rómpelo
/rompelo/from spelling rules
To say "break it" in Spanish, use rómpelo.
The phrase is used when you want to instruct someone to separate something into pieces by force.
What does it mean word for word?
rómpelo is composed of the imperative verb rompe (break) and the direct object pronoun lo (it).
Which one should you use?
The form you use depends on the gender of the object and how the phrase is used in a sentence. Use rómpela if the object being broken is a feminine noun, such as la caja (the box).
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the command rómpelo, an accent mark on the first syllable is required. This is because attaching the pronoun lo to the imperative rompe shifts the stress, and the orthographic accent is necessary to maintain the original pronunciation.
How do you pronounce it?
/rompelo/
Did you know?
- The verb romper has a surprising double meaning in some Latin American countries, where it can be used as slang to mean 'to excel' or 'to be a hit' in a performance, similar to 'breaking a leg'.
- If you want to say 'break it' in the sense of 'to break a habit', a native speaker would more likely use the verb dejar (to leave/stop) rather than romper.
- To describe a voice cracking due to strong emotion, Spanish uses the verb romper, treating the voice as if it were a physical object being broken.
Examples in context
- Rómpelo.Break it down.This sentence is useful for practicing the command rómpelo.Tatoeba #6683682 by arh, translation #2245009 by CK
- Por favor, ten cuidado de no dañarloPlease be careful not to break it
- Vas a romperlo si no tienes cuidadoYou will break it if you're not careful
- No lo toques, se puede romperDon't touch it, it might break
- No lo partasDon't break it
- No es necesario, solo rómpelo con las manos.It is not necessary, just break it with your hands.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are preparing a snack together.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿puedes ayudarme con este pan?Alejandro, can you help me with this bread?
- Alejandro¿Qué quieres que haga con él?What do you want me to do with it?
- MaríaRómpelo en trozos pequeños, por favor.Break it into small pieces, please.
- AlejandroClaro, yo lo hago.Sure, I'll do it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
