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A1 verb #2,500 الأكثر شيوعاً 15 دقيقة للقراءة

cortar

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح cortar في 30 ثانية
الشرح cortar in your Level:
At the A1 level, the verb 'cortar' is introduced in its most basic, literal, and physical sense. Beginners learn this verb primarily to describe everyday actions involving the physical separation of objects using common tools like scissors (tijeras) or a knife (cuchillo). The focus is on tangible, visible actions that are easy to comprehend and practice. For instance, a student at this level will learn to say 'Yo corto el papel' (I cut the paper) during a classroom activity, or 'Corto la manzana' (I cut the apple) when talking about food preparation. The grammar at this stage is kept simple, focusing entirely on the present indicative tense for regular '-ar' verbs (corto, cortas, corta, cortamos, cortáis, cortan). Students are taught to pair 'cortar' with basic vocabulary items such as food (pan, carne, fruta) and classroom materials (papel, cartulina). The concept of transitivity is introduced naturally; students learn that 'cortar' needs an object (you have to cut *something*). There is no focus on reflexive uses, abstract meanings, or idiomatic expressions at this stage. The goal is purely functional communication regarding immediate physical actions. Teachers often use visual aids, showing a picture of scissors cutting paper, to solidify the meaning. By the end of A1, a learner should confidently understand and produce simple sentences like 'El niño corta el papel con las tijeras' and recognize the verb in basic written instructions or simple spoken commands like 'Corta aquí' (Cut here).
As learners progress to the A2 level, the usage of 'cortar' expands beyond simple classroom and kitchen objects to include a wider variety of everyday physical contexts and basic routines. At this stage, students learn to apply the verb to personal grooming, specifically haircuts. The phrase 'cortar el pelo' (to cut the hair) becomes a staple, and students learn the slightly more complex structure of expressing that someone else is doing the action for them, even if they don't fully grasp the causative grammar yet (e.g., 'Voy a la peluquería para cortar mi pelo'). Additionally, vocabulary related to household chores is introduced, making 'cortar el césped' (to cut the grass/mow the lawn) a common phrase. Grammatically, A2 students begin using 'cortar' in the past tenses, particularly the preterite (corté, cortó) to describe completed actions ('Ayer corté el césped') and the imperfect (cortaba) for descriptive past actions. The imperative mood is also practiced more frequently, allowing students to give and understand simple instructions, such as 'Corta la carne en trozos pequeños' (Cut the meat into small pieces). While the focus remains heavily on physical cutting, the contexts become more varied and relevant to daily life survival and routine descriptions. The introduction of different tools (sierra for wood, cortacésped for grass) helps broaden the lexical field surrounding the verb 'cortar'.
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At the B1 level, the conceptual understanding of 'cortar' undergoes a significant shift. While physical cutting remains important, learners are now introduced to the figurative and abstract meanings of the verb, specifically focusing on the concept of 'interruption' or 'stopping a flow'. This is a crucial step in fluency. Students learn that 'cortar' is the standard verb used when public utilities are suspended. Phrases like 'cortar la luz' (to cut the power/electricity), 'cortar el agua' (to cut the water), and 'cortar el gas' (to cut the gas) become essential vocabulary for navigating life in a Spanish-speaking country. Furthermore, the concept of interrupting communication is introduced; 'cortar la llamada' (to drop/cut the call) is highly relevant in the modern digital age. Grammatically, the B1 level introduces the reflexive/pronominal form 'cortarse' in its literal sense: 'Me he cortado el dedo' (I have cut my finger). This requires understanding reflexive pronouns and how they interact with body parts in Spanish. Students also begin to encounter 'cortar' in compound sentences and with a wider variety of prepositions. The transition from A2 to B1 marks the point where 'cortar' stops being just a physical action with a knife or scissors and becomes a versatile tool for describing systemic interruptions and personal accidents, requiring a deeper understanding of context and syntax.
سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل
Reaching the B2 level means a learner is ready to handle the emotional, social, and more complex figurative uses of 'cortar'. The most prominent new meaning introduced here is the termination of relationships. Students learn that 'cortar con alguien' is the standard, everyday way to say 'to break up with someone'. This requires mastering the specific preposition 'con' in this context. For example, 'María cortó con Juan ayer' (María broke up with Juan yesterday). Beyond romantic relationships, B2 learners explore the concept of cutting off abstract things, such as 'cortar la tensión' (to cut the tension) in a room, or 'cortar la conversación' (to cut the conversation short). The psychological use of the reflexive 'cortarse' is also introduced, particularly the colloquial Spanish (Spain) usage meaning 'to be shy' or 'to hold back'. Understanding phrases like 'No te cortes, coge más comida' (Don't be shy, take more food) is essential for natural social interaction. Grammatically, B2 students are expected to use 'cortar' flawlessly across all tenses, including the subjunctive mood, to express doubt, emotion, or hypothetical situations ('Dudo que corten la luz hoy' - I doubt they will cut the power today). The focus at B2 is on nuance, social appropriateness, and the ability to use 'cortar' to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and abstract concepts seamlessly.
سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل
At the C1 level, learners are approaching near-native fluency, and their use of 'cortar' must reflect this sophistication. The focus shifts heavily towards idiomatic expressions, colloquialisms, and highly specific professional or literary contexts. Students master idioms that cannot be translated literally. A prime example is 'cortar el bacalao' (literally: to cut the cod), which means to be the boss, to be in charge, or to call the shots ('En esta oficina, ella es la que corta el bacalao'). Another essential idiom is 'cortar por lo sano', meaning to make a clean break or to take drastic measures to solve a problem. C1 learners also encounter 'cortar' in specialized jargon, such as in film production ('¡Corten!' - Cut!) or in computing ('cortar y pegar' - cut and paste). The reflexive 'cortarse' is fully understood in all its nuances, including the spoiling of liquids ('La mayonesa se ha cortado'). At this level, students are expected to recognize the subtle differences between 'cortar' and its close synonyms (picar, rebanar, talar, seccionar) and choose the exact right word for the context. They can read complex literature or journalistic articles where 'cortar' might be used metaphorically to describe economic cuts ('cortar el presupuesto') or political divisions. The C1 learner wields 'cortar' not just as a tool for communication, but as an instrument of stylistic expression.
سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل
The C2 level represents mastery, where the learner's understanding of 'cortar' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. At this stage, there are no new basic meanings to learn; instead, the focus is on the absolute precision of usage, historical context, regional variations, and literary flair. A C2 user understands the etymological roots of the word and how it connects to other words in the Spanish lexicon. They can effortlessly navigate the most obscure idiomatic expressions and regional slang across different Spanish-speaking countries. For instance, they understand the subtle differences in how 'cortar el rollo' might be perceived in Madrid versus Buenos Aires. In literary contexts, they appreciate how an author might use 'cortar' to create a jarring, abrupt rhythm in a narrative, symbolizing a sudden shift in tone or reality. They can engage in deep philosophical or technical discussions where 'cortar' is used to describe the severing of ideological ties or the truncation of complex processes. Grammatically, they manipulate the verb in the most complex structures, such as passive voice, impersonal constructions, and the rarest subjunctive forms, without hesitation. At C2, 'cortar' is fully integrated into the learner's linguistic subconscious, allowing for spontaneous, creative, and perfectly accurate usage in any conceivable situation, from writing a formal academic thesis to engaging in rapid-fire street slang.
سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل
تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

