing the result of the action: A rope that has been 'separado' (separated/cut).
separado(past participle)
separated
?used after 'haber' to form perfect tenses
detached
?result of an action
📝 In Action
Hemos separado la basura orgánica de la inorgánica.
A2We have separated the organic trash from the inorganic.
El niño fue separado de sus padres en el tumulto.
B1The child was separated from his parents in the commotion.
💡 Grammar Points
Forming Perfect Tenses
When used with 'haber' (to have), 'separado' never changes its ending, regardless of who did the action. It always stays '-ado'!
Passive Voice
When used with 'ser' (to be) to show that something received an action, 'separado' acts like an adjective and must match the thing it describes (e.g., 'La mesa fue separada').
A 'separado' (private room) in a restaurant setting.
separado(noun)
private room
?in a restaurant or public setting
separate section
?part of a larger area
📝 In Action
¿Tienen un separado disponible para diez personas?
B1Do you have a private room available for ten people?
Reservamos un pequeño separado para la cena de negocios.
B2We reserved a small private section for the business dinner.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun
Even though it means 'a room,' it is always masculine: 'el separado.' Use masculine articles and adjectives with it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context Clues
If you hear 'un separado' in a restaurant, the speaker is asking for a private dining area, not just a table.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: separado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'separado' as an adjective describing a relationship status?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'separado' and 'divorciado'?
Both mean separated, but 'separado' usually means they are living apart but are still legally married. 'Divorciado' means the marriage has been officially dissolved by law.
Can I use 'separado' to describe two physical objects?
Absolutely! If two books are not touching, you can say 'Los libros están separados.' It just means they are not together or united.