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How to Say "fracture" in Spanish

English → Spanish

fractura

/frak-TOO-rah//fɾakˈtuɾa/

nounA2medical
Use 'fractura' specifically when referring to a medical break or crack in a bone.
A colorful illustration of a human arm bone with a clean break in the middle.

Examples

El médico confirmó que el niño tiene una fractura en el brazo.

The doctor confirmed that the boy has a fracture in his arm.

Esta roca tiene una pequeña fractura por el frío.

This rock has a small crack because of the cold.

Gender of the word

This word is feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with it, like 'la fractura'.

Fractura vs. Roto

Mistake: “Saying 'Tengo una fractura brazo'.”

Correction: Say 'Tengo una fractura en el brazo'. You need the word 'en' (in) to show where the break is located.

ruptura

roop-TOO-rah/rupˈtu.ɾa/

nounA2medical
Use 'ruptura' when referring to a break or rupture in a bone, often used in a medical context, but can also refer to other types of breaks.
A high quality illustration of a brightly colored ceramic plate lying on a wooden table, clearly split into two distinct, separated pieces.

Examples

El doctor confirmó la ruptura del hueso.

The doctor confirmed the fracture of the bone.

Tuvimos que reparar la ruptura en la tubería de agua.

We had to repair the break in the water pipe.

Using 'rotura' vs 'ruptura'

Mistake: “Using 'rotura' for a relationship breakup.”

Correction: 'Rotura' is often preferred for simple physical breaks (like a broken glass), while 'ruptura' is used for bone fractures, ligament tears, and all figurative breaks (relationships, diplomacy, etc.).

Fractura vs. Ruptura

Learners often confuse 'fractura' and 'ruptura'. While both can mean a bone break, 'fractura' is the more direct and common term for a bone fracture. 'Ruptura' is broader and can also mean rupture in other contexts, so reserve 'fractura' for clear bone breaks.

Related Translations

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