reformar
“reformar” means “to renovate” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to renovate, to remodel
Also: to do up
📝 In Action
Queremos reformar la cocina el próximo verano.
A2We want to renovate the kitchen next summer.
Han reformado el viejo teatro y ahora es un centro cultural.
B1They have remodeled the old theater and now it is a cultural center.
Es más barato reformar esta casa que comprar una nueva.
B1It is cheaper to renovate this house than to buy a new one.
to reform, to overhaul
Also: to mend one's ways
📝 In Action
El gobierno planea reformar el sistema de pensiones.
B2The government plans to reform the pension system.
Después de ir a prisión, decidió reformar su vida.
B2After going to prison, he decided to reform his life.
Es necesario reformar los estatutos de la empresa.
C1It is necessary to overhaul the company's bylaws.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: reformar
Question 1 of 3
If you are knocking down a wall to make your living room bigger, you are...
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'reformare,' where 're-' means 'again' and 'formare' means 'to shape or form.' Essentially, it means to give a new shape to something.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'reformar' for fixing a broken car?
No, for machines or mechanical things, use 'arreglar' or 'reparar.' 'Reformar' is for structures, systems, or behavior.
Does 'reformar' always mean something big?
Usually, yes. It implies structural changes or significant updates, not just small repairs.
What is the difference between 'una reforma' and 'una renovación'?
'Una reforma' usually involves construction (dust, bricks, tools), while 'renovación' is broader and can mean simply updating something (like a subscription).