Verb
/se.paˈɾaɾ.se/
"Separarse" is a reflexive verb in Spanish that generally means to move apart, to split, or to become detached from something or someone. It is often used in contexts involving relationships, physical distances, or distinctions between things.
In terms of frequency of use, "separarse" is moderately common in both spoken and written forms. It can frequently be encountered in discussions about personal relationships (e.g., divorces), but also in scientific or general contexts when referring to the division or detachment of objects.
Ellos decidieron separarse después de diez años de matrimonio.
(They decided to separate after ten years of marriage.)
Es importante separarse de las cosas que nos hacen daño.
(It is important to separate oneself from things that hurt us.)
Los dos caminos se separan en la siguiente curva.
(The two paths separate at the next curve.)
"Separarse" is also utilized in various idiomatic expressions, often conveying relationships, divisions, or distinctions. Here are some examples:
Es difícil separarse del grupo cuando todos están tan unidos.
(It's hard to separate oneself from the group when everyone is so close-knit.)
Separarse por un tiempo
(To separate for a time)
Decidieron separarse por un tiempo para reflexionar sobre su relación.
(They decided to separate for a time to reflect on their relationship.)
Separarse de la masa
(To separate from the mass)
Es importante separarse de la masa y hacer lo que sientes que es correcto.
(It's important to separate from the mass and do what you feel is right.)
Separarse por intereses
(To separate for interests)
The verb "separarse" derives from the Latin word "separare," combining "se" (meaning "apart" or "away") and "parare" (meaning "to prepare" or "to arrange"). Over time, it evolved into its current reflexive form in Spanish, which emphasizes the action being directed toward the subject itself.
Synonyms: - Dividirse (to divide oneself) - Desprenderse (to detach oneself)
Antonyms: - Unirse (to unite) - Juntarse (to join together)