Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| partir | /paɾˈtiɾ/ |
| salir | /saˈliɾ/ |
| zarpar | /θaɾˈpaɾ/ /saɾˈpaɾ/ |
The verb partir means to depart, but it can also mean to split or to break into pieces. Because of this, you must rely on the context of the sentence to determine if someone is leaving or if an object is being broken. Salir is the general verb used for leaving a place or going out, while zarpar is a specialized term for a ship or boat leaving a port.
Which one should you use?
While partir is a direct translation of 'depart', salir is the much more common and everyday verb used to say one is leaving a place or going out. On the other hand, zarpar is used specifically for the act of a vessel setting sail.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Partir carries a more formal or literary tone and is often used when discussing official departures or long journeys.
How do you pronounce it?
/paɾˈtiɾ/
Did you know?
- While salir means 'to leave', it is also used in Spanish to describe the act of dating someone, such as salir con alguien.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying ya me voy is a common way to signal a departure, even if the person is still standing in the room for several minutes.
- The specialized nautical term zarpar is borrowed from the Old Italian word sarpare.
Examples in context
- Estoy listo para partir.I'm ready to depart.This sentence shows the use of partir to express readiness to leave.Tatoeba #1305861 by alexmarcelo, translation #1228871 by CK
- Si el tiempo lo permite, partiré mañana.Weather permitting, I'll depart tomorrow.This sentence uses partir to describe a departure scheduled for tomorrow.Tatoeba #1229317 by nancy, translation #1225382 by CK
- Partiré pronto.I will depart soon.This sentence uses partir to indicate a departure happening soon.Tatoeba #11075382 by carlosalberto, translation #5109732 by CarpeLanam
- Partimos mañana.We depart tomorrow.
- El vuelo parte a las 9 am.The flight departs at 9 am.
- Me gustaría partir temprano.I would like to depart early.
- El tren sale a las 6 de la tarde.The train departs at 6 pm.
- Saldré en el próximo vuelo.I will depart on the next flight.
- El autobús sale de la estación.The bus departs from the station.
- Me voy ahora.I am leaving now.
- Mis amigos se fueron de vacaciones.My friends went on vacation.
- Vámonos pronto.Let's depart soon.
- Decidí marcharme esta noche.I decided to depart tonight.
- ¡Nos marchamos mañana!We are departing tomorrow!
- Se marcharon sin decir adiós.They left without saying goodbye.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are at the train station.
- JavierA qué hora tienes que partir?What time do you have to depart?
- LucíaMi tren debe partir a las diez.My train must depart at ten.
- JavierTodavía tienes tiempo entonces.You still have time then.
- LucíaSí, pero prefiero partir ya.Yes, but I prefer to depart now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “depart” translations and entries partir, salir, zarpar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries partir, salir, zarpar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
