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B1 adjective #8,000 most common 10 min read

quebrado

Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips quebrado in 30 Seconds

Explanation quebrado in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the complex legal meanings of 'quebrado.' Simply think of it as a very strong way to say 'no money.' If you have zero euros or dollars in your pocket, you can say 'Estoy quebrado.' It is like the English word 'broke.' You should remember that it ends in 'o' for a boy and 'a' for a girl. For example, a boy says 'Estoy quebrado' and a girl says 'Estoy quebrada.' You might see this word in simple stories about a person who cannot buy food or a toy. It's a useful word for basic emotional expression regarding money. Just remember: 'no tengo dinero' is common, but 'estoy quebrado' shows you know a more descriptive word. Don't use it for a broken toy yet; for toys, use the word 'roto.' Focus on the 'no money' meaning for now.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'quebrado' to describe more than just yourself. You can use it to talk about a small shop in your neighborhood that closed because it had no money. 'La tienda está quebrada.' You are also learning the difference between 'ser' and 'estar.' With 'quebrado,' we almost always use 'estar' because it describes a state or a result. You can also use it to describe a voice in a story: 'Su voz está quebrada' (His/her voice is shaking). This adds more detail to your descriptions. You should also be aware that 'quebrado' comes from the verb 'quebrar' (to break), which helps you remember its meaning. If a business 'breaks,' it cannot function anymore. Start practicing this word when you talk about the economy in simple terms or when characters in a book lose their fortunes.

At the B1 level, you should understand 'quebrado' as a standard term for bankruptcy and financial ruin. You will see it frequently in news articles about the economy or business. You need to distinguish it from 'roto' (physically broken). While 'roto' is for a glass or a chair, 'quebrado' is for a bank, a company, or a person's total financial state. You should also be comfortable using it to describe 'terreno quebrado' (rugged/uneven land) in a travel or nature context. At this level, you can use it in the phrase 'quedar quebrado,' which means 'to end up bankrupt' after a series of events. It's a versatile word that helps you move from basic 'money' vocabulary to more professional and descriptive Spanish. You should also recognize it in the context of 'números quebrados' (fractions) if you are studying math in Spanish.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'quebrado' with precision in professional and academic contexts. You should understand the difference between 'estar quebrado' (to be bankrupt) and 'declararse en quiebra' (to declare bankruptcy). You will encounter 'quebrado' in literature to describe a 'voz quebrada' (a voice cracked with emotion) or a 'corazón quebrado' (a broken heart), though the latter is more poetic. You should also be aware of regional differences; for instance, in some countries, 'quebrado' can describe cracked glass, whereas in others, it is strictly financial. You can use it metaphorically to describe a 'sistema quebrado' (a broken system) that no longer serves the public. Your ability to use 'quebrado' in various registers—from colloquial talk about being broke to formal discussions about sovereign debt—is a sign of your advancing fluency.

At the C1 level, 'quebrado' becomes a tool for nuanced expression. You should be able to discuss the nuances between 'quebrado,' 'insolvente,' and 'en concurso de acreedores' (a specific legal term for insolvency proceedings). You will use 'quebrado' to describe the rugged topography of a region in a detailed geographical report or the 'ritmo quebrado' (syncopated or broken rhythm) in a sophisticated analysis of music or poetry. You should also be sensitive to the word's etymological roots and how they influence its use in different Spanish-speaking cultures. At this level, you can use the word to describe complex socio-political states, such as a 'sociedad quebrada' (a fractured or broken society). You should also be familiar with idioms and more obscure uses, ensuring that your choice of 'quebrado' over synonyms like 'destrozado' or 'fragmentado' is intentional and stylistically appropriate.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'quebrado' should be indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You understand its legal implications in different jurisdictions, its historical development from the Latin 'quassare,' and its most subtle metaphorical applications. You can use it in high-level economic discourse to describe 'activos quebrados' (distressed assets) or in literary criticism to discuss the 'estética de lo quebrado' (the aesthetics of the broken). You are aware of the most obscure regionalisms, including its use as slang for 'killed' in certain dialects, and you know exactly when to avoid it to maintain the desired register. Your use of the word is effortless, whether you are writing a legal brief, a technical geographical survey, or a piece of evocative fiction. You can play with the word's dual nature as both a technical term and a highly emotional descriptor to create powerful, resonant prose.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

quebrado in 30 Seconds

Quebrado primarily means 'bankrupt' or 'financially ruined' when referring to businesses or individuals.
It originates from the verb 'quebrar' (to break) and is used with 'estar' to describe a current state.
The word can also describe rugged, uneven terrain or a voice that is trembling with emotion.
In mathematics, it is an older term for a fraction (número quebrado), meaning a part of a whole.

