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B1 verb 7 Min. Lesezeit

derrocar

To overthrow (a government, ruler, or system).

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'derrocar' often, as it is a complex political word. However, you might see it in very simple stories about kings and queens. Imagine a story where a bad king is removed from his castle. That action is 'derrocar'. You can think of it as 'to take away power'. In simple sentences, it looks like: 'El pueblo saca al rey'. 'Derrocar' is just a more advanced way of saying that. It is useful to recognize it when reading about history or watching news, even if you don't use it in your daily life yet. Focus on the idea of 'stopping a leader'.
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For A2 learners, 'derrocar' becomes more relevant when discussing history or basic news. You should understand that it is a verb used for governments and leaders. You might use it in a sentence like 'Ellos quieren derrocar al presidente'. It is a regular verb ending in -ar, so it follows the standard conjugation rules you already know. At this level, you should start to distinguish it from 'quitar' (to take away) and 'romper' (to break). 'Derrocar' is specifically for power and positions. You will likely encounter it in reading exercises about historical figures or famous revolutions like the French Revolution.
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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'derrocar' in discussions about politics, history, and social issues. You should understand the nuances of the word—that it implies a forceful or significant change. You can use it in the past tense to describe historical events: 'La revolución derrocó al gobierno en 1950'. You should also be comfortable using it with the personal 'a' when referring to people. At this stage, you might also learn the noun 'derrocamiento'. This word is essential for expressing opinions on current events or explaining the history of your own country or other Spanish-speaking nations.
B2 learners should use 'derrocar' with precision and understand its place in formal and journalistic Spanish. You should be able to discuss the causes and consequences of someone being 'derrocado'. You will encounter it in complex texts, editorials, and political debates. You should also understand its metaphorical uses, such as 'derrocar un sistema de creencias' or 'derrocar un monopolio'. At this level, you should be able to compare 'derrocar' with synonyms like 'destituir' or 'deponer' and explain why one is more appropriate than the other in a given context. Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'golpe de estado' and 'insurrección'.
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At the C1 level, 'derrocar' is a word you should use fluently in academic and professional settings. You should understand its deeper connotations of legitimacy and power dynamics. You might use it in an essay to analyze the socio-political factors that lead to the 'derrocamiento' of a regime. You should be aware of the historical weight the word carries in different Spanish-speaking cultures. For example, 'derrocar' in a Spanish context might evoke the Civil War, while in a Latin American context, it might evoke the Cold War era. You should also be able to use it in complex grammatical structures, such as 'Si no hubieran derrocado al líder, la situación sería distinta'.
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For C2 speakers, 'derrocar' is a tool for sophisticated political and philosophical analysis. You can use it to discuss the ethics of overthrowing a government or the theoretical frameworks of revolution. You should be able to detect subtle shades of meaning in its usage—for instance, how a newspaper might use 'derrocar' to delegitimize a change in power versus how a revolutionary group might use it to describe their 'liberation'. You should have a command of all its registers, from the highly formal to the slightly more colloquial 'tumbar'. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but also deeply cultural and historical.
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Beispiele

derrocar in 30 Sekunden

  • Derrocar is a verb meaning to overthrow a government or ruler.
  • It is primarily used in political and historical contexts.
  • It is a regular -ar verb but carries significant emotional and social weight.
  • It requires a direct object and often the personal 'a' for people.
The Spanish verb derrocar is a high-impact term primarily used in political, historical, and social contexts. At its core, it means to remove someone from a position of power, particularly a ruler, a government, or an entire political system. It is not a word for a polite resignation or a routine change in leadership; rather, it implies a forceful, often collective, and sometimes violent removal. When you hear this word in a Spanish news broadcast or read it in a history book, it usually refers to a coup d'état, a revolution, or a massive uprising. The word carries a sense of gravity and finality. Historically, it is linked to the idea of pulling down a structure or a person from a high place, which is why it is so fitting for describing the fall of monarchs or dictators. In contemporary usage, it can also be applied metaphorically to systems of thought or long-standing institutions, though its primary domain remains the political sphere.
Political Context
Used when a president or dictator is forced out of office by the military or the people.
Historical Context
Commonly found in texts describing the French Revolution, the fall of the Roman Empire, or Latin American independence movements.
Systemic Context
Used to describe the dismantling of an oppressive system, such as apartheid or a feudal structure.

Los ciudadanos se unieron para derrocar al tirano que los oprimía.

El golpe militar logró derrocar al gobierno legítimo en pocas horas.

Ninguna fuerza externa pudo derrocar el imperio durante siglos.

