vidrio roto
/bidɾjo ɾoto/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'broken glass' is translated into Spanish as vidrio roto.
The phrase is used to describe glass that has been shattered or cracked into pieces.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun vidrio (glass) and the past participle roto (broken).
Which one should you use?
While vidrio roto is the standard term, you may encounter cristal roto, which is often used interchangeably in many regions. However, cristal can specifically imply higher-quality or decorative glass. If you want to emphasize the individual sharp pieces themselves, you can use trozos de vidrio (shards of glass).
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to multiple pieces or types of broken glass, both the noun and the adjective must be pluralized as vidrios rotos.
How do you pronounce it?
/bidɾjo ɾoto/
Did you know?
- The word roto comes from the Latin ruptus, the same root used in English words like 'rupture' and 'interrupt'.
- The word roto is an irregular past participle, meaning it does not follow the standard pattern for verbs ending in '-er' like the verb 'romper'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, vidrio refers specifically to window glass, while cristal is used for the glass in a drinking goblet.
Examples in context
- Había trozos de vidrio roto en el piso.There were bits of broken glass on the floor.This sentence is useful for describing the presence of bits of vidrio roto on a floor.Tatoeba #1563774 by hayastan, translation #268082 by CM
- El vaso cayó al suelo y se rompió en pedazos. Ahora hay cristal roto por todas partes.The glass fell to the floor and broke into pieces. Now there is broken glass everywhere.
- Ten cuidado con el vidrio quebrado en el suelo. No quiero que te lastimes.Be careful with the broken glass on the floor. I don't want you to get hurt.
- ¡Cuidado! Hay cristal roto en el suelo. No te vayas a lastimar.Watch out! There's broken glass on the floor. You might hurt yourself.
- No puedo creer que el jarrón se haya caído y haya vidrio quebrado por todos lados.I can't believe the vase fell and there's broken glass everywhere.
- Ten cuidado con el vidrio roto.Be careful with the broken glass.
- Recogí todo el vidrio roto de la alfombra.I picked up all the broken glass from the rug.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are cleaning up after a kitchen accident.
- Mateo¿Viste cuánto vidrio roto hay en la cocina?Did you see how much broken glass is in the kitchen?
- ElenaSí, Mateo, es peligroso.Yes, Mateo, it is dangerous.
- MateoVoy a buscar la escoba.I am going to look for the broom.
- ElenaYo limpiaré el vidrio roto con cuidado.I will clean the broken glass carefully.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries roto, vidrio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
