How to Say "to demolish" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to demolish” is “derribar” — use 'derribar' when you are specifically talking about the intentional act of tearing down or knocking down a building, wall, or other structure..
derribar
/deh-rree-bar//deriˈβaɾ/
Examples
Tuvieron que derribar el viejo muro para ampliar la calle.
They had to knock down the old wall to widen the street.
El boxeador derribó a su oponente en el tercer asalto.
The boxer knocked down his opponent in the third round.
Using 'derribar' with people
When using this word for knocking a person down, remember to add 'a' before the person, like: 'Derribó a su amigo'.
Derribar vs. Tirar
Mistake: “Using 'tirar' to mean demolition.”
Correction: Use 'derribar' for structures or large things that are standing up. 'Tirar' is more for throwing or pulling.
arruinar
ahr-roo-ee-NAHR/ar.rwiˈnar/
Examples
La tormenta arruinó la cosecha de este año.
The storm ruined this year's harvest.
El terremoto arruinó muchos edificios históricos.
The earthquake wrecked many historic buildings.
No dejes que un error arruine tu reputación.
Don't let one mistake ruin your reputation.
Regular -AR Verb
This verb follows the standard, predictable pattern for all verbs ending in -ar. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar' (to speak), you know how to conjugate 'arruinar'.
Accenting the 'u'
Mistake: “Using *arruíno* or *arruínas*.”
Correction: The stress stays on the last part of the stem: *arruino*, *arruinas*. The 'u' and 'i' are pronounced together as one syllable (rwee), not separately.
Demolish vs. Ruin
Related Translations
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