separarse
/sepaɾaɾse/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'split off' is translated into Spanish as separarse.
When you want to specify which larger group is being left behind, you must use the preposition de after the verb, forming the phrase separarse de.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb is used in its reflexive form to indicate that a group or entity is splitting away from a larger whole. If you are describing a completed action in the past where a group split off, you would use the third-person plural preterite form se separaron.
How do you pronounce it?
/sepaɾaɾse/
Did you know?
- To avoid confusion between a romantic breakup and a political schism, Spanish journalists often use the specialized term escindirse.
- When a person splits off from a religious or political movement, Spanish speakers may use desprenderse, evoking the image of a petal detaching from a flower.
- Spanish has a related verb desprenderse which specifically describes splitting off physically, like a piece of rock breaking away from a cliff or a button coming off a shirt.
Examples in context
- María decidió separarse de la empresa para empezar su propio negocio.María decided to split off from the company to start her own business.
- Las dos compañías se separaron debido a diferencias irreconciliables.The two companies split off due to irreconcilable differences.
- El departamento de marketing decidió desligarse del proyecto para enfocarse en otros objetivos.The marketing department decided to split off from the project to focus on other objectives.
- Nuestro país se desligó de la organización debido a discrepancias políticas.Our country split off from the organization due to political discrepancies.
- Nos separamos de nuestros amigos porque queríamos hacer nuestro propio plan.We split off from our friends because we wanted to make our own plans.
- Los hermanos se separaron en el parque de diversiones para disfrutar de atracciones distintas.The siblings split off at the amusement park to enjoy different attractions.
- El grupo se separó del partido político.The group split off from the political party.
- Algunos miembros decidieron separarse del partido.Some members decided to split off from the party.
- La pequeña empresa decidió separarse del grupo empresarial.The small company decided to split off from the business group.
- Tras la discusión, varios socios prefirieron separarse.After the argument, several partners preferred to split off.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing changes in their professional association.
- Elena¿Sabes que algunos socios quieren separarse de la asociación?Do you know that some partners want to split off from the association?
- DanielSí, quieren formar un grupo más pequeño.Yes, they want to form a smaller group.
- ElenaMe parece una decisión muy arriesgada.It seems like a very risky decision to me.
- DanielQuizás sea lo mejor para ellos.Maybe it is the best thing for them.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry separarse, 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.
