Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun 11 min de lecture

trozo

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces trozo en 30 secondes

Explication trozo in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'trozo' is a basic vocabulary word used primarily for food. Imagine you are at a birthday party and you want some cake. You would say 'un trozo de tarta'. At this stage, you only need to know that 'trozo' means 'piece' and it is a masculine word, so you always use 'un' or 'el'. You will mostly use it with words like 'pan' (bread), 'queso' (cheese), and 'pastel' (cake). It is a very helpful word for basic survival Spanish in a kitchen or restaurant. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember the pattern: 'un trozo de' + [food]. For example, 'un trozo de chocolate' is something everyone should know how to ask for! It's important to visualize a physical object being cut into smaller parts. If you have a whole apple and you cut it, you now have several 'trozos'. This simple concept will help you communicate your needs clearly in everyday situations. Always remember the 'o' at the end usually signals a masculine noun in Spanish, which is true for 'trozo'.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

As an A2 learner, you are expanding your use of 'trozo' beyond just food. You might use it to describe materials like 'madera' (wood), 'papel' (paper), or 'tela' (fabric). You are also starting to use adjectives with it. Instead of just saying 'a piece', you can say 'a small piece' (un trozo pequeño) or 'a big piece' (un trozo grande). You will also encounter the plural form 'trozos' more often, especially in instructions like 'cortar en trozos' (cut into pieces). At this level, you should be careful with gender agreement. Even if the material is feminine, like 'la madera', the word 'trozo' is masculine. So you say 'un trozo de madera', not 'una trozo'. You might also hear it in simple stories or descriptions of the world around you, such as 'un trozo de cristal' (a piece of glass) on the floor. It's a versatile word that helps you be more specific about the things you are talking about. You are beginning to see how 'trozo' functions as a quantifier for things that are usually seen as a whole or a mass.

At the B1 level, you start to see 'trozo' in more abstract or figurative contexts. While you still use it for physical pieces, you might now hear 'un trozo de una canción' (a piece of a song) or 'un trozo de una película' (a clip from a movie). You are also becoming more aware of the subtle differences between 'trozo' and its synonyms like 'pedazo' or 'porción'. You understand that 'porción' is more about a serving size in a restaurant, while 'trozo' is more about the physical act of cutting. You might also encounter 'trozo' in literature to describe segments of a journey or a piece of land. Your grammar is more solid, so you can easily use it in complex sentences like 'Si me das un trozo de ese papel, podré escribir mi número'. You are also starting to recognize common collocations, such as 'un trozo de vida' (a slice of life). This level is about refining your usage and moving beyond the kitchen into more varied social and professional environments. You are learning that 'trozo' is a reliable, standard word that fits in many situations.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

By the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'trozo' in a wide variety of registers. You can distinguish when to use 'trozo' versus 'fragmento' (more formal/academic) or 'añicos' (for shattering). You understand that 'trozo' is the neutral choice for most physical contexts. You might use it to describe complex scenarios, such as 'un trozo de fuselaje' in a news report or 'un trozo de terreno' in a legal or real estate context. You are also aware of regional variations, knowing that while 'trozo' is universal, some regions might prefer 'pedazo' even in neutral contexts. Your ability to use 'trozo' with a variety of descriptive adjectives (irregular, minúsculo, sólido) is well-developed. You also understand the metaphorical use of 'trozo' in expressions like 'un trozo de cielo' to describe something beautiful or someone very kind, though you know 'pedazo de pan' is the more common idiom for people. At B2, you are not just translating 'piece'; you are choosing 'trozo' because it is the most precise word for the texture and size of the object you are describing.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C1 level, your use of 'trozo' is nuanced and precise. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it fits into the broader system of Spanish quantifiers. You can use 'trozo' in sophisticated literary analysis, referring to specific 'trozos' or 'pasajes' of a text with ease. You are also sensitive to the rhythmic and stylistic effects of choosing 'trozo' over a more complex synonym. In professional contexts, such as engineering or science, you use 'trozo' to describe physical samples or fragments with technical accuracy. You are also fully aware of the idiomatic landscape, knowing exactly when 'pedazo' acts as an intensifier and why 'trozo' cannot be used that way. Your vocabulary is rich enough to avoid 'trozo' when a more specific term like 'loncha', 'tajada', or 'segmento' is required, but you also appreciate the simple power of 'trozo' in high-quality prose. You might even explore the word's use in different Spanish-speaking countries, noting where it might be replaced by local terms.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native command of 'trozo'. You can use it in highly abstract philosophical discussions about the nature of parts and wholes. You understand its role in the evolution of the Spanish language and can identify its use in archaic or classical texts. Your usage is flawless, whether you are writing a technical report on material stress (where 'trozos' might refer to failure points) or a piece of creative fiction where 'un trozo de sombra' adds a specific atmospheric detail. You are a master of the word's connotations, knowing how 'trozo' can imply a certain ruggedness or simplicity compared to 'porción'. You can play with the word in puns or sophisticated wordplay. You also have a deep understanding of the sociolinguistic factors that influence the choice between 'trozo' and its synonyms across the entire Spanish-speaking world. For you, 'trozo' is not just a word for a piece; it is a versatile tool that you can use to paint precise pictures of the physical and conceptual world with total confidence and stylistic flair.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

