How to Say "to fracture" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to fracture” is “fracturar” — use 'fracturar' when referring to a medical break of a bone or a more figurative break within a group, like a political party or a relationship.
Use 'fracturar' when referring to a medical break of a bone or a more figurative break within a group, like a political party or a relationship.
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Use 'partir' when a physical object breaks into pieces, or when describing a physical injury that results in something breaking.
Learn more →frahk-too-RAHRfɾaktuˈɾaɾ
Examples
El atleta se fracturó el tobillo jugando al fútbol.
The athlete fractured his ankle playing soccer.
El jugador se fracturó la pierna durante el partido.
The player broke his leg during the game.
Es posible fracturar un hueso sin sentir mucho dolor al principio.
It is possible to fracture a bone without feeling much pain at first.
La caída fracturó el pavimento de la entrada.
The fall cracked the pavement of the entrance.
Using 'Se' with Injuries
When talking about breaking your own bone, use the word 'se' (reflexive) to show the action happened to you. For example: 'Se fracturó el brazo' (He broke his arm).
The 'El/La' Rule for Body Parts
In Spanish, we don't usually say 'my' or 'his' with body parts when using this verb. Instead of 'mi pierna,' we say 'la pierna' because the 'se' already tells us whose leg it is.
Abstract Subjects
When used figuratively, the thing doing the 'fracturing' is often an idea or event (e.g., 'The crisis fractured...'). The structure remains a normal active sentence.
Don't use 'mi' for your own bones
Mistake: “Me fracturé mi brazo.”
Correction: Me fracturé el brazo. (In Spanish, using 'me' already shows it's your own arm, so 'mi' is redundant).
frahk-too-RAHRfɾaktuˈɾaɾ
Examples
La crisis económica amenazó con fracturar la unidad europea.
The economic crisis threatened to fracture European unity.
El jugador se fracturó la pierna durante el partido.
The player broke his leg during the game.
Es posible fracturar un hueso sin sentir mucho dolor al principio.
It is possible to fracture a bone without feeling much pain at first.
La caída fracturó el pavimento de la entrada.
The fall cracked the pavement of the entrance.
Using 'Se' with Injuries
When talking about breaking your own bone, use the word 'se' (reflexive) to show the action happened to you. For example: 'Se fracturó el brazo' (He broke his arm).
The 'El/La' Rule for Body Parts
In Spanish, we don't usually say 'my' or 'his' with body parts when using this verb. Instead of 'mi pierna,' we say 'la pierna' because the 'se' already tells us whose leg it is.
Abstract Subjects
When used figuratively, the thing doing the 'fracturing' is often an idea or event (e.g., 'The crisis fractured...'). The structure remains a normal active sentence.
Don't use 'mi' for your own bones
Mistake: “Me fracturé mi brazo.”
Correction: Me fracturé el brazo. (In Spanish, using 'me' already shows it's your own arm, so 'mi' is redundant).
par-TEERpaɾˈtiɾ
Examples
Se me partió la silla cuando me senté.
My chair broke when I sat on it.
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.)
Fracturar vs. Partir
Learners often confuse 'fracturar' and 'partir' when talking about injuries. Remember that 'fracturar' is typically for bones (medical), while 'partir' can describe an object breaking or a more general physical break, though it's less common for severe bone injuries.
Related Translations
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