Inklingo

How to Say "to mend" in Spanish

English → Spanish

reparar

/reh-pah-RAHR//re.paˈɾaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'reparar' when you need to fix or mend physical objects like clothing, cars, or household items.
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.

curar

/koo-RAHR//kuˈɾaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'curar' to talk about healing or mending something non-physical, such as a broken heart, spirit, or emotional pain.
A storybook illustration of a person successfully fixing a broken wooden toy by placing the final piece, representing remedying a problem.

Examples

El tiempo cura todas las penas.

Time heals all sorrows.

Esperamos que este acuerdo cure las tensiones entre las naciones.

We hope this agreement remedies the tensions between the nations.

Physical vs. Emotional Mending

The most common mistake is using 'reparar' for emotional healing or 'curar' for fixing physical items. Remember: 'reparar' is for objects, 'curar' is for feelings or abstract concepts.

Related Translations

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