cortar
/koɾˈtaɾ/
The English phrase 'cut off' is translated in Spanish as cortar.
Cortar is a general term used to mean 'to cut off'. Depending on the specific context of the interruption, other verbs might be more precise. For instance, if you are talking about stopping someone from speaking, use interrumpir (to interrupt). If you are referring to halting or suspending something, suspender can be used. In a colloquial sense, the phrase cortar la onda is used to describe a disruption in someone's mood.
Meaning: to end abruptly (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing a situation where a service (such as electricity or internet) has been cut off by an unspecified provider or authority, Spanish speakers often use the third person plural forms like cortaron or han cortado.
How do you pronounce it?
/koɾˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- While cortar means 'to cut off', using it in the phrase cortar el bacalao means to be the boss or the person in charge of a situation.
- In Spanish, cortar is used to describe the process of curdling milk, as if the liquid is being 'cut' into solids.
- The Spanish word cortar is a direct relative of the English word 'curtail'. Both descend from the Latin word curtāre, which means 'shorten'.
Examples in context
- A Tom le cortaron la electricidad.Tom had the electricity cut off.This sentence shows the use of cortar regarding electricity.Tatoeba #10090880 by manufrutos, translation #10090751 by Silja
- Me cortaron la conexión a Internet.My internet connection was cut off.This sentence shows the use of cortar regarding an internet connection.Tatoeba #1361248 by marcelostockle, translation #326868 by CK
- Han vuelto a cortar la electricidad.They've cut off the electricity again.Tatoeba #9755596 by Shishir, translation #9778666 by helloroto
- No quiero cortarme el pelo demasiado, solo quiero cortar las puntas.I don't want to cut my hair too short, I just want to trim the ends.
- Por favor, no me interrumpas mientras estoy hablando.Please don't interrupt me while I'm speaking.
- No me cortes la onda, estoy disfrutando de la música.Don't kill my vibe, I'm enjoying the music.
- Creo que deberíamos cortar por lo sano y terminar esta relación.I think we should cut it off and end this relationship.
- ¡No me cortes el rollo! Estaba disfrutando la fiesta.Don't kill the vibe! I was enjoying the party.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are talking on the phone during a storm.
- MaríaParece que van a cortar la luz pronto.It looks like they are going to cut the power soon.
- DanielEspero que no nos corten la llamada.I hope they don't cut off our call.
- MaríaSi eso pasa, te llamo por teléfono móvil.If that happens, I will call your mobile.
- DanielVale, hablamos luego, María.Okay, talk to you later, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cut off” translations and entries cortar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cortar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
