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"Be free" is a phrase which is often translated as "sé libre", and "break free" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "liberarse". Learn more about the difference between "be free" and "break free" below.
be free(
bi
fri
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. sé libre (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
Daphne released the bird and said, "Be free!"Daphne soltó al pájaro y dijo: "¡Sé libre!"
b. sea libre (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Go off and be free!No se preocupe de lo que piensen los demás. ¡Váyase y sea libre!
a. sean libres (plural)
A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).
You shouldn't worry about the future so much at your age. Be free and enjoy yourselves!No deberían preocuparse tanto por el futuro a su edad. ¡Sean libres y disfruten!
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. ser libre
After years of struggling under the brutal dictator, finally the people were free.Después de años de lucha bajo el dictador brutal, finalmente la gente era libre.
a. ser gratis
Do you want a piece of cake? - Sure, if it's free.¿Quieres una rebanada de pastel? - Bueno, si es gratis.
b. ser gratuito
How much is this? - It is free with any other purchase in the store.¿Cuánto cuesta esto? - Es gratuito con la compra de cualquier otra cosa de la tienda.
a. ser libre
You're free to come and go as you please during your stay.Eres libre para ir y venir como quieras durante tu estancia.
a. estar libre
Are you free for a drink tomorrow evening?¿Estas libre para ir a tomar algo mañana por la tarde?
b. no tener ningún compromiso
If you're free on Sunday, come to ours for lunch.Si no tienes ningún compromiso el domingo, ven a almorzar con nosotros.
break free(
breyk
fri
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. liberarse
Let's handcuff them and tie them to the tree so they can't break free.Esposémolos y atémolos al árbol para que no puedan liberarse.
b. soltarse
One of the hostages broke free and escaped from the bank.Uno de los rehenes se soltó y escapó del banco.
c. escaparse
Five prisoners broke free and burned down the building.Cinco prisioneros se escaparon e incendiaron el edificio.
d. escapar
I'm prepared to do anything to break free from this routine, which is like a living death.Estoy dispuesto a hacer lo que sea para escapar de esta rutina, que es como una muerte en vida.
2. (figurative) (to get rid of)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. liberarse
You have to learn how to break free from your bias.Tienes que aprender a liberarte de tus prejuicios.
