sabotear
“sabotear” means “to sabotage” in Spanish (intentionally destroying or damaging something).
to sabotageAlso: to wreck
📝 In Action
Alguien intentó sabotear las máquinas de la fábrica.
B1Someone tried to sabotage the machines at the factory.
No dejes que tu miedo sabotee esta gran oportunidad.
B2Don't let your fear sabotage this great opportunity.
Él siempre sabotea mis planes de cocina con sus críticas.
B1He always wrecks my cooking plans with his criticism.
Word Connections
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "sabotear" in Spanish:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: sabotear
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I sabotage my own efforts'?
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👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
From the French word 'saboter', which literally meant to 'clatter with wooden shoes (sabots)'. It later came to mean intentional damage to work or equipment.
First recorded: 19th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'sabotear' always mean something physical?
No! Just like in English, it is very common to use it for abstract things like sabotaging a relationship, a plan, or even your own success.
Is 'sabotear' a common word in Spanish?
It is moderately common. You will hear it often in news reports about strikes or politics, and in psychology when talking about 'autosabotaje' (self-sabotage).
Are there any special spelling changes when conjugating it?
Good news! 'Sabotear' is completely regular. It follows the exact same pattern as 'hablar' or 'cantar'.