trozo en 30 secondes

'Trozo' is a masculine noun meaning 'piece' or 'bit'.
It is commonly used for food (cake, bread, cheese) and materials (wood, paper).
It implies a physical part separated from a whole, often by cutting.
It can also refer to excerpts of songs, books, or movies.

The Spanish word trozo is a fundamental noun that translates most directly to 'piece', 'bit', or 'fragment' in English. At its core, it refers to a part of a larger whole that has been separated, usually by cutting, breaking, or tearing. While it shares a close relationship with the word 'pedazo', trozo often carries a connotation of a piece that has been somewhat intentionally divided or possesses a certain physical substance. In the culinary world, you will hear it constantly; whether you are asking for a piece of cake, a chunk of cheese, or a segment of bread, trozo is your go-to term. It is not limited to food, however. You can have a trozo of wood, a trozo of paper, or even a trozo of a song or a poem. This versatility makes it an essential building block for any Spanish learner.

Physicality: Refers to tangible objects that can be held or seen as distinct units separated from a source.

El niño cortó un trozo de papel para su dibujo.

Beyond the physical, trozo can be used metaphorically to describe segments of time or experience, though this is slightly less common than its physical application. When you think of trozo, imagine the action of dividing something. If you use a knife to slice a watermelon, each slice is a trozo. If a vase falls and breaks, the shards are trozos. The word implies a sense of incompleteness on its own, as it is always a 'piece of' something else. In social settings, offering someone a trozo of what you are eating is a common gesture of hospitality.

Quantity: It functions as a partitive noun, often followed by the preposition 'de' to specify the substance.

¿Quieres un trozo más de pastel?

Understanding the nuance between trozo and its synonyms is key to reaching a B1 or B2 level of fluency. While 'pedazo' is often interchangeable, 'trozo' feels slightly more formal or deliberate in certain contexts. For example, in a recipe, you are more likely to see 'cortar en trozos' (cut into pieces) than 'cortar en pedazos', although both are understood. The word also appears in various idiomatic expressions, though 'pedazo' tends to dominate the more colorful slang. Nevertheless, trozo remains a workhorse of the Spanish language, appearing in everything from construction manuals to romantic poetry. Its phonetic simplicity—two syllables with a clear 'o' sound—makes it easy for English speakers to master quickly. In summary, whenever you see something that was once part of a larger object and is now standing alone, you are likely looking at a trozo. Whether it is a piece of land (trozo de tierra) or a piece of history (trozo de historia), the word helps us categorize the fragmented world around us.

Encontraron un trozo de madera en la playa.

Abstract Usage: Can refer to a passage of text or a segment of a multimedia file.

Leí un trozo de su diario.

Pásame ese trozo de cuerda.

Using trozo correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a masculine noun. It almost always follows the pattern 'un trozo de [noun]' or 'el trozo de [noun]'. Because it is a count noun, it has a regular plural form: trozos. When you use it, you are quantifying an uncountable or large mass by breaking it down into manageable units. For instance, 'pan' (bread) is often treated as a mass, but 'un trozo de pan' is a specific, countable item. This makes trozo incredibly useful for ordering food or giving instructions.