Es difícil derrocar una ideología tan arraigada en la sociedad.

El pueblo tiene el derecho de derrocar a un soberano injusto.

Using derrocar correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and its intense emotional weight. It is a regular -ar verb, but its meaning is anything but ordinary. You will almost always find it followed by 'a' when the object is a person (the personal 'a' in Spanish). For example, 'derrocar a un rey'. When referring to an abstract concept like a regime or a government, the 'a' is not used: 'derrocar el régimen'. It is frequently used in the infinitive form after auxiliary verbs like 'querer', 'intentar', or 'lograr'. In news headlines, you might see the passive voice or the noun form 'derrocamiento'. For instance, 'El derrocamiento del presidente causó conmoción'. When constructing sentences, think about the agency involved. Who is doing the overthrowing? Is it 'el pueblo' (the people), 'el ejército' (the army), or 'la oposición' (the opposition)? This verb is powerful because it implies a successful action. If the attempt failed, you would say 'intentaron derrocar'.
Active Voice
La revolución logró derrocar al monarca en 1789.
With Modal Verbs
Ellos no pueden derrocar al gobierno sin apoyo popular.
Past Tense
El año pasado, los rebeldes derrocaron al dictador tras meses de lucha.

¿Crees que es posible derrocar este sistema corrupto desde adentro?

Muchos líderes han sido derrocados por no escuchar a sus ciudadanos.

El plan para derrocar al consejo fue descubierto a tiempo.

Para derrocar una tiranía, se necesita una unidad inquebrantable.

Fue un intento fallido de derrocar la democracia.

In the Spanish-speaking world, derrocar is a staple of news reporting and historical discourse. You will hear it on television channels like CNN en Español, RTVE, or Univision whenever there is political instability in the world. It is a word that resonates deeply in Latin America, a region with a complex history of revolutions and changes in government. In classrooms, students learn about 'el derrocamiento de Salvador Allende' in Chile or the various movements that sought to 'derrocar' colonial rule in the 19th century. Beyond formal news, you might encounter it in political debates, podcasts discussing geopolitics, or in literature that explores themes of power and rebellion. It is also a common term in legal and academic papers discussing constitutional law and the legitimacy of power. While it isn't a word you'd use to talk about your daily chores, it is essential for anyone wanting to engage in meaningful conversations about history, politics, or current events in Spanish.
News Media
'La comunidad internacional condena el intento de derrocar al presidente.'
History Books
'Bolívar luchó para derrocar el dominio español en América.'
Social Activism
'Debemos derrocar las barreras de la desigualdad.'

El documental narra cómo el pueblo logró derrocar al régimen.

Escuché en la radio que hay planes para derrocar la junta militar.

En la asamblea, propusieron derrocar a la actual directiva del club.

La canción habla de derrocar los muros de la injusticia.

Los analistas advierten que es difícil derrocar un gobierno con tanto apoyo.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with derrocar is confusing it with similar-sounding verbs like 'derretir' (to melt) or 'derribar' (to knock down). While 'derribar' can sometimes be used as a synonym in the sense of 'toppling' a government, it is much more physical—used for walls, trees, or buildings. Using 'derribar' for a person can sound like you physically pushed them over rather than removed them from office. Another mistake is forgetting the personal 'a'. You must say 'derrocar a la reina', not 'derrocar la reina'. Furthermore, students often misuse the word in everyday contexts where it is too dramatic. You wouldn't 'derrocar' your boss from a small company unless it was a very intense, revolutionary situation; 'destituir' or 'despedir' are usually better choices for corporate settings. Finally, ensure you don't confuse the noun 'derrocamiento' (overthrow) with 'derrota' (defeat). While they are related in meaning, a 'derrota' is a loss in a battle or game, whereas 'derrocamiento' is the specific act of losing power entirely.
Confusion with 'Derribar'
Mistake: 'Derrocaron el edificio.' (Correct: 'Derribaron el edificio.')
Missing Personal 'A'
Mistake: 'Quieren derrocar el presidente.' (Correct: 'Quieren derrocar al presidente.')
Overuse in Minor Situations
Mistake: 'Vamos a derrocar al capitán del equipo de fútbol.' (Better: 'Vamos a sustituir al capitán.')

No digas 'derrocar' si solo te refieres a ganar un partido; usa 'derrotar'.

Recuerda: se derroca a un líder, se derriba una pared.

Es un error común pensar que 'derrocar' es sinónimo de 'cancelar'.

El uso de 'derrocar' implica que el objeto tenía una autoridad legítima o de facto.

