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A2 verb #2,000 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

partir

Top 2,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces partir en 30 secondes

Explication partir in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'partir' is primarily introduced in the context of travel and basic schedules. Students learn it as a synonym for 'to leave' or 'to depart', specifically for vehicles like trains, buses, or planes. It is often taught alongside time expressions. At this stage, the focus is on the present tense (yo parto, tú partes) and the infinitive. Learners are encouraged to recognize the word in announcements at stations. The concept of 'splitting' is usually not emphasized yet, as 'romper' or 'cortar' are more common for basic needs. The goal is to understand that 'partir' indicates a journey is beginning. Simple phrases like 'El tren parte a las cinco' are the building blocks. Teachers might also introduce 'a partir de' in very simple contexts, like 'a partir de hoy' (from today), to help students set simple goals or schedules. The emphasis is on recognition and very basic production in travel-related dialogues. It's important to distinguish it from 'ir' (to go) by showing that 'partir' focuses on the moment of leaving the station or origin point.

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At the A2 level, the use of 'partir' expands to include more varied contexts and the introduction of the 'splitting' meaning. Students learn to use it for physical objects like food ('partir el pan', 'partir la fruta'). This is also the stage where the distinction between 'partir' and 'salir' becomes important. A2 learners should understand that 'partir' is more formal and suited for journeys, while 'salir' is for everyday movement. The phrase 'a partir de' becomes a key tool for discussing future plans and changes in routine. For example, 'A partir del lunes, voy a estudiar más'. Grammatically, students should be comfortable using 'partir' in the past tenses (Pretérito Indefinido and Pretérito Imperfecto) to describe departures that happened. They also start to encounter the reflexive 'partirse' in common idioms like 'partirse de risa', which is a great way to add flavor to their spoken Spanish. The focus is on using the verb accurately with prepositions like 'hacia' and 'de'. By the end of A2, a student should be able to describe a trip's departure and also talk about dividing something into parts using this verb.

At the B1 level, 'partir' is used with more nuance and in more complex grammatical structures, such as the subjunctive. Students use it to express desires or doubts about departures: 'Espero que el avión parta a tiempo'. The figurative meanings start to take center stage. 'Partir de una idea' or 'partir de un supuesto' are used to build arguments in essays or discussions. B1 learners also explore the emotional side of the verb, using it in poetic or dramatic contexts like 'partir el corazón'. The word family also expands, with students learning related words like 'partida' (departure/game) and 'partición' (division). In terms of register, B1 students learn to choose 'partir' over 'salir' when they want to sound more professional or literary. They also become more adept at using 'a partir de' for logical transitions in their writing. The reflexive 'partirse' is used more confidently, not just for laughter but for objects breaking under pressure. This level bridges the gap between literal movement and abstract concepts of origin and division.

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At the B2 level, 'partir' is a versatile tool for advanced communication. Students use it in professional and academic settings to define the scope of a project or the basis of a theory. 'Partiendo de la premisa de que...' is a standard way to begin a sophisticated argument. The verb is also used in more technical contexts, such as 'partir un átomo' (to split an atom) or 'partir la diferencia' (to split the difference in a negotiation). B2 learners are expected to understand the subtle differences between 'partir', 'dividir', 'fragmentar', and 'desglosar'. They also encounter 'partir' in complex literature where it might symbolize death or a final farewell. The use of 'a partir de' is mastered in all its forms, including complex time-frames and logical deductions. Students also learn more idiomatic expressions and regional variations. For instance, in some areas, 'partir' can mean to hit someone, though this is very informal. The focus at B2 is on precision, register, and the ability to use the verb in both highly formal and highly idiomatic ways without confusion.