cortar في 30 ثانية

  • Physical cutting with tools (knife, scissors).
  • Interrupting services (electricity, water, internet).
  • Ending romantic or personal relationships.
  • Reflexive use for injuries or shyness (cortarse).
The Spanish verb 'cortar' is a highly versatile and frequently used lexical item that primarily translates to 'to cut' in English, but its semantic domain extends far beyond the simple physical act of dividing an object with a sharp instrument such as a knife, scissors, or a saw. Understanding 'cortar' requires looking at both its literal applications and its extensive figurative uses. In its most basic, literal sense, 'cortar' refers to the physical separation or division of a material. This could involve preparing food in a kitchen, altering the length of hair, or modifying materials in construction or crafting. However, the conceptual core of 'cortar' is 'interruption' or 'severing,' which perfectly explains its metaphorical extensions. When you 'cortar' a relationship, you sever the emotional ties. When you 'cortar' the electricity or water, you interrupt the flow of the service. When a phone call drops, the communication is 'cortada'. This underlying concept of breaking continuity is essential for mastering the word across all CEFR levels. Let us explore the various dimensions of this verb through specific contexts and examples.
Physical Cutting
Using a tool to divide a physical object, such as food, paper, or wood.

El chef necesita cortar las verduras para la sopa.

Interrupting Flow
Stopping the continuous movement of something, like water, electricity, or traffic.

Van a cortar el agua mañana por la mañana debido a las reparaciones.

Ending Relationships
Terminating a romantic or platonic relationship with another person.

María decidió cortar con su novio después de tres años.

Se va a cortar la llamada porque no tengo señal.

Es peligroso cortar el césped cuando está lloviendo.

