tenemos que romper
/tenemos ke ɾompeɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "we need to break up" is translated into Spanish as tenemos que romper.
This phrase is used to tell a romantic partner that the relationship should end. In a romantic context, the verb romper can be used intransitively or with a direct object to mean ending a relationship.
How do you pronounce it?
/tenemos ke ɾompeɾ/
Did you know?
- While tenemos que romper is common, many Spanish speakers use the phrase cortar which literally means 'to cut'.
- The word que in this sentence actually descends from the Latin word quid, which means 'what'. It has evolved to function as a connector rather than its original meaning of 'what' in English.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, people might use the phrase terminar instead of romper to sound less violent or harsh. While romper literally means 'to break', it can sound quite blunt or physical in a breakup conversation.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are having a serious talk in a park.
- ElenaDaniel, tenemos que romper.Daniel, we need to break up.
- DanielNo puede ser, ¿por qué?It can't be, why?
- ElenaYa no somos felices juntos.We aren't happy together anymore.
- DanielEstá bien, lo entiendo.Okay, I understand.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries que, romper, CC BY-SA 4.0.
