Inklingo

How to Say "to remedy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

remediar

reh-meh-dee-ahrremeˈðjaɾ

verbB1general
Use this word when you want to express fixing a bad situation or problem, often implying taking action to correct something that has gone wrong.
A child carefully placing a colorful bandage over a small crack in a ceramic vase.

Examples

Debemos remediar este problema antes de que empeore.

We must remedy this problem before it gets worse.

El gobierno está buscando formas de remediar el desempleo.

The government is looking for ways to solve unemployment.

Siento mucho lo ocurrido, pero ya no se puede remediar.

I'm very sorry about what happened, but it can't be fixed now.

Direct Object Usage

In Spanish, you 'remediar' the problem directly. You don't need a preposition like 'with' or 'of' between the verb and the thing you are fixing.

Abstract vs. Physical

This verb is best for abstract things like situations, errors, or problems. For physical things like a broken car, use 'arreglar' instead.

Misusing 'arreglar'

Mistake:Using 'arreglar' for deep societal problems in formal writing.

Correction: Use 'remediar' for more formal or serious contexts involving 'fixing' situations or injustices.

curar

koo-RAHRkuˈɾaɾ

verbB1general
Use this word metaphorically to talk about time or a process healing or alleviating pains, sorrows, or difficulties, rather than actively fixing a specific problem.
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.

Choosing Between 'Remediar' and 'Curar'

Learners often confuse 'remediar' and 'curar' because both can imply making something better. Remember that 'remediar' focuses on actively fixing a problem, while 'curar' is more about healing or alleviating over time, often used metaphorically.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.