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At the C1 level, 'partir' is handled with the finesse of a native speaker. The student understands the historical and etymological roots of the word, linking it to concepts of 'part' and 'portion'. They can use 'partir' to describe complex social divisions or political schisms. In writing, 'partir' is used to create specific atmospheres—perhaps a sense of longing in a story or a sense of rigorous logic in a thesis. C1 learners are familiar with rare or archaic uses of the verb found in classical literature. They can also navigate the most subtle nuances, such as when 'partir' is used as an intransitive verb meaning 'to be based on'. For example, 'Su argumento parte de una falacia'. They are also comfortable with the nominalized forms and can use 'la partida' in various contexts, from a 'partida de ajedrez' (a game of chess) to a 'partida de nacimiento' (a birth certificate). The level of control allows the speaker to use 'partir' to evoke specific emotions or to clarify complex logical structures with ease. They also understand how 'partir' interacts with other advanced vocabulary to create precise meaning.

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At the C2 level, 'partir' is a word that the learner can manipulate for any purpose, including rhetorical effect, wordplay, and deep philosophical inquiry. The speaker can discuss the 'partición' of countries or the 'parto' (birth, related etymologically) with equal ease. They understand the most obscure idioms and can even invent new ones that follow the logic of the language. In high-level academic or legal discourse, they use 'partir' to dissect arguments with surgical precision. They are aware of the regional nuances across the entire Spanish-speaking world, knowing where 'partir' might be preferred over 'salir' and why. The C2 learner can appreciate the use of 'partir' in the works of Cervantes or García Márquez, understanding the layers of meaning it adds to the text. At this level, the verb is no longer just a word to be used; it is a concept to be explored. Whether it's the 'partida' of a soul or the 'partición' of an inheritance, the C2 speaker uses 'partir' and its derivatives with absolute authority and stylistic flair, reflecting a deep immersion in the Spanish language and its many cultures.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

partir en 30 secondes

Partir primarily means to depart or leave, often used for scheduled travel like trains or planes.
It also means to split, divide, or break something into pieces, such as food or wood.
The phrase 'a partir de' is essential for saying 'starting from' a specific time or place.
In slang, 'partirse de risa' means to laugh very hard, commonly used in informal Spanish.

The Spanish verb partir is a multifaceted word that primarily translates to 'to depart' or 'to leave' in an A2 context. However, its semantic range extends far beyond simple movement. At its core, 'partir' implies a separation or a point of origin. Whether you are physically leaving a train station or metaphorically starting a new project from a specific idea, 'partir' captures the essence of the 'start' or the 'break'.

Physical Departure: In its most common A2 usage, it refers to the act of leaving a place, often with a specific destination in mind. It is more formal than 'irse' and often used in travel schedules.

El tren está a punto de partir hacia Madrid.

Dividing or Splitting: Beyond travel, 'partir' means to divide something into parts. You can 'partir el pan' (break the bread) or 'partir leña' (split wood). This sense of 'breaking' is fundamental to the word's etymology.

Vamos a partir el pastel en ocho trozos iguales.

In more advanced contexts, 'partir' is used in the phrase 'a partir de', which means 'starting from' or 'as of'. This is crucial for discussing schedules, rules, or logical premises. For example, 'A partir de mañana, todo cambiará' (Starting tomorrow, everything will change). This versatility makes it a high-frequency verb that learners must master to sound natural in both formal and informal settings. In literary contexts, it can even mean 'to break someone's heart' (partir el corazón), showing its emotional depth. Understanding 'partir' requires recognizing whether the context is about movement, division, or a logical starting point.

Ella decidió partir sin decir adiós a nadie.

Logical Origin: Used in arguments to indicate the premise. 'Partiendo de la base que...' (Starting from the basis that...).

Es difícil partir de cero en un país nuevo.

El rayo logró partir el viejo roble por la mitad.

Using 'partir' correctly involves understanding its conjugation as a regular '-ir' verb and its specific prepositional patterns. While 'salir' is the go-to verb for 'leaving' a room or a building, 'partir' carries a weight of 'setting out' on a journey. It feels more intentional and often implies a longer distance or a more formal departure. To use it effectively, you should pair it with 'de' to indicate the origin and 'hacia' or 'para' for the destination.

Conjugation Basics: Partir follows the standard -ir pattern: yo parto, tú partes, él parte, nosotros partimos, vosotros partís, ellos parten. In the past, it's partí, partiste, partió.

