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How to Say "to interrupt" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to interrupt” is “interrumpir” — use this word when you are stopping someone while they are speaking or when you are disrupting an ongoing activity or process.

English → Spanish

interrumpir

een-teh-rroohm-peerinteˈrrumpiɾ

verbA2general
Use this word when you are stopping someone while they are speaking or when you are disrupting an ongoing activity or process.
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.)

detener

deh-teh-NEHRde.teˈneɾ

verbA2general
This term is best for halting a physical movement, a process, or traffic, implying a more formal or official stoppage.
A bright red cartoon train is halted just before a thick red and white striped barrier across the tracks, preventing further movement.

Examples

El guardia detuvo el tráfico para que cruzáramos.

The guard stopped the traffic so we could cross.

Detuvimos la producción por falta de material.

We halted the production due to lack of material.

Este muro detiene el viento frío.

This wall holds back the cold wind.

The 'Yo' Form Trick

The 'yo' form in the present tense is irregular: 'detengo'. This happens because it follows the pattern of the verb 'tener' (to have).

Preterite Stem

Mistake: “Using 'detenió' instead of 'detuvo' in the simple past (preterite).”

Correction: The simple past tense (preterite) uses the irregular stem 'detuv-': 'detuve', 'detuviste', 'detuvo', etc.

cortar

kor-tarkoɾˈtaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'cortar' when the interruption results in the complete cessation or termination of something, like a service or a communication line.
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-pehrroˈmpeɾ

verbB1general
This word is used to describe the breaking of something intangible like silence, a routine, or an 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).

Interrupting vs. Stopping

The most common confusion is between 'interrumpir' and 'detener'. Remember that 'interrumpir' usually refers to stopping a person speaking or an ongoing activity, while 'detener' is more about halting movement or a process, often with a sense of official control.

Related Translations

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