estropeado en 30 secondes
- Describes things that are broken, malfunctioning, or spoiled.
- Applies to objects, food, and sometimes plans.
- Requires gender and number agreement with the noun.
- Commonly used with 'estar'.
- Core Meaning
- The Spanish adjective "estropeado" primarily describes something that is damaged, broken, or not functioning as it should. It can apply to physical objects, but also to more abstract concepts like plans or even moods. Think of it as the Spanish equivalent of "broken," "damaged," "spoiled," or "out of order." It implies a state of disrepair or malfunction.
- Physical Objects
- When referring to tangible items, "estropeado" means they are physically broken or no longer in working condition. This could be anything from a household appliance to a vehicle, or even a piece of clothing that has been torn. For example, if your phone screen is cracked, it's "estropeado." If your car won't start, it's "estropeado." If a toy is broken, it's "estropeado." It signifies a loss of functionality due to damage.
- Food and Drink
- In the context of food or drink, "estropeado" means spoiled or gone bad. This is particularly common with perishable items like milk, fruit, or leftovers. If something has an off smell or taste, or has visually deteriorated, it is "estropeado." You wouldn't eat "estropeado" milk. It implies that the food is no longer safe or pleasant to consume.
- Abstract Concepts
- Beyond physical things, "estropeado" can also describe situations or plans that have been ruined or disrupted. If a trip is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, the plans are "estropeados." If a good mood is ruined by bad news, the mood can be described as "estropeado." It suggests that something that was supposed to go well has been negatively impacted and is now in a less desirable state.
- Figurative Use
- Sometimes, "estropeado" can be used metaphorically to describe a person's state, particularly if they are feeling unwell, out of sorts, or emotionally distressed. While not as common as for objects, it can convey a sense of being "off" or not functioning properly in a personal capacity. For example, someone might say "Hoy me siento un poco estropeado" to mean they are feeling a bit under the weather or not their usual self.
El coche está estropeado y no puedo ir a trabajar.
La leche se ha estropeado porque la dejé fuera del refrigerador.
Nuestro viaje se estropeó por la lluvia inesperada.
- Describing Broken Objects
- The most common use of "estropeado" is to describe physical objects that are not working. You'll frequently hear it when talking about machinery, electronics, or vehicles. Remember to match the adjective's ending to the noun's gender and number. For instance, "El ordenador está estropeado" (The computer is broken), "La lavadora está estropeada" (The washing machine is broken), "Los juguetes están estropeados" (The toys are broken).
- Referring to Spoiled Food
- When food has gone bad, "estropeado" is the word to use. This is essential for avoiding food poisoning. Examples include: "Esta fruta está estropeada, no la comas" (This fruit is spoiled, don't eat it), "El queso huele estropeado" (The cheese smells spoiled), "¿Crees que la sopa está estropeada?" (Do you think the soup is spoiled?).
- Indicating Ruined Plans or Situations
- "Estropeado" can also be used for abstract situations. If something has gone wrong and spoiled the intended outcome, this adjective fits. For example: "Nuestro plan de picnic se estropeó por la tormenta" (Our picnic plan was ruined by the storm), "La discusión estropeó la fiesta" (The argument spoiled the party), "Tengo una cita importante, pero mi coche está estropeado" (I have an important appointment, but my car is broken).
- Describing a Person's State (Less Common)
- While less frequent, "estropeado" can sometimes describe a person feeling unwell or out of sorts. This is usually in informal contexts. For instance: "Me siento estropeado hoy, creo que estoy enfermo" (I feel out of sorts today, I think I'm sick), "Después de la caída, se quedó un poco estropeado" (After the fall, he was a bit disoriented/unwell).
- Using with Verbs Like 'Estar' and 'Quedar'
- "Estropeado" is most often used with the verb "estar" to describe a current state of being broken or spoiled. You might also encounter it with "quedar" to indicate that something has been left in a broken state. For example: "El reloj quedó estropeado después de la caída" (The watch ended up broken after the fall).