Nosotros partimos mañana a las ocho de la mañana.

The 'Split' Usage: When using 'partir' to mean 'to split', it is a transitive verb. You need a direct object. 'Partir algo en dos' (To split something in two).

Tienes que partir las nueces con cuidado.

In the context of 'breaking', 'partir' is often used for hard objects. If you break a glass, you use 'romper'. If you split a log or a piece of fruit, 'partir' is more appropriate. In social contexts, 'partir' can also mean to share, though 'compartir' is much more common today. However, in some dialects, you might hear 'partir la cuenta' (split the bill), although 'dividir la cuenta' or 'pagar a medias' is more standard. The reflexive form 'partirse' is used for things that break on their own or for the idiom 'partirse de risa'.

El grupo va a partir desde la plaza central.

Time Expressions: 'A partir de ahora' (From now on) is a vital phrase for setting boundaries or new habits.

A partir de la próxima semana, la oficina cerrará los viernes.

¿Cuándo piensas partir para tu viaje?

'Partir' is a staple in specific environments. If you are in a Spanish-speaking country, you will most likely encounter it in transportation hubs. Announcements at airports or train stations use 'partir' to indicate departure times. It sounds more official than 'salir'. In a culinary setting, a chef or a host will use 'partir' when preparing food that needs to be sliced or divided. You'll also hear it in news broadcasts when discussing new laws or regulations that take effect 'a partir de' a certain date.

Travel Announcements: 'El vuelo con destino a Buenos Aires partirá por la puerta 4'. This is the standard way to announce departures.

Atención: el barco está listo para partir.

In the Kitchen: 'Partir el pan' is a classic phrase, often carrying a communal or even religious connotation of sharing a meal.

¿Me ayudas a partir estas cebollas?

Furthermore, in business and legal contexts, 'partir' is indispensable. When discussing budgets or project timelines, 'partir de un presupuesto' (to start from a budget) is common. In everyday conversation, especially in Spain, you will hear the slang 'me parto' or 'me estoy partiendo' when someone finds something incredibly funny. This is a shortened version of 'partirse de risa'. In music, many romantic ballads use 'partir' to describe the pain of a lover leaving. For instance, 'Si te vas a partir, llévame contigo' (If you are going to leave, take me with you). This wide range of contexts—from the formal airport announcement to the informal joke—makes 'partir' a core component of Spanish fluency.

El explorador decidió partir hacia lo desconocido.

News & Media: Journalists use 'a partir de' to introduce changes in policy or social trends.

A partir de este análisis, podemos concluir que la economía mejora.

Es hora de partir, el sol se está poniendo.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is overusing 'partir' when 'salir' or 'irse' is more appropriate. While 'partir' means 'to leave', it is not used for leaving a room or a house in daily life. If you say 'Parto de mi habitación', it sounds like you are embarking on a grand quest from your bedroom. Use 'salgo' instead. Another common mistake is confusing 'partir' (to split) with 'romper' (to break). 'Romper' is for breaking something so it no longer works or is in pieces (like a phone or a window), while 'partir' is for dividing something into distinct parts (like an apple or a log).

Partir vs. Salir: Use 'salir' for everyday exits. Use 'partir' for scheduled departures (trains, planes) or long journeys.

Incorrect: Parto de la casa a las ocho. (Too formal/strange)
Correct: Salgo de casa a las ocho.

Preposition Errors: Learners often forget 'de' when saying where they are leaving from. It's 'partir de', not just 'partir [place]'.

El vuelo parte de Lima a medianoche.

Another nuance is the use of 'a partir de'. Students sometimes try to say 'desde' when 'a partir de' is more precise for 'starting from a point in time'. While 'desde' indicates a duration or a starting point, 'a partir de' often emphasizes the new state of affairs following that point. Also, be careful with 'partir' in the sense of 'breaking'. If you 'partes' a person, you are literally cutting them in half (unless it's their heart). To say someone is 'broken' emotionally, use 'destrozado' or 'roto'. Finally, the reflexive 'partirse' is almost always for 'laughing' or 'breaking into pieces' (like a glass falling), so don't use it to mean 'I am leaving'—that would be 'me voy'.

