descomponer
/deskompoˈneɾ/
To decompose in Spanish is descomponer.
The verb means to separate. Its specific meaning depends on the field: in mathematics, it refers to processes like prime factorization, while in a medical context, it describes a person's health failing or a physical breakdown.
Meaning: to separate (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the prefix des-, which indicates undoing or reversing and the verb componer, which means to compose or put together.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are describing a process like biological decay or a machine breaking down, it is frequent to use the reflexive form se descompone to mean "it decomposes" or "it breaks down".
How do you pronounce it?
/deskompoˈneɾ/
Did you know?
- The word descomponer can describe a person losing their temper or having an emotional meltdown, effectively meaning they have 'lost their composure'.
- In some regions, if a person is descompuesto, it can specifically imply they have a sudden upset stomach or are about to vomit.
- The Latin root pōnō, found inside descomponer, means 'to place' or 'to put', which is why the word literally describes 'un-putting' something.
Examples in context
- La materia orgánica se descompone rápidamente en condiciones adecuadas para la descomposición.Organic matter decomposes quickly under suitable decomposition conditions.
- La comida puede descomponerse si no se guarda adecuadamente.Food can decompose if not stored properly.
- El cuerpo del animal muerto comenzará a descomponerse en poco tiempo.The dead animal's body will start decomposing in a short time.
- Las frutas se pudren rápidamente si no se almacenan correctamente.Fruits rot quickly if not stored properly.
- La carne se empezará a pudrir si no se refrigera a baja temperatura.The meat will start to rot if not refrigerated at a low temperature.
- Las hojas de otoño se empiezan a podrir cuando caen al suelo.Autumn leaves start to decompose when they fall to the ground.
- Si no tomas las medidas necesarias, el pan se puede podrir rápidamente.If you don't take the necessary measures, bread can quickly go bad.
- El cadáver del animal que encontramos se descompuso rápidamente debido al calor.The carcass of the animal we found decomposed quickly due to the heat.
- Debes descomponer los elementos de la mezcla.You must separate the elements of the mixture.
- El profesor quiere descomponer la frase en palabras.The teacher wants to separate the phrase into words.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are working on a science project.
- JavierSofía, ¿cómo podemos analizar este sistema?Sofía, how can we analyze this system?
- SofíaPodemos descomponer el sistema en tres etapas.We can break the system down into three stages.
- JavierEso suena como un buen plan, Javier.That sounds like a good plan, Javier.
- SofíaEmpecemos a trabajar ahora mismo.Let's start working right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “decompose” translations and entries descomponer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries descomponer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