The Spanish word quebrado is a multifaceted adjective that primarily translates to 'bankrupt' or 'financially ruined' in an economic context. While its literal root comes from the verb quebrar (to break), when applied to a person, a business, or an economy, it signifies a state where liabilities far exceed assets, leading to a total cessation of financial viability. In the world of Spanish-speaking commerce, this word carries a heavy weight, often implying a definitive end rather than a temporary struggle. Understanding the nuance of quebrado requires looking at how Spanish speakers view the concept of 'breaking' in a fiscal sense. Unlike the English term 'broke,' which can often be used colloquially to mean 'I don't have cash right now' (e.g., 'I'm broke until payday'), quebrado often leans closer to the formal legal status of bankruptcy or a profound, structural financial collapse.

Economic Context: Used to describe a company that has filed for bankruptcy or a person whose credit and capital are entirely exhausted. It is the opposite of 'solvente' (solvent).

Después de la crisis inmobiliaria, el pequeño banco local terminó totalmente quebrado.

In everyday conversation, you might hear a friend say 'estoy quebrado' to indicate they have no money left for the month, but even here, it sounds more dramatic than 'no tengo dinero.' It suggests a shattered state of affairs. Historically, the term evokes the image of a merchant's bench being physically broken when they could no longer pay their debts—a practice from medieval fairs. This 'broken' status is not just about the numbers; it's about the loss of reputation and the ability to operate in the market.

Mathematical Usage: In some regions, particularly in older textbooks, 'número quebrado' refers to a fraction, as the whole number has been 'broken' into parts.

El sistema de pensiones está prácticamente quebrado y necesita una reforma urgente.

Furthermore, the word appears in geography and anatomy. A 'terreno quebrado' is a broken, rugged, or uneven terrain, full of cliffs and valleys. In anatomy, 'estar quebrado' can colloquially refer to having a hernia in some Latin American countries, though this is less common in formal speech. However, for a B1 learner, the financial 'bankrupt' meaning is the most critical to master for reading news and discussing adult responsibilities. It is a word that conveys finality and the need for a fresh start. Whether discussing a fallen empire, a failed tech startup, or a gambler's luck, quebrado paints a picture of something that was once whole and functional but has now splintered under the weight of debt or pressure.

Figurative Ruin: It can describe a spirit or a will that has been broken by hardship, though 'destrozado' or 'roto' are more common for pure emotions.

El negocio de mi abuelo quedó quebrado tras la devaluación de la moneda.

Using quebrado correctly involves understanding its agreement in gender and number, as well as its placement within the sentence. As an adjective, it must match the noun it describes. If you are talking about a company (una empresa), you must use quebrada. If you are talking about several businesses (negocios), you use quebrados. The most common structure is [Noun] + [Estar] + [quebrado/a].

Corporate Context: 'La aerolínea está quebrada y no puede pagar sus deudas.' (The airline is bankrupt and cannot pay its debts.) Here, it functions as a predicate adjective describing the current state of the company.

Muchos inversores perdieron su dinero en ese fondo quebrado.

In this example, 'quebrado' acts as an attributive adjective, directly modifying 'fondo' (fund). It tells us which fund we are talking about—the one that went bankrupt. Another common use is in the phrase 'quedar quebrado,' which means 'to end up bankrupt.' This focuses on the result of a process.

Personal Finance: 'Después de perder el juicio, el actor quedó totalmente quebrado.' (After losing the lawsuit, the actor ended up totally broke.)

No podemos invertir en una industria que ya está quebrada.

