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A2 verb #3,500 most common 10 min read

recortar

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips recortar in 30 Seconds

Explanation recortar in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'recortar' is introduced in its most basic, physical sense. Students learn it as a verb related to classroom activities and hobbies. It is usually paired with nouns like 'papel' (paper), 'fotos' (photos), or 'dibujos' (drawings). The focus is on the present indicative tense ('Yo recorto', 'Tú recortas'). Learners at this stage should understand that 'recortar' requires scissors ('tijeras') and is about creating shapes or tidying up edges. It is a concrete action that can be easily demonstrated. Teachers often use it in the imperative to give simple instructions during craft activities, such as 'Recorta el círculo rojo'. The goal for A1 learners is to distinguish it from 'pintar' (to paint) or 'pegar' (to glue) in a sequence of creative steps. They might also encounter it in very basic grooming contexts, like 'recortar las uñas'. The complexity is kept low, avoiding metaphorical meanings or difficult financial contexts. By the end of A1, a student should be able to say what they are cutting out and what tool they are using to do it.

At the A2 level, the use of 'recortar' expands to include everyday maintenance and basic digital actions. Students begin to use it in the past tenses (Pretérito Indefinido and Imperfecto) to describe things they did. For example, 'Ayer recorté las fotos para el álbum'. They also learn the word in the context of personal grooming, such as trimming hair or a beard. A2 learners are introduced to the concept of 'recortar gastos' (cutting expenses) in a very simple, personal way, like saving money for a trip. The digital use of 'recortar' for cropping images on a smartphone or computer becomes relevant here. Grammatically, students start to see the noun form 'recorte' (a clipping or a cut). They should be able to follow more complex instructions and describe a process of trimming. The distinction between 'cortar' (to cut) and 'recortar' (to trim/cut out) becomes more important, as students move beyond basic vocabulary to more descriptive language. They might also encounter the verb in simple sports contexts, like 'recortar la distancia', though the metaphorical meaning might still be a bit challenging.

The B1 level introduces 'recortar' in professional and social contexts. Students are expected to use the verb to discuss budgets, work schedules, and project management. The term 'recortes presupuestarios' (budget cuts) becomes a standard part of their vocabulary as they begin to engage with news articles and social issues. At this stage, learners should be comfortable using 'recortar' in the subjunctive mood to express opinions or suggestions, such as 'Es necesario que la empresa no recorte el personal'. They also learn the metaphorical use in sports and competitions ('recortar distancias') more deeply. The verb is used to describe editing processes in writing or media, such as 'recortar un artículo' to fit a specific word count. B1 learners should understand the nuance that 'recortar' implies a deliberate, often strategic, reduction rather than an accidental or haphazard one. They will see it used in more formal instructions and can explain the consequences of 'recortes' in a conversation. Their ability to use the word across different domains—physical, digital, and abstract—marks their progress toward intermediate fluency.

At the B2 level, 'recortar' is used with more linguistic precision and in more complex grammatical structures. Students explore the passive voice ('Los gastos fueron recortados') and the impersonal 'se' ('Se recortarán las ayudas'). They study the word's role in political and economic discourse, understanding the social implications of 'los recortes' in Spanish-speaking countries. B2 learners can distinguish between 'recortar' and more advanced synonyms like 'mermar', 'disminuir', or 'paliar' in specific contexts. They also encounter the reflexive use 'recortarse' in descriptive literature, where it describes a silhouette standing out against a background (e.g., 'Su figura se recortaba contra el atardecer'). This poetic usage adds a new dimension to their understanding. In professional settings, they use 'recortar' to talk about optimizing processes or shortening lead times. They are expected to handle the word in debates about austerity or efficiency, using it to build persuasive arguments. The focus is on the subtle differences in meaning that 'recortar' carries compared to its synonyms, and how those choices affect the tone of a statement.

