rompecabezas
/rompekaˈbeθas/
The English phrase jigsaw is translated into Spanish as rompecabezas.
Rompecabezas refers to a puzzle consisting of small, irregularly shaped pieces that fit together to form a picture.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of the verb rompe (breaks) and la cabeza (the head), which literally means 'head-breaker'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term encastre is used when referring to jigsaw puzzles. Additionally, in many Spanish-speaking countries, the English loanword puzzle is commonly used to refer to a jigsaw puzzle.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word rompecabezas is invariable in number, meaning it stays the same whether you are talking about one puzzle or multiple puzzles. To indicate plurality, you must change the article used with it, such as using los rompecabezas for 'the jigsaw puzzles'.
How do you pronounce it?
/rompekaˈbeθas/
Did you know?
- While rompecabezas describes a jigsaw, it is also used as a general term for any brain-teaser or complex riddle that is difficult to solve.
- The Spanish word rompecabezas is a linguistic sibling to the French casse-tête, as both use the exact same 'head-breaking' logic to describe a challenging puzzle.
- The term encastre, used in Argentina, refers more broadly to the action of things fitting together or interlocking, not just to jigsaw puzzles.
Examples in context
- Tom completó el rompecabezas.Tom completed the jigsaw puzzle.This sentence shows how to use rompecabezas to state that a person completed the puzzle.Tatoeba #1517928 by hayastan, translation #1517921 by Spamster
- Me pareció que era un rompecabezas relativamente difícil.I felt it was a relatively difficult jigsaw puzzle.This sentence uses rompecabezas to describe a puzzle that felt relatively difficult.Tatoeba #5404184 by albrusgher, translation #328694 by fcbond
- He completado un rompecabezas.I have completed a jigsaw puzzle.
- El niño está jugando con un puzle.The child is playing with a jigsaw puzzle.
- Siempre disfruto rompiéndome la cabeza con un rompecabezas.I always enjoy challenging myself with a jigsaw puzzle.
- Mis amigos y yo estamos armando un rompecabezas este fin de semana.My friends and I are putting together a jigsaw puzzle this weekend.
- Voy a romperme la cabeza con este puzle de mil piezas.I'm going to challenge myself with this thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle.
- Compré un rompecabezas de mil piezas.I bought a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are sitting at a table in a living room.
- Sofía¿Quieres ayudarme con este rompecabezas?Do you want to help me with this jigsaw puzzle?
- JavierSí, me encanta armar un rompecabezas.Yes, I love assembling a jigsaw puzzle.
- SofíaEs muy difícil encontrar las esquinas.It is very difficult to find the corners.
- JavierNo te preocupes, lo haremos juntos.Don't worry, we will do it together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rompecabezas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rompecabezas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
