Quiero terminar
/kjeɾo teɾminaɾ/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "i want to break up" is Quiero terminar.
Quiero terminar is used to express the desire to end a romantic relationship. While terminar literally means "to finish", it is the standard way to communicate this intention in a relationship context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Quiero (I want) and terminar (to finish or to end).
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, which uses the phrasal verb "break up", Spanish uses the single verb terminar to convey the same meaning in a romantic context. To specify who you are breaking up with, you can add contigo (with you) to the end of the phrase, resulting in Quiero terminar contigo.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo teɾminaɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, it is common to use the phrase cortar (to cut) to describe a breakup. This evokes the image of cutting a string or a bond that tied two people together.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a person might say se acabó (it ended) instead of quiero terminar to make the breakup feel more like an inevitable event than a personal choice.
- While Quiero terminar is common, some speakers use Quiero romper, which literally means 'I want to break'. This mirrors the English 'break up' but sounds more abrupt and emotionally charged.
Examples in context
- Quiero terminar contigo.I want to break up with you.
- Lo siento, quiero terminar nuestra relación.I'm sorry, I want to end our relationship.
- Ya no soy feliz y quiero terminar.I am not happy anymore and I want to break up.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are having a serious discussion in a cafe.
- MaríaMateo, tenemos que hablar.Mateo, we need to talk.
- Mateo¿Pasa algo malo, María?Is something wrong, María?
- MaríaQuiero terminar lo nuestro.I want to break up with you.
- MateoNo puedo creer que me digas esto.I cannot believe you are telling me this.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