C1 learners master the most nuanced and idiomatic uses of 'recortar'. They understand its application in legal and technical fields, such as 'recortar derechos' (to curtail rights) or 'recortar beneficios' (to trim profits). At this level, the word is used with a high degree of collocations and idiomatic expressions. Students can analyze how 'recortar' is used in literature to create specific imagery or to comment on social decay. They are aware of the historical context of the word, particularly its prominence in Spanish media during the Eurozone crisis. Grammatically, they can use 'recortar' in complex hypothetical sentences and with sophisticated transitions. They also explore the word's etymology and its relationship to other Romance languages. C1 students can use 'recortar' to describe very specific technical actions in tailoring, architecture, or data science. Their understanding is not just of the word itself, but of its cultural weight and the specific emotional response it can trigger in an audience. They can switch between registers effortlessly, using 'recortar' in a casual conversation about a haircut or in a formal academic paper about fiscal policy.

At the C2 level, 'recortar' is a tool for professional-grade communication. The learner uses it with absolute precision in any context, from high-level economic analysis to avant-garde poetry. They understand the most obscure uses of the verb and its derivatives. For instance, they might encounter it in historical texts describing the 'recorte' of coins (clipping edges of precious metal coins). They can use the word to discuss the philosophy of reductionism or the aesthetics of minimalism. A C2 learner can write an editorial about the long-term effects of 'recortes sociales' with the same ease as a native speaker. They are sensitive to the word's rhythm and sound within a sentence, using it to achieve specific rhetorical effects. At this stage, 'recortar' is no longer just a vocabulary word but a versatile instrument for expression. They can identify and use regional variations or slang that might involve the word. Their mastery includes the ability to pun or use the word ironically in complex social interactions. They have a deep understanding of the word's semantic field, including all its synonyms and antonyms, and can explain why 'recortar' is the only appropriate choice in a given sentence.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

recortar in 30 Seconds

Recortar means to trim, cut out, or reduce something's size or scope.
It is used for physical crafts, digital cropping, and financial budget cuts.
It is a regular -ar verb in Spanish, following standard conjugation patterns.
Common collocations include 'recortar gastos', 'recortar fotos', and 'recortar distancias'.

The Spanish verb recortar is a versatile and essential term that primarily translates to 'to trim,' 'to cut out,' or 'to reduce.' At its core, the word implies taking something that already exists and making it smaller, shorter, or more specifically shaped by removing the outer edges or unnecessary parts. Unlike the general verb cortar (to cut), which can refer to a simple incision or a complete separation, recortar suggests a level of precision or a specific purpose behind the cutting. You will encounter this word in a vast array of contexts, ranging from childhood arts and crafts to high-level economic discussions regarding national budgets.

Physical Crafting: In the context of arts and manual labor, it means to cut out a shape from a piece of paper, cardboard, or fabric. It is the action a child performs when creating a collage or a tailor performs when adjusting the hem of a garment.

El niño está usando las tijeras para recortar figuras de animales en la cartulina de color azul.

Economic and Financial Reductions: When used in business or politics, it refers to the reduction of expenses, staff, or resources. This is perhaps the most common way you will hear the word in news broadcasts, often associated with 'recortes presupuestarios' or budget cuts.

Furthermore, in the digital age, recortar is the standard term for 'cropping' an image. When you open a photo editor on your phone to remove a person from the background or to change the aspect ratio, the button you press in Spanish is almost always labeled 'Recortar'. This highlights the word's transition from physical scissors to digital tools. It is also used in sports to describe 'recortar distancias', which means to close the gap or reduce the lead of an opponent. Whether you are shortening a skirt, cutting a budget, or catching up in a race, this verb covers the concept of making something less than it was before through a deliberate act of removal or effort.

Es necesario recortar los gastos innecesarios si queremos ahorrar para las vacaciones de este verano.

Tuve que recortar la fotografía porque el paisaje no salía completo en el marco de madera.

Grooming and Maintenance: In personal care, it is used for trimming hair, beards, or nails. It suggests a tidy-up rather than a complete shave or removal. A barber might 'recortar la barba' to keep it looking sharp without removing the length entirely.

El jardinero va a recortar los setos para que tengan una forma geométrica perfecta frente a la casa.

Después de la maratón, el atleta logró recortar dos minutos de su mejor marca personal.

Using recortar correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object. You are always trimming *something*. The conjugation follows the regular '-ar' pattern, making it relatively straightforward for learners to master in various tenses. Whether you are using the present indicative to describe a current action or the subjunctive to express a necessity, the stem 'recort-' remains consistent.

Direct Object Usage: The most common structure is [Subject] + [Verb] + [Noun]. For example: 'Yo recorto los cupones'. Here, 'los cupones' is the direct object being acted upon.