Grammar Rule: Always use the masculine article 'un' or 'el'. The preposition 'de' is mandatory when specifying what the piece is made of.

Necesito un trozo de tela para remendar el pantalón.

One common sentence structure involves verbs of creation or destruction. Verbs like 'cortar' (to cut), 'partir' (to split/break), 'romper' (to break), and 'dividir' (to divide) frequently take trozo as an object or a result. For example, 'Corta el queso en trozos pequeños' (Cut the cheese into small pieces). Notice the use of 'en' here to indicate the resulting state. This is a very common pattern in instructional Spanish.

La vasija se rompió en mil trozos.

Adjectives usually follow the noun trozo and must agree in gender and number. Common pairings include 'trozo pequeño' (small piece), 'trozo grande' (large piece), 'trozo rectangular' (rectangular piece), or 'trozo minúsculo' (tiny piece). In more poetic or descriptive language, you might see 'un trozo de cielo' (a piece of sky) or 'un trozo de mi corazón' (a piece of my heart), showing that the word can handle both mundane and emotional weight.

Placement: Adjectives like 'otro' or 'este' come before: 'este trozo', 'otro trozo'. Descriptive adjectives come after: 'un trozo sucio'.

Dame ese trozo de tarta, por favor.

In conversational Spanish, you might hear people use 'trozo' to refer to a short distance or a short duration, though 'tramo' or 'rato' are more precise. For example, 'Caminamos un trozo juntos' (We walked a bit together). While this is slightly more informal and regional, it illustrates how the concept of a 'piece' extends to the dimensions of time and space.

Solo queda un pequeño trozo de camino por recorrer.

Negation: 'Ni un trozo' is a strong way to say 'not even a bit'.

No me dejó probar ni un trozo.

You will encounter trozo in a vast array of real-life scenarios, ranging from the domestic to the professional. The most frequent location is undoubtedly the kitchen or a restaurant. When a waiter asks if you want dessert, you might reply, 'Solo un trozo pequeño, gracias.' In recipes, the instruction 'cortar en trozos' is ubiquitous, whether you are preparing a 'cocido' or a fruit salad. This word is the bread and butter of culinary vocabulary.

The Kitchen: Used for solids like bread, cheese, meat, cake, and fruit.

El carnicero cortó un trozo de carne para el guiso.

Another common setting is in workshops, construction sites, or during DIY projects. If you are at a hardware store (ferretería) in a Spanish-speaking country, you might ask for a 'trozo de manguera' (a piece of hose) or a 'trozo de madera' (a piece of wood). It implies a leftover or a specific cut rather than a whole standardized unit. In these contexts, trozo is a practical, utilitarian word.

Usa este trozo de metal para sujetar la puerta.

In the world of art and literature, trozo refers to excerpts. A teacher might ask students to read a 'trozo' of a novel, or a musician might practice a 'trozo' of a concerto. It suggests a manageable segment chosen for study or performance. This use is slightly more formal but still very common in educational settings.

Media and Arts: Refers to clips, excerpts, or fragments of creative works.

Escuché un trozo de la entrevista en la radio.

Geographically, trozo can describe land. 'Un trozo de tierra' can mean a small plot or a garden. It conveys a sense of ownership or a specific physical area. In news reports about accidents or natural disasters, you will hear about 'trozos de escombros' (pieces of debris) or 'trozos de fuselaje' (pieces of fuselage), where the word takes on a more somber, descriptive tone.

Compraron un trozo de terreno en el campo.

Everyday Life: Used when cleaning up broken glass or finding lost items.

Ten cuidado, hay trozos de cristal en el suelo.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing trozo with its many synonyms, specifically 'pedazo', 'pieza', and 'parte'. While often interchangeable, they are not always identical. Using 'pieza' for a piece of cake is a common error; 'pieza' usually refers to a component of a machine, a chess piece, or a room in a house (in some dialects). If you ask for a 'pieza de pastel', people will understand you, but it sounds slightly mechanical. Use trozo for food.

Trozo vs. Pieza: Trozo is for fragments or portions. Pieza is for whole units that are part of a set or system.

