Spanish word

separar

Pronunciation

IPA/sepaˈɾaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbseparate

Example

Por favor, separa las frutas de las verduras.

Please separate the fruits from the vegetables.

Illustration for separar (separate)

More examples

¿Puedes separar la cuenta entre tres personas?

Can you split the bill between three people?

Core concept

Placing objects or people into separate groups.

Common phrases

  • separar la cuenta

    split the bill

  • separar la ropa

    separate the clothes

Similar words

dividir: Divides a single whole into multiple parts or sections.
partir: Breaks or splits an object into two or more physical pieces.
aislar: Isolates a person or thing by cutting off contact with others.
apartar: Moves something aside or sets it away from nearby items.

Definition in Spanish

Poner o mover cosas o personas de modo que queden en grupos distintos o apartadas unas de otras; también dejar algo reservado para un uso o persona concreta.

Word origin

From Latin separare (se- 'apart' + parare 'prepare, arrange'), originally meaning 'put apart' and giving the verb the sense of dividing into groups.

Usage tips

  • For people, the reflexive separarse means to become apart or end a relationship, while separar is used to divide or set things apart.

Other meanings

  • splitverb
  • set apartverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word