Nosotros recortamos las sobras de tela para hacer una pequeña manta para el bebé.

The Subjunctive Mood: When expressing a wish, doubt, or necessity, the subjunctive is used. 'Es importante que el gobierno no recorte la educación' (It is important that the government does not cut education).

Si recortaras un poco el texto, cabría perfectamente en una sola página de papel.

In more complex sentences, recortar can be used in the passive voice or with 'se' for impersonal statements. In news headlines, you might see 'Se recortarán los tipos de interés' (Interest rates will be cut). This usage is very common in financial journalism. Additionally, the verb can be used reflexively in very specific poetic contexts, though it is rare; usually, if you are trimming yourself, you use the standard form with a body part, like 'Me recorté el flequillo' (I trimmed my bangs).

El director decidió recortar el presupuesto del departamento de marketing a la mitad.

¿Podrías recortar los bordes de esta cartulina para que quede más simétrica?

Imperative Forms: Giving instructions is a frequent use case. '¡Recorta por la línea de puntos!' (Cut along the dotted line!). This is a staple phrase in educational settings and DIY manuals.

Aunque el equipo iba perdiendo, lograron recortar la diferencia de puntos en el último cuarto.

The environment in which you hear recortar significantly changes its perceived weight. In a kindergarten classroom, it is a happy, creative word associated with construction paper and glue. In a corporate boardroom or on the nightly news, it is often a dreaded word, signaling austerity, job losses, or reduced services. Understanding these cultural and situational nuances is key to becoming fluent in Spanish.

The Media and Politics: Journalists frequently use 'recortar' when discussing government policy. Phrases like 'recortar el gasto público' (cut public spending) are ubiquitous during economic crises. It carries a connotation of necessity but often meets with public resistance.

Las noticias informaron que el banco central planea recortar las tasas de interés el próximo mes.

Daily Life and Hobbies: In everyday life, you'll hear it at the hair salon ('¿Me puede recortar solo las puntas?'), when gardening, or when talking about social media. If someone says, 'Tienes que recortar ese vídeo para TikTok', they are telling you to trim the length of the video clip.

Mañana iré a la peluquería para que me puedan recortar las puntas abiertas del cabello.

Another interesting place you hear this word is in the world of sports. Commentators use it when a team is making a comeback. If a football team is losing 3-0 and they score a goal, the commentator will shout, '¡GOL! ¡Consiguen recortar distancias en el marcador!' This metaphorical use of 'trimming the distance' adds a layer of excitement and momentum to the word that is quite different from its literal meaning.

El ciclista pedaleó con fuerza para recortar la ventaja que le llevaba el líder de la carrera.

En la clase de preescolar, los niños aprenden a recortar siguiendo las líneas curvas de los dibujos.

The Workplace: In an office, you might hear it regarding documents. 'Hay que recortar esta presentación, es demasiado larga' (We need to trim this presentation, it's too long). It implies editing for brevity and impact.

Si logramos recortar el tiempo de producción, seremos mucho más competitivos en el mercado global.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is using cortar when recortar is more appropriate. While 'cortar' is a broad term for any kind of cutting, 'recortar' specifies the removal of edges or the reduction of size. For example, if you say 'Voy a cortar mi foto', it might sound like you are going to slice the physical photo in half. If you say 'Voy a recortar mi foto', it clearly means you are going to crop it or trim the borders.

Recortar vs. Acortar: These two are often confused. 'Acortar' means to make shorter in length or time (like shortening a path or a meeting). 'Recortar' means to trim or cut pieces off. You 'acortar' a skirt by moving the hem up, but you 'recortar' a skirt if you are cutting fabric off the sides.

Error común: 'Voy a cortar los gastos' (Suena un poco brusco). Mejor: 'Voy a recortar los gastos'.

Misusing the Reflexive: Learners sometimes try to use 'recortarse' to mean 'to cut oneself' (like with a knife). This is incorrect. 'Cortarse' is for accidental cuts. 'Recortarse' is mostly used for silhouettes appearing against a background (e.g., 'La montaña se recortaba contra el cielo').

Es un error decir 'tengo que recortar el camino' para referirse a tomar un atajo; lo correcto es 'atajar'.