Incorrecto: Me falta una trozo del rompecabezas. (Correcto: Me falta una pieza).

Another common pitfall is the gender of the word. Because many food items are feminine (tarta, pizza, carne), learners often instinctively say 'una trozo'. However, trozo is strictly masculine. The article must always be 'un', 'el', 'unos', or 'los'. This is a classic 'gender agreement' trap where the learner agrees the article with the 'substance' rather than the 'container' noun.

Incorrecto: Quiero una trozo de pizza. (Correcto: Quiero un trozo de pizza).

Distinguishing trozo from 'pedazo' is more subtle. In many cases, they are synonyms. However, 'pedazo' is used more often in emotional or figurative language (e.g., 'pedazo de idiota' as an intensifier, or 'pedazo de cielo'). 'Trozo' is more literal. Using 'trozo' as an intensifier (e.g., 'trozo de idiota') would sound very strange and is not done.

Trozo vs. Parte: 'Parte' is more abstract. You can have a 'parte de la historia' (part of the story), but a 'trozo de papel' is a physical object.

Incorrecto: Este trozo del libro es aburrido. (Correcto: Esta parte del libro es aburrida).

Finally, be careful with the plural. Some learners try to use 'trozos' for liquid splashes, which is incorrect. For liquids, use 'gotas' (drops) or 'chorros' (streams). Trozo is strictly for solids or things that can be conceptualized as having a solid form (like a piece of a song).

Comí tres trozos de sandía.

To truly master Spanish, you need to know the alternatives to trozo and when to deploy them. The most common alternative is 'pedazo'. In 90% of culinary contexts, they are identical. However, 'pedazo' is the king of idioms. If you want to say someone is a 'great person', you say 'es un pedazo de pan'. If you want to emphasize the size of something, you might say '¡Vaya pedazo de coche!' (What a huge/great car!). Trozo doesn't have this emphatic power.

Pedazo: More informal, used in many idioms, implies an irregular break.

Se me cayó el plato y se rompió en pedazos.

Another important word is 'porción'. This is specifically used for a 'serving size' or a 'helping' of food. While a 'trozo de tarta' is just a physical piece, a 'porción de tarta' sounds like a measured amount served in a café. If you are watching your diet, you might talk about 'porciones'.

La porción de arroz es muy pequeña.

'Fragmento' is the academic or scientific sibling of trozo. You use 'fragmento' when talking about archaeological finds, DNA, or specific excerpts of literary texts. It sounds more precise and intellectual. You wouldn't say 'fragmento de queso' unless you were analyzing it in a lab.

Tajada: A specific type of slice, often used for fruit or cold cuts.

¿Quieres una tajada de melón?

'Loncha' is the specific word for a thin slice, usually of cheese, ham, or bacon. If you want your piece to be thin enough to fold, ask for a 'loncha'. If you want a thick block, ask for a trozo. Finally, 'añicos' is a specialized plural noun used only with 'hacer' or 'quedar'. 'Hacerse añicos' means to shatter into tiny pieces, usually glass or dreams. It is a very evocative alternative to 'romperse en trozos'.

El jarrón se hizo añicos contra el suelo.

Resumen de Alternativas: Trozo (general), Pedazo (informal/idiomatic), Porción (serving), Tajada (thick slice), Loncha (thin slice), Fragmento (formal).

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word originally referred to the stem of a plant before evolving to mean any cut piece of material.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈtɾo.θo/

US /ˈtɾo.so/

The stress is on the first syllable: TRO-zo.

Rime avec

gozo (joy) pozo (well) mozo (young man) rebozo (shawl) trozo (piece) esbozo (sketch) sollozo (sob) alborozo (rejoicing)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'z' like an English 'z' (vibrating). In Spanish, 'z' is never voiced.
Failing to tap the 'r' correctly, making it sound like an English 'r'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text due to its frequency.

Écriture 2/5

Simple to spell, but remember the 'z'.

Expression orale 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but remember the 'z' sound (th or s).

Écoute 1/5

Clear two-syllable word that is easy to hear.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

pan queso cortar grande pequeño

Apprends ensuite

pedazo loncha tajada porción fragmento

Avancé

añicos desmenuzar rebanada

Grammaire à connaître

Gender of Nouns ending in -o

Trozo is masculine because it ends in -o.

