How to Say "separation" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “separation” is “separación” — use this for the general act of dividing or splitting things, or for a marital/legal breakup, especially when referring to the legal process or the state of being separated.
Use this for the general act of dividing or splitting things, or for a marital/legal breakup, especially when referring to the legal process or the state of being separated.
Learn more →Choose this word when referring to a physical or logical split, like dividing tasks, resources, or territories.
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Use this term specifically for the legal dissolution of a marriage, often used informally to refer to the entire process or outcome of ending a marriage.
Learn more →separación
Examples
Tras veinte años de matrimonio, firmaron los papeles de separación.
After twenty years of marriage, they signed the separation papers.
división
Examples
La división de tareas fue justa.
The division of tasks was fair.
dee-VOR-see-ohdiˈβoɾsjo
Examples
El divorcio fue un proceso largo y difícil para ambos.
The divorce was a long and difficult process for both of them.
Después de veinte años de matrimonio, decidieron pedir el divorcio.
After twenty years of marriage, they decided to file for divorce.
El abogado se especializa en casos de divorcio sin culpa.
The lawyer specializes in no-fault divorce cases.
Gender and Articles
Since 'divorcio' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. Always use the masculine article 'el' before it: 'el divorcio'.
Using the Verb Directly
Mistake: “Estamos divorcio.”
Correction: Estamos divorciados. (We are divorced.) The word 'divorcio' is the noun (the event), not the adjective (the state). Use the adjective 'divorciado' instead.
Separación vs. Divorcio
Learners often confuse 'separación' and 'divorcio.' While 'separación' can refer to the legal process of ending a marriage, 'divorcio' specifically means the legal dissolution of the marriage itself. Use 'separación' for general splits, and 'divorcio' only when the marriage is legally ended.
Related Translations
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