Another nuance involves gardening. While 'recortar' is used for hedges and small plants, 'podar' is the specific word for pruning trees or vines. Using 'recortar' for a large oak tree would sound slightly amateurish. Similarly, in a kitchen, you 'picar' (chop) or 'rebanar' (slice) vegetables, but you rarely 'recortar' them unless you are making decorative garnishes. Pay attention to the object you are cutting to choose the right verb.

No confundas recortar con 'talar', que significa derribar un árbol completo.

Evita usar recortar para referirte a interrumpir una conversación; para eso usa 'interrumpir'.

The 'Budget' Trap: While 'recortar el presupuesto' is common, don't use 'recortar' for 'cutting a deal'. In that case, use 'cerrar un trato' or 'llegar a un acuerdo'.

Muchos estudiantes dicen 'voy a recortar la clase' queriendo decir 'faltar a clase' (skip class).

To truly master recortar, you must see how it sits within a family of related verbs. Spanish is a language rich in specific verbs for actions that English might just cover with 'cut' or 'reduce'. By choosing the more precise alternative, you will sound more like a native speaker and convey your meaning more accurately.

Recortar vs. Cortar: 'Cortar' is the general term. You 'cortar' bread, 'cortar' a relationship, or 'cortar' the grass. 'Recortar' is for trimming edges or specific reductions. Example: Cortar el césped (mow the lawn) vs. Recortar los bordes del césped (trim the edges of the lawn).

Mientras que cortar separa algo en dos, recortar suele buscar una forma o medida específica.

Recortar vs. Podar: 'Podar' is strictly for gardening and agriculture, specifically for pruning trees, vines, or bushes to promote growth or health. 'Recortar' is used for the aesthetic trimming of hedges or the grass around a flowerbed.

Para los árboles frutales es mejor podar, pero para el seto del jardín basta con recortar.

Other alternatives include disminuir (to decrease), mermar (to dwindle/deplete), and cercenar (to cut off/sever, often used for rights or limbs). Cercenar is much more formal and violent than recortar. If a government 'recorta' rights, it's a policy change; if it 'cercena' rights, it is seen as a brutal or absolute act of censorship. Choosing between these words allows you to add emotional weight to your speech.

El sastre decidió ajustar el traje en lugar de simplemente recortar la tela sobrante.

En lugar de recortar la imagen, puedes probar a cambiar su escala para que encaje.

Abreviar: When talking about text or speeches, 'abreviar' means to make it shorter by summarizing, while 'recortar' means literally removing paragraphs or sentences.

Debemos reducir la velocidad al entrar en la ciudad, no recortar la velocidad.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'recorte' used to refer specifically to the small pieces of silver clipped from the edges of coins in ancient times, a practice that was illegal.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /re.kor.ˈtar/

US /re.kor.ˈtɑr/

The stress is on the last syllable: re-kor-TAR.

Rhymes With

saltar cantar amar llegar pasar hablar mirar andar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' like the English 'r' (it should be trilled or tapped).
Stressing the second syllable instead of the last.
Making the 'e' sound like 'ee' in 'seen'.
Pronouncing the 'o' like 'ow' in 'know'.
Failing to pronounce the final 'r' clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to identify in texts due to its common root 'cortar'.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowing which direct objects are appropriate.

Speaking 2/5

Regular conjugation makes it easy to say correctly.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation with distinct syllables.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

cortar papel tijeras dinero foto

Learn Next

reducir ajustar presupuesto silueta ahorrar

Advanced

cercenar mermar paliar subsidio austeridad

Grammar to Know

Direct Object Pronouns

El papel es azul. Yo lo recorto. (The paper is blue. I cut it.)

Reflexive for Body Parts

Me recorto las uñas cada semana. (I trim my nails every week.)

Impersonal 'se'

Se recorta el papel con cuidado. (One cuts the paper carefully.)

Subjunctive of Necessity

Es preciso que recortemos los gastos. (It is precise/necessary that we cut expenses.)

Future Tense with 'ir a'

Voy a recortar esta imagen ahora. (I am going to crop this image now.)

Examples by Level

Yo recorto el papel rojo con las tijeras.

I cut the red paper with the scissors.

Present indicative, first person singular.

¿Puedes recortar esta foto para mí?

Can you trim this photo for me?

Infinitive used with the auxiliary verb 'poder'.