The preposition 'de' for materials

Un trozo DE madera (A piece OF wood).

Adjective agreement

Trozos pequeñOS (Small pieces).

Imperative mood for instructions

CORTA un trozo (Cut a piece).

Indefinite articles

UN trozo vs EL trozo.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

Quiero un trozo de pan.

I want a piece of bread.

'Un' is the masculine singular article matching 'trozo'.

Dame un trozo de tarta.

Give me a piece of cake.

'Dame' is the imperative form of 'dar' (to give) + 'me' (to me).

El niño come un trozo de queso.

The boy eats a piece of cheese.

'Come' is the third person singular of 'comer'.

Tengo un trozo de papel.

I have a piece of paper.

'Tengo' is the first person singular of 'tener' (to have).

¿Quieres un trozo de chocolate?

Do you want a piece of chocolate?

Standard question structure in Spanish.

Hay un trozo de manzana aquí.

There is a piece of apple here.

'Hay' means 'there is' or 'there are'.

Corta un trozo de carne.

Cut a piece of meat.

'Corta' is the informal imperative of 'cortar'.

Es un trozo pequeño.

It is a small piece.

Adjectives like 'pequeño' follow the noun.

Necesito un trozo de madera para el fuego.

I need a piece of wood for the fire.

'Para' indicates purpose.

El espejo se rompió en muchos trozos.

The mirror broke into many pieces.

'En' indicates the result of the breaking.

¿Puedes darme otro trozo de sandía?

Can you give me another piece of watermelon?

'Otro' (another) precedes the noun.

Encontré un trozo de tela azul.

I found a piece of blue fabric.

'Encontré' is the preterite (past) of 'encontrar'.

Corta el papel en trozos rectangulares.

Cut the paper into rectangular pieces.

Plural 'trozos' matches the plural adjective 'rectangulares'.

No queda ni un trozo de pizza.

There isn't even one piece of pizza left.

'Ni un' is used for emphasis (not even one).

Puse un trozo de hielo en mi vaso.

I put a piece of ice in my glass.

'Puse' is the irregular preterite of 'poner'.

Usa un trozo de cuerda para atar la caja.

Use a piece of rope to tie the box.

'Para' + infinitive 'atar' shows purpose.

Leí un trozo de la carta que me enviaste.

I read a piece of the letter you sent me.

'Trozo' refers to an excerpt here.

Escuchamos un trozo de su nueva canción.

We listened to a bit of his new song.

'Un trozo de' can be used for segments of media.

Este trozo de tierra es perfecto para un jardín.

This piece of land is perfect for a garden.

'Trozo de tierra' is a common way to refer to a small plot.

Me dio un trozo de su bocadillo porque tenía hambre.

He gave me a piece of his sandwich because I was hungry.

'Porque' introduces a reason.

Había trozos de cristal por todo el suelo.

There were pieces of glass all over the floor.

'Había' is the imperfect of 'hay'.

¿Has visto ese trozo de película? Es increíble.

Have you seen that movie clip? It's incredible.

Present perfect 'has visto' implies recent action.

Necesitamos un trozo más grande de cartón.

We need a larger piece of cardboard.

Comparative 'más grande' follows the noun.

El perro encontró un trozo de hueso en el parque.

The dog found a piece of bone in the park.

'En el parque' is a prepositional phrase of place.

El arqueólogo descubrió un trozo de cerámica antigua.

The archaeologist discovered a piece of ancient pottery.

'Descubrió' is the preterite of 'descubrir'.

No es más que un trozo de metal oxidado.

It's nothing more than a piece of rusty metal.

'No es más que' means 'it's nothing more than'.

La explosión lanzó trozos de escombros a la calle.

The explosion threw pieces of debris into the street.

'Lanzó' implies forceful movement.

Me gusta este trozo del poema, es muy conmovedor.

I like this part of the poem; it's very moving.

'Trozo' as a literary excerpt.

El escultor golpeó el trozo de mármol con fuerza.

The sculptor hit the piece of marble with force.

'Con fuerza' is an adverbial phrase.

