15 Break-up lines in Spanish you need to know

In previous articles, we talked about the most common compliments in Spanish and gave you some advice for flirting and dating native Spanish speakers.

One of the main reasons people want to learn Spanish in Bogota is because they are dating -or are in a relationship- with a Colombian. They know that learning the language creates a stronger connection with their significant one; it helps them better understand Colombian culture, a key aspect to a fruitful relationship.

We wish all relationships are stable, successful, and with a happy ending, but the reality is that having a cross-cultural relationship with someone that not only belongs to another culture but who speaks another language is such a challenge.

While some relationships are long-lasting and prosperous, others are beautiful short love stories -or not that beautiful.

When that’s the case, here are 15 break-up lines commonly used in Colombia. They might be cliché but read them carefully; you never know when they will come in handy.

For those non-native Spanish speakers and non-Colombians, you must know that Colombians are generally known for being “indirect communicators”.

“Colombians rarely deliver delicate information, negative answers, or points of view in a frank or blunt way. They tend to avoid conflict or confrontation, and often take a long-winded, roundabout approach to conveying their messages sensitively and tactfully.”

As you can imagine, breaking up is one of those common conversations Colombians prefer to avoid!

The verb “terminar”

Before listing the main break-up lines, let’s start by learning the verb “terminar”.

In Colombia, we use “terminar” when breaking up with someone. In other Spanish-speaking countries, people might say “cortar”, “romper” or “dejar”. All of these verbs mean the same “to break up.”

You might hear phrases like:

Mi novio/a me terminó.
My boyfriend/girlfriend broke up with me.
Creo que voy a terminar con mi novio/a
I think I’m breaking up with my boyfriend/girlfriend.
Juan le terminó a Patricia.
Juan broke up with Patricia.
¿Y tu novia/o? – Terminamos hace un par de meses
And, how is your boyfriend/girlfriend doing? – We broke up a couple of months ago.

Now, let’s move to the most cliché break-up lines used in Colombia:

15 common break-up lines used in Colombia

“Necesitamos darnos un tiempo”
We need a break.
“No eres tú, soy yo.”
It’s not you, it’s me.
“Eres demasiado bueno/a para mi” / “Creo que mereces estar con alguien mejor.”
You are too good for me / I think you deserve better.
“Creo que vamos como muy rápido…”
I think this is going too fast.
“Lo mejor es que seamos solo amigos.”
We should be just friends.
“Lo siento, estoy confundido/a.”
I’m sorry, I’m confused.
“Tenemos que hablar.”
We need to talk.
“Yo te dije que no quería nada serio”
I told you I didn’t want a serious relationship.
“Eres la persona indicada en el momento equivocado”
You are the right person but it’s just the wrong time.
“Creo que necesitamos vivir nuevas experiencias, conocer otras personas”
I think we should have new experiences, meet other people.
“Si somos el uno para el otro, la vida terminará finalmente juntándonos.”
If we are meant to be together, life will put us back together.
“Lo nuestro no va para ninguna parte.”
Our relationship is not going anywhere.
“No te quiero lastimar.”
I don’t want to hurt you
“Estoy en un periodo dificil de mi vida, no tengo tiempo para una relación”
I’m in a difficult time of my life, I don’t have time for a relationship.
“Siento que no es lo mismo que antes…”
I feel our relationship is not the same as it used to be.

We hope you don’t hear any of these lines from your significant one. In case you do, you might be “entusado”* for a while, but it will pass… As the traditional saying goes: