What does it mean word for word?
The phrase me rompí means "I broke (to myself)", using the reflexive pronoun me to show the action was experienced by the subject. The verb romper is conjugated in the preterite tense rompí to indicate a completed action in the past. The phrase ends with el brazo, which literally means "the arm".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, Me he fracturado el brazo is a formal way to say "I have broken my arm".
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to body parts in this context, Spanish uses the definite article el (the) instead of a possessive adjective like "mi" (my). Additionally, the reflexive pronoun me is used to indicate that the person experienced the action.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ɾompi el bɾaθo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying rompí mi brazo. While English speakers often translate "my" literally, it is more natural in Spanish to use el brazo.
Did you know?
- If you say rompí mi brazo instead of me rompí el brazo, a native speaker might jokingly wonder if you broke an arm that you are carrying in your hand rather than one attached to your body.
- The word brazo is a direct descendant of the Latin word bracchium, which is the same root found in the English word 'brachial' used in medical contexts.
- The word brazo comes from the Ancient Greek word for 'the shorter one', referring to the length of the limb.
Examples in context
- Me rompí el brazo.I broke my arm.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase me rompí el brazo.Tatoeba #568115 by Shishir, translation #262315 by CK
- Me he roto el brazo al caerme de la bicicleta.I broke my arm when I fell off the bike.
- ¡Ayúdenme! Me he partido el brazo y necesito ir al hospital.Help me! I have broken my arm and I need to go to the hospital.
- Me rompí el brazo jugando al fútbol.I broke my arm playing soccer.
- No puedo conducir porque me rompí el brazo.I cannot drive because I broke my arm.
Example conversation
Alejandro tells Sofía why he is wearing a cast.
- AlejandroMira, me rompí el brazo.Look, I broke my arm.
- Sofía¿Cómo pasó eso, Alejandro?How did that happen, Alejandro?
- AlejandroMe caí mientras caminaba.I fell while I was walking.
- SofíaLo siento mucho, espero que sanes pronto.I am so sorry, I hope you heal soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brazo, el, me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
