partir
Lemma Details
Translation: to leave; to depart; to split; to divide; to break; to share
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Partir comes from Latin 'partire' meaning 'to divide, distribute'. It's related to English words like 'part', 'partition', and 'department'. The semantic evolution from 'dividing' to 'departing' makes sense when you think about separating oneself from a place.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El tren parte a las ocho.
The train leaves at eight.
Vamos a partir el pastel en partes iguales.
Let's divide the cake into equal parts.
A partir de mañana, todo será diferente.
Starting from tomorrow, everything will be different.
Se partió la pierna esquiando.
He broke his leg skiing.
Vamos a partir el pastel.
We're going to cut the cake.
A partir de mañana, el museo estará cerrado.
Starting from tomorrow, the museum will be closed.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'departing' which sounds similar to one meaning of 'partir'
- Remember 'part' in English - to divide something into parts is 'partir'
- Visualize someone 'parting' ways with friends when leaving
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, the expression 'partir' is commonly used when saying goodbye, especially for longer journeys. The phrase 'a partir de' is extremely common in formal announcements, signs, and official communications.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'partir' can mean 'to divide' or 'to share', 'compartir' specifically means 'to share' in the sense of sharing with others. 'Partir' has the additional meanings of 'to leave' or 'to break'.
Confused word:
Me gusta compartir mis experiencias con amigos.
I like to share my experiences with friends.
Notes: 'Partir' is more versatile with multiple meanings, while 'compartir' is more specific to sharing.
Mnemonic: 'Compartir' contains 'com' (with) + 'partir', suggesting sharing with others.
Explanation: The reflexive form 'partirse' typically means 'to break oneself' or 'to split oneself' and is often used in idiomatic expressions like 'partirse de risa' (to split with laughter).
Notes: The reflexive form often creates idiomatic expressions with emotional or physical impacts on oneself.
Mnemonic: When something happens to yourself (breaking, splitting), use the reflexive 'partirse'.