How to Say "to divide" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to divide” is “dividir” — use 'dividir' when separating something into distinct parts, performing a mathematical division, or when a topic causes disagreement within a group.
dividir
dee-vee-DEERdiβiˈðiɾ
Examples
Dividimos la pizza en ocho trozos.
We are dividing the pizza into eight slices.
El río divide la ciudad en dos partes.
The river separates the city into two parts.
Tenemos que dividir los gastos del viaje.
We have to split the travel expenses.
Si divides diez entre dos, el resultado es cinco.
If you divide ten by two, the result is five.
Using 'en' for parts
When you say what you are dividing something into, always use 'en'. For example: 'Dividir en partes' (Divide into parts).
A perfectly regular -ir verb
This verb follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ir. If you know how to conjugate 'vivir', you already know 'dividir'!
Dividing 'by' a number
In math, Spanish uses 'entre' or 'por' for 'by'. 'Entre' is much more common in everyday speech: 'Diez entre dos'.
Using 'a' with people
When 'dividir' acts on people (like society or a group), you often need the 'personal a': 'Divide a los ciudadanos'.
Divide 'into' vs Divide 'en'
Mistake: “Dividir a dos partes.”
Correction: Dividir en dos partes. In Spanish, we use 'en' to show the result of the division, not 'a'.
Don't use 'con' for math
Mistake: “Dividir diez con dos.”
Correction: Dividir diez entre dos. Even though 'con' means 'with', it isn't used for math operations.
compartir
kom-par-TEERkom.paɾˈtiɾ
Examples
Yo siempre comparto mi almuerzo con mi hermana.
I always share my lunch with my sister.
¿Podemos compartir un taxi para ir al aeropuerto?
Can we share a taxi to go to the airport?
Ellos comparten un pequeño apartamento en el centro.
They share a small apartment downtown.
Direct Use
Unlike some Spanish verbs, 'compartir' is usually followed directly by the thing being shared (e.g., 'compartir la pizza').
Using 'con' incorrectly
Mistake: “Voy a compartir con el pastel. (I am going to share with the cake.)”
Correction: Voy a compartir el pastel. (I am going to share the cake.) Use 'con' only for the person you share *with*.
partir
par-TEERpaɾˈtiɾ
Examples
Necesito partir el pastel en ocho rebanadas iguales.
I need to cut the cake into eight equal slices.
Partieron la leña para la chimenea antes de la cena.
They split the firewood for the fireplace before dinner.
Ellos partieron la herencia entre los tres hermanos.
They divided the inheritance among the three siblings.
Transitive Use
In this sense, 'partir' is transitive, meaning the action directly affects something. You must always say what you are dividing or splitting.
separar
seh-pah-RAHRsepaˈɾaɾ
Examples
Tienes que separar la ropa blanca de la de color.
You have to separate the white clothes from the colored ones.
Estamos separando la basura para reciclar.
We are sorting the trash to recycle.
El profesor separó a los dos alumnos que estaban hablando.
The teacher separated the two students who were talking.
Using 'con' and 'de'
When separating one thing from another, use 'de' (from). For example: 'separar la sal del azúcar' (to separate the salt from the sugar).
Separar vs. Partir
Mistake: “Using 'partir' for sorting items.”
Correction: Use 'separar' when you are organizing items into different piles; use 'partir' when you are breaking or cutting one single item into pieces.
Dividir vs. Compartir
Related Translations
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