quebrarse is a verb in Spanish.
/keˈβɾaɾ.se/
quebrarse is primarily used to describe the action of breaking or fracturing, both physically and metaphorically. In a physical sense, it can refer to the breaking of bones or objects. Metaphorically, it can refer to emotional breakdowns or a loss of stability in various contexts. In Argentina, the term is common and widely understood, utilized in both written and oral communication.
In terms of frequency, quebrarse is mostly used in spoken language, particularly in everyday conversations, as well as in literary contexts to describe emotional states or physical states.
Me voy a quebrar si sigo escuchando estas historias tristes.
I'm going to break down if I keep hearing these sad stories.
Él se quebró el brazo jugando al fútbol.
He broke his arm playing soccer.
Si no somos cuidadosos, el vaso se va a quebrar en la mesa.
If we aren't careful, the glass is going to break on the table.
The term quebrarse is often used in idiomatic expressions, especially to convey emotional states or transformation in situations. Here are a few notable expressions:
Quedarse quebrado/a
to be financially broke
Example: Después de las vacaciones, quedé quebrado.
After the vacation, I ended up broke.
Quebrarse el alma
to break one's heart
Example: El noticiero me quebró el alma con esa noticia.
The news report broke my heart with that news.
Quedarse quebrado de la cabeza
to be mentally disturbed
Example: Desde que le ocurrió eso, parece que se quedó quebrado de la cabeza.
Since that happened to him, he seems to be mentally disturbed.
The verb quebrarse originates from the Latin word frangere, which means "to break". The prefix que- suggests a reflexive action, indicating the subject is experiencing the breaking themselves, whether physically or metaphorically.
Synonyms: - romperse (to break) - fracturarse (to fracture)
Antonyms: - unirse (to unite) - consolidarse (to consolidate)