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How to Say "separation" in Spanish

English → Spanish

separación

nounB1/B2general/formal
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.

Examples

Tras veinte años de matrimonio, firmaron los papeles de separación.

After twenty years of marriage, they signed the separation papers.

división

nounA2general
Choose this word when referring to a physical or logical split, like dividing tasks, resources, or territories.

Examples

La división de tareas fue justa.

The division of tasks was fair.

divorcio

dee-VOR-see-ohdiˈβoɾsjo

nounA2general/informal
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.
A high-quality illustration showing two simple gold wedding rings lying apart from each other on a pale surface, symbolizing separation.

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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