How to Say "to corrode" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to corrode” is “comer” — use 'comer' when referring to the physical and literal process of something, like rust or an acid, gradually destroying a material, especially metal.
comer
koh-mehrkoˈmeɾ
Examples
El ácido está comiendo el metal.
The acid is eating away at the metal.
El óxido se está comiendo la valla metálica.
The rust is eating away at the metal fence.
El ácido comió la superficie de la mesa.
The acid ate away the surface of the table.
roer
roh-EHRroˈeɾ
Examples
La duda le roía el alma.
Doubt was gnawing at his soul.
La culpa le roía la conciencia día y noche.
Guilt was eating away at his conscience day and night.
El óxido comenzó a roer el metal del barco.
Rust began to eat away at the ship's metal.
Figurative Subjects
In this sense, the subject is often an abstract feeling like 'envidia' (envy) or 'celos' (jealousy).
Literal vs. Figurative Use
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.