The sheer utility of 'cortar' means you will encounter it daily. From the moment you wake up and 'cortar' a slice of bread for breakfast, to the moment you 'cortar' the light (turn off the light, though 'apagar' is more common, 'cortar la luz' means to cut the power), the verb is omnipresent. Furthermore, 'cortar' participates in numerous idiomatic expressions that add color and nuance to Spanish conversations. For instance, 'cortar el bacalao' literally means 'to cut the cod,' but idiomatically it means 'to be the boss' or 'to call the shots.' Another common phrase is 'cortar por lo sano,' which means to make a clean break or to solve a problem using drastic but necessary measures. Understanding these idioms elevates your Spanish from textbook proficiency to natural fluency. The reflexive form, 'cortarse,' also introduces new meanings. It can mean to accidentally cut oneself (Me corté el dedo), but in colloquial Spanish, particularly in Spain, 'no cortarse' means to not be shy or to act without hesitation. For example, 'No te cortes, coge otro trozo de pastel' translates to 'Don't be shy, take another piece of cake.' This evolution from physical severing to psychological hesitation showcases the dynamic nature of the Spanish language and the central role 'cortar' plays within it. To truly master 'cortar,' one must practice it across these varied contexts, paying close attention to the prepositions it pairs with and the nouns it typically modifies. Whether you are dealing with tangible objects, abstract concepts, or complex social dynamics, 'cortar' provides the linguistic tools necessary to articulate division, interruption, and cessation effectively.
Using the verb 'cortar' correctly involves understanding its grammatical properties, its conjugation patterns, and its syntactic behavior in various contexts. Grammatically, 'cortar' is a regular '-ar' verb, which makes its conjugation straightforward for learners who have mastered the basic paradigms. In the present indicative, it conjugates as corto, cortas, corta, cortamos, cortáis, cortan. In the preterite, it follows the standard pattern: corté, cortaste, cortó, cortamos, cortasteis, cortaron. This regularity is a significant advantage, allowing learners to focus on its diverse meanings rather than irregular forms. However, the true complexity of 'cortar' lies in its usage as a transitive, intransitive, and pronominal verb. As a transitive verb, 'cortar' requires a direct object—the thing being cut. For example, 'Corto el pan' (I cut the bread). Here, 'el pan' is the direct object receiving the action. This is the most common and intuitive way to use the verb.
Transitive Usage
Requires a direct object to complete the meaning of the sentence.

El sastre va a cortar la tela para el traje.

When 'cortar' is used intransitively, it does not take a direct object. This is less common but occurs in specific contexts, such as describing a tool's ability to cut. For instance, 'Este cuchillo no corta bien' (This knife doesn't cut well). In this case, the focus is on the action itself or the quality of the instrument, rather than the object being acted upon.
Intransitive Usage
Focuses on the action or the tool without a direct object.

Las tijeras nuevas cortan perfectamente.

The pronominal form, 'cortarse,' introduces several important nuances. Firstly, it can be used reflexively to indicate that the subject performs the action on themselves, often accidentally. 'Me corté afeitándome' (I cut myself shaving). Secondly, 'cortarse' is used to describe substances that separate or spoil, such as milk or mayonnaise. 'La leche se ha cortado' (The milk has gone sour/curdled). Thirdly, as mentioned previously, 'cortarse' has a psychological meaning related to shyness or hesitation.
Pronominal Usage (Cortarse)
Used for reflexive actions, spoiling substances, or psychological states.

Ten cuidado de no cortarte con ese cristal roto.

La mayonesa se puede cortar si bates muy rápido.

Él es muy tímido y suele cortarse al hablar en público.

Beyond these structural considerations, 'cortar' frequently pairs with specific prepositions to create phrasal meanings. 'Cortar por' is used in expressions like 'cortar por lo sano' (to cut one's losses/make a clean break). 'Cortar con' is the standard way to express breaking up with someone ('cortó con su pareja'). Understanding these prepositional pairings is crucial for natural-sounding Spanish. Furthermore, 'cortar' is heavily used in the imperative mood, especially in instructional contexts like recipes or DIY guides. 'Corta la cebolla en dados pequeños' (Cut the onion into small dice). In summary, mastering how to use 'cortar' requires attention to its transitivity, its pronominal forms, and its common prepositional collocations. By practicing these different structures, learners can confidently deploy 'cortar' in a wide array of communicative situations, from the kitchen to complex emotional discussions.
The verb 'cortar' is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, echoing through a vast array of environments and social contexts. Because its meaning spans from the intensely physical to the highly abstract, you will hear 'cortar' in places ranging from a bustling professional kitchen to a quiet therapist's office. Let us take a detailed journey through the primary domains where 'cortar' is most frequently encountered. First and foremost, the culinary world is perhaps the most common setting for the literal use of 'cortar'. Whether you are watching a cooking show from Mexico, reading a recipe from Spain, or simply preparing dinner with a Spanish-speaking friend, 'cortar' is inescapable. You will hear instructions to 'cortar en juliana' (cut into julienne strips), 'cortar en cubitos' (dice), or 'cortar rebanadas' (cut slices). In this context, the verb is almost always transitive, directing action onto vegetables, meats, and breads.
The Kitchen
Used constantly for food preparation and following recipes.

Tienes que cortar el ajo muy fino para esta salsa.

