averiar
“averiar” means “to damage” in Spanish (specifically mechanical or technical equipment).
to damage, to break down
Also: to malfunction, to spoil
📝 In Action
El exceso de calor puede averiar el motor del coche.
B1Excess heat can damage the car engine.
Se averió la calefacción durante la noche más fría del año.
B1The heating broke down during the coldest night of the year.
Ten cuidado de no averiar el sistema eléctrico al instalar la lámpara.
B2Be careful not to damage the electrical system while installing the lamp.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: averiar
Question 1 of 3
Which of these would you most likely 'averiar'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the French word 'avarie' (damage to a ship), which comes from the Arabic word '‘awārīya', referring to damaged goods that were thrown overboard to lighten a ship.
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'averiar' for a broken heart?
No, that would sound very strange! Use 'romper' for hearts or physical objects. 'Averiar' is for machines.
Is 'avería' the same as 'problema'?
An 'avería' is a specific type of problem: a technical failure or breakdown.
What is the adjective for something that is averiado?
The word is 'averiado' (damaged/broken). For example: 'un motor averiado'.