Los niños recortan formas de estrellas.

The children cut out star shapes.

Present indicative, third person plural.

Recorta el dibujo por la línea negra.

Cut out the drawing along the black line.

Imperative (informal 'tú' command).

Ella recorta cupones del periódico.

She cuts out coupons from the newspaper.

Present indicative, third person singular.

Nosotros recortamos la cartulina para el proyecto.

We cut the cardboard for the project.

Present indicative, first person plural.

Mi mamá me ayuda a recortar las uñas.

My mom helps me trim my nails.

Infinitive after another verb.

No recortes el papel todavía.

Don't cut the paper yet.

Negative imperative.

Ayer recorté las fotos de mis vacaciones.

Yesterday I trimmed my vacation photos.

Pretérito Indefinido (Past tense).

El peluquero va a recortar mi barba.

The barber is going to trim my beard.

Future with 'ir a' + infinitive.

Tienes que recortar la imagen antes de subirla.

You have to crop the image before uploading it.

Periphrastic 'tener que' + infinitive.

Mi padre recortaba los setos cada domingo.

My father used to trim the hedges every Sunday.

Imperfect tense (habitual action).

Queremos recortar los gastos este mes.

We want to cut expenses this month.

Infinitive as a direct object of 'querer'.

Él recortó el artículo para que fuera más corto.

He trimmed the article so that it would be shorter.

Pretérito Indefinido.

Si recortas el borde, la caja cerrará bien.

If you trim the edge, the box will close well.

First conditional (Si + present).

Ella se recortó el pelo ella misma.

She trimmed her own hair.

Reflexive pronoun with a body part.

Es necesario que el gobierno no recorte la educación.

It is necessary that the government does not cut education.

Present Subjunctive after an impersonal expression.

El equipo logró recortar distancias en el segundo tiempo.

The team managed to close the gap in the second half.

Infinitive after 'lograr'.

He recortado los párrafos innecesarios de mi ensayo.

I have trimmed the unnecessary paragraphs from my essay.

Present Perfect tense.

La empresa está recortando personal debido a la crisis.

The company is cutting staff due to the crisis.

Present Progressive (estar + gerund).

Si recortáramos el tiempo de espera, los clientes estarían felices.

If we were to reduce the waiting time, customers would be happy.

Imperfect Subjunctive in a conditional sentence.

No creo que recorten el presupuesto de salud este año.

I don't think they will cut the health budget this year.

Present Subjunctive after 'no creo que'.

Recortar la silueta fue la parte más difícil del trabajo.

Cutting out the silhouette was the hardest part of the job.

Infinitive used as a noun/subject.

El jardinero ha recortado los arbustos con mucha precisión.

The gardener has trimmed the bushes with great precision.

Present Perfect.

Se recortarán los tipos de interés para estimular la economía.

Interest rates will be cut to stimulate the economy.

Impersonal 'se' with future tense.

La silueta de la ciudad se recortaba contra el cielo naranja.

The city's silhouette stood out against the orange sky.

Reflexive 'se' used for visual contrast.

Habían recortado la inversión en investigación científica.

They had cut investment in scientific research.

Past Perfect (Pluscuamperfecto).

Aunque recortaron los gastos, la deuda siguió creciendo.

Although they cut expenses, the debt continued to grow.

Concessive clause with 'aunque'.

Es probable que el director recorte mi escena favorita.

It is likely that the director will cut my favorite scene.

Subjunctive after 'es probable que'.

El sastre recortó el patrón sobre la tela de seda.

The tailor cut out the pattern on the silk fabric.

Pretérito Indefinido.

Debemos recortar el uso de plásticos de un solo uso.

We must cut back on the use of single-use plastics.

Modal verb 'deber' + infinitive.

El corredor logró recortar la ventaja de su oponente.

The runner managed to reduce his opponent's lead.

Infinitive phrase.

La nueva ley podría recortar derechos fundamentales de los ciudadanos.

The new law could curtail fundamental rights of citizens.

Conditional 'podría' + infinitive.

El autor decidió recortar el manuscrito para ganar fluidez.

The author decided to trim the manuscript to gain fluidity.

Infinitive of purpose.

Se han visto obligados a recortar la plantilla en un veinte por ciento.

They have been forced to cut the workforce by twenty percent.