Solo queda un trozo de esperanza en mi corazón.

Only a piece of hope remains in my heart.

Poetic usage of 'trozo'.

Cortaron el pastel en trozos desiguales por accidente.

They cut the cake into unequal pieces by accident.

'Por accidente' explains the cause.

Un trozo de mi infancia se perdió en esa casa.

A piece of my childhood was lost in that house.

Abstract use of 'trozo' for time/memory.

El informe detalla cada trozo de evidencia encontrado.

The report details every piece of evidence found.

'Detalla' is a more formal verb for 'describes'.

Logró salvar un trozo de su patrimonio familiar.

He managed to save a piece of his family heritage.

'Logró' + infinitive means 'succeeded in'.

El motor falló debido a un trozo de plástico obstruyendo la válvula.

The engine failed due to a piece of plastic clogging the valve.

'Debido a' is a formal way to say 'due to'.

Analizaron un trozo de meteorito en el laboratorio.

They analyzed a piece of meteorite in the laboratory.

Technical/scientific context.

Este trozo de la sinfonía es técnicamente muy exigente.

This part of the symphony is technically very demanding.

'Exigente' means 'demanding'.

La pared mostraba trozos de pintura descascarada.

The wall showed patches of peeling paint.

'Descascarada' describes the state of the paint.

Un trozo de realidad se filtró en sus fantasías.

A piece of reality leaked into his fantasies.

Highly abstract/literary usage.

El abogado presentó un trozo de tela como prueba crucial.

The lawyer presented a piece of cloth as crucial evidence.

'Como prueba' indicates the role of the object.

La deconstrucción del texto revela trozos de discursos olvidados.

The deconstruction of the text reveals fragments of forgotten discourses.

Academic/philosophical register.

Su vida no era más que trozos inconexos de experiencias.

His life was nothing but disconnected pieces of experiences.

'Inconexos' means 'disconnected'.

El glaciar se desprendió, lanzando trozos colosales al océano.

The glacier broke off, launching colossal pieces into the ocean.

'Colosales' is a high-level adjective for 'huge'.

En ese trozo de prosa se percibe la influencia de Cervantes.

In that passage of prose, the influence of Cervantes is perceived.

'Se percibe' is a passive construction.

La vasija, reducida a trozos, guardaba aún su antiguo misterio.

The vessel, reduced to pieces, still held its ancient mystery.

'Reducida a' is a sophisticated past participle phrase.

Cada trozo de mármol sobrante fue utilizado para el mosaico.

Every leftover piece of marble was used for the mosaic.

'Sobrante' means 'leftover' or 'surplus'.

Un trozo de la muralla aún resiste el paso de los siglos.

A piece of the wall still resists the passage of centuries.

Metaphorical 'paso de los siglos'.

Su discurso fue un trozo de retórica vacía sin contenido real.

His speech was a piece of empty rhetoric with no real content.

Critical/analytical tone.

Collocations courantes

un trozo de pan

un trozo de pastel

un trozo de madera

un trozo de papel

cortar en trozos

hacerse trozos

un trozo de tela

un trozo de historia

un trozo de tierra

ni un trozo

Phrases Courantes

un trozo de cielo

— Something very beautiful or a very kind person.

Ese bebé es un trozo de cielo.

en trozos pequeños

— In small pieces, usually an instruction for cooking.

Pica la cebolla en trozos pequeños.

un trozo de mi vida

— A part of one's life story or experience.

Te contaré un trozo de mi vida.

por trozos

— In pieces or bit by bit.

Tuvimos que mover el armario por trozos.

un trozo de camino

— A section of a path or journey.

Aún nos queda un trozo de camino.

trozo a trozo

— Piece by piece, gradually.

Fue construyendo la maqueta trozo a trozo.

un trozo de carbón

— A piece of coal.

Me trajeron un trozo de carbón por Navidad.

un trozo de jabón

— A piece/bar of soap.

Queda un trozo de jabón en la ducha.

un trozo de cuerda

— A piece of string or rope.

Átalo con un trozo de cuerda.

un trozo de cristal

— A piece of glass (often a shard).

Me corté con un trozo de cristal.

