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"Rip off" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "arrancar", and "tear off" is a transitive verb phrase which is also often translated as "arrancar". Learn more about the difference between "rip off" and "tear off" below.
rip off(
rihp
af
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. arrancar
The little boy ripped off the wrapping paper and squealed with delight.El niño arrancó el papel de regalo y dio un grito de alegría.
2. (colloquial) (to cheat)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. estafar
You've paid twice what it's worth. I'm sorry to say you've been ripped off.Pagaste el doble de lo que vale. Siento decirte que te estafaron.
b. timar
You have to be careful Internet ticket sellers don't rip you off.Tienes que tener cuidado para que los revendedores de entradas de Internet no te timen.
3. (colloquial) (to steal)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. robar
Shoot! Somebody ripped off our TV while we were on vacation.¡Chin! Alguien nos robó la tele mientras estábamos de vacaciones.
b. afanar (colloquial) (Southern Cone) (Spain)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Spain
On Saturdays he goes out to the mall with a gang of friends, and they spend their time ripping off people's cells.Los sábados se va al centro comercial con un grupo de amigos y se dedican a afanar los celulares a la gente.
4. (colloquial) (to plagiarize)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. plagiar
It seems they had ripped off the movie's plot from an old and forgotten novel.Al parecer habían plagiado la trama de la película de una vieja y olvidada novela.
tear off(
tehr
af
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (to remove)
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. irse a toda velocidad
The enraged woman got in her car and tore off.La mujer enfurecida subió al carro y se fue a toda velocidad.