Passive construction with 'obligados'.

La austeridad obligó a recortar las ayudas a la dependencia.

Austerity forced the cutting of dependency aid.

Pretérito Indefinido.

Al recortar el exceso de información, el mensaje fue más claro.

By trimming the excess information, the message was clearer.

Gerund-like use of 'Al' + infinitive.

El escultor recortó el bloque de mármol con precisión quirúrgica.

The sculptor trimmed the marble block with surgical precision.

Adverbial phrase 'con precisión'.

No podemos permitir que se recorten los beneficios sociales.

We cannot allow social benefits to be cut.

Passive 'se' in the subjunctive.

Recortar las expectativas es a veces necesario para no frustrarse.

Trimming expectations is sometimes necessary to avoid frustration.

Infinitive as subject.

La política de recortes ha mermado la confianza en las instituciones.

The policy of cuts has eroded trust in institutions.

Present Perfect.

El cineasta recortó el metraje original para ajustarse al canon comercial.

The filmmaker trimmed the original footage to fit the commercial canon.

Pretérito Indefinido.

Es imperativo recortar la brecha salarial entre hombres y mujeres.

It is imperative to close the wage gap between men and women.

Impersonal expression + infinitive.

La montaña se recortaba majestuosa sobre el horizonte de la meseta.

The mountain stood out majestically against the horizon of the plateau.

Reflexive use for literary description.

El gobierno se niega a recortar las prebendas de la clase política.

The government refuses to cut the perks of the political class.

Reflexive 'negarse a' + infinitive.

Recortar el gasto superfluo es la piedra angular de su plan económico.

Cutting superfluous spending is the cornerstone of his economic plan.

Infinitive phrase as subject.

La empresa busca recortar los plazos de entrega mediante la automatización.

The company seeks to shorten delivery times through automation.

Infinitive after 'buscar'.

Si se recortaran los subsidios, muchas pequeñas granjas quebrarían.

If subsidies were cut, many small farms would go bankrupt.

Passive 'se' in the imperfect subjunctive (hypothetical).

Common Collocations

recortar el presupuesto

recortar gastos

recortar una imagen

recortar distancias

recortar el pelo

recortar personal

recortar la silueta

recortar beneficios

recortar el tiempo

recortar cupones

Common Phrases

recortar y pegar

— The classic 'cut and paste' action, both physical and digital.

Los niños están haciendo un mural de recortar y pegar.

recortar por lo sano

— To take drastic measures to solve a problem quickly.

Ante las pérdidas, decidieron recortar por lo sano y cerrar la tienda.

recortes sociales

— Cuts to social services like health and education.

La población protestó contra los recortes sociales.

recortar el camino

— To take a shortcut (though 'atajar' is more common).

Si vamos por aquí, podemos recortar el camino.

recortar la barba

— To trim a beard to keep it tidy.

Se recorta la barba cada dos días.

recortar las alas

— To limit someone's freedom or ambition (metaphorical).

No deberías recortar las alas de tus hijos.

recortar el flequillo

— To trim one's bangs.

Me recorté el flequillo yo misma y quedó mal.

recortar la ventaja

— To reduce the lead of an opponent in a race or game.

El segundo corredor está recortando la ventaja.

recortar el texto

— To edit a text to make it shorter.

Tuve que recortar el texto porque no cabía en el espacio.

recortar el césped

— To trim the edges of the lawn (more specific than 'cortar').

Después de segar, hay que recortar el césped cerca de las flores.

Often Confused With

recortar vs cortar

Cortar is more general; recortar is about trimming or shaping.

recortar vs acortar

Acortar is for length/time; recortar is for removing edges/parts.

recortar vs podar

Podar is specifically for trees and bushes in gardening.

Idioms & Expressions

"recortar las alas a alguien"

— To curb someone's freedom or stop them from achieving something great.

Su jefe siempre le recorta las alas cuando tiene ideas nuevas.

Informal/Metaphorical

"recortar distancias"

— To make up ground in a competition or to become closer to someone.

Tras la pelea, ambos intentaron recortar distancias.

Neutral

"recortar por lo sano"

— To use a radical solution for a difficult problem.

La empresa estaba en quiebra y recortaron por lo sano vendiendo activos.

Colloquial

"recortarse contra el cielo"

— To appear as a silhouette against the light or background.

