la rompes
/la ɾompes/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "you slay" is expressed as la rompes.
This expression is used to tell someone they are doing something exceptionally well or looking great.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, la rompes means "you break it", referring to an implied object such as a record or a mold.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
la rompes is an informal and colloquial expression. It should not be used in professional or formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form la rompes is in the second-person singular present indicative, used when speaking directly to one person. To say "I slay" or "I'm killing it," use the first-person singular form la rompo. To tell a group of people they are slaying, use the third-person plural form la rompen.
How do you pronounce it?
/la ɾompes/
When do people say it?
Another informal way to express "you slay" is ¡Lo petas!
Did you know?
- The expression la rompes is part of a linguistic pattern where breaking or destroying something is actually a compliment in Spanish. This is the opposite of how many English speakers would perceive destruction.
- In the LGBTQ+ communities of some Spanish-speaking countries, phrases like la rompes are used with a specific emphasis to signal high fashion or 'camp' energy.
- The word la in this phrase is a feminine pronoun derived from the Latin word 'illa', which means 'that' or 'that one'.
Examples in context
- ¡Vaya, Juan! ¡Lo petas con esa nueva canción que escribiste!Wow, Juan! You slay with that new song you wrote!
- Daniela, ¡eres una máquina en la cocina!Daniela, you slay in the kitchen!
- ¡La rompes con ese baile!You slay with that dance!
- Si usas ese vestido, la rompes.If you wear that dress, you slay.
- No te preocupes, la rompes en la presentación.Don't worry, you'll slay in the presentation.
Example conversation
Alejandro sees Lucía's new outfit before a party.
- Alejandro¡Lucía, la rompes con ese look!Lucía, you slay with that look!
- Lucía¡Gracias! Me tomó tiempo elegirlo.Thanks! It took me a while to pick it.
- AlejandroTe ves increíble, vas a impresionar a todos.You look incredible, you're going to impress everyone.
- LucíaQué amable, Alejandro. ¡Vamos ya!How sweet, Alejandro. Let's go now!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
