Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Broken in Spanish
Roto · adjective · RROH-toh
The word 'roto' (from the irregular past participle of 'romper') means physically broken into pieces. For mechanical breakdowns, 'descompuesto' is used in Mexico and 'averiado' in Spain. 'Quebrado' applies to fractures and can also mean bankrupt.
Pronounced RROH-toh with a rolled or tapped 'r' at the beginning and stress on the first syllable. The feminine form is 'rota,' and plural forms are 'rotos/rotas.'
El vaso está roto; ten cuidado con los pedazos de vidrio.
The glass is broken; be careful with the glass pieces.
Broken in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for broken, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| roto | broken | RROH-toh | Default, widely understood |
| descompuesto | broken | Mexico, broken down/malfunctioning | |
| averiado | broken | Spain, broken down/out of order | |
| quebrado | broken | broken/fractured |
How Native Speakers Use Roto
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Physical damage
Se cayó el plato y ahora está completamente roto.
The plate fell and now it's completely broken.
Describing a physically shattered object.
Appliance malfunction
La lavadora está descompuesta; necesitamos llamar al técnico.
The washing machine is broken; we need to call the technician.
Mexican variant for mechanical failure.
Emotional state
Después de la ruptura, se sentía completamente destrozado.
After the breakup, he felt completely broken.
Figurative use for emotional devastation.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Roto
Using rompido instead of roto
Incorrect: El espejo está rompido.
Correct: El espejo está roto.
'Roto' is the correct irregular past participle of 'romper'; while 'rompido' existed historically, it is not accepted in modern standard Spanish.
Wrong word for malfunctions
Incorrect: Mi teléfono está roto. (it won't turn on but isn't physically damaged)
Correct: Mi teléfono está descompuesto/averiado.
'Roto' implies physical breakage; for electronic malfunctions without visible damage, 'descompuesto' (Mexico) or 'averiado' (Spain) is more precise.
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Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Roto used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using roto in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear El vaso está roto; ten cuidado con los pedazos de vidrio. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Broken in Spanish
- When do I use roto versus descompuesto?
- Use 'roto' when something is physically broken into pieces or cracked (a window, a vase, a bone), and 'descompuesto' or 'averiado' when something has stopped functioning mechanically or electronically without physical damage.
- Is roto an irregular past participle?
- The word 'roto' is indeed an irregular past participle of 'romper' and is one of the few Spanish verbs with a completely irregular participle form (not 'rompido'), used in compound tenses like 'he roto' (I have broken).
- How do I say 'broken heart' in Spanish?
- A broken heart is 'corazón roto' in Spanish, and the concept of heartbreak is expressed as 'tener el corazón roto' or 'estar con el corazón destrozado' for a more dramatic emotional impact.