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How to Say "breach" in Spanish

English → Spanish

brecha

BREH-chahˈbɾet͡ʃa

nounB1general
Use 'brecha' when referring to a physical opening or gap, such as a hole in a wall or a breakthrough in a defense.
A stone wall with a large missing section in the middle.

Examples

Los soldados lograron abrir una brecha en la muralla.

The soldiers managed to open a breach in the wall.

Se hizo una brecha en la cabeza al caerse de la bicicleta.

He got a cut on his head when he fell off the bike.

Hay una pequeña brecha entre las tablas del suelo.

There is a small gap between the floorboards.

Gender and Articles

Brecha is a feminine noun. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it, even though it refers to a sharp or rough opening.

Wounds vs. Cuts

Mistake: “Using 'brecha' for any cut on the body.”

Correction: In a medical sense, 'brecha' is almost exclusively used for deep cuts on the head that likely need stitches. Use 'corte' for general cuts elsewhere.

infracción

nounB1legal, formal
Use 'infracción' to talk about breaking a rule, law, or regulation, like a parking violation or a minor offense.

Examples

No puedes estacionar aquí, es una infracción.

You can't park here; it's a violation.

ruptura

roop-TOO-rahrupˈtu.ɾa

nounB1general, formal
Choose 'ruptura' when discussing the breaking of a relationship, trust, or a formal agreement that ends something significant.
A storybook illustration showing two simple, stylized figures standing far apart from each other on a plain background, symbolizing separation.

Examples

Su ruptura después de cinco años fue muy dolorosa.

Their breakup after five years was very painful.

La ruptura de las negociaciones sorprendió a todos los países.

The rupture of negotiations surprised all the countries.

Always Feminine

Since 'ruptura' ends in '-a' and is a feminine noun, you must always use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la ruptura', 'una ruptura difícil').

violación

nounC1formal, legal
Use 'violación' for serious transgressions, such as violating laws, rights, security, or sacred principles.

Examples

La violación de los derechos humanos es un problema global.

The violation of human rights is a global problem.

Physical vs. Abstract Breach

Learners often confuse 'brecha' (physical opening) with 'infracción' or 'violación' (breaking rules/agreements). Remember that 'brecha' is typically for physical gaps or breakthroughs, while the others refer to abstract violations.

Related Translations

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