Inklingo

How to Say "to interrupt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

interrumpir

/een-teh-rroohm-peer//inteˈrrumpiɾ/

verbA2general
Use this word when you are stopping a person who is speaking or an ongoing activity.
A small child is eagerly telling a story, but an adult gently raises a hand to stop the child's speech, symbolizing an interruption.

Examples

Por favor, no me interrumpas cuando estoy dando instrucciones.

Please, don't interrupt me when I am giving instructions.

Ella siempre interrumpe las reuniones con chistes.

She always interrupts the meetings with jokes.

¿Puedo interrumpir un momento? Tengo una pregunta urgente.

Can I interrupt for a moment? I have an urgent question.

Direct Object Use

You can use this verb reflexively, 'interrumpirse,' to mean 'to interrupt oneself' or 'to stop talking suddenly.' For example: 'Me interrumpí para toser' (I interrupted myself to cough).

Using 'para' instead of the person

Mistake: “Interrumpí para él.”

Correction: Le interrumpí. ('Le' means 'him' or 'her' and is the correct way to show who received the interruption.)

cortar

/kor-tar//koɾˈtaɾ/

verbB1general
Use this word when referring to the act of stopping something like a service, a conversation, or a signal abruptly.
A hand turning a silver water faucet handle to stop the flow of water.

Examples

Si no pagas la factura, te cortan el teléfono.

If you don't pay the bill, they will cut off your phone (service).

El presentador cortó la entrevista porque no había tiempo.

The host interrupted the interview because there wasn't time.

La lluvia fuerte cortó la señal de televisión.

The heavy rain cut the TV signal.

Passive Construction

This meaning often appears in the passive voice, describing a failure: 'La luz fue cortada' (The light was cut), or more commonly, 'Se cortó la luz' (The light cut itself/The power went out).

romper

/rrohm-pehr//roˈmpeɾ/

verbB1general
Use this word to describe breaking a state of silence, a routine, or a formal agreement.
A small, friendly character deliberately stepping over a thick, bright red line painted on a green ground, symbolizing crossing a boundary.

Examples

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.

Lamento romper mi promesa, pero es necesario.

I regret breaking my promise, but it is necessary.

Transitive Use

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

Interrumpir vs. Cortar

Learners often confuse 'interrumpir' and 'cortar'. Remember that 'interrumpir' is typically used for stopping a person speaking or an action in progress, while 'cortar' implies a more definitive cessation, like cutting off a service or signal.

Related Translations

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