partir
/paɾˈtiɾ/
The English phrase 'set out' is translated into Spanish as partir.
The verb partir means to depart or to set out. When you want to specify the direction or destination you are setting out towards, you often use the preposition hacia (towards) or the phrase con destino a (with destination to).
Meaning: to leave (verb)
Which one should you use?
While partir implies the beginning of a journey or a formal departure, the verb salir is a more general term used for leaving a place or simply going out.
How does it change in a sentence?
The related noun form of partir is partida, which means 'departure'.
How do you pronounce it?
/paɾˈtiɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb partir and the English word 'party' are actually linguistic cousins, both stemming from a Latin root meaning 'to divide'.
- In Spanish, the noun partida refers to a 'departure' but is also the standard term for a single match or game of chess and cards.
- In a way that sounds quite dramatic in English, the verb partir can be used to say someone has broken your heart, in the phrase partir el corazón.
Examples in context
- Debemos partir temprano para llegar a tiempo al destino.We must set out early to arrive at the destination on time.
- El presidente iniciará un viaje diplomático mañana.The president will set out on a diplomatic trip tomorrow.
- Vamos a salir temprano para evitar el tráfico.We're going to set out early to avoid traffic.
- Mañana vamos a empezar nuestra aventura por la costa.Tomorrow we're going to set out on our coastal adventure.
- Vamos a partir hacia la montaña al amanecer.We're going to set out for the mountains at dawn.
- No puedo esperar para salir de vacaciones.I can't wait to set out on vacation.
- El equipo de investigación iniciará la expedición arqueológica en dos semanas.The research team will set out on the archaeological expedition in two weeks.
- Empecemos nuestro viaje con entusiasmo y alegría.Let's set out on our journey with enthusiasm and joy.
- Vamos a partir en una hora.We are going to leave in an hour.
- El tren va a partir pronto.The train is going to leave soon.
- Debemos partir antes del amanecer.We must leave before dawn.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are planning a road trip.
- Javier¿A qué hora quieres partir?What time do you want to set out?
- LucíaQuiero partir a las siete de la mañana.I want to set out at seven in the morning.
- JavierEstá bien, Lucía. Yo preparo el coche.All right, Lucía. I will prepare the car.
- LucíaPerfecto, Javier. Descansa ahora.Perfect, Javier. Rest now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry partir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries partir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
