Inklingo

How to Say "to tear" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to tear” is “romper” — use 'romper' when referring to the act of breaking something, which can include tearing paper or cloth, but also has broader meanings like breaking an object or ending a relationship.

English → Spanish

romper

rrohm-pehrroˈmpeɾ

verbB2general
Use 'romper' when referring to the act of breaking something, which can include tearing paper or cloth, but also has broader meanings like breaking an object or ending a relationship.
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

Se me rompió el pantalón al agacharme.

My pants tore when I bent down.

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.)

desgarrar

des-gah-RAHRdesɡaˈraɾ

verbB1general
Choose 'desgarrar' primarily for the physical act of tearing a material like fabric, paper, or skin, often implying a forceful or accidental rip.
A piece of colorful fabric being pulled apart and ripping in the center.

Examples

Ten cuidado con el clavo, puedes desgarrar tu chaqueta.

Be careful with the nail, you might tear your jacket.

El perro desgarró el sofá con sus uñas.

The dog ripped the sofa with its claws.

El atleta se desgarró un músculo durante la carrera.

The athlete tore a muscle during the race.

Using the 'Self' form

When talking about an injury to your own body, use the reflexive form 'desgarrarse' (e.g., 'Me desgarré el brazo').

Desgarrar vs. Romper

Mistake: “Usar 'romper' para un músculo.”

Correction: Use 'desgarrar' for fibers like fabric or muscles, and 'romper' for hard objects like glass or bones.

rasgar

ras-GARrasˈɣaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'rasgar' when describing the act of tearing paper or cloth, often with a sense of deliberate action or a more superficial rip than 'desgarrar'.
A pair of hands pulling a piece of white paper apart, causing a jagged rip down the center.

Examples

Ella rasgó la carta en mil pedazos sin leerla.

She tore the letter into a thousand pieces without reading it.

Ten cuidado con ese clavo o vas a rasgar tu camisa.

Be careful with that nail or you're going to rip your shirt.

El gato rasgó las cortinas con sus garras.

The cat ripped the curtains with its claws.

The 'G' to 'GU' Spelling Change

To keep the hard 'g' sound (like in 'game'), you must add a 'u' when the ending starts with an 'e'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past tense (rasgué) and all present forms of the 'wishes and commands' verb type (subjunctive).

Spelling Error in Past Tense

Mistake: “Yo rasgé el papel.”

Correction: Yo rasgué el papel. (You need the 'u' so it doesn't sound like 'ras-hay'.)

Choosing between 'romper', 'desgarrar', and 'rasgar'

Learners often confuse 'desgarrar' and 'rasgar' for tearing materials. 'Desgarrar' usually implies a more significant or forceful rip, especially with fabric, while 'rasgar' can be more general or even intentional. 'Romper' is a more common, general verb for breaking or tearing, suitable for many contexts.

Related Translations

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