When discussing terrain or geography, the word precedes or follows the noun to add descriptive flavor. 'Caminamos por un sendero quebrado' (We walked along a rugged path). In this sense, it describes the physical 'brokenness' of the earth.

Metaphorical Use: 'Su voz sonó quebrada por la emoción.' (His voice sounded cracked/broken with emotion.) This is a common literary use to describe a voice that is trembling or failing.

El país está quebrado institucionalmente, no solo económicamente.

In more advanced sentences, you might see it used with 'dar por,' as in 'dar por quebrado' (to consider as bankrupt). 'El juez dio por quebrado el negocio tras meses de impagos.' This formal usage is common in legal and journalistic Spanish. By varying the verbs (estar, quedar, sonar, dar por), you can express different nuances of 'being broken' or 'becoming bankrupt' with precision and fluency.

You will encounter quebrado in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the evening news to family kitchen tables. In the realm of journalism and news, especially in the 'Economía' section, it is a frequent guest. Headlines like 'Empresa tecnológica se declara quebrada' (Tech company declares itself bankrupt) are common during market downturns. You'll hear news anchors discussing 'países quebrados' when referring to nations with unsustainable sovereign debt.

Business Meetings: In professional settings, it's used to discuss risk. 'No podemos asociarnos con ellos; están quebrados técnicamente.' (We can't partner with them; they are technically bankrupt.)

En las noticias dijeron que la constructora está quebrada.

In informal conversations, particularly in Latin America, you might hear someone say '¡Estoy quebrado!' after a long shopping trip or an expensive night out. While 'misio' or 'pelado' might be used in specific regions for being broke, 'quebrado' is understood everywhere as having zero funds.

Literature and Film: In dramas, a character might have a 'voz quebrada' (broken voice) during a confession. This creates a powerful auditory image of vulnerability.

Con el corazón quebrado, el protagonista abandonó la ciudad.

Geographically, if you are hiking in the Andes or the Sierra Madre, a guide might describe the 'terreno quebrado' to warn you about the difficulty of the path ahead. This usage is very common in rural descriptions.

Legal and Formal Documents: In contracts or legal proceedings, 'estado quebrado' refers to the official status of insolvency. You will see this in court documents regarding debt restructuring.

El abogado confirmó que el cliente ya estaba quebrado antes de firmar.

Lastly, in History classes, you will hear about the 'Crack de 1929' and how it left thousands of families 'quebradas.' It is a word that bridges the gap between technical economic jargon and raw human struggle.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is confusing quebrado with roto. While both can translate to 'broken,' they are not interchangeable. Roto is used for physical objects that are fractured or no longer work (a broken glass, a broken phone). Quebrado is used for financial status, rugged terrain, or a trembling voice. If you say 'mi teléfono está quebrado,' people will understand you, but it sounds like your phone has filed for bankruptcy! Use 'mi teléfono está roto' instead.

The 'Ser' vs 'Estar' Trap: Avoid saying 'Soy quebrado.' This implies that being bankrupt is an inherent part of your personality. Use 'Estoy quebrado' to describe your current financial state.

Incorrecto: El cristal está quebrado. (Unless you mean it's cracked in a specific way, 'roto' is better.)

Another mistake is the misuse of gender agreement. Remember that even if a man is speaking, if he is talking about his company (la empresa), he must say 'la empresa está quebrada.' The adjective agrees with the noun it modifies, not the person speaking.

False Friend: Fractions: Learners often forget that 'quebrado' can mean 'fraction.' If you hear a teacher say 'sumar quebrados,' they aren't adding up bankrupt people; they are adding fractions like 1/2 and 1/4.

Confusión: ¿Estás quebrado? (Are you bankrupt? vs. Are you a fraction? context is key!)

Also, be careful with the slang meaning in some areas. In certain rougher contexts, 'quebrar a alguien' means to kill them. Saying 'Lo dejaron quebrado' could mean they left him bankrupt or, in a very different context, they killed him. Stick to clear financial contexts to avoid morbid misunderstandings. Lastly, don't confuse 'quebrado' with 'quebradizo.' 'Quebradizo' means 'brittle' or 'fragile' (like fingernails or dry leaves). If something breaks easily, it is 'quebradizo,' but once it has failed financially, it is 'quebrado.' Understanding these distinctions will make your Spanish sound much more natural and precise.

