Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| romper | /romˈpeɾ/ | |
| terminar | /teɾmiˈnaɾ/ | |
| partir peras | /paɾtiɾ peɾas/ (from spelling rules) | colloquial |
The phrase is used to describe the ending of a romantic relationship. While romper can also mean to break a physical object, in the context of a relationship, it refers to the severance of a bond.
Which one should you use?
The verb terminar means 'to end' and is more neutral. In contrast, romper is more emotive and implies a definitive split. The phrase partir peras is a colloquial way to express the idea.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal way to say you want to end a relationship, you might say Quiero terminar nuestra relación.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use the verb romper to mean breaking up with someone, you must use the preposition con.
How do you pronounce it?
/romˈpeɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying romper a when you mean to break up with someone. You should use the preposition con instead.
Did you know?
- The colloquialism partir peras literally translates to 'to divide pears'.
- Spanish speakers often use the phrase cortar con alguien as a common alternative to romper, meaning 'to cut with someone'.
- The Spanish word romper is the direct descendant of the Latin rumpere, which is the root of the English word 'rupture'.
Examples in context
- Tom va a romper con Mary.Tom is going to break up with Mary.This sentence shows how to say Tom is going to break up with Mary using romper.Tatoeba #1412020 by jabujavi, translation #1093478 by CK
- No quiero romper contigo.I don't want to break up with you.This sentence shows how to say I don't want to break up with you using romper.Tatoeba #2160464 by Shishir, translation #2016608 by CK
- El decidió romper con ella.He decided to break up with her.This sentence shows how to say He decided to break up with her using romper.Tatoeba #11385466 by Jeigmz, translation #8531780 by CH
- Laura, ya no siento lo mismo que antes. Creo que es mejor que sigamos caminos separados.Laura, I don't feel the same way as before. I think it's better if we go our separate ways.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are talking about a friend's relationship.
- ElenaMe enteré de que Lucía va a romper con su novio.I found out that Lucía is going to break up with her boyfriend.
- AlejandroQué triste, ellos parecían muy felices juntos.How sad, they seemed very happy together.
- ElenaSí, pero ella siente que es mejor romper ahora.Yes, but she feels it is better to break up now.
- AlejandroTienes razón, es mejor ser honestos.You are right, it is better to be honest.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “break up” translations and entries romper, terminar, partir peras, 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 partir, romper, terminar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
