cortar por la mitad
/koɾtaɾ poɾ la mitad/from spelling rules
The English phrase "cut in half" is translated into Spanish as cortar por la mitad.
This phrase is used to describe the action of dividing an object into two equal parts, typically by using a sharp tool.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase as a past participle to describe the state of an object, use cortado por la mitad.
How do you pronounce it?
/koɾtaɾ poɾ la mitad/
Did you know?
- If you are talking about cutting a person's hair, you would typically use cortar el pelo, but if you used cortar por la mitad in a conversation about hair, it would sound like a gruesome medical procedure.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the expression cortar por lo sano is used to describe making a decisive break or ending a situation abruptly.
- The word cortar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'curtail', which means to cut short or reduce.
Examples in context
- Voy a cortar la fruta por la mitad para hacer una ensalada.I am going to cut the fruit in half to make a salad.
- Por favor, corte el papel por la mitad y entréguelo a cada estudiante.Please cut the paper in half and give it to each student.
- Voy a partir el pastel en dos para que todos puedan disfrutarlo.I am going to cut the cake in half so everyone can enjoy it.
- Por favor, parta el documento en dos y presente una copia a cada departamento.Please cut the document in half and give a copy to each department.
- Voy a cortar la pizza a la mitad para que todos podamos comer.I am going to cut the pizza in half so we all can eat.
- Si quieres, te ayudo a cortar el dibujo a la mitad para compartirlo.If you want, I can help you cut the drawing in half to share it.
- Debes partir los tomates por la mitad antes de añadirlos a la ensalada.You should cut the tomatoes in half before adding them to the salad.
- Déjame partir la sandía por la mitad para que podamos disfrutarla juntos.Let me cut the watermelon in half so we can enjoy it together.
- Corté la manzana por la mitad.I cut the apple in half.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are preparing lunch in the kitchen.
- JavierLucía, ¿puedes cortar por la mitad el tomate?Lucía, can you cut the tomato in half?
- LucíaSí, Javier. Lo hago ahora mismo.Yes, Javier. I'll do it right now.
- JavierGracias. También necesito el pan cortado.Thanks. I also need the bread cut.
- LucíaEstá bien, yo me encargo de todo.Alright, I'll take care of everything.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cortar, la, mitad, por, CC BY-SA 4.0.
