Roto vs. fracturado vs. quebrado
In Spanish, the words 'roto', 'fracturado', and 'quebrado' all mean 'broken', but they are used in different contexts. Here's a detailed look at each word along with examples.
Roto
'Roto' is commonly used to describe something that is torn or damaged, usually in relation to objects or clothing.
Mi teléfono está roto porque se cayó al suelo.
(My phone is broken because it fell on the floor.)
Tengo un pantalón roto en la rodilla.
(I have pants with a tear at the knee.)
Fracturado
'Fracturado' refers to something that has been fractured or cracked, often used in medical contexts related to bones or hard materials.
El médico dijo que mi brazo está fracturado.
(The doctor said that my arm is fractured.)
La ventana está fracturada por la pelota.
(The window is cracked by the ball.)
Quebrado
'Quebrado' typically means shattered or snapped, and can be used for both objects and financial situations.
El vidrio está quebrado en mil pedazos.
(The glass is broken into a thousand pieces.)
La empresa está quebrada y va a cerrar pronto.
(The company is bankrupt and is going to close soon.)
Summary
'Roto' implies damage that may not imply complete destruction, often about everyday items. 'Fracturado' specifically denotes fractures or cracks, most commonly used in medical contexts regarding bones. 'Quebrado' suggests a more intense level of breakage, such as shattering into pieces or bankruptcy in financial terms.