Confundir 'derrocar' con 'derrochar' (to waste) cambiaría totalmente el sentido.

To truly master derrocar, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning. 'Destituir' is often used in a more official or legal sense, such as when a parliament removes a president through a legal process. 'Deponer' is very close to 'derrocar' and is often used for monarchs or high officials, implying they are 'put down' from their throne. 'Tumbar' is more colloquial and can mean to 'knock down' or 'overthrow' in a less formal way. 'Suplantar' means to replace, often through trickery or force, which is a specific type of overthrow. 'Derribar', as mentioned, is physical but can be used metaphorically for regimes. 'Subvertir' focuses more on undermining the foundations of a system rather than just removing the person at the top. Finally, 'golpear' is used specifically in the context of a 'golpe de estado' (coup d'état).
Derrocar vs. Destituir
'Derrocar' implies force or rebellion; 'destituir' implies a legal or administrative removal.
Derrocar vs. Deponer
These are very similar, but 'deponer' is slightly more formal and often used in historical texts.
Derrocar vs. Tumbar
'Tumbar' is informal, like saying 'topple' or 'knock over' in English.

El parlamento decidió destituir al ministro por corrupción.

Los militares planean deponer al actual mandatario.

Esa noticia podría tumbar al gobierno entero.

No es fácil subvertir el orden establecido.

Intentaron suplantar la autoridad del rey con un impostor.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

El pueblo quiere derrocar al rey malo.

The people want to overthrow the bad king.

Uses 'a' before 'el rey' (personal a).

2

Ellos no pueden derrocar al líder.

They cannot overthrow the leader.

Negative sentence with modal verb 'poder'.

3

¿Quién va a derrocar al jefe?

Who is going to overthrow the boss?

Question form using 'ir a' + infinitive.

4

El cuento dice que derrocaron al gigante.

The story says they overthrew the giant.

Past tense (pretérito perfecto simple).

5

Es difícil derrocar a un amigo.

It is hard to overthrow a friend.

Infinitive as subject complement.

6

Queremos derrocar las reglas viejas.

We want to overthrow the old rules.

No personal 'a' for 'las reglas'.

7

Él ayuda a derrocar al capitán.

He helps to overthrow the captain.

'Ayudar a' + infinitive.

8

No es bueno derrocar sin pensar.

It is not good to overthrow without thinking.

Gerund-like use of infinitive.

1

Los ciudadanos intentaron derrocar al alcalde.

The citizens tried to overthrow the mayor.

'Intentar' + infinitive.

2

Muchos soldados derrocaron al general.

Many soldiers overthrew the general.

Pretérito plural form.

3

Es posible derrocar un gobierno injusto.

It is possible to overthrow an unjust government.

Adjective 'injusto' modifying 'gobierno'.

4

Nunca pensaron que podrían derrocar al dictador.

They never thought they could overthrow the dictator.

Conditional 'podrían'.

5

El grupo planea derrocar el sistema actual.

The group plans to overthrow the current system.

Present tense 'planea'.

6

¿Por qué quieren derrocar al presidente?

Why do they want to overthrow the president?

Interrogative 'Por qué'.

7

Fue fácil derrocar al pequeño grupo.

It was easy to overthrow the small group.

'Fue' (past of ser) + adjective.

8

Mañana vamos a derrocar la estatua.

Tomorrow we are going to topple the statue.

'Ir a' for future intention.

1

La revolución logró derrocar al régimen en un mes.

The revolution managed to overthrow the regime in a month.

'Lograr' + infinitive.

2

Si no nos unimos, no podremos derrocar al tirano.

If we don't unite, we won't be able to overthrow the tyrant.

Conditional 'si' clause + future.

3

El derrocamiento del rey cambió la historia.

The overthrow of the king changed history.

Use of the noun 'derrocamiento'.

4

Ellos fueron arrestados por intentar derrocar al gobierno.

They were arrested for trying to overthrow the government.

Passive voice 'fueron arrestados'.

5

Nadie sabía cómo derrocar una estructura tan fuerte.

Nobody knew how to overthrow such a strong structure.

'Cómo' + infinitive.

6

El ejército se negó a derrocar al presidente electo.

The army refused to overthrow the elected president.

'Negarse a' + infinitive.

7

Es necesario derrocar la corrupción en la política.

It is necessary to overthrow corruption in politics.

Metaphorical use with 'corrupción'.

8

¿Has oído que derrocaron al líder de la oposición?

Have you heard that they overthrew the leader of the opposition?

