Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| romper | /romˈpeɾ/ | |
| quebrar | /keˈbɾaɾ/ | |
| escrachar | /eskɾaˈt͡ʃaɾ/ | |
| esñocar | /esɲokaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | Puerto Rico |
In its transitive sense, these verbs mean to separate something into two or more pieces. When expressing the idea of ending a romantic relationship, use the construction romper con [person]. The noun ruptura refers to an instance of something breaking into pieces, while asueto and quiete can refer to a rest or pause, often from work.
Which one should you use?
romper is the most common and versatile verb, used for breaking physical objects as well as breaking promises or relationships. quebrar is often used for breaking brittle objects or for breaking financial and economic systems, such as a company.
Is it said differently in some regions?
esñocar is used in Puerto Rico. escrachar is also a form of the verb.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb romper is irregular in the preterite tense, using the stem romp- as seen in rompió (he/she broke).
How do you pronounce it?
/romˈpeɾ/
Did you know?
- In Argentina and Uruguay, escrachar has evolved from meaning 'to break' to describing a public shaming or protest where a person is exposed in the media.
- The Spanish verb romper comes from the Latin rumpere, which is the same ancestor for the English word 'rupture'.
- If a person is quebrado in some Latin American contexts, it does not mean they are physically broken but that they are completely bankrupt.
Examples in context
- Tom va a romper con Mary.Tom is going to break up with Mary.This sentence shows how to use romper to express breaking up with someone.Tatoeba #1412020 by jabujavi, translation #1093478 by CK
- Nunca romperá su promesa.He will never break his promise.This sentence demonstrates using romper in the context of a promise.Tatoeba #1557491 by Shishir, translation #295848 by CK
- Antes doblar que quebrar.It's better to bend than to break.This sentence illustrates the usage of quebrar.Tatoeba #1696510 by termito2nd, translation #10218116 by megamanenm
- El receso de almuerzo comienza a las 12:30 PM.Lunch break starts at 12:30 PM.
- Tomaré un breve descanso para relajarme.I will take a short break to relax.
- Vamos a tomar un pequeño descansito antes de seguir estudiando.Let's take a little break before continuing studying.
- Hagamos una pausa y juguemos al fútbol por un rato.Let's take a break and play soccer for a while.
- Voy a disfrutar de un descansito en el parque.I'm going to take a little break in the park.
- Por favor, respeten el receso de clase.Please respect the classroom break.
- ¡Es hora de una pausa para el café!It's coffee break time!
- Necesito un breve descanso para aclarar mis pensamientos.I need a short break to clear my mind.
- 67 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are cleaning up in the kitchen.
- Sofía¡Ten cuidado! No vayas a romper el plato.Be careful! Don't break the plate.
- AlejandroLo siento, Sofía. Ya lo rompí.I'm sorry, Sofía. I already broke it.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, yo limpio los trozos.Don't worry, I'll clean up the pieces.
- AlejandroGracias por ayudarme, Alejandro.Thank you for helping me, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “break” translations and entries romper, quebrar, escrachar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries escrachar, quebrar, romper, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
