Quebrado vs. partido
The difference between quebrado and partido when referring to something broken into pieces is largely geographical. While both terms exist in both variants of the language, their frequency and specific application differ significantly between Brazil and Portugal.
Quebrado
A2In Brazilian Portuguese, quebrado is the universal term for something broken, shattered, or fractured, whether it is a bone, a glass, or a machine. In European Portuguese, quebrado typically suggests a crack, a breach (like a contract), or a state of weariness, but it is less commonly used for an object fully separated into pieces compared to partido.
O vaso caiu da mesa e agora está totalmente quebrado.
(The vase fell off the table and now it is totally broken.)
Ele não pode jogar futebol porque o pé dele está quebrado.
(He cannot play soccer because his foot is broken.)
Cuidado onde pisa, há vidro quebrado na cozinha.
(Watch where you step, there is broken glass in the kitchen.)
A alça da xícara está quebrada.
(The handle of the cup is broken.)
Encontrei o meu brinquedo favorito quebrado no chão.
(I found my favorite toy broken on the floor.)
Partido
A2In European Portuguese, partido is the default term for broken, smashed, or fractured items that are in separate pieces. It is the preferred word for broken bones, shattered glass, or snapped objects. In Brazilian Portuguese, partido is rarely used for accidental breakage; instead, it usually implies something was intentionally split, divided, or cut (like a cake or a playing card deck).
Tenho o braço partido e preciso de ir ao hospital.
(I have a broken arm and I need to go to the hospital.)
Quem deixou este prato partido em cima do balcão?
(Who left this broken plate on the counter?)
A janela foi partida por uma pedra.
(The window was broken by a stone.)
Os óculos dele estão partidos ao meio.
(His glasses are broken in half.)
Há um azulejo partido na parede da casa de banho.
(There is a broken tile on the bathroom wall.)
Summary
To sound natural regarding physical breakage: use quebrado if you are in Brazil, as it applies to everything from bones to electronics. Use partido if you are in Portugal, where it is the standard word for things smashed or snapped into pieces.