How to Say "to impair" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “to impair” is “deteriorar” — B2 level.
Examples
El sol puede deteriorar la pintura del coche con el paso del tiempo.
The sun can damage the car's paint over time.
Fumar tabaco deteriora gravemente la salud de los pulmones.
Smoking tobacco seriously impairs lung health.
La falta de comunicación deterioró nuestra relación de amistad.
The lack of communication worsened our friendship.
Using the 'Self' Form
When things get worse on their own without someone causing it, we use the reflexive form 'deteriorarse'. For example: 'Su salud se deterioró' (His health got worse).
Slow vs. Fast Damage
Deteriorar usually implies a slow process over time, whereas 'romper' (to break) usually happens in an instant.
The Noun/Verb Mix-up
Mistake: “Su salud es deteriorar.”
Correction: Su salud se está deteriorando (His health is deteriorating) or Su salud sufrió un deterioro (His health suffered a decline). Use the noun 'deterioro' for the thing, and the verb for the action.
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