separarlos

Separarlos is a Spanish verb phrase formed by the infinitive separar (to separate) and the attached direct-object pronoun los (them). It literally means “to separate them.” The construction is non-finite, meaning it does not carry its own subject or tense and is used in contexts where the action is described relative to another verb or clause. The pronoun los refers to a plural masculine or mixed group of people or objects.

Grammar and usage notes: Pronouns attached to infinitives, gerunds, or affirmative imperatives are treated as part of the verb form and may require accent marks to preserve the original stress. The corresponding feminine form is separarlas for a group of them that is feminine or mixed. The phrase can also appear after a preposition, as in antes de separarlos or sin separarlos, depending on meaning.

Examples:

- Voy a separarlos. (I am going to separate them.)

- Separarlos sería difícil. (To separate them would be difficult.)

- ¡Sepáralos! (Affirmative tú command: separate them!)

- No los separes. (Negative tú command: don’t separate them.)

- Separándolos, podríamos… (While separating them, we could…; gerund form with pronoun)

See also:

In Spanish, the same pattern applies with other direct object pronouns, for example, separarlas, separarlo, or separarlos depending on gender and number of the objects referred to. The construction is common in both written and spoken language when discussing actions directed at a specified group.