Pretérito perfecto 'Has oído'.

1

El golpe de estado buscaba derrocar al orden constitucional.

The coup sought to overthrow the constitutional order.

Imperfect 'buscaba' showing purpose.

2

A pesar de las amenazas, no lograron derrocar al mandatario.

Despite the threats, they did not manage to overthrow the leader.

'A pesar de' (concession).

3

El pueblo se levantó en armas para derrocar la opresión.

The people rose up in arms to overthrow the oppression.

'Para' + infinitive (purpose).

4

Se rumorea que hay un complot para derrocar al consejo.

It is rumored that there is a plot to overthrow the council.

Impersonal 'Se rumorea'.

5

Derrocar a un dictador es solo el primer paso hacia la libertad.

Overthrowing a dictator is only the first step toward freedom.

Infinitive as a noun/subject.

6

La historia está llena de intentos por derrocar imperios.

History is full of attempts to overthrow empires.

'Intentos por' + infinitive.

7

¿Qué factores permitieron derrocar al antiguo régimen?

What factors allowed the overthrow of the old regime?

'Permitir' + infinitive.

8

Ellos derrocaron las leyes que impedían el progreso.

They overthrew the laws that hindered progress.

Metaphorical use with 'leyes'.

1

La legitimidad del acto de derrocar al soberano fue cuestionada.

The legitimacy of the act of overthrowing the sovereign was questioned.

Complex noun phrase with 'de'.

2

No basta con derrocar al líder; hay que reformar las instituciones.

It is not enough to overthrow the leader; institutions must be reformed.

'No basta con' + infinitive.

3

El análisis sugiere que la crisis económica ayudó a derrocar al gobierno.

The analysis suggests that the economic crisis helped overthrow the government.

Subordinate clause with 'que'.

4

Derrocaron el paradigma científico que había dominado por siglos.

They overthrew the scientific paradigm that had dominated for centuries.

Abstract use with 'paradigma'.

5

Cualquier intento de derrocar la democracia será castigado.

Any attempt to overthrow democracy will be punished.

Passive future 'será castigado'.

6

La coalición se formó con el único propósito de derrocar al tirano.

The coalition was formed with the sole purpose of overthrowing the tyrant.

'Con el propósito de' + infinitive.

7

Es imperativo derrocar los prejuicios que dividen a la sociedad.

It is imperative to overthrow the prejudices that divide society.

'Es imperativo' + infinitive.

8

El derrocamiento fue visto como un acto de liberación nacional.

The overthrow was seen as an act of national liberation.

Passive voice 'fue visto'.

1

La praxis revolucionaria exige derrocar las estructuras de poder hegemónicas.

Revolutionary praxis demands overthrowing hegemonic power structures.

Advanced vocabulary like 'praxis' and 'hegemónicas'.

2

Resulta paradójico que busquen derrocar la tiranía usando métodos tiránicos.

It is paradoxical that they seek to overthrow tyranny using tyrannical methods.

Subjunctive 'busquen' after 'resulta paradójico'.

3

El tratado prohíbe cualquier acción destinada a derrocar gobiernos extranjeros.

The treaty prohibits any action aimed at overthrowing foreign governments.

'Destinada a' + infinitive.

4

A menudo, derrocar un régimen solo conduce a un vacío de poder.

Often, overthrowing a regime only leads to a power vacuum.

Adverbial phrase 'A menudo'.

5

La narrativa histórica suele glorificar el acto de derrocar a los opresores.

Historical narrative tends to glorify the act of overthrowing oppressors.

'Suele' + infinitive.

6

No se puede derrocar una idea mediante la fuerza bruta.

An idea cannot be overthrown by brute force.

Impersonal 'se' with 'poder'.

7

El intelectual argumentó que derrocar la monarquía era inevitable.

The intellectual argued that overthrowing the monarchy was inevitable.

Indirect speech with 'que'.

8

La fragilidad del sistema permitió que un pequeño grupo lo derrocara.

The fragility of the system allowed a small group to overthrow it.

Subjunctive 'derrocara' after 'permitió que'.

Häufige Kollokationen

derrocar al gobierno
derrocar al dictador
derrocar el régimen
intentar derrocar
derrocar el sistema
derrocar a un tirano
derrocar una estatua
derrocar el orden
derrocar al monarca
plan para derrocar

Häufige Phrasen

golpe para derrocar

unirse para derrocar

derecho a derrocar

fuerzas para derrocar

conspiración para derrocar

lucha por derrocar

ayudar a derrocar

necesidad de derrocar

lograr derrocar

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