roto
/ˈroto/
The Spanish word for ripped is roto.
roto is used to describe something that is torn, whether it is partly torn or torn into separate pieces.
Meaning: torn, either partly or into separate pieces (adj)
Which one should you use?
While roto can mean torn when referring to fabrics, it is also the standard word for broken when referring to inanimate objects such as machines or toys.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term marcado/a is used to describe someone as ripped, specifically referring to visible muscle definition.
How does it change in a sentence?
This adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use rota for feminine nouns like la camisa, and use rotos for masculine plural nouns like los pantalones. For feminine plural nouns like las hojas, use rotas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈroto/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling someone roto is a derogatory term used to describe a person who is poor or lacks manners.
- The word roto shares its origin with the English word 'rupture', both coming from the Latin 'ruptus'.
- While roto means broken or ripped, the phrase estar roto can be used colloquially to say someone is physically or emotionally exhausted.
Examples in context
- Tengo que entrenar duro en el gimnasio para estar musculado/a como él/ella.I have to train hard in the gym to be ripped like him/her.
- El papel está roto.The paper is torn.
- Tengo el pantalón roto.I have a torn pair of pants.
- ¿Viste el libro roto?Did you see the torn book?
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are looking at a piece of clothing.
- DanielMira, mi libro está roto.Look, my book is ripped.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, Daniel.Don't worry, Daniel.
- DanielPero el papel está muy roto.But the paper is very ripped.
- SofíaPodemos arreglarlo con cinta.We can fix it with tape.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry roto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries roto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