El castillo se recortaba contra el cielo estrellado.

Literary

"recortar el bacalao"

— A variation of 'cortar el bacalao', meaning to be the one in charge.

Aquí el que recorta el bacalao es el gerente.

Slang (Regional)

"recortar el presupuesto"

— Often used as a general complaint about lack of resources.

Siempre nos están recortando el presupuesto para materiales.

Neutral

"recortar camino"

— To find a way to finish a task faster or literally a shorter route.

Recortamos camino usando una nueva aplicación de software.

Neutral

"recortar gastos superfluos"

— A common business phrase for eliminating unnecessary costs.

Es hora de recortar gastos superfluos en la oficina.

Formal

"recortar la plantilla"

— Euphemism for laying off employees.

La multinacional anunció que va a recortar la plantilla.

Business

"recortar el tiempo de respuesta"

— To improve efficiency in communication.

Debemos recortar el tiempo de respuesta a los clientes.

Professional

Easily Confused

recortar vs cortar

Both mean 'to cut'.

Cortar is for simple slicing or dividing. Recortar is for trimming, shaping, or reducing budgets.

Corta el pan (slice), pero recorta el papel (cut out a shape).

recortar vs acortar

Both imply making something smaller.

Acortar means to make shorter (length/time). Recortar means to trim pieces off.

Acorta el camino (shortcut), pero recorta la foto (crop).

recortar vs podar

Both involve cutting plants.

Podar is for health/growth of trees. Recortar is for the appearance of hedges/edges.

Poda el manzano, pero recorta el seto.

recortar vs talar

Both involve cutting trees.

Talar is to cut down the whole tree. Recortar is just a light trim.

Talar el bosque es ilegal, pero recortar las ramas es necesario.

recortar vs morder

Sounds slightly similar in some dialects.

Morder is to bite. Recortar is to trim.

No muerdas tus uñas, mejor recórtalas.

Sentence Patterns

Yo recorto [objeto].

Yo recorto el papel.

Tengo que recortar [objeto].

Tengo que recortar la foto.

Espero que no recorten [objeto].

Espero que no recorten mi sueldo.

Se recortará el [objeto] el próximo año.

Se recortará el presupuesto el próximo año.

Al recortar el [objeto], logramos [resultado].

Al recortar el tiempo, logramos más ventas.

[Sujeto] se recortaba contra [Fondo].

La torre se recortaba contra la niebla.

[Equipo] logró recortar distancias.

El Real Madrid logró recortar distancias.

¿Puedes recortarme [parte del cuerpo]?

¿Puedes recortarme las puntas?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both spoken and written Spanish.

Common Mistakes

Using 'cortar' for cropping a photo. → recortar una imagen
In technical and digital contexts, 'recortar' is the specific term for adjusting borders.
Using 'recortar' for cutting bread. → cortar el pan
You don't trim bread; you slice it. Use 'cortar' or 'rebanar'.
Saying 'Me recorté' to mean 'I cut myself' (injured). → Me corté
'Recortar' implies a deliberate trimming, not an accidental injury.
Using 'recortar' for taking a shortcut on a road. → atajar
While 'recortar camino' is understood, 'atajar' is the proper verb for taking a shortcut.
Confusing 'recortar' with 'recordar' (to remember). → recortar (to trim) vs recordar (to remember)
They sound similar but have completely different meanings. Watch the 't' vs 'd'.

Tips

Precision Cutting

Always use 'recortar' when you are following a specific shape or line. 'Cortar' is too blunt for crafts.

Budget Talk

In a professional setting, 'recortar gastos' sounds more proactive and controlled than 'perder dinero'.

Photo Editing

If your phone is in Spanish, look for the 'Recortar' tool to change the size of your photos.

Hedges vs. Trees

Remember: 'recortar' the hedge (aesthetic) but 'podar' the tree (health/structure).

Direct Objects

Don't forget the direct object. You can't just 'recortar'; you have to recortar *something*.

Related Nouns

Learn 'el recorte' (the cut) alongside the verb to expand your ability to discuss news.

Catching Up

Use 'recortar distancias' to describe a comeback. It's a very common and exciting phrase.

The Barber

Ask for a 'recorte de puntas' if you only want an inch taken off your hair.

