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How to Say "to fix" in Spanish

English → Spanish

reparar

/reh-pah-RAHR//re.paˈɾaɾ/

verbA2general
Use this word when referring to mending or restoring a broken or damaged physical object or piece of equipment.
A friendly cartoon carpenter fixing the broken leg of a wooden chair with a hammer and nails.

Examples

Necesito reparar mi coche antes del viaje.

I need to repair my car before the trip.

El técnico vino a reparar la lavadora esta mañana.

The technician came to fix the washing machine this morning.

Repararon la silla rota con un poco de pegamento fuerte.

They mended the broken chair with some strong glue.

Direct Action Verb

Like many -ar verbs, 'reparar' describes a direct action on an object (the thing being fixed). You just need the subject (who is fixing) and the direct object (what is being fixed).

Confusing 'reparar' and 'arreglar'

Mistake: “Using 'arreglar' only for physical objects.”

Correction: While both mean 'to fix,' 'arreglar' is more general and informal, used for objects, situations, and even people ('arreglarse' means 'to get ready'). 'Reparar' usually focuses specifically on restoring something broken.

solucionar

soh-loo-syoh-NAR/solusjoˈnaɾ/

verbB1general
Choose this verb when you need to resolve a specific issue, glitch, problem, or difficulty, especially in a non-physical sense.
A colorful jigsaw puzzle shown nearly complete, with the final missing piece hovering directly above its correct position, ready to solve the puzzle.

Examples

Necesitamos solucionar este error antes de enviar el informe.

We need to solve this error before sending the report.

Ella siempre encuentra una manera de solucionar los problemas difíciles.

She always finds a way to resolve difficult problems.

Si no lo solucionamos hoy, tendremos que trabajar el fin de semana.

If we don't fix it today, we will have to work this weekend.

A Regular Verb

This verb is easy! It follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in '-ar,' so its endings never change unexpectedly.

Transitive Action

Like its English equivalent 'to solve,' 'solucionar' usually needs something to receive the action (a direct object). You solve 'something': 'solucionar el misterio' (solve the mystery).

Confusing 'Solucionar' and 'Resolver'

Mistake: “Usando 'resolver' cuando la palabra 'solución' es más apropiada.”

Correction: 'Solucionar' focuses on finding the answer or fix, while 'resolver' often emphasizes the process or the determination to overcome the issue. They are often interchangeable, but 'solucionar' links directly to the noun 'solución'.

establecer

/es-ta-ble-SÉR//est̪aβleˈseɾ/

verbB1general
Use this word to mean 'to set' or 'to determine,' most commonly when referring to dates, times, causes, or rules.
A small, antique balance scale perfectly leveled with equal weights, indicating that the value or price has been determined.

Examples

Necesitamos establecer la causa exacta del problema.

We need to determine the exact cause of the problem.

El comité estableció el precio máximo para las entradas.

The committee fixed the maximum price for the tickets.

Repairing vs. Solving

Learners often confuse 'reparar' and 'solucionar.' Remember that 'reparar' is almost always for physical items that are broken, like a machine or clothing. 'Solucionar' is for abstract issues like problems, errors, or challenges.

Related Translations

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