divorcio
/diˈboɾθjo/masculine
The Spanish word for divorce is divorcio.
divorcio is a noun meaning the legal dissolution of a marriage. To express the act of seeking or filing for a divorce, it is common to use the phrase pedir el divorcio.
Meaning: legal dissolution of a marriage (noun)
Which one should you use?
The related verb divorciar is used when one person is legally dissolving a marriage (to divorce someone else), whereas the reflexive verb divorciarse is used to say that a person is getting divorced.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, the term Separación is used to refer to separation or legal separation in the context of divorce.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
divorcio is a masculine noun. When referring to the legal process, it is typically preceded by the definite article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/diˈboɾθjo/
Did you know?
- Until 1981, divorcio was legally impossible in Spain, as the country only allowed 'legal separation' due to the influence of the Catholic Church.
- While divorcio refers to the legal end of a marriage, the word desamor is often used in literature and music to describe the emotional divorce of two hearts.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, particularly in more conservative regions, people might use the euphemism estamos separados (we are separated) to avoid the harsh social stigma sometimes associated with the word divorcio.
Examples in context
- Tom quiere el divorcio.Tom wants a divorce.This sentence shows how to use divorcio to state that someone wants a divorce.Tatoeba #1883007 by hayastan, translation #1141038 by CK
- Pensé que querías el divorcio.I thought you wanted a divorce.This sentence uses divorcio to express a thought about someone wanting a divorce.Tatoeba #2520540 by hayastan, translation #1961709 by CK
- Quieres el divorcio, ¿no es así?You want a divorce, don't you?This sentence uses divorcio in a question about wanting a divorce.Tatoeba #2041647 by marcelostockle, translation #2014069 by CK
- El proceso de divorcio puede ser complicado.The divorce process can be complicated.
- Susana y Juan se separaron después de diez años de matrimonio.Susana and Juan separated after ten years of marriage.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing their relationship problems.
- MaríaNo creo que el divorcio sea la solución.I don't think divorce is the solution.
- MateoPero ya no nos queremos, María.But we don't love each other anymore, María.
- MaríaPodemos intentar ir a terapia primero.We can try going to therapy first.
- MateoEs demasiado tarde para evitar el divorcio.It is too late to avoid divorce.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “divorce” translations and entries divorcio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
