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How to Say "mending" in Spanish

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arreglo

/ah-rreh-glo//aˈrreɣlo/

nounA2general
Use 'arreglo' for a physical repair, especially of small items like clothing or, in a broader sense, car parts.
A wooden chair with a visible patch or glue fixing a broken leg, illustrating the concept of repair.

Examples

Necesito llevar mi coche al taller para el arreglo de los frenos.

I need to take my car to the shop for the repair of the brakes.

¿Puedes hacer un arreglo rápido a esta falda?

Can you make a quick fix (or mend) to this skirt?

Después del arreglo, la casa se veía mucho mejor.

After tidying up, the house looked much better.

Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in '-o', remember that 'arreglo' is always masculine, using 'el' or 'un'.

Using 'arreglar' instead of 'arreglo'

Mistake: “Hice la arreglar de la bici.”

Correction: Hice el arreglo de la bici. ('Arreglar' is the verb 'to fix'; 'arreglo' is the noun 'the fix/repair'.)

enmienda

/en-MYEN-dah//enˈmjenda/

nounC1formal
Use 'enmienda' when referring to the act of improving one's behavior, morals, or life, often in a context of making amends or reforming.
A person carefully watering a small green plant that is growing out of a cracked pot.

Examples

El prisionero no mostró ningún propósito de enmienda.

The prisoner showed no intention of mending his ways.

Espero una pronta enmienda de su conducta.

I expect a prompt correction of his behavior.

Hizo una enmienda total de su vida tras el accidente.

He completely turned his life around after the accident.

Abstract usage

In this sense, the word is abstract and rarely used in the plural.

Not for fixing objects

Mistake: “La enmienda de mi coche.”

Correction: La reparación de mi coche. Use 'enmienda' for laws or behaviors, not for mechanical repairs.

Physical Repair vs. Behavioral Improvement

Learners often confuse 'arreglo' and 'enmienda' by using 'arreglo' for behavioral changes. Remember that 'arreglo' is for fixing objects, while 'enmienda' specifically refers to reforming one's character or actions.

Related Translations

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