Learn Portuguese (Portugal): A bala partiu o vidro da janela.

A bala partiu o vidro da janela.

The bullet broke the window pane.

Breakdown of A bala partiu o vidro da janela.

Questions & Answers about A bala partiu o vidro da janela.

Why is partiu used here instead of quebrou for "broke"?

In Portugal, partir is the most common verb for breaking solid, hard objects that shatter or snap into pieces (like glass, plates, or bones). Quebrar is usually reserved for things that lose their strength, like breaking a promise (quebrar uma promessa), or for a more gentle snap, although it is used much more broadly in Brazilian Portuguese for physical breaking.

Does vidro only mean "pane", or does it refer to the material itself?

Vidro is the general word for "glass" as a material. In this sentence, o vidro da janela literally translates to "the glass of the window", which is how you say "window pane". Just remember that if you are asking for a "glass" to drink out of, you must use the word copo, never vidro.

Is there a practical difference between saying partiu o vidro da janela and simply partiu a janela?

Yes. Saying partiu a janela (broke the window) could imply that the frame, the hinges, or the whole structure was damaged. Partiu o vidro da janela is more precise, specifying that only the glass pane shattered.

I know partir often means "to leave" or "to depart". How do I know when it means "to break"?