Another highly common physical environment is the hair salon or barbershop (la peluquería). Here, 'cortar' is the central action. Clients ask the stylist to 'cortar las puntas' (trim the ends) or 'cortar el flequillo' (cut the bangs). Interestingly, in Spanish, you often say 'me voy a cortar el pelo' (I am going to cut my hair), even though someone else is doing the cutting. This is a standard causative use of the verb.
The Hair Salon
The primary verb used for getting a haircut or styling.

Quiero cortar mi cabello porque está muy largo y dañado.

Moving away from physical cutting, the realm of utilities and public services heavily relies on 'cortar' to denote interruption. If you fail to pay your bills, the utility company will 'cortar la luz' (cut the electricity) or 'cortar el agua' (cut the water). Similarly, in the context of telecommunications, if you are driving through a tunnel while on the phone, the call will likely 'cortarse' (drop/disconnect). In traffic reports, you will frequently hear about roads being closed due to accidents or construction: 'La policía tuvo que cortar la calle' (The police had to close/block the street).
Utilities and Services
Used to describe the suspension of electricity, water, or communication signals.

Se va a cortar la conexión a internet por mantenimiento del servidor.

In the emotional and social sphere, 'cortar' is the standard verb for ending romantic relationships. You will hear this in telenovelas, everyday gossip, and personal conversations. '¿Sabías que Ana y Carlos cortaron?' (Did you know Ana and Carlos broke up?). It is a blunt, definitive word that perfectly captures the severing of an emotional bond. Furthermore, in social interactions, 'cortar el rollo' is a very common slang phrase in Spain used when someone ruins the mood or kills the vibe of a party or conversation.

No quiero cortar el rollo, pero me tengo que ir a casa a estudiar.

Fue muy difícil cortar la relación después de tantos años juntos.

Finally, in professional and academic settings, 'cortar' is used to manage time and discourse. A moderator might 'cortar' a speaker who has exceeded their time limit ('Siento tener que cortarte, pero el tiempo se ha acabado'). In film and television production, the director yells '¡Corten!' (Cut!) to stop the cameras. Across all these diverse environments—from the intimacy of a breakup to the precision of a surgical theater, from the mundane act of chopping onions to the frustration of a dropped phone call—'cortar' proves itself to be an indispensable pillar of the Spanish vocabulary, adapting seamlessly to describe any form of separation, interruption, or division.
While 'cortar' is a regular verb and its primary meaning is easily grasped by English speakers, learners frequently make subtle errors when applying it across different contexts. These mistakes usually stem from direct translation from English, confusion with similar Spanish verbs, or a misunderstanding of pronominal usage. By identifying and analyzing these common pitfalls, learners can significantly improve the naturalness and accuracy of their Spanish. One of the most prevalent mistakes involves the translation of the English phrase 'to cut a class' (meaning to skip or truant). English speakers naturally gravitate towards 'cortar una clase', but this is entirely incorrect in Spanish and will cause confusion. To express skipping a class, Spanish uses entirely different idioms depending on the region. In Spain, one says 'hacer novillos' or 'saltarse la clase'. In Mexico, it is 'irse de pinta', and in other parts of Latin America, 'hacer la rata' or 'capar clase'. Using 'cortar' in this context sounds as if you are physically slicing the classroom with a giant sword.
False Translation: Cutting Class
Do not use 'cortar' to mean skipping school. Use regional equivalents like 'saltarse la clase'.

Incorrecto: Voy a cortar la clase de matemáticas. Correcto: Me voy a saltar la clase de matemáticas.

Another frequent error arises in the kitchen. While 'cortar' is the general word for cutting, Spanish has specific verbs for specific types of cutting that native speakers prefer. For example, when chopping something into very small pieces, like garlic or onions, the verb 'picar' is much more precise and commonly used than 'cortar'. If you are slicing bread or meat, 'rebanar' is often more appropriate. Using 'cortar' for everything is not grammatically wrong, but it marks the speaker as a learner.
Overusing Cortar in Cooking
Failing to use more precise verbs like 'picar' (to chop/mince) or 'rebanar' (to slice).

En lugar de decir 'cortar el ajo en trozos muy pequeños', es mejor decir 'picar el ajo'.

A significant grammatical hurdle is the misuse or omission of the reflexive pronoun when required. When a person accidentally cuts themselves, it must be expressed reflexively: 'Me corté el dedo' (I cut my finger). English speakers often say 'Corté mi dedo', which sounds unnatural and slightly implies you cut your finger off on purpose, treating the finger as a detached external object. The reflexive pronoun 'me' indicates that the action happened to a part of your own body.
Omission of Reflexive Pronouns
Forgetting to use 'cortarse' when referring to cutting one's own body parts.

Siempre debes decir 'me acabo de cortar', no 'acabo de cortar a mí'.

