separar
/seh-pah-RAHR/
to separate
Separating different colored marbles into two distinct groups.
separar(verb)
to separate
?moving things away from each other
,to divide
?splitting something into groups
to sort
?organizing by type, like recycling
,to pull apart
?physically distancing two objects
📝 In Action
Tienes que separar la ropa blanca de la de color.
A1You have to separate the white clothes from the colored ones.
Estamos separando la basura para reciclar.
A2We are sorting the trash to recycle.
El profesor separó a los dos alumnos que estaban hablando.
A2The teacher separated the two students who were talking.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'con' and 'de'
When separating one thing from another, use 'de' (from). For example: 'separar la sal del azúcar' (to separate the salt from the sugar).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Separar vs. Partir
Mistake: "Using 'partir' for sorting items."
Correction: Use 'separar' when you are organizing items into different piles; use 'partir' when you are breaking or cutting one single item into pieces.
⭐ Usage Tips
Physical vs. Mental
You can use this for physical objects (like laundry) or mental concepts (like separating fact from fiction).
Setting aside a coin to save it for later.
separar(verb)
to set aside
?reserving money or items for the future
,to reserve
?keeping a seat or a ticket
📝 In Action
He separado cien euros para el regalo de mi madre.
B1I've set aside one hundred euros for my mother's gift.
El camarero nos separó una mesa junto a la ventana.
B2The waiter reserved a table for us by the window.
⭐ Usage Tips
Shopping context
In many Latin American countries, you can use 'separar' at a store to ask them to hold an item for you until you can pay for it later.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
present
imperfect
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: separar
Question 1 of 1
How would you say 'I am setting aside money for the trip'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'separar' used for romantic breakups?
Yes, but usually in the reflexive form 'separarse'. For example, 'Ellos se separaron' means 'They separated/broke up'.
What's the difference between 'separar' and 'dividir'?
They are often interchangeable, but 'separar' implies moving things away from each other, while 'dividir' emphasizes breaking one thing into smaller parts (like math or cutting a cake).