To enrich your vocabulary, it's helpful to know words related to quebrado. The most formal and legal equivalent is insolvente (insolvent). This is used in official banking and legal documents to describe the inability to pay debts. Another very common term is en bancarrota. While 'quebrado' is an adjective, 'bancarrota' is a noun often used in the phrase 'caer en bancarrota' (to fall into bankruptcy).

Quebrado vs. Arruinado: 'Arruinado' (ruined) is more emotional and total. You can be 'arruinado' by a scandal or a natural disaster, whereas 'quebrado' is specifically about the 'breaking' of financial structures.

La empresa se declaró en bancarrota, dejando al dueño totalmente quebrado.

For more colloquial settings, Spanish has a rich variety of terms for being 'broke.' In Spain, you might say estoy a dos velas or estoy sin blanca. In Mexico, estoy bruja or estoy en ceros. In Argentina, estoy seco or estoy croto. These alternatives lack the formal weight of 'quebrado' but are essential for social interactions.

Physical Alternatives: For rugged terrain, you can use 'accidentado' or 'irregular.' For a voice, 'entrecortada' or 'temblorosa' are excellent synonyms for 'quebrada.'

El camino era muy accidentado, similar a un terreno quebrado.

If you want to describe a business that is struggling but not yet bankrupt, you might use 'en apuros' (in trouble) or 'deficitario' (running a deficit). Knowing when to use the definitive 'quebrado' versus the more hopeful 'en apuros' is key to nuanced business communication.

Antonyms: The direct opposites are 'solvente' (solvent), 'pujante' (thriving), and 'próspero' (prosperous). A 'negocio pujante' is the dream of every entrepreneur who fears ending up 'quebrado.'

Pasó de estar quebrado a ser un hombre muy solvente en solo cinco años.

By mastering these synonyms and alternatives, you can tailor your speech to the specific level of formality and the exact shade of financial ruin or physical ruggedness you wish to describe.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"La entidad financiera se halla oficialmente quebrada."

Neutral

"El restaurante de la esquina está quebrado."

Informal

"No tengo ni un peso, estoy quebrado."

Child friendly

"El pirata estaba quebrado y no tenía oro."

Slang

"Ese tipo anda bien quebrado, no tiene ni para el bus."

Fun Fact

The concept of being 'quebrado' (broken) in finance comes from the Italian 'banca rotta' (broken bench). In medieval markets, when a money-lender could no longer pay, their trading bench was physically broken.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /keˈβɾaðo/

US /keˈβɾado/

The stress is on the second syllable: que-BRA-do.

Rhymes With

amado estado pasado lado mercado cuidado llamado pintado

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'u' in 'que' (it should be silent).
Using a hard English 'd' instead of the soft Spanish 'd'.
Rolling the 'r' too much; it should be a single tap.
Stressing the first or last syllable.
Pronouncing the 'o' like 'oh' with a glide (it should be a pure 'o').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and literature, easy to recognize.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct gender/number agreement and 'estar' usage.

Speaking 3/5

Useful for daily life but needs context to avoid 'roto' confusion.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but watch out for regional slang meanings.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

dinero roto banco estar negocio

Learn Next

insolvencia deuda presupuesto ahorrar invertir

Advanced

concurso de acreedores déficit fiscal morosidad liquidez activo

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

Las empresas están quebradas (Feminine Plural).

Use of Estar for States

El hombre está quebrado (Current condition).

Past Participle as Adjective

El negocio quebrado (Derived from 'quebrar').

Placement for Emphasis

Un quebrado terreno (Poetic/Emphatic placement).

Adverbial Modification

Está seriamente quebrado (Using -mente adverbs).

Examples by Level

No puedo comprar el helado, estoy quebrado.

I can't buy the ice cream, I'm broke.

Uses 'estar' to show a current state.

Mi hermano está quebrado este mes.

My brother is broke this month.