No puedes partir un vaso; el vaso se rompe.

The 'Heart' Metaphor: In Spanish, we say 'me parte el corazón' (it breaks my heart). Using 'rompe' is also possible, but 'parte' is very common in poetic contexts.

Ver a los niños sufrir me parte el alma.

A partir de aquí, el camino es más difícil.

Understanding 'partir' is easier when you compare it to its synonyms and related verbs. Each has a specific nuance that changes the tone of your sentence. 'Salir' is the most common synonym, but it's much more general. 'Marcharse' implies a more permanent or significant leaving, often with a sense of 'going away'. 'Abandonar' is much stronger, meaning to leave something behind or desert it. On the 'splitting' side, 'dividir' is more mathematical or organizational, while 'romper' is more violent or accidental.

Partir vs. Salir: 'Salir' is for any exit (leaving a room). 'Partir' is for a journey's start (leaving a city/country).

Partir vs. Dividir: 'Partir' is physical (splitting an orange). 'Dividir' can be abstract (dividing a task or a number).

No es lo mismo partir que simplemente salir.

Partir vs. Romper: 'Romper' is 'to break' (the phone is broken). 'Partir' is 'to split' (the wood is split in two).

Prefiero partir la manzana con un cuchillo.

When you want to say 'to start from', you can use 'comenzar desde' or 'empezar por', but 'partir de' is the most common for logical foundations. For example, 'Partiendo de tu idea...' (Starting from your idea...). In the context of sharing, 'repartir' is a close relative of 'partir'. While 'partir' is the act of cutting, 'repartir' is the act of distributing those pieces to others. For example, 'Partimos el pastel y luego lo repartimos entre los invitados'. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the exact word for the situation, making your Spanish more precise and sophisticated. In many Latin American countries, 'partir' is used less frequently for 'leaving' than in Spain, where it remains a standard part of the travel vocabulary.

Debemos repartir lo que acabamos de partir.

Partir vs. Marcharse: 'Marcharse' often implies a reason for leaving or an emotional state. 'Partir' is more about the action of departure itself.

Se marchó enfadado, pero el tren partió a tiempo.

Es mejor partir la leña antes de que anochezca.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Prepositions of movement (de, hacia, para)

Regular -ir verb conjugations

Reflexive verbs for emotional states

Adverbial phrases of time

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Exemples par niveau

El tren va a partir ahora.

The train is going to depart now.

Future with 'ir a' + infinitive.

Yo parto de Madrid mañana.

I leave from Madrid tomorrow.

Present tense, first person.

¿A qué hora parte el autobús?

What time does the bus depart?

Question form in present tense.

El barco parte del puerto.

The ship departs from the port.

Use of 'de' to indicate origin.

Nosotros partimos a las ocho.

We depart at eight.

Present tense, first person plural.

Ella parte para París hoy.

She leaves for Paris today.

Use of 'para' to indicate destination.

El avión parte pronto.

The plane departs soon.

Simple present with adverb.

Ellos parten de la estación.

They depart from the station.

Present tense, third person plural.

Vamos a partir el pastel en trozos.

We are going to split the cake into pieces.

Partir meaning 'to split/divide'.

A partir de mañana, como más fruta.

Starting tomorrow, I will eat more fruit.

The phrase 'a partir de' for time.

Me partí de risa con tu chiste.

I cracked up with your joke.

Idiomatic reflexive use.

Él partió la leña para el fuego.

He split the wood for the fire.

Pretérito Indefinido (past tense).

El vuelo partió con retraso.

The flight departed with a delay.

Past tense of a scheduled departure.

Tienes que partir la manzana por la mitad.

You have to split the apple in half.

Instruction using infinitive.

A partir de aquí, no hay luz.

From here on, there is no light.

Spatial use of 'a partir de'.

Ellos partieron muy temprano ayer.

They left very early yesterday.

