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How to Say "to break" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to break” is “romper” — use this for physically breaking a common object, like a vase or a toy, or for violating a promise, oath, or code of conduct..

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romper

/rrohm-pehr//roˈmpeɾ/

verbA1general
Use this for physically breaking a common object, like a vase or a toy, or for violating a promise, oath, or code of conduct.
A white ceramic dinner plate that is clearly cracked and shattered into three large pieces on a wooden floor.

Examples

Ten cuidado de no romper el jarrón de mi abuela.

Be careful not to break my grandmother's vase.

El niño rompió la ventana con la pelota.

The boy broke the window with the ball.

Si rompes el código de conducta, serás sancionado.

If you violate the code of conduct, you will be penalized.

Ella rompió el silencio con una pregunta incómoda.

She broke the silence with an awkward question.

Using the Past Participle

Unlike most ER verbs, the past participle of 'romper' is irregular: it's roto, not rompido. Use it for compound tenses (e.g., 'He roto' - I have broken).

Transitive Use

In this context, 'romper' requires a direct object—you must break something (a rule, a promise, silence).

Using the Regular Past Participle

Mistake: “La taza ha rompido.”

Correction: La taza ha roto. (The cup has broken.) Remember, *roto* is the correct form.

partir

/par-TEER//paɾˈtiɾ/

verbB1general
Use this when something breaks into pieces, often used reflexively for items like plates or bones, or when something splits.
A thick, rough brown wooden stick lying on the ground, clearly snapped into two separate pieces at the center.

Examples

Se me partió un plato cuando estaba lavando los trastes.

A plate broke on me when I was washing the dishes.

El chiste fue tan bueno que nos partimos de risa.

The joke was so good that we cracked up laughing.

Ese acontecimiento le partió el alma.

That event broke his spirit (or heart).

Accidental 'Se'

When an object breaks by accident (like a plate), use the structure 'se' + indirect object pronoun (me, te, le, etc.) + verb. Example: 'Se me partió el vaso' (The glass broke on me).

Using 'Partir' for Everything

Mistake: “No puedes partir esa regla (You can't break that rule).”

Correction: No puedes romper esa regla. ('Romper' is better for breaking rules or promises. 'Partir' implies splitting something physically.)

interrumpir

/een-teh-rroohm-peer//inteˈrrumpiɾ/

verbB1general
Use this to describe stopping a process, activity, or transmission, essentially interrupting its continuity.
A construction site where a brick wall is half-finished. Tools are neatly stacked and unused next to the unfinished section, indicating the building process has been temporarily suspended.

Examples

La caída del sistema interrumpió la transmisión de datos.

The system crash stopped the data transmission.

El gobierno decidió interrumpir las negociaciones de paz.

The government decided to suspend the peace negotiations.

Tuvimos que interrumpir el rodaje de la película por falta de fondos.

We had to halt the filming of the movie due to lack of funds.

Passive Voice

This meaning is often used in the passive voice, especially when discussing technical issues: 'La electricidad fue interrumpida' (The electricity was interrupted/cut off).

violar

/bee-oh-LAHR//bjoˈlaɾ/

verbB2formal
Use this for breaking formal rules, laws, agreements, or contracts, implying a transgression.
A person's legs stepping over a low wooden fence next to a red circle symbol with a white bar.

Examples

La empresa violó el contrato de exclusividad.

The company broke the exclusivity contract.

Nadie tiene derecho a violar tu privacidad.

Nobody has the right to violate your privacy.

Using the Direct Object

When you use 'violar' to mean breaking a rule, the thing being broken (like 'the law') comes directly after the verb without any special connectors.

Choosing the right 'Break'

Mistake: “Using 'romper' for laws.”

Correction: Use 'violar' or 'quebrantar' for laws and rules; 'romper' is usually for physical objects.

ofender

oh-fen-DEHR/o.fenˈdeɾ/

verbB2general
Use this when an action goes against or violates a principle, rule, or agreement, often in a more abstract or moral sense.
A storybook illustration of a curious fox deliberately stepping over a thick, bright red line painted on the ground, illustrating the violation of a boundary or rule.

Examples

El conductor fue multado por ofender las normas de tráfico.

The driver was fined for violating the traffic rules.

La empresa fue acusada de ofender los derechos laborales.

The company was accused of violating labor rights.

Romper vs. Violar/Ofender

Learners often confuse 'romper' with 'violar' or 'ofender' when talking about rules or agreements. Remember that 'romper' is used for promises or codes of conduct in a general sense, while 'violar' and 'ofender' are for more formal or serious transgressions of laws, rules, or agreements.

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