Adjective matches masculine subject 'hermano'.

Ella no tiene dinero, está quebrada.

She has no money, she is broke.

Adjective matches feminine subject 'ella'.

¿Estás quebrado tú también?

Are you broke too?

Question form with 'estar'.

Estamos quebrados después de las vacaciones.

We are broke after the holidays.

Plural form 'quebrados'.

El niño dice que está quebrado.

The boy says he is broke.

Indirect speech with 'quebrado'.

Ellas están quebradas y no van al cine.

They (fem.) are broke and are not going to the movies.

Feminine plural 'quebradas'.

Lo siento, estoy totalmente quebrado.

I'm sorry, I'm totally broke.

Adverb 'totalmente' modifies the adjective.

Ese pequeño restaurante ahora está quebrado.

That small restaurant is now bankrupt.

Describes a business state.

Su voz sonaba quebrada por el teléfono.

His voice sounded broken over the phone.

Describes the quality of a voice.

El negocio de mi tío quedó quebrado el año pasado.

My uncle's business ended up bankrupt last year.

Uses 'quedar' to show the result.

No camines por ahí, el suelo está quebrado.

Don't walk there, the ground is broken/cracked.

Physical description of terrain.

Ellos perdieron su casa porque estaban quebrados.

They lost their house because they were bankrupt.

Past tense 'estaban'.

La empresa quebrada cerró sus puertas hoy.

The bankrupt company closed its doors today.

Attributive adjective 'quebrada'.

Mi abuelo me enseñó los números quebrados.

My grandfather taught me fractions.

Mathematical term for fractions.

Después de la fiesta, el banco del parque quedó quebrado.

After the party, the park bench was broken.

Physical use (common in some regions).

La crisis económica dejó a muchos bancos quebrados.

The economic crisis left many banks bankrupt.

Plural agreement with 'bancos'.

Es un terreno quebrado, difícil para la agricultura.

It is a rugged terrain, difficult for agriculture.

Geographical description.

Si no ahorras, vas a terminar quebrado.

If you don't save, you're going to end up bankrupt.

Future probability with 'terminar'.

El juez declaró que el comerciante estaba quebrado.

The judge declared that the merchant was bankrupt.

Formal legal context.

Su salud está quebrada debido al estrés.

His health is broken due to stress.

Metaphorical use for health.

La aerolínea quebrada canceló todos los vuelos.

The bankrupt airline cancelled all flights.

Modifying a noun.

Me siento quebrado emocionalmente tras la noticia.

I feel emotionally broken after the news.

Emotional state.

El sistema de salud está quebrado y no tiene medicinas.

The health system is broken and has no medicines.

Describes a failing system.

La constructora se declaró quebrada ante la falta de pagos.

The construction company declared itself bankrupt due to lack of payments.

Reflexive 'se declaró' with adjective.

El paisaje quebrado de los Andes es impresionante.

The rugged landscape of the Andes is impressive.

Sophisticated geographical description.

Habló con una voz quebrada, tratando de no llorar.

He spoke with a broken voice, trying not to cry.

Literary description of voice.

Muchos estados están técnicamente quebrados por la deuda.

Many states are technically bankrupt due to debt.

Adverbial modification 'técnicamente'.

El modelo de negocio resultó estar quebrado desde el inicio.

The business model turned out to be broken from the start.

Complex verb structure 'resultó estar'.

No podemos comprar acciones de una empresa ya quebrada.

We cannot buy shares of a company that is already bankrupt.

Usage in investment context.

Su voluntad quedó quebrada tras años de lucha.

His will was broken after years of struggle.

Abstract noun 'voluntad'.

El cristal quebrado del escaparate indicaba un robo.

The cracked glass of the shop window indicated a robbery.

Physical description (regional/specific).

La arquitectura financiera global parece estar quebrada.

The global financial architecture seems to be broken.

High-level abstract noun phrase.

El autor utiliza un ritmo quebrado para generar tensión.

The author uses a broken rhythm to generate tension.

Literary/Artistic analysis.

Tras la devaluación, el mercado hipotecario quedó quebrado.

After the devaluation, the mortgage market was left bankrupt.

