tomar caminos separados
/tomaɾ kaminos sepaɾados/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'go our separate ways' is translated into Spanish as tomar caminos separados.
This phrase is used to describe the act of ending a relationship or a partnership and stopping the time spent together.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, tomar caminos separados means 'to take separate paths'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American regions, the variation Ir por rumbos opuestos is used to express the same idea.
Did you know?
- In the variation Ir por rumbos opuestos, the word rumbo refers to a nautical compass heading rather than just a general direction.
- In Spanish, the concept of taking a path is linked to the verb tomar, which is also used to express 'taking' a decision, a phrase that English speakers would typically translate as 'making' a decision.
- In literary or poetic Spanish, tomar caminos separados is often used not just to describe a breakup, but to suggest that the two people's overarching fates or destinies have been permanently diverted.
Examples in context
- Después de años trabajando juntos, es hora de que cada uno de nosotros siga por caminos separados.After years of working together, it's time for each of us to go our separate ways.
- Creo que lo mejor para ambos es seguir caminos diferentes.I think it's best for both of us to go our separate ways.
- Después de tantas discusiones, es hora de que nos separemos.After so many arguments, it's time for us to go our separate ways.
- Después de todas las experiencias compartidas, creo que ha llegado el momento de tomar rumbos distintos.After all the experiences we've shared, I think it's time for us to go our separate ways.
- Decidimos tomar caminos separados para seguir nuestras carreras.We decided to go our separate ways to pursue our careers.
- Es mejor que decidamos tomar caminos separados.It is better if we decide to go our separate ways.
- Después de la pelea, prefirieron tomar caminos separados.After the fight, they preferred to go their separate ways.
- No queremos pelear, así que vamos a tomar caminos separados.We don't want to fight, so we are going to go our separate ways.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing their breakup in a quiet cafe.
- LucíaMateo, creo que es hora de tomar caminos separados.Mateo, I think it is time to go our separate ways.
- MateoLo siento, Lucía, pero estoy de acuerdo contigo.I am sorry, Lucía, but I agree with you.
- LucíaNuestra relación ya no funciona igual.Our relationship doesn't work the same way anymore.
- MateoTienes razón, es lo mejor para ambos.You are right, it is best for both of us.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