Furthermore, learners often struggle with the idiomatic use of 'cortarse' meaning 'to be shy'. An English speaker might try to translate 'Don't be shy' as 'No seas tímido', which is perfectly fine, but they miss out on the very natural and colloquial 'No te cortes'. Conversely, a learner might hear 'La leche se cortó' and be thoroughly confused, not realizing that 'cortarse' applies to liquids separating or spoiling.

Si dejas la leche fuera de la nevera, se va a cortar.

Habla con ella, ¡no te cortes!

Lastly, confusion exists between 'cortar' and 'talar'. When referring to cutting down trees, 'talar' is the correct verb. Saying 'cortar un árbol' is understood, but 'talar un árbol' is the proper terminology for felling a tree. By being mindful of these specific contexts—avoiding literal translations of English idioms, using precise vocabulary in the kitchen and forest, and mastering the reflexive forms—learners can easily overcome these common mistakes and use 'cortar' with confidence and precision.
To develop a rich and precise Spanish vocabulary, it is essential to understand not just the primary translation of a word, but also its synonyms and related terms. While 'cortar' is the universal, catch-all verb for 'to cut', Spanish offers a variety of more specific verbs that describe exactly *how* something is being cut, divided, or separated. Mastering these similar words allows for much greater nuance and fluency. Let us examine the most important alternatives and when to use them instead of 'cortar'. The most frequent companion to 'cortar' in everyday life, especially in the kitchen, is 'picar'. While 'cortar' means to cut in a general sense, 'picar' specifically means to chop finely or to mince. You 'cortar' a slice of bread, but you 'picar' garlic, onions, or parsley. 'Picar' also has other meanings, such as to sting (like a bee) or to snack between meals, but in the context of cutting, it implies reducing something to very small pieces.
Picar
To chop finely, mince, or crush into small pieces.

En lugar de cortar la cebolla en trozos grandes, es mejor picarla.

Another crucial verb is 'partir'. 'Partir' translates to 'to split', 'to divide', or 'to break'. While you use a knife to 'cortar', you can 'partir' something with your hands, like breaking a piece of bread in half ('partir el pan'). 'Partir' emphasizes the division of a whole into parts, often halves. It is also commonly used when cutting a cake ('partir la tarta' or 'partir el pastel').
Partir
To split, divide, or break into pieces, often without a sharp tool.

Vamos a partir el pastel para que todos tengan un trozo, no hace falta cortar con tanta precisión.

When dealing with slices, 'rebanar' is the verb of choice. It means specifically to slice, usually referring to bread, cheese, or cold cuts. A 'rebanada' is a slice. While you can say 'cortar una rebanada', using the verb 'rebanar' is more elegant and precise.
Rebanar
To slice, typically used for bread, meat, or cheese.

El panadero usa una máquina especial para rebanar el pan, en vez de cortar a mano.

For more aggressive or large-scale cutting, we have verbs like 'talar' and 'segar'. 'Talar' is exclusively used for felling or cutting down trees. 'Segar' is used for mowing or reaping crops and grass. You would not use 'cortar' in a professional agricultural context when 'segar' is available, though 'cortar el césped' (to cut the grass) is perfectly normal for a home lawn.

Es ilegal talar árboles en este bosque protegido; no se puede cortar ni una rama.

In abstract or mathematical contexts, 'dividir' (to divide) and 'separar' (to separate) are often used where English might use 'cut'. For instance, dividing a company into departments, or separating fighting children. Finally, 'amputar' is the medical term for amputating or cutting off a limb, a highly specific and clinical synonym. By learning to distinguish between cortar, picar, partir, rebanar, and talar, you elevate your Spanish from basic communication to descriptive, native-like fluency. You move from simply saying 'I cut the thing' to precisely describing the action, the tool, and the result.

How Formal Is It?

مستوى الصعوبة

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Regular -ar verb conjugation in present tense

Reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se)

Direct object pronouns (lo, la, los, las)

Imperative mood for giving instructions

Prepositions used with verbs (cortar con, cortar por)

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أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

Yo corto el papel con las tijeras.

I cut the paper with the scissors.

Present tense, regular 'yo' form. Uses 'con' to indicate the tool.

2

El cocinero corta la carne.

The cook cuts the meat.

Third person singular present tense. Direct object is 'la carne'.

3

Nosotros cortamos el pan para la cena.

We cut the bread for dinner.

'Nosotros' form in the present tense. 'Para' indicates purpose.

4

Ella corta la manzana roja.

She cuts the red apple.

Simple Subject-Verb-Object structure. Adjective 'roja' follows the noun.

5

¿Tú cortas las verduras?

Do you cut the vegetables?

Question format using the informal 'tú' form.

6

El niño no corta bien.

The boy does not cut well.

Negative sentence. 'Bien' is an adverb modifying the verb.

7

Corto la pizza en cuatro partes.