Macroeconomic context.

Es un hombre de espíritu quebrado, sin esperanza.

He is a man of broken spirit, without hope.

Descriptive of character.

La topografía quebrada de la región impide el ferrocarril.

The rugged topography of the region prevents the railway.

Technical geographical term.

El pacto social está quebrado y la desconfianza crece.

The social pact is broken and distrust is growing.

Sociopolitical metaphor.

Su testimonio, aunque quebrado, fue fundamental para el caso.

His testimony, although shaky/broken, was fundamental for the case.

Concessive clause with 'aunque'.

Consideraron al banco como una entidad ya quebrada.

They considered the bank as an already bankrupt entity.

Formal object complement.

La insolvencia técnica dejó al holding irremediablemente quebrado.

Technical insolvency left the holding company irremediably bankrupt.

Advanced business terminology.

La prosa de la novela es quebrada, reflejando el trauma.

The novel's prose is broken, reflecting the trauma.

Stylistic literary analysis.

El erario público se halla quebrado tras décadas de malversación.

The public treasury is bankrupt after decades of embezzlement.

Use of 'hallarse' for state.

Observamos un patrón de sedimentación en terreno quebrado.

We observe a sedimentation pattern in rugged terrain.

Scientific/Geological context.

Su linaje, otrora glorioso, se encontraba ahora quebrado.

His lineage, once glorious, was now broken/ruined.

Archaic/Literary tone.

El sistema de valores imperante está moralmente quebrado.

The prevailing value system is morally bankrupt.

Philosophical/Ethical critique.

La sinfonía termina con un acorde quebrado y melancólico.

The symphony ends with a broken and melancholy chord.

Musicological description.

Se dictaminó que el patrimonio estaba quebrado de facto.

It was ruled that the estate was bankrupt de facto.

Latinism in legal context.

Common Collocations

estar quebrado

quedar quebrado

terreno quebrado

voz quebrada

totalmente quebrado

técnicamente quebrado

número quebrado

negocio quebrado

país quebrado

corazón quebrado

Common Phrases

Declararse quebrado

— To officially state that one is bankrupt. Used in legal and business news.

La tienda de ropa se declaró quebrada ayer.

Estar quebrado de salud

— To be in a very poor state of health. It suggests a total collapse of physical well-being.

El pobre hombre está quebrado de salud.

Dejar quebrado a alguien

— To cause someone to lose all their money. Often used regarding lawsuits or bad investments.

Ese mal negocio dejó quebrado a mi primo.

Salir quebrado

— To come out of a venture with no money left. Focuses on the end result.

Salió quebrado de su aventura en el casino.

Voz quebrada por el llanto

— A voice that is cracking because the person is crying. Very common in literature.

Su voz quebrada por el llanto apenas se oía.

Terreno quebrado y pedregoso

— A standard way to describe difficult, rocky, and uneven land.

El jeep no pudo avanzar por el terreno quebrado y pedregoso.

Estar quebrado hasta el cuello

— To be deeply in debt, with no way out. An idiomatic exaggeration.

No me pidas dinero, estoy quebrado hasta el cuello.

Un quebrado

— A noun form referring to a fraction in mathematics.

Tengo que practicar los quebrados para el examen.

Mente quebrada

— A broken mind, often referring to severe mental exhaustion or trauma.

La guerra lo dejó con la mente quebrada.

Banca quebrada

— A term used in gambling or banking when the funds are exhausted.

La banca está quebrada, ya no hay más juego.

Often Confused With

quebrado vs roto

Use 'roto' for physical objects like a toy or glass. Use 'quebrado' for money or terrain.

quebrado vs quebradizo

'Quebradizo' means fragile or easy to break. 'Quebrado' means already broken/bankrupt.

quebrado vs cansado

In some very specific slang, 'quebrado' might mean tired, but 'cansado' is the correct standard word.

Idioms & Expressions

"Andar quebrado"

— To be going through a period of having no money.

Últimamente ando quebrado, no puedo ir de viaje.

Informal

"Más quebrado que un bulto de canela"

— Extremely broke (literally: more broken than a bag of cinnamon sticks).

