Inklingo

How to Say "repairs" in Spanish

English → Spanish

arreglos

ah-RREH-glohs (the 'rr' is rolled)/aˈreɣlos/

nounA2general
Use 'arreglos' when you are talking about fixing something that is broken or not working correctly, implying a restoration to good condition.
A hand holding a hammer fixes a broken wooden chair, illustrating the process of repair.

Examples

Necesitamos hacer los arreglos de la casa antes de venderla.

We need to do the repairs on the house before selling it.

¿Cuánto cuestan los arreglos del motor?

How much do the engine repairs cost?

Plural Noun

Remember that 'arreglos' is always plural, even if you are only talking about one type of fix in general.

obras

OH-bras/ˈoβɾas/

nounA2general
Use 'obras' when referring to maintenance, construction, or renovation work, often on a larger scale or affecting public spaces.
A simple depiction of a construction site with a yellow excavator moving dirt next to a partially built brick wall.

Examples

La calle está cerrada por obras.

The street is closed due to construction (works).

Los trabajadores de las obras empiezan muy temprano.

The construction workers start very early.

It's Always Plural

Even if you only see one piece of construction, in Spanish, you almost always use the plural form 'obras' when talking about building activity.

Confusing 'Obra' and 'Obras'

Mistake: “Using 'Hay obra en la calle' (singular)”

Correction: Use the plural 'Hay obras en la calle' to mean 'There is construction happening.'

Arreglos vs. Obras

Learners often confuse 'arreglos' and 'obras' because both can involve fixing things. Remember that 'arreglos' is for specific broken items, while 'obras' typically refers to ongoing construction or maintenance projects.

Related Translations

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