I cut the pizza into four parts.

Uses 'en' to describe the result of the cutting division.

8

Ellos cortan la tela azul.

They cut the blue fabric.

Third person plural. 'Tela' is the direct object.

1

Ayer corté el césped de mi jardín.

Yesterday I cut the grass in my garden.

Preterite tense 'corté' for a completed action in the past.

2

Mi madre me va a cortar el pelo mañana.

My mother is going to cut my hair tomorrow.

Ir a + infinitive for future plans. 'Me' indicates who receives the action.

3

Por favor, corta el pastel ahora.

Please, cut the cake now.

Imperative (command) form 'corta' for the 'tú' pronoun.

4

El sastre cortaba la tela con cuidado.

The tailor was cutting the fabric carefully.

Imperfect tense 'cortaba' describing an ongoing past action.

5

Necesito unas tijeras que corten bien.

I need scissors that cut well.

Introduction to subjunctive 'corten' in an adjective clause (seeking something specific).

6

Él se cortó el dedo cocinando.

He cut his finger while cooking.

Reflexive use 'se cortó' for accidental injury. Gerund 'cocinando' for simultaneous action.

7

Siempre corto las etiquetas de la ropa.

I always cut the tags off clothes.

Present tense used for a habitual action with 'siempre'.

8

¿Te cortaste el pelo? Te ves muy bien.

Did you get a haircut? You look very good.

Reflexive preterite used to ask about a personal change in appearance.

1

Van a cortar la luz mañana por obras en la calle.

They are going to cut the power tomorrow due to street works.

Figurative use meaning to interrupt a service. 'Por' indicates the cause.

2

La llamada se cortó porque entré en un túnel.

The call dropped because I entered a tunnel.

Pronominal 'se cortó' meaning a process interrupted itself (dropped call).

3

Es importante no cortar la cadena de frío de los alimentos.

It is important not to break the cold chain of the food.

Abstract use 'cortar la cadena' meaning to interrupt a continuous process.

4

Si no pagas la factura, te cortarán el agua.

If you don't pay the bill, they will cut off your water.

Future tense 'cortarán' in a conditional 'si' clause.

5

La policía tuvo que cortar el tráfico por el accidente.

The police had to stop traffic because of the accident.

Meaning to block or close a path. 'Tener que' + infinitive.

6

Me da miedo cortarme mientras me afeito.

I am afraid of cutting myself while I shave.

Infinitive with attached reflexive pronoun 'cortarme' after a preposition/verb.

7

La leche se ha cortado, no te la bebas.

The milk has spoiled, don't drink it.

Present perfect reflexive 'se ha cortado' meaning a liquid has separated/spoiled.

8

Cortamos la reunión porque era muy tarde.

We cut the meeting short because it was very late.

Meaning to end an event prematurely.

1

Después de cinco años, decidió cortar con su pareja.

After five years, he decided to break up with his partner.

Idiomatic use 'cortar con' meaning to end a romantic relationship.

2

Había tanta tensión en la sala que se podía cortar con un cuchillo.

There was so much tension in the room that you could cut it with a knife.

Common metaphor expressing extreme awkwardness or tension.

3

No te cortes, coge el último trozo de pizza si quieres.

Don't be shy, take the last piece of pizza if you want.

Colloquial reflexive imperative 'no te cortes' meaning 'don't hold back/be shy'.

4

El presentador tuvo que cortar al invitado por falta de tiempo.

The host had to cut off the guest due to lack of time.

Transitive use meaning to interrupt a person speaking.

5

Para solucionar el problema, tuvimos que cortar por lo sano.

To solve the problem, we had to make a clean break.

Idiom 'cortar por lo sano' meaning to take drastic, definitive action.

6

Espero que no me corten la conexión durante la entrevista online.

I hope they don't cut my connection during the online interview.

Present subjunctive 'corten' triggered by 'Espero que'.

7

El viento frío le cortaba la cara mientras caminaba.

The cold wind was biting his face as he walked.

Metaphorical use describing the harsh physical sensation of cold weather.

8

Han cortado las alas a su creatividad en esa empresa.

They have clipped his wings creatively in that company.

Idiom 'cortar las alas' meaning to restrict someone's freedom or creativity.

1

En esta empresa, la directora financiera es la que corta el bacalao.

In this company, the CFO is the one who calls the shots.

Advanced idiom 'cortar el bacalao' meaning to be the boss or in charge.

2

Su comentario sarcástico cortó el rollo de la fiesta inmediatamente.

His sarcastic comment killed the vibe of the party immediately.

Colloquial idiom 'cortar el rollo' meaning to ruin the mood or atmosphere.

3

El gobierno planea cortar drásticamente los fondos para la investigación.

The government plans to drastically cut funding for research.

Formal use meaning to reduce or eliminate financial resources.

