How to Say "to tear" in Spanish

The Spanish word for “to tear” is “romper” — B2 level.

English → SpanishB2

romper

verbB2neutral/informal

cloth or paper

Two halves of a large, single red heart that have been cleanly split down the middle, with the two halves drifting away from each other.

Examples

María y Luis se rompieron después de tres años.

María and Luis broke up after three years.

Ella rompió la carta en pedazos antes de tirarla.

She tore the letter into pieces before throwing it away.

Cuando te caes, te puedes romper la muñeca.

When you fall, you can break your wrist.

Breaking Up (Reflexive)

To talk about a couple splitting up, use the reflexive form 'romperse' ('se rompieron'). This shows the action is mutual or internal to the relationship.

Confusing 'Romper' and 'Arruinar'

Mistake: “Rompí mi día libre.”

Correction: Arruiné mi día libre. ('Romper' is for physical or abstract laws/relationships; use 'arruinar' for ruining plans or experiences.)

See full entry for “romper” →

Related Translations

to break→to interrupt→to shatter→to smash→to violate→you break→

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