El servidor está estropeado y no podemos acceder a la página web.
Si la comida sabe rara, probablemente está estropeada.
Nuestras vacaciones se estropearon por un problema con el hotel.
- In Everyday Conversations About Objects
- You will hear "estropeado" constantly in daily life when people discuss things that are not working. Imagine a conversation at home: "The washing machine is making a strange noise, I think it's estropeado." Or at work: "I can't print anything, the printer is estropeado." If you're in a Spanish-speaking country and go to a shop to buy something, and it's out of order, the shopkeeper might say, "Lo siento, este modelo está estropeado." It's a very common and practical term for anything malfunctioning.
- At the Grocery Store or Kitchen
- In the context of food, "estropeado" is a critical word. You might hear someone at the market say, "No compres esas fresas, se ven estropeadas." Or at home, a family member might warn, "Don't drink that milk, it's estropeado." This applies to all kinds of food that have gone bad – fruits, vegetables, dairy products, cooked meals, etc. It's a direct warning about something being unfit for consumption.
- When Discussing Plans or Events
- Life doesn't always go as planned, and "estropeado" is used to describe those disruptions. If a planned outdoor event is rained out, someone might sigh, "Nuestro plan se estropeó." Or if a social gathering is ruined by an argument, "La discusión estropeó la noche." It's a way to express disappointment when something that was supposed to be good has been spoiled.
- In Technical or Repair Contexts
- Repair technicians, mechanics, and anyone dealing with broken items will use "estropeado" frequently. When you take your car to a mechanic, they might tell you, "El motor está estropeado." If you call customer support for a faulty appliance, they might ask, "¿Qué parte del electrodoméstico está estropeada?" It's standard vocabulary in these professional settings.
- When Talking About Health (Informally)
- While "enfermo" (sick) or "mal" (bad) are more common for health, "estropeado" can be used informally to mean feeling "off" or unwell. You might hear a friend say, "No voy a salir hoy, me siento un poco estropeado." This implies a general feeling of not being at one's best, perhaps due to fatigue or a mild illness.
El técnico dijo que el aire acondicionado estaba estropeado.
La semana pasada, mi conexión a internet estuvo estropeada por dos días.
Cuidado con esa fruta, parece estropeada.
- Forgetting Gender and Number Agreement
- The most frequent error for learners is not changing the ending of "estropeado" to match the noun it describes. Spanish adjectives must agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). For example, saying "el coche estropeada" instead of "el coche estropeado" is incorrect. Or "las máquinas estropeado" instead of "las máquinas estropeadas." Always double-check the noun and adjust the adjective accordingly.
- Confusing "Estropeado" with "Roto"
- While "roto" (broken) and "estropeado" can sometimes overlap, they have nuances. "Roto" often implies a more definitive break or tear, like a broken window or a torn shirt. "Estropeado" is broader and can mean damaged, malfunctioning, or spoiled. For example, a computer that isn't working is "estropeado," but you wouldn't typically say it's "roto" unless a specific part is visibly broken. Using "estropeado" for spoiled food is also more common than "roto." It's best to use "estropeado" for general malfunction or spoilage and "roto" for a clear break or tear.
- Using "Estropeado" for Personal Illness
- While "estropeado" can informally refer to feeling unwell, it's not the primary or most precise word for sickness. Using it too often for personal health might sound a bit unusual or overly casual. For actual illness, "enfermo" (sick) or "indispuesto" (unwell) are better choices. "Estropeado" for personal state is more like feeling "off" or "out of sorts" rather than having a clear medical condition.
- Overusing it for Minor Issues
- "Estropeado" implies a significant problem, damage, or spoilage. Using it for very minor inconveniences might be an exaggeration. For example, if a pen is just a little scratchy, you might not call it "estropeado" but rather "que no escribe bien" (that doesn't write well). Reserve "estropeado" for things that are genuinely damaged, broken, or spoiled.
