violar
/bee-oh-LAHR/
to break
Cruzar una barrera prohibida es una forma visual de representar el acto de violar una ley o regla.
violar(verb)
to break
?a law, rule, or agreement
to violate
?a treaty or space
,to infringe
?rights or privacy
📝 In Action
La empresa violó el contrato de exclusividad.
B2The company broke the exclusivity contract.
Nadie tiene derecho a violar tu privacidad.
B1Nobody has the right to violate your privacy.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Direct Object
When you use 'violar' to mean breaking a rule, the thing being broken (like 'the law') comes directly after the verb without any special connectors.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Choosing the right 'Break'
Mistake: "Using 'romper' for laws."
Correction: Use 'violar' or 'quebrantar' for laws and rules; 'romper' is usually for physical objects.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formality
In casual conversation, people often say 'saltarse una regla' (to skip a rule), while 'violar' sounds more serious or legal.
Un candado roto simboliza una violación grave de la seguridad y la integridad personal.
📝 In Action
El agresor fue condenado por violar a la víctima.
C1The attacker was convicted for raping the victim.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: violar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'violar' to mean breaking a rule?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'violar' always mean something sexual?
No. While it can mean rape, it is very frequently used in legal and formal contexts to mean breaking a law, a contract, or someone's privacy.
What is the difference between 'romper' and 'violar'?
Use 'romper' for physical objects like a plate. Use 'violar' for abstract things like laws, rights, or treaties.