Inklingo

How to Say "apart" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aparte

ah-PAR-teh/aˈpaɾte/

adverbA2general
Use 'aparte' when indicating that something should be put to the side, set aside, or kept at a physical distance to avoid interference or for a specific purpose.
A cartoon hand gently pushes a red apple out of a basket full of apples, setting it on the table beside the basket.

Examples

Por favor, deja tu mochila aparte para que no estorbe.

Please leave your backpack aside so it doesn't get in the way.

Necesito hablar contigo aparte sobre el proyecto.

I need to talk to you separately about the project.

Aparte de la lluvia, el viaje fue perfecto.

Apart from the rain, the trip was perfect.

Using 'Aparte de'

'Aparte de' is a crucial linking phrase that means 'besides' or 'in addition to' when adding things, or 'apart from' when excluding something. It always requires the 'de'.

Confusing 'Aparte' and 'Separado'

Mistake: “Using *'Los libros están muy aparte'* instead of *'Los libros están muy separados'*.”

Correction: While *aparte* means 'aside' (adverb), *separado* (adjective) is better for describing the state of things being physically distant from each other.

separado

/seh-pah-RAH-doh//se.paˈɾa.ðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'separado' to describe a state of being physically divided, disconnected, or no longer together, often used for relationships or objects that have been split.
Two small, identical red houses standing far apart from each other on a green field, emphasizing distance.

Examples

Mis padres están separados, pero se llevan bien.

My parents are separated, but they get along well.

Las mesas estaban separadas por una cortina.

The tables were separated by a curtain.

Necesitas un recibo separado para cada compra.

You need a separate receipt for each purchase.

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.

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'.)

Adverb vs. Adjective Usage

The most common mistake is using 'separado' when you mean 'aside' or 'to the side'. Remember that 'aparte' is typically used as an adverb to indicate placement or distance, while 'separado' is an adjective describing a state of being physically divided or apart.

Related Translations

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