- Incorrect Verb Choice
- "Estropeado" is an adjective, and it's typically used with the verb "estar" to describe a state. Saying something like "El coche estropea" (The car spoils/damages) is incorrect. It should be "El coche está estropeado" (The car is broken/damaged). The verb "estropear" exists, but it's the verb form meaning to spoil or damage something, not the adjective describing the state of being spoiled or damaged.
Incorrecto: La puerta está estropeado.
Correcto: La puerta está estropeada.
Incorrecto: El plan está estropeado por la lluvia.
Correcto: El plan se estropeó por la lluvia.
- Roto (Broken)
- Comparison: "Roto" is the most direct translation of "broken." It often implies a physical fracture or tear. "Estropeado" is broader and can include malfunction, damage, or spoilage.
When to use Roto: A broken glass, a torn piece of paper, a fractured bone.
When to use Estropeado: A malfunctioning computer, spoiled milk, a ruined plan, a car that won't start.
Example: "El jarrón está roto" (The vase is broken - implying it shattered). "El electrodoméstico está estropeado" (The appliance is broken - implying it's not working). - Dañado (Damaged)
- Comparison: "Dañado" is very similar to "estropeado" and often interchangeable, especially for physical objects. "Dañado" specifically means damaged, implying harm has been done. "Estropeado" can also imply malfunction without necessarily visible damage.
When to use Dañado: A scratched car, a dented object, a file corrupted by a virus.
When to use Estropeado: A computer that won't boot, spoiled food, a ruined vacation.
Example: "El disco duro está dañado" (The hard drive is damaged). "El sistema está estropeado" (The system is malfunctioning). - Malfunctioning (Out of Order)
- Comparison: This is more of a concept than a single word. "Estropeado" is the adjective that conveys this idea. You might also hear "fuera de servicio" (out of service) or "no funciona" (doesn't work).
When to use "No funciona": Simple statement that something is not operating.
When to use "Fuera de servicio": Typically for public services or machines taken offline for repair.
When to use Estropeado: General term for something not working properly.
Example: "El cajero automático no funciona" (The ATM doesn't work). "El cajero automático está estropeado" (The ATM is broken/malfunctioning). "El tren está fuera de servicio" (The train is out of service). - Arruinado (Ruined)
- Comparison: "Arruinado" is used for things that have been completely ruined, often implying a loss of value or purpose. "Estropeado" can sometimes lead to something being "arruinado," but "arruinado" suggests a more total destruction or failure.
When to use Arruinado: A completely destroyed building, a ruined career, a spoiled reputation.
When to use Estropeado: A slightly damaged car, food that's just starting to turn, a plan that's inconvenienced but not necessarily destroyed.
Example: "La tormenta arruinó la cosecha" (The storm ruined the harvest). "El coche se estropeó, pero lo van a arreglar" (The car broke down, but they are going to fix it). - Pasado (Overripe/Expired)
- Comparison: "Pasado" is specifically used for food that has passed its prime, often referring to expiration dates or being overripe. "Estropeado" is a more general term for spoiled food.
When to use Pasado: Milk that has passed its expiration date, fruit that is overripe.
When to use Estropeado: Food that has gone bad due to spoilage (smell, mold, etc.), regardless of expiration date.
Example: "Este yogur está pasado" (This yogurt is expired). "Esta carne está estropeada" (This meat is spoiled).
El teléfono está estropeado, no enciende.
El vaso está roto.
La comida se ve dañada por el calor.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The concept of 'extrapolating' from a norm to a damaged state is interesting. Imagine a perfect plan (the norm) that gets 'extrapolated' into a mess (the 'estropeado' state) due to unforeseen circumstances. This connection highlights how a deviation from the expected can lead to a negative outcome.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing the 'd' too hard, like in 'dog'. It should be a soft 'th' sound.
