Inklingo

How to Say "mended" in Spanish

English → Spanish

arreglado

ah-rreh-GLAH-doh/areˈɣlaðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'arreglado' when referring to objects, especially clothing or machinery, that have been repaired or fixed.
A simple wooden chair standing upright, showing a visible repair where one leg was broken and mended with a simple wooden brace.

Examples

Mi vestido favorito está arreglado y listo para la fiesta.

My favorite dress is mended and ready for the party.

Mi coche ya está arreglado, puedo ir a buscarte.

My car is already fixed, I can go pick you up.

La tubería rota fue arreglada por el fontanero.

The broken pipe was repaired by the plumber.

Adjective Agreement

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'arreglado' must match the thing it describes in both number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine). Look for 'arreglada,' 'arreglados,' and 'arregladas.'

Using 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'

Mistake:El teléfono es arreglado.

Correction: El teléfono está arreglado. (Use 'estar' because this describes the temporary condition or result of an action, not a permanent quality.)

recuperado

reh-koo-peh-RAH-doh/re.ku.peˈɾa.ðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'recuperado' when describing a person who has recovered from an illness, injury, or a difficult situation.
A vibrant green potted plant with bright flowers standing fully upright in the sun, showing recovery after being wilted.

Examples

Tras una gripe fuerte, ya me siento recuperado.

After a bad flu, I already feel recovered.

Después de la cirugía, mi tío está completamente **recuperado**.

After the surgery, my uncle is completely recovered.

El teléfono robado fue **recuperado** por la policía.

The stolen phone was retrieved by the police.

Me alegra ver que la inversión está **recuperada** y dando beneficios.

I'm happy to see that the investment is recovered and generating profit.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'recuperado' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes (e.g., recuperada for a female, recuperados for plural things).

Use with ESTAR

When describing a state of health or condition, use the verb estar (to be): Estoy recuperado (I am recovered/well).

Mixing up SER and ESTAR

Mistake:Soy recuperado.

Correction: Soy means 'I am recovered forever' which sounds odd. Use 'Estoy recuperado' to describe your current state of wellness.

Objects vs. People

The most common mistake is using 'arreglado' for people recovering from illness or injury. Remember, 'arreglado' is for fixing things, while 'recuperado' is for people getting better.

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