dividir en dos
/dibidiɾ en dos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "split in two" can be translated into Spanish as dividir en dos.
The phrase is used to describe the action of dividing a single object or a group into two separate sections. You may often see the more descriptive version dividir en dos partes (to divide into two parts) used to make a sentence sound more complete in formal or descriptive contexts.
Which one should you use?
While dividir en dos is the general form, partir en dos is a common synonym often used when the split refers specifically to physical breaking or splitting. In some Latin American countries, you may also encounter quebrar en dos.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase partir en dos is commonly used. In some Latin American countries, quebrar en dos is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of the verb is dividido en dos, which you can use to form perfect tenses or as an adjective. To express the idea of dividing into two parts more fully, you can use dividir en dos partes.
How do you pronounce it?
/dibidiɾ en dos/
Did you know?
- The verb partir can also mean 'to leave' or 'to depart' in many Spanish-speaking contexts, which can create confusion if you are discussing splitting an object versus departing from a place.
- The Spanish word dos shares a common ancestor with the Persian word دو.
- The verb quebrar can be used for splitting in two, but it often suggests a violent or accidental break, like a bone or a piece of glass.
Examples in context
- El equipo se divide en dos gruposThe team splits in two groups
- El pastel se parte por la mitadThe cake is split in half
- Mi pantalón se partió en dosMy pants split in two
- El tronco del árbol se rajó en dosThe tree trunk split in two
- El perro partió el juguete en dosThe dog split the toy in two
- La rama se quebró en dos después de la tormentaThe branch broke in two after the storm
- Los hermanos decidieron dividir en dos sus tareas en el hogarThe siblings decided to split their household chores in two
- El río se divide en dos corrientes en este puntoThe river splits into two currents at this point
- Dividió la naranja en dos.He split the orange in two.
- Tenemos que dividir en dos la cuenta.We have to split the bill in two.
- Puedes dividir en dos esta barra de chocolate.You can split this chocolate bar in two.
- Ella decidió dividir en dos sus ahorros.She decided to split her savings in two.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are deciding how to share a large pizza.
- Sofía¿Podemos dividir en dos la pizza?Can we split the pizza in two?
- MateoSí, pero yo quiero la mitad más grande.Yes, but I want the bigger half.
- SofíaNo seas injusto, Mateo.Don't be unfair, Mateo.
- MateoEstá bien, la dividimos de forma igual.Alright, we'll split it equally.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dividir, dos, en, CC BY-SA 4.0.