Souvent confondu avec

trozo vs trazo

'Trazo' means a stroke, line, or trace. 'Trozo' is a piece.

trozo vs troza

'Troza' specifically refers to a large log or trunk of a tree.

trozo vs trozo vs pedazo

'Pedazo' is often more informal and used in idioms.

Expressions idiomatiques

"ser un trozo de pan"

— To be a very good, kind, and selfless person. (More common as 'pedazo de pan').

Mi abuelo era un trozo de pan.

informal

"hacerse trozos por alguien"

— To go to great lengths or suffer for someone.

Se hace trozos por sus hijos.

informal

"caerse a trozos"

— To be falling apart or in very bad condition.

Esta casa se cae a trozos.

informal

"quedarse en trozos"

— To break into pieces (physically or emotionally).

Mi corazón se quedó en trozos.

literary

"no tener ni un trozo de vergüenza"

— To have no shame at all.

Ese político no tiene ni un trozo de vergüenza.

informal

"un trozo de carne con ojos"

— A very rude way to call someone stupid or useless (like a piece of meat with eyes).

Ese tipo es un trozo de carne con ojos.

slang

"venderse por un trozo de pan"

— To sell oneself for very little or out of desperation.

Se vendió por un trozo de pan al mejor postor.

idiomatic

"un trozo de gloria"

— A moment of success or fame.

Todos buscamos nuestro trozo de gloria.

literary

"partirse en trozos"

— To break apart, often used for organizations or groups.

El partido se partió en trozos tras las elecciones.

journalistic

"un trozo de noche"

— A portion of the night, usually referring to a specific time.

Pasamos un trozo de noche hablando bajo las estrellas.

poetic

Facile à confondre

trozo vs pieza

Both mean 'piece'.

Pieza is for parts of a set or machine; trozo is for fragments or food.

Una pieza de ajedrez vs un trozo de pan.

trozo vs parte

Both mean 'part'.

Parte is abstract or general; trozo is physical and cut.

La primera parte del libro vs un trozo de papel.

trozo vs porción

Both refer to a part of food.

Porción is a serving size; trozo is just a physical piece.

Una porción de pizza (one serving) vs un trozo de pizza (one physical piece).

trozo vs tajada

Both mean slice/piece.

Tajada is a specific cut of something large and round.

Una tajada de sandía.

trozo vs loncha

Both mean slice/piece.

Loncha is a very thin slice.

Una loncha de queso.

Structures de phrases

Quiero un trozo de [comida].

Quiero un trozo de pan.

Corta el/la [objeto] en trozos.

Corta la manzana en trozos.

Hay trozos de [material] en [lugar].

Hay trozos de cristal en el suelo.

¿Me das otro trozo de [sustancia]?

¿Me das otro trozo de queso?

El/La [objeto] se rompió en trozos.

El espejo se rompió en trozos.

Este trozo de [concepto] es [adjetivo].

Este trozo de la canción es hermoso.

Un trozo de [sustantivo abstracto] se [verbo].

Un trozo de mi alma se quedó allí.

Reducido a trozos, el/la [objeto]...

Reducido a trozos, el jarrón ya no valía nada.

Famille de mots

Noms

trozo

troceado (the act of cutting)

Verbes

trocear (to cut into pieces)

Adjectifs

troceado (cut into pieces)

Apparenté

trozo

pedazo

fragmento

pieza

porción

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in daily speech and writing.

Erreurs courantes

Una trozo de tarta. → Un trozo de tarta.
'Trozo' is masculine, so the article must be 'un'.
Me falta un trozo del rompecabezas. → Me falta una pieza del rompecabezas.
Use 'pieza' for components of a set like a puzzle.
Corta la carne en pedazos pequeños. → Corta la carne en trozos pequeños.
While 'pedazos' is okay, 'trozos' is more common in culinary instructions.
Este trozo de aire está frío. → Esta corriente de aire está fría.
'Trozo' cannot be used for gases or liquids.
Un trozo de consejo. → Un consejo.
'Consejo' is countable in Spanish; you don't need 'trozo'.

Astuces

Gender Check

Always remember 'trozo' is masculine. Even if you want 'una pizza', you ask for 'un trozo de pizza'.