4

Me corté al verla entrar, no supe qué decir.

I froze when I saw her come in, I didn't know what to say.

Reflexive use indicating sudden shyness, embarrassment, or being tongue-tied.

5

El cirujano procedió a cortar el tejido necrosado con suma precisión.

The surgeon proceeded to cut the necrotic tissue with extreme precision.

Highly technical, clinical use of the verb in a medical context.

6

La carretera está cortada al tráfico pesado por riesgo de desprendimientos.

The road is closed to heavy traffic due to the risk of landslides.

Past participle used as an adjective 'cortada' to describe a state.

7

Es imperativo que cortemos de raíz este comportamiento tóxico.

It is imperative that we nip this toxic behavior in the bud.

Idiom 'cortar de raíz' (cut from the root) meaning to stop something completely at its source.

8

El director gritó '¡Corten!' y los actores se relajaron.

The director yelled 'Cut!' and the actors relaxed.

Industry-specific jargon used in film and television production.

1

El autor utiliza frases cortas para cortar el ritmo narrativo y crear suspense.

The author uses short sentences to break the narrative rhythm and create suspense.

Literary analysis context, using 'cortar' to describe stylistic manipulation.

2

La dimisión del ministro cortó en seco las especulaciones sobre la crisis.

The minister's resignation abruptly ended the speculations about the crisis.

Phrase 'cortar en seco' meaning to stop something suddenly and completely.

3

Aquel cisma logró cortar transversalmente a la sociedad de la época.

That schism managed to cut across the society of the time.

Academic/sociological use describing deep division within a group.

4

No se cortó un pelo en decirle al jefe lo que pensaba de su gestión.

He didn't hesitate at all to tell the boss what he thought of his management.

Idiom 'no cortarse un pelo' meaning to have absolutely no shame or hesitation.

5

La espada de Damocles parecía dispuesta a cortar el hilo de su destino.

The sword of Damocles seemed ready to cut the thread of his destiny.

Poetic and mythological metaphor referring to impending doom.

6

Si hubieran cortado la hemorragia a tiempo, habría sobrevivido.

If they had stopped the hemorrhage in time, he would have survived.

Pluperfect subjunctive 'hubieran cortado' in a past unreal conditional sentence.

7

El frío polar cortaba la respiración nada más salir a la intemperie.

The polar cold took your breath away as soon as you went outside.

Expression 'cortar la respiración' meaning to cause someone to stop breathing due to shock or cold.

8

Su discurso, cortado por un patrón populista, no convenció a los intelectuales.

His speech, cut from a populist pattern, did not convince the intellectuals.

Idiom 'cortado por el mismo patrón' meaning created from the same mold or template.

تلازمات شائعة

cortar el pelo
cortar el césped
cortar la luz
cortar la llamada
cortar la cebolla
cortar la respiración
cortar el tráfico
cortar la comunicación
cortar en trozos
cortar por la mitad

العبارات الشائعة

cortar por lo sano
cortar el bacalao
cortar el rollo
no te cortes
cortar de raíz
cortar las alas
cortar en seco
cortar la tensión
cortar el paso
cortar la digestión

يُخلط عادةً مع

cortar vs Picar

cortar vs Talar

cortar vs Romper

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"cortar el bacalao"
"cortar por lo sano"
"cortar el rollo"
"no cortarse un pelo"
"cortar de raíz"
"cortar las alas"
"estar cortado por el mismo patrón"
"cortar la respiración"
"cortar el hilo"
"cortar el nudo gordiano"

سهل الخلط

cortar vs

cortar vs

أنماط الجُمل

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

note

While 'cortar' is universal, precision is valued in Spanish. Use 'picar' for mincing and 'rebanar' for slicing to sound more native.

أخطاء شائعة
  • Using 'cortar una clase' to mean skipping school.
  • Saying 'Corté mi dedo' instead of 'Me corté el dedo'.
  • Using 'cortar' when 'picar' is more appropriate in cooking.
  • Saying 'cortar un árbol' when referring to forestry or logging.
  • Forgetting the preposition 'con' when talking about a breakup.

نصائح

Reflexive for Body Parts

Always use 'cortarse' when referring to cutting your own body. Say 'me corté la mano', not 'corté mi mano'. The reflexive pronoun 'me' does the job of showing possession. Using possessive adjectives with body parts sounds unnatural in Spanish.

Kitchen Precision

Upgrade your culinary Spanish by using specific verbs. Use 'picar' for garlic and onions (mincing). Use 'rebanar' for bread and cheese (slicing). Save 'cortar' for general cutting or when the specific method doesn't matter.

Cortar el Bacalao

Use 'cortar el bacalao' to describe who is in charge. If your friend always decides where the group goes for dinner, you can say 'Él es el que corta el bacalao'. It's a fun, native-sounding idiom.

Don't Kill the Vibe

Learn the phrase 'cortar el rollo'. It's essential for social situations in Spain. If you have to leave a party early, you can apologize by saying 'Siento cortar el rollo, pero me tengo que ir'.

Dropped Calls

When your phone call drops, use the reflexive 'se cortó'. You can say 'Perdón, se cortó la llamada' (Sorry, the call dropped). This is the standard way to explain phone interruptions.

Breaking Up

Remember the preposition 'con' when talking about breakups. It is always 'cortar con alguien'. 'Voy a cortar con mi novio' is the correct structure. Without 'con', it sounds like you are physically cutting him.

Utility Outages

Use 'cortar' for power or water outages. 'Me cortaron la luz' means 'They cut my power'. It is the standard verb for any interruption of public services or utilities.

No te cortes

Use 'no te cortes' to make guests feel at home. If you offer someone food and they hesitate, say '¡Coge más, no te cortes!'. It means 'Don't be shy' or 'Make yourself at home'.

Trees vs. Grass

Use 'cortar el césped' for mowing the lawn. However, if you are cutting down a whole tree, the correct verb is 'talar'. 'Talar un árbol' is much more precise than 'cortar un árbol'.

Regular Conjugation

Don't stress about conjugating 'cortar'. It is perfectly regular in every tense. Focus your energy on learning its many idiomatic meanings and prepositional pairings instead of memorizing forms.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Imagine you caught a tar pit and had to CUT yourself out. CORTAR = CUT.

أصل الكلمة

Latin

السياق الثقافي

Heavy use of 'cortar el rollo' and 'no te cortes'.

Often use 'picar' for food more strictly than 'cortar'.

Use 'cortar' frequently for ending phone calls ('te corto, chau').

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

بدايات محادثة

"¿Alguna vez te has cortado el pelo tú mismo?"

"¿Qué haces cuando se corta la luz en tu casa?"

"¿Es difícil cortar con una pareja después de mucho tiempo?"

"¿Qué cosas te cortan el rollo en una fiesta?"

"¿Sabes cómo cortar una cebolla sin llorar?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Describe la última vez que se cortó la luz en tu barrio. ¿Qué hiciste?

Escribe sobre una situación en la que tuviste que 'cortar por lo sano'.

Explica paso a paso cómo cortar y preparar tu fruta favorita.

Reflexiona sobre por qué a veces nos 'cortamos' (somos tímidos) al hablar en otro idioma.

¿Quién 'corta el bacalao' en tu familia y por qué?

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No, this is a direct translation from English and is incorrect in Spanish. To say 'cut class', you should use regional expressions. In Spain, you say 'saltarse la clase' or 'hacer novillos'. In Mexico, it's 'irse de pinta'. Using 'cortar' will confuse native speakers.

'Cortar' is the general verb for cutting anything. 'Picar' is specific to chopping something into very small pieces or mincing. For example, you 'cortar' a slice of bread, but you 'picar' garlic or onions. Using 'picar' in the kitchen makes you sound much more natural.

This is a common causative structure in Spanish. Even though the hairdresser performs the action, the person receiving the haircut uses the reflexive 'me voy a cortar el pelo' (I am going to cut my hair). It is understood by context that a professional is doing it. You don't need to say 'voy a hacer que me corten el pelo'.

It is a very common slang expression, particularly in Spain. It means to ruin the mood, kill the vibe, or spoil a good time. If someone brings up a sad topic at a fun party, they are 'cortando el rollo'. It is informal but widely used.

You must use the reflexive form of the verb. The correct way is 'Me corté el dedo'. Do not say 'Corté mi dedo', as this sounds unnatural and implies you intentionally severed your finger like an external object. The 'me' shows it happened to your own body.

When used with liquids like milk or sauces like mayonnaise, 'cortarse' means to separate, curdle, or spoil. 'La leche se ha cortado' means the milk has gone sour and is chunky. It is a very specific but common use of the reflexive form.

Yes, 'cortar' is a completely regular '-ar' verb in all tenses. This makes it very easy to conjugate. The present tense is corto, cortas, corta, cortamos, cortáis, cortan. The past preterite is corté, cortaste, cortó, cortamos, cortasteis, cortaron.

You use the verb 'cortar' followed by the preposition 'con'. For example, 'Juan cortó con María' means Juan broke up with María. It is the most common and natural way to express ending a romantic relationship in Spanish.

It is an idiom that literally translates to 'to cut the cod'. Figuratively, it means to be the boss, to be in charge, or to call the shots in a situation or organization. It comes from the historical practice of the head of the house distributing the valuable salted meat.

Yes, in the reflexive form 'cortarse', especially in Spain. If someone is hesitant or shy, they 'se cortan'. A very common phrase to encourage someone to eat more or speak up is '¡No te cortes!' (Don't be shy / Don't hold back).

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اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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