irrumpir
/irumˈpiɾ/
To barge in in Spanish is irrumpir.
The verb irrumpir is often used to describe a sudden, forceful or unexpected entry into a place or a conversation.
Meaning: to intrude (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular preterite form, used to say he/she/it barged in, is irrumpió. The gerund form, used for the continuous action of barging in, is irrumpiendo.
How do you pronounce it?
/irumˈpiɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American regions, someone who 'barges in' on a conversation might be described as metiche. This noun labels the person as a 'meddler' rather than just describing the action.
- The root of irrumpir comes from the Latin 'rumpere', which means 'to break', making the word literally mean 'to break in'.
- Using irrumpir can sound quite dramatic or literary. In a casual setting, a native speaker is more likely to say entrar así sin más to describe someone simply walking in without knocking.
Examples in context
- Durante la reunión, el director general interrumpió de forma abrupta para presentar su propuesta.During the meeting, the CEO barged in abruptly to present his proposal.
- ¡No puedes meterte en mi habitación sin permiso!You can't barge into my room without permission!
- Miguel siempre se cuela en nuestras conversaciones sin ser invitado.Miguel always sneaks into our conversations without being invited.
- No es bueno irrumpir en una reunión privada.It is not good to barge into a private meeting.
- El guardia tuvo que irrumpir en la sala.The guard had to barge into the room.
- No puedes irrumpir así sin llamar a la puerta.You cannot just barge in like that without knocking.
Example conversation
Lucía enters Alejandro's office while he is on a call.
- Alejandro¡No puedes irrumpir en mi oficina así!You cannot barge into my office like that!
- LucíaLo siento, Alejandro, pensaba que no estabas ocupado.I'm sorry, Alejandro, I thought you weren't busy.
- AlejandroEstoy en una llamada muy importante.I am on a very important call.
- LucíaPerdona, saldré para no molestar más.Forgive me, I will leave so as not to disturb you anymore.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry irrumpir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
