interrumpir
/interumˈpiɾ/
The English phrase 'to disrupt' is translated into Spanish as interrumpir.
The verb is used to express the act of interrupting or impeding something.
Meaning: to interrupt or impede something (verb)
Which one should you use?
Perturbar implies causing disturbance or unease, and turbar means to disturb or discompose. In more casual settings in Spain, chafar is used to mean messing up or ruining something.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the informal verb chafar is used to mean 'to mess up' or 'to ruin'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person plural preterite (past tense) of interrumpir is interrumpieron (they interrupted). The conditional form is interrumpiría, which can mean 'I/he/she would interrupt'.
How do you pronounce it?
/interumˈpiɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, interrumpir can be used as a noun in the phrase la interrupción, which can refer to both a pause in a conversation and the medical term for an abortion.
- If you want to say someone is 'disrupting' a social order or peace, Spanish speakers often prefer alterar over interrumpir, as the latter focuses more on the temporal break rather than the chaos caused.
- The word turbar is often used in Spanish literature to describe a feeling of confusion or embarrassment, such as when someone is 'disrupted' by a sudden blush.
Examples in context
- La manifestación fue interrumpida por un grupo de manifestantes violentos.The protest was disrupted by a group of violent protesters.
- La noticia perturbó la tranquilidad del pueblo.The news disrupted the peace of the town.
- El cambio en la dirección de la empresa alteró la estabilidad laboral.The change in company leadership disrupted job stability.
- El ruido constante durante la conferencia turbará a los conferencistas.The constant noise during the conference will disrupt the speakers.
- El accidente en la carretera lió el tráfico por varias horas.The accident on the road disrupted traffic for several hours.
- Olvidé mi presentación y eso chafó todo el evento.I forgot my presentation, and that ruined the entire event.
- No interrumpas, por favor.Don't interrupt, please.
- No quiero interrumpir tu clase.I don't want to interrupt your class.
- La lluvia puede interrumpir el partido.The rain might interrupt the match.
- Perdón por interrumpir la reunión.Sorry for interrupting the meeting.
Example conversation
Daniel enters the room while Elena is studying.
- DanielPerdón, ¿puedo interrumpir un momento, Elena?Sorry, can I disrupt you for a moment, Elena?
- ElenaSí, Daniel, dime qué necesitas.Yes, Daniel, tell me what you need.
- DanielSolo quería avisarte que la cena está lista.I just wanted to let you know that dinner is ready.
- ElenaGracias por avisarme, voy ahora mismo.Thanks for letting me know, I'm going right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry interrumpir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
