reparar
/reh-pah-RAHR/
to repair
When something is broken, we can use the verb 'reparar' to mean 'to repair' or fix it.
reparar(verb)
to repair
?fixing broken objects
,to fix
?general maintenance or repair
to mend
?clothing or small items
,to restore
?buildings or artworks
📝 In Action
Necesito reparar mi coche antes del viaje.
A2I need to repair my car before the trip.
El técnico vino a reparar la lavadora esta mañana.
B1The technician came to fix the washing machine this morning.
Repararon la silla rota con un poco de pegamento fuerte.
A2They mended the broken chair with some strong glue.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Action Verb
Like many -ar verbs, 'reparar' describes a direct action on an object (the thing being fixed). You just need the subject (who is fixing) and the direct object (what is being fixed).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'reparar' and 'arreglar'
Mistake: "Using 'arreglar' only for physical objects."
Correction: While both mean 'to fix,' 'arreglar' is more general and informal, used for objects, situations, and even people ('arreglarse' means 'to get ready'). 'Reparar' usually focuses specifically on restoring something broken.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Serious Fixes
'Reparar' often suggests a more substantial or technical fix than 'arreglar,' especially when dealing with machinery, buildings, or complex systems.
To 'reparar' can also mean 'to notice' or observe something specific.
reparar(verb)
to notice
?to observe something specifically
,to pay attention to
?focusing one's mind on a detail
to observe
?mental recognition
📝 In Action
No reparó en la ironía de sus palabras.
B2He didn't notice the irony in his words. (He didn't pay attention to it.)
Si reparas en los detalles, verás que la firma es falsa.
C1If you pay attention to the details, you will see that the signature is fake.
El director nunca repara en gastos cuando se trata de calidad.
C1The director never pays attention to (or spares) expenses when it comes to quality.
💡 Grammar Points
Requires 'en'
When 'reparar' means 'to notice' or 'to pay attention,' it almost always needs the preposition 'en' immediately before the thing being noticed: 'reparar en la diferencia' (to notice the difference).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'reparar' instead of 'notar'
Mistake: "Using 'Reparo que hace frío' (I notice it's cold)."
Correction: While technically correct, this sounds very formal. Use 'Noto que hace frío' or 'Me doy cuenta de que hace frío' for everyday conversation.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal/Literary Contexts
Reserve this meaning for writing, formal speech, or when you want to sound particularly observant or sophisticated.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: reparar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'reparar' in its less common meaning of 'to notice'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'reparar' and 'arreglar'?
'Reparar' is usually used when something broken is restored to its original working condition, often implying a technical fix. 'Arreglar' is a broader term meaning 'to fix,' 'to arrange,' or 'to sort out,' and can be used for objects, situations, or even getting ready ('arreglarse').
Does 'reparar' have a reflexive form?
Yes, 'repararse' can be used, though it is less common. It sometimes means 'to recover strength or health,' or simply 'to be repaired' (the object repairs itself).