rajar

Senses

1. 1.

   to crack; to split

   to break or cause to break along a line without separating completely

2. 2.

   to chop; to cut

   to cut or divide with a sharp tool

3. 3.

   to back out; to chicken out

   informal: to abandon or withdraw from a commitment, plan, or challenge

4. 4.

   to blab; to spill the beans

   informal: to reveal secrets or gossip

Examples

• "El plato se rajó cuando lo dejé caer."

  The plate cracked when I dropped it.

• "No me rajes el aguacate; córtalo en mitades."

  Don't split the avocado; cut it in half.

• "Prometió ir al cine pero se rajó a última hora."

  He promised to go to the movies but chickened out at the last minute.

Usage

Rajar is a common everyday verb with both literal (crack, chop) and informal (back out, gossip) uses. In the figurative sense "to back out," it is often used with the reflexive form "rajarse." In some regions, particularly Mexico, it can mean to chat or talk a lot.