Después de pagar la renta, estoy más quebrado que un bulto de canela.

Colloquial (Regional)

"Quebrado de espinazo"

— Used to describe someone who is lazy or lacks the 'backbone' to work.

Ese no ayuda en nada, parece quebrado de espinazo.

Informal/Slang

"Ponerse quebrado"

— To become broke suddenly.

Se puso quebrado en un abrir y cerrar de ojos.

Informal

"Voz de quebrado"

— A voice that sounds like it's about to break or is very high-pitched/weak.

Tiene una voz de quebrado que da risa.

Informal

"Estar quebrado de remate"

— To be completely and utterly bankrupt beyond any hope.

El negocio está quebrado de remate, no hay vuelta atrás.

Colloquial

"Hacerse el quebrado"

— To pretend to be broke to avoid paying or helping.

No le creas, se hace el quebrado para no pagar la cuenta.

Informal

"Quebrado y sin consuelo"

— Bankrupt and without any emotional support or hope.

Lo perdió todo, quedó quebrado y sin consuelo.

Literary

"Más quebrado que un plato"

— Very broke (literally: more broken than a plate).

No tengo ni un peso, estoy más quebrado que un plato.

Colloquial

"Quedar quebrado y en la calle"

— To lose everything and become homeless.

La estafa lo dejó quebrado y en la calle.

Neutral/Dramatic

Easily Confused

quebrado vs Quiebra

It is the noun form.

'Quiebra' is the event of bankruptcy; 'quebrado' is the adjective describing the entity.

La quiebra fue un desastre; el dueño está quebrado.

quebrado vs Roto

Both translate to 'broken'.

'Roto' is for physical damage; 'quebrado' is for financial or topographical status.

El plato está roto, pero el banco está quebrado.

quebrado vs Insolvente

Synonyms in finance.

'Insolvente' is more technical/legal; 'quebrado' is more common/general.

El informe dice que es insolvente, pero todos dicen que está quebrado.

quebrado vs Quebradizo

Similar root.

'Quebradizo' describes a quality (fragile); 'quebrado' describes a state (broken).

Tengo las uñas quebradizas, pero mi negocio no está quebrado.

quebrado vs Fracturado

Relates to breaking.

'Fracturado' is usually for bones or geological faults.

Tiene el brazo fracturado, no quebrado (though 'quebrado' is used colloquially for bones in some places).

Sentence Patterns

Yo estoy quebrado.

Yo estoy quebrado hoy.

La [cosa] está quebrada.

La tienda está quebrada.

Quedar quebrado tras [evento].

Quedó quebrado tras el robo.

Un terreno [adjetivo] y quebrado.

Un terreno seco y quebrado.

Declararse quebrado ante [entidad].

Se declaró quebrado ante el banco.

[Sustantivo] con la voz quebrada.

Respondió con la voz quebrada.

Dar por quebrado a [alguien].

El juez dio por quebrado al deudor.

Estar [adverbio] quebrado.

Se halla irremediablemente quebrado.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in economic and descriptive contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'quebrado' for a broken phone. → Mi teléfono está roto.
'Quebrado' is for finance or terrain; 'roto' is for physical objects.
Saying 'Soy quebrado'. → Estoy quebrado.
Bankruptcy is a state (estar), not a permanent characteristic (ser).
Forgetting gender agreement with 'empresa'. → La empresa está quebrada.
Adjectives must match the feminine noun 'empresa'.
Using 'quebrado' for 'tired'. → Estoy muy cansado.
While 'quebrado' might mean 'exhausted' in some rare slang, 'cansado' is the correct word.
Pronouncing the 'u' in 'quebrado'. → ke-bra-do
The 'u' after 'q' is always silent in Spanish.

Tips

The Broken Bank

Associate the 'K' sound in 'Bankrupt' with the 'K' sound in 'Quebrado.' Visualize a 'K'racked bank vault.

Agreement is Key

Always check if the noun is masculine or feminine. 'Negocio' is quebrado, 'Tienda' is quebrada.

Beyond Money

Remember the 'voice' and 'terrain' meanings to sound more like a native speaker in varied conversations.

