componer
“componer” means “to compose” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to compose
Also: to write
📝 In Action
Mi hermana quiere componer una canción para tu boda.
A2My sister wants to compose a song for your wedding.
Beethoven compuso su novena sinfonía estando sordo.
B1Beethoven composed his ninth symphony while being deaf.
El poeta pasó años intentando componer su obra maestra.
B2The poet spent years trying to write his masterpiece.
to fix
Also: to repair
📝 In Action
El mecánico pudo componer el motor en una hora.
A2The mechanic was able to fix the engine in an hour.
Necesito que alguien venga a componer el aire acondicionado.
B1I need someone to come and repair the air conditioning.
Si se rompe la silla, mi papá la puede componer.
A2If the chair breaks, my dad can fix it.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: componer
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I compose' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'componere', which literally means 'to put together' (com- meaning together + ponere meaning to put).
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'componer' the same as 'arreglar'?
Yes, when talking about fixing something broken, they are synonyms. 'Componer' is slightly more common in parts of Latin America, while 'arreglar' is used everywhere.
How do I conjugate the past tense?
It follows the pattern of 'poner'. Instead of 'componí', you say 'compuse', 'compusiste', 'compuso', etc.
Can 'componer' mean to put on makeup?
When used as 'componerse' (reflexive), it can mean to dress up or fix one's appearance, though 'arreglarse' is more common for this.