Past tense, third person plural.

Espero que no partas sin decirme nada.

I hope you don't leave without telling me anything.

Present Subjunctive after 'esperar que'.

Partiendo de esta base, podemos avanzar.

Starting from this basis, we can move forward.

Gerund used to set a logical premise.

Se le partió el corazón al oír la noticia.

His heart broke upon hearing the news.

Figurative use in the past.

Debemos partir los gastos del viaje.

We must split the travel expenses.

Partir as 'to share/divide' costs.

A partir de los datos, el informe es claro.

Based on the data, the report is clear.

Logical use of 'a partir de'.

Si partieras hoy, llegarías mañana.

If you left today, you would arrive tomorrow.

Imperfect Subjunctive in a conditional sentence.

La cuerda se partió por la tensión.

The rope snapped due to the tension.

Reflexive use for accidental breaking.

Siempre partimos el pan antes de comer.

We always break the bread before eating.

Habitual action in the present.

El partido se partió en dos facciones.

The party split into two factions.

Reflexive use for social/political division.

A partir de lo expuesto, concluyo mi tesis.

Based on what has been stated, I conclude my thesis.

Formal academic transition.

No podemos partir de cero en este proyecto.

We cannot start from scratch on this project.

Idiom 'partir de cero'.

La noticia partió el alma de la nación.

The news broke the nation's soul.

High-level figurative language.

Es necesario partir la muestra para el análisis.

It is necessary to split the sample for analysis.

Technical/scientific context.

Partió hacia el exilio sin mirar atrás.

He left for exile without looking back.

Literary/historical context.

El rayo partió el árbol de arriba abajo.

The lightning split the tree from top to bottom.

Descriptive past tense.

A partir de este hito, la empresa creció.

From this milestone onwards, the company grew.

Using 'hito' with 'a partir de'.

Su discurso partía de una premisa errónea.

His speech was based on a flawed premise.

Imperfect tense for logical foundation.

La herencia se partió tras años de litigio.

The inheritance was divided after years of litigation.

Passive reflexive for legal division.

Es un dolor que te parte las entrañas.

It is a pain that rips your insides apart.

Visceral figurative language.

A partir de la fenomenología, el autor explica el ser.

Starting from phenomenology, the author explains being.

Academic/Philosophical use.

El cristal se partió en mil pedazos minúsculos.

The glass shattered into a thousand tiny pieces.

Reflexive with 'en mil pedazos'.

Partir peras con alguien ya no se usa tanto.

To be on friendly terms with someone isn't used much now.

Obscure idiom 'partir peras'.

La expedición partirá independientemente del clima.

The expedition will depart regardless of the weather.

Future tense for firm intention.

Debemos partir de la realidad, no de utopías.

We must start from reality, not from utopias.

Philosophical imperative.

La partición del átomo cambió el curso de la historia.

The splitting of the atom changed the course of history.

Noun derivative 'partición'.

Su vida se partió en un antes y un después.

His life was split into a 'before' and an 'after'.

Metaphorical reflexive use.

A partir de una lectura deconstructivista, el texto muta.

From a deconstructivist reading, the text mutates.

High-level literary theory.

El testamento obligaba a partir los bienes equitativamente.

The will mandated splitting the assets equitably.

Legal obligation with infinitive.

Se partía el pecho trabajando por su familia.

He worked his skin to the bone for his family.

Idiom 'partirse el pecho' (to work very hard).

La luz se parte al atravesar el prisma.

The light splits when passing through the prism.

Scientific/Physical description.

Partir de lo particular para llegar a lo universal.

To start from the particular to reach the universal.

Inductive reasoning expression.

La sociedad se halla partida por la desigualdad.

Society finds itself split by inequality.

Participle used as an adjective.