Regional Slang

Learn one local synonym like 'misio' (Peru) or 'pelado' (Spain) to use alongside 'quebrado'.

News Reading

Look for 'quebrado' in the business section of newspapers like El País or BBC Mundo to see it in action.

Emotional Tone

When using it for 'voice,' soften your tone to match the emotional weight of the word.

Math Context

If you hear it in a classroom, think 'fractions,' not 'bankrupt people.'

Formal Documents

In legal contexts, 'quebrado' is serious. It implies a total inability to meet financial obligations.

Quebrado vs. Roto

If you can fix it with glue, it's 'roto.' If it needs a lawyer or a map, it's probably 'quebrado.'

Daily Practice

Try to identify one thing that is 'quebrado' in the news every day this week.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'bank' that is 'broken' into pieces. If it's broken, it's 'quebrado.' Both words start with the 'k' sound (que-).

Visual Association

Imagine a ceramic piggy bank that has been smashed (quebrado) on the floor, and there are no coins inside.

Word Web

Dinero Banco Crisis Roto Voz Montaña Pobre Deuda

Challenge

Try to use 'quebrado' in three different ways today: once for money, once for a voice, and once for a path.

Word Origin

From the Spanish verb 'quebrar,' which descends from the Latin 'crepare' (to crack, creak, or break).

Original meaning: To break or to produce a cracking sound.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'quebrado' to mock someone's financial situation, as it can be a sensitive topic related to class and struggle.

English speakers use 'broke' for temporary lack of cash, but 'quebrado' sounds more like permanent bankruptcy. Be careful not to sound too dramatic.

The 1929 stock market crash is often called 'La Gran Quiebra.' Many tango songs mention 'corazones quebrados.' Economic documentaries often use the term for the 2008 crisis.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Financial News

declararse en quiebra
banco quebrado
crisis económica
pérdidas millonarias

Geography

terreno quebrado
relieve irregular
montaña escarpada
camino difícil

Personal Finance

estoy quebrado
no tengo blanca
quedarse sin nada
perder los ahorros

Literature/Drama

voz quebrada
corazón quebrado
espíritu roto
llanto amargo

Mathematics

números quebrados
sumar fracciones
denominador
numerador

Conversation Starters

"¿Has oído que la gran tienda del centro está quebrada?"

"¿Qué harías si de repente te quedaras quebrado?"

"¿Prefieres caminar por un terreno llano o uno quebrado?"

"¿Crees que el sistema de pensiones está quebrado en tu país?"

"¿Alguna vez has hablado con la voz quebrada por la emoción?"

Journal Prompts

Describe una vez que te sentiste 'quebrado' (financiera o emocionalmente) y cómo lo superaste.

¿Cuáles son las causas principales por las que un negocio termina quebrado hoy en día?

Escribe sobre un viaje que hiciste a través de un terreno quebrado y difícil.

Reflexiona sobre la frase: 'Es mejor estar quebrado de dinero que quebrado de espíritu.'

Imagina que eres un periodista informando sobre un banco quebrado. Escribe el titular y el primer párrafo.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but 'corazón roto' is much more common. 'Corazón quebrado' sounds more poetic or old-fashioned.

No, it is a standard word for bankruptcy. However, telling someone 'estás quebrado' can be rude as it comments on their poverty.

It is an old-fashioned term for a fraction (like 1/2 or 3/4). Modern Spanish usually uses 'fracción'.

In some slang contexts (Mexico/Colombia), 'quebrar a alguien' means to kill them. So 'lo dejaron quebrado' could imply he was killed, but this is very informal and context-dependent.

Always use 'estar' (estar quebrado) because it describes a state resulting from a change.

Yes, 'estar quebrado de salud' means to be in very poor, failing health.

Yes, but for being colloquially broke, Spaniards often use 'estar sin blanca' or 'estar pelado'.

The feminine form is 'quebrada.' Example: 'La empresa está quebrada.'

You can say 'quebrar' (verb) or 'quedar quebrado' or 'declararse en quiebra'.

It just means the land is rugged and uneven. It's bad for building roads, but might be beautiful for hiking.