Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| derramar | /deraˈmaɾ/ | |
| verter | /beɾˈteɾ/ | |
| desparramar | /desparaˈmaɾ/ | |
| efundir | /efundiɾ/ (from spelling rules) | uncommon |
The primary way to express the act of spilling is through derramar, which is used when a liquid is spilled accidentally or flows out of a container. It is also the standard verb used in dramatic or figurative contexts, such as when one is spilling blood or tears. Other forms like desparramar are used when something is scattered across a wide area, such as grains or many small droplets.
Which one should you use?
While derramar implies an accidental spill or an overflow, verter is often used for the intentional act of pouring a liquid. If you are describing something being scattered in many directions over a surface, use desparramar.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the liquid itself is the subject of the sentence (for example, 'the water spilled'), use the reflexive form derramarse.
How do you pronounce it?
/deraˈmaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word derramar shares an ancient root with the word for 'branch', from the Latin rāmus. It suggests the way a liquid spreads out across a surface like the branches of a tree.
Examples in context
- Trataré de no derramar nada.I'll try not to spill anything.This sentence shows how to express the intention of not spilling something using derramar.Tatoeba #2874626 by marcelostockle, translation #2541930 by CK
- Ten cuidado de no derramar tu cerveza.Be careful not to spill your beer.This sentence provides a warning to be careful not to spill a drink using derramar.Tatoeba #5670603 by albrusgher, translation #3372935 by CK
- Lágrimas comenzaron a derramarse por su cara.Tears began to spill down her face.This sentence demonstrates the use of the reflexive form derramarse to describe tears spilling.Tatoeba #5670602 by albrusgher, translation #2483462 by Hybrid
- No derrames el agua sobre el escritorio, por favor.Don't spill the water on the desk, please.
- Asegúrate de verter el contenido con precaución para evitar derrames.Make sure to pour the content carefully to avoid spills.
- El niño tumbó el vaso de leche y se regó por todas partes.The child spilled the glass of milk, and it went everywhere.
- El derrame de petróleo contaminó el mar.The oil spill contaminated the sea.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are cleaning up the kitchen after a cooking accident.
- Mateo¡Cuidado! Vas a derramar la sopa.Watch out! You are going to spill the soup.
- LucíaLo siento, Mateo, se me resbaló la cuchara.I'm sorry, Mateo, the spoon slipped from my hand.
- MateoNo te preocupes, yo limpio este desastre.Don't worry, I will clean up this mess.
- LucíaGracias, eres muy amable.Thank you, you are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spill” translations and entries derramar, verter, desparramar, efundir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries derramar, desparramar, efundir, verter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