Food Context

'Trozo' is the most natural word for solid food items like cake, cheese, and bread.

The Z Sound

In Spain, 'z' is like 'th'. In Mexico/Argentina, it's like 's'. Both are correct, just be consistent.

Deliberate Cutting

Use 'trozo' when something has been cut with a knife or tool.

Adjective Order

Place adjectives like 'pequeño' or 'grande' after 'trozo'.

Kindness

If someone is very kind, call them 'un pedazo de pan', but 'un trozo de pan' is also understood.

Listen for 'De'

The word 'trozo' is almost always followed by 'de' and the substance.

The Z spelling

Don't spell it with an 's'. It is always 'trozo' with a 'z'.

Sharing

Use '¿Quieres un trozo?' to offer someone a bit of your snack.

The Verb 'Trocear'

Learn the verb 'trocear' to sound more like a native speaker when cooking.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Trophy' (TRO-) that broke into a 'Zone' (-ZO) of pieces. A Trophy in a Zone of pieces is a TROZO.

Association visuelle

Visualize a large chocolate bar being snapped into several chunks. Each chunk is a 'trozo'.

Word Web

tarta madera papel queso pan cortar romper pequeño

Défi

Try to name five things in your kitchen right now that you could cut into a 'trozo'.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'thyrsus', which means 'stalk' or 'stem'.

Sens originel : A stalk, stem, or a piece of wood.

Romance (Latin)

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities. It is a neutral, everyday word.

English speakers often use 'piece' for everything. In Spanish, 'trozo' is specific to solids, while 'pedazo' is more emotional.

'Un trozo de cielo' is a common title for romantic songs and movies. In the Bible (Spanish version), 'trozo de pan' appears in various parables.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At a restaurant

¿Me da un trozo de tarta?
Solo un trozo pequeño.
¿Viene con un trozo de pan?
Corte un trozo para llevar.

In a workshop

Necesito un trozo de madera.
Corta un trozo de metal.
Pásame ese trozo de cuerda.
Hay trozos de serrín.

At home

Se rompió el vaso en trozos.
Corta un trozo de queso.
Dame un trozo de papel.
Limpia esos trozos de cristal.

School/Art

Leamos este trozo del libro.
Usa un trozo de cartulina.
Pega los trozos de papel.
Dibuja un trozo de paisaje.

In nature

Un trozo de tierra fértil.
Encontré un trozo de roca.
Un trozo de madera seca.
Un trozo de cielo azul.

Amorces de conversation

"¿Prefieres un trozo grande o pequeño de pastel?"

"¿Alguna vez has encontrado un trozo de algo antiguo en el suelo?"

"¿Qué harías con un trozo de tierra en el campo?"

"¿Cuál es tu trozo favorito de esta canción?"

"¿Me puedes dar un trozo de ese chocolate que estás comiendo?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escribe sobre un trozo de tu infancia que nunca olvidarás.

Describe un trozo de madera y qué podrías construir con él.

¿Cómo te sientes cuando rompes algo en mil trozos?

Si pudieras tener un trozo de cualquier lugar del mundo, ¿cuál sería?

Describe el trozo de tarta perfecto.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

En la mayoría de los casos son sinónimos. Sin embargo, 'pedazo' es más informal y se usa en expresiones idiomáticas como 'pedazo de pan'. 'Trozo' suele implicar algo cortado de forma más deliberada.

No, 'trozo' es un sustantivo masculino. Siempre debes decir 'un trozo' o 'el trozo', independientemente de si la comida es femenina.

No se usa 'trozo'. Se dice 'un consejo'.

No, 'trozo' es solo para sólidos. Para líquidos usa 'gota' (drop) o 'un poco' (a bit).

Significa romperse físicamente en pedazos o, figuradamente, esforzarse mucho por alguien.

Sí, es una palabra universalmente entendida en todo el mundo de habla hispana.

Puedes decir 'un trozo de música' o, más comúnmente, 'una pieza musical' o 'un fragmento'.

El plural es 'trozos'.

Se dice 'cortar en trozos' o el verbo 'trocear'.

A veces se usa de forma informal ('un trozo de tiempo'), pero es mejor usar 'un rato'.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes