Inklingo

How to Say "fixes" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “fixes” is “arregla” — use 'arregla' when you mean to repair or mend something that is broken or not working properly..

English → Spanish

arregla

/ah-RREH-glah//aˈre.ɣla/

Verb (Conjugation)A1General
Use 'arregla' when you mean to repair or mend something that is broken or not working properly.
A person mending a broken wooden chair using a hammer and nails.

Examples

Mi hermano arregla las bicicletas viejas.

My brother fixes the old bikes.

Usted arregla el error de la factura, por favor.

You (formal) fix the mistake on the bill, please.

¡Arregla el televisor! No funciona.

Fix the TV! It doesn't work.

Dual Role of 'Arregla'

'Arregla' is used when talking about what a single person (he/she/it) does now, OR when giving a friendly, informal command to 'tú' (you).

Mixing up the Command Form

Mistake: “Using 'arregle' for the informal command (tú).”

Correction: Use 'arregla' for the informal command ('tú') and reserve 'arregle' for the formal command ('usted').

fija

/FEE-hah//ˈfixa/

VerbB1General
Use 'fija' when you mean to attach, fasten, or secure something firmly in a particular position.
A person's hands using a hammer to drive a nail into a wooden plank.

Examples

Él fija el cuadro en la pared.

He fixes the painting on the wall.

Ella se fija en cada detalle.

She notices every detail.

Multiple Personalities

'Fija' can mean 'he/she fixes' or it can be a command telling a friend to 'Fix!' or 'Notice!' something.

Paying Attention

When you want to say 'notice' or 'pay attention to,' you must add the little word 'se': 'Ella se fija' (She notices).

Fijar vs. Mirar

Mistake: “Using 'fija' when you just mean 'look.'”

Correction: Use 'fija' (with 'se') when you mean 'to notice a detail' or 'pay attention,' not just for the act of seeing.

Repair vs. Fasten

Learners often confuse 'arreglar' (to repair) with 'fijar' (to fasten). Remember that 'arreglar' is for fixing things that are broken, while 'fijar' is for attaching or securing items.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.