Limiting Freedom

Use 'recortar las alas' when talking about someone being held back by rules or people.

Visual Silhouettes

In literature, use the reflexive 'se recortaba' to describe how a dark shape looks against a bright background.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'RE-cutting' (REcortar) to make it 'RE-fined'. You cut it once (cortar), then you trim it (recortar) to make it perfect.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of scissors carefully following a dotted line on a piece of paper to cut out a heart shape.

Word Web

tijeras papel presupuesto barba imagen gastos distancia silueta

Challenge

Try to use 'recortar' in three different sentences today: one about a photo, one about money, and one about time.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 're-' (again/back) and 'curtare' (to shorten).

Original meaning: To make something shorter by cutting it again or repeatedly.

Romance (Italic)

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when discussing 'recortes' with people from countries that have suffered from severe economic austerity, as the word can be a trigger for frustration.

English speakers often just say 'cut', whereas Spanish speakers prefer 'recortar' for specific types of cutting like trimming or cropping.

The term 'recortes' is frequently used in songs and literature about social justice in Latin America. In many Spanish schools, 'fichas de recortar' are a standard part of early childhood education. Economic reports from the IMF often use 'recortar' when addressing Spanish-speaking nations.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Hairdresser

Solo recortar las puntas.
¿Me puede recortar un poco el flequillo?
Quiero recortar los lados.
No recorte demasiado arriba.

Office/Business

Hay que recortar el presupuesto.
Vamos a recortar el tiempo de la reunión.
Necesitamos recortar gastos operativos.
Se va a recortar la plantilla.

Photography/Social Media

Recorta la foto en cuadrado.
¿Cómo puedo recortar este vídeo?
Recorta el fondo, por favor.
Usa la herramienta de recortar.

School/Crafts

Recorta por la línea de puntos.
No recortes fuera del dibujo.
Usa las tijeras para recortar.
Vamos a recortar figuras geométricas.

Sports

Están recortando distancias.
Logró recortar dos segundos.
El equipo recortó la ventaja.
Recortó por dentro en la curva.

Conversation Starters

"¿Crees que es necesario recortar el gasto público en nuestro país?"

"¿Te gusta recortar fotos antiguas para hacer collages o prefieres lo digital?"

"¿Alguna vez te has intentado recortar el pelo tú mismo con mal resultado?"

"¿Qué gastos personales podrías recortar para ahorrar más dinero?"

"¿Cómo podemos recortar el tiempo que pasamos mirando el móvil?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre una vez que tuviste que recortar algo importante de tu vida (un hábito, un gasto, un proyecto).

Describe el proceso de recortar una imagen para que se vea perfecta. ¿Qué quitas y qué dejas?

Imagina que eres un político. ¿Qué áreas del presupuesto no recortarías nunca y por qué?

¿Cómo te sientes cuando ves que un equipo logra recortar distancias en un partido emocionante?

Escribe una historia corta donde una silueta se recortaba contra la luna.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, while it often does in physical crafts, you can 'recortar' digitally with a mouse or 'recortar' a budget with accounting software. It refers to the action of reducing or trimming, not just the tool used.

Yes, absolutely. 'Recortar el pelo' means to give it a trim. If you want a full haircut, you usually say 'cortar el pelo', but for just the ends, 'recortar' is perfect.

'Un recorte' is a clipping (like from a newspaper) or a budget cut. 'Una cortada' (or 'un corte') is a physical wound or a simple cut in an object.

Yes, it is a completely regular -ar verb. You conjugate it just like 'hablar' or 'cantar' in all tenses.

The most common way is 'recortar una imagen'. You might also see 'encuadrar', but 'recortar' is the standard button label in software.

Yes, 'recortar el tiempo' means to reduce the duration of something, like a meeting or a process. However, 'acortar' is also very common for time.

It means to reduce the lead of the other team or athlete. If the score was 2-0 and now it's 2-1, the team has 'recortado distancias'.

Rarely. You 'cortar' bread or 'picar' onions. You might 'recortar' the edges of a pie crust or a piece of dough to make it neat, but that's a specific culinary use.

A 'recortable' is a paper toy or doll that is meant to be cut out with scissors. They are very popular childhood activities in Spain and Latin America.

Because it almost always refers to 'recortes presupuestarios' in social services, meaning less money for schools, hospitals, and public workers.