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How to Say "tear" in Spanish

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agujero

ah-goo-HEH-roh/a.ɣuˈxe.ɾo/

nounA2general
Use 'agujero' when referring to a hole or opening, especially in clothing or fabric, that has been caused by damage or wear.
A circular hole punched through a piece of smooth brown wooden surface, showing darkness inside.

Examples

Mi camiseta tiene un agujero en la manga.

My t-shirt has a hole in the sleeve.

Hay un agujero enorme en la pared del sótano.

There is an enormous hole in the basement wall.

Necesito coser el agujero de mi calcetín antes de ponérmelo.

I need to sew the hole in my sock before putting it on.

Tuvimos que tapar el agujero para que no entraran los insectos.

We had to cover the opening so the insects wouldn't come in.

Masculine Noun

Even though 'agujero' ends in '-o', it follows the common rule that things (nouns) are male (masculine) in Spanish, so you always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Confusing 'Agujero' and 'Hoyo'

Mistake: “Using 'agujero' when referring specifically to a deep, large hole in the ground.”

Correction: 'Hoyo' is usually better for pits or holes dug in the earth. 'Agujero' is generally used for holes *through* something (a wall, paper, cloth).

ruptura

roop-TOO-rah/rupˈtu.ɾa/

nounA2formal
Use 'ruptura' when referring to a break or rupture, typically in a more serious context like a muscle tear or a bone fracture.
A high quality illustration of a brightly colored ceramic plate lying on a wooden table, clearly split into two distinct, separated pieces.

Examples

El atleta sufrió una ruptura de ligamentos.

The athlete suffered a ligament tear.

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.).

Agujero vs. Ruptura

Learners often confuse 'agujero' and 'ruptura'. Remember that 'agujero' refers to a physical hole, like in socks or walls, while 'ruptura' implies a more severe break or tear, often in muscles or bones.

Related Translations

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