Collocations courantes

Partir de cero

Partir el pan

Partir la diferencia

Partir el corazón

A partir de ahora

Partir hacia el norte

Partir en pedazos

Partir de una idea

Partir la cuenta

Partir con retraso

Phrases Courantes

A partir de

Partir de la base

Punto de partida

Partirse de risa

Partirse el alma

Partir peras

A partir de entonces

Partir de un supuesto

Partir el pastel

Listo para partir

Souvent confondu avec

partir vs Compartir

partir vs Repartir

partir vs Romper

Expressions idiomatiques

"Partirse de risa"

"Partir el corazón"

"Partirse el pecho"

"Partir de cero"

"Partir peras con alguien"

"Partirse el alma"

"Partir el bacalao"

"Partir la pana"

"A partir de un hilo"

"Partir por la calle de en medio"

Facile à confondre

partir vs

Structures de phrases

Famille de mots

Noms

Partida

Parte

Partición

Apartado

Verbes

Repartir

Impartir

Adjectifs

Partido

Partidario

Parcial

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Comment l'utiliser

reflexive

Partirse is usually for laughter or accidental snapping.

partir vs salir

Salir is for rooms; Partir is for journeys.

partir vs romper

Partir is for clean splits; Romper is for general breaking.

Erreurs courantes

Astuces

Preposition Power

Always use 'de' for the origin and 'hacia' for the destination with partir. It helps clarify the direction of the journey.

Kitchen Verb

Keep 'partir' in your mind when cooking. It's the perfect word for splitting ingredients like bread, fruit, or logs for a fire.

Sound Natural

Use 'me parto' when someone tells a joke. It's a high-frequency phrase that immediately makes you sound more like a native speaker.

Logical Flow

Use 'a partir de' to transition between ideas. It shows that your next point is a logical consequence of the previous one.

Station Announcements

Practice listening to train station announcements on YouTube. You will hear 'partir' used constantly for departure times.

Regional Use

Note that in Spain, 'partir' is used more for 'leaving' than in some Latin American countries, where 'salir' is almost universal.

Emotional Depth

Don't be afraid to use 'me parte el corazón'. It's a very natural way to express deep sadness or empathy in Spanish.

Starting from Scratch

Memorize 'partir de cero'. It's a very common idiom for starting a new life, job, or project with no prior resources.

The Soft P

Spanish 'p' is softer than English 'p'. Try not to blow out a puff of air when you say the first letter of 'partir'.

Literary Clues

When reading Spanish novels, 'partir' often signals a major plot shift where a character leaves their old life behind.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

From Latin 'partire', meaning 'to share, part, or divide'.

Contexte culturel

'Me parto' is essential for sounding like a local in Spain.

Partir is preferred in literature and official travel contexts.

Breaking bread is central to family meals.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"¿A qué hora parte tu vuelo?"

"¿Podemos partir la cuenta en dos?"

"¿De qué idea quieres partir para el proyecto?"

"¿Te has partido de risa recientemente?"

"¿Cuándo piensas partir hacia tus vacaciones?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escribe sobre un viaje que partió de tu ciudad natal.

Describe una situación en la que te partiste de risa.

¿Qué cosas quieres cambiar a partir de hoy?

Imagina que tienes que partir un tesoro con un amigo.

Escribe sobre alguien que te partió el corazón.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It's grammatically possible but sounds very dramatic or formal. Use 'salir' for everyday situations like leaving home or a room.

Partir is usually more physical (splitting an apple), while dividir is more abstract or mathematical (dividing numbers or tasks).

Yes, it is a completely regular -ir verb in all tenses, which makes it easy to conjugate once you know the pattern.

It means 'starting from' or 'as of'. It can refer to time (a partir de las 5) or space (a partir de esa línea).

You can say 'partir la cuenta', but 'pagar a medias' or 'dividir la cuenta' are more common in many regions.

Yes, 'partirse un brazo' is common, though 'romperse un brazo' is also used frequently.

No, it is very informal and colloquial. Use it with friends, not in a business meeting.

When it means 'to leave', it usually needs 'de' (from) or 'hacia/para' (to). When it means 'to split', it takes a direct object.

It means 'starting point', used both for physical journeys and for the beginning of an argument or project.

In very poetic or religious contexts, 'partir' can be a euphemism for passing away, implying a departure from this life.

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