- Not rolling the 'tr' sound, making it sound like 'estro-peado'.
- Putting the stress on the wrong syllable.
Niveau de difficulté
Recognizing "estropeado" in written text is generally straightforward, especially when context clues like "no funciona" or descriptions of damage are present. The main challenge for learners is remembering gender and number agreement.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Adjective-Noun Agreement
The adjective "estropeado" must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, "el coche estropeado" (masculine singular), "la máquina estropeada" (feminine singular), "los aparatos estropeados" (masculine plural), "las ideas estropeadas" (feminine plural).
Use of "Estar" with Adjectives
"Estar" is used to describe temporary states or conditions, such as something being broken or spoiled. For example, "El teléfono está estropeado."
Reflexive Verbs and "Estropear"
The verb "estropear" can be used reflexively (se estropea, se estropeó) to indicate that something broke down or was ruined, often without a specific agent. For example, "El plan se estropeó."
Past Participles as Adjectives
"Estropeado" is the past participle of "estropear," used here as an adjective to describe a state resulting from an action (damage or spoilage).
Comparison of "Estropeado" with "Roto" and "Dañado"
While "estropeado" can mean broken or damaged, "roto" often implies a more definitive break, and "dañado" specifically means damaged. Context determines the best choice.
Exemples par niveau
El juguete está estropeado.
The toy is broken.
"Estropeado" agrees with "juguete" (masculine singular).
La comida está estropeada.
The food is spoiled.
"Estropeada" agrees with "comida" (feminine singular).
El bolígrafo está estropeado.
The pen is not working.
"Estropeado" agrees with "bolígrafo" (masculine singular).
Mi teléfono está estropeado.
My phone is broken.
"Estropeado" agrees with "teléfono" (masculine singular).
El coche está estropeado.
The car is broken down.
"Estropeado" agrees with "coche" (masculine singular).
La tele está estropeada.
The TV is broken.
"Estropeada" agrees with "tele" (feminine singular).
El libro está estropeado.
The book is damaged.
"Estropeado" agrees with "libro" (masculine singular).
La silla está estropeada.
The chair is broken.
"Estropeada" agrees with "silla" (feminine singular).
El ordenador se ha estropeado y necesito uno nuevo.
The computer has broken down and I need a new one.
"Estropeado" agrees with "ordenador" (masculine singular).
La leche estaba estropeada, así que no la bebí.
The milk was spoiled, so I didn't drink it.
"Estropeada" agrees with "leche" (feminine singular).
Nuestro plan de viaje se estropeó por el mal tiempo.
Our travel plan was ruined by the bad weather.
"Estropeó" is the past tense of the verb "estropear" used reflexively to mean "was ruined."
El mecanismo del reloj está estropeado.
The watch mechanism is broken.
"Estropeado" agrees with "mecanismo" (masculine singular).
La lavadora está estropeada y no lava la ropa.
The washing machine is broken and doesn't wash clothes.
"Estropeada" agrees with "lavadora" (feminine singular).
Se nos estropeó el coche en medio de la autopista.
Our car broke down in the middle of the highway.
"Estropeó" is the past tense of the verb "estropear" used reflexively.
La comida de ayer se ha estropeado en el refrigerador.
Yesterday's food has spoiled in the refrigerator.
"Estropeado" agrees with "comida" (masculine singular implied, referring to 'el alimento'). More accurately, it should be 'estropeada' if referring to 'la comida'.
El sistema de riego está estropeado.
The irrigation system is broken.
"Estropeado" agrees with "sistema" (masculine singular).
Intenté arreglar la cafetera, pero parece que está estropeada permanentemente.
I tried to fix the coffee maker, but it seems to be permanently broken.
"Estropeada" agrees with "cafetera" (feminine singular).
La mayoría de los electrodomésticos en la casa de la playa estaban estropeados tras el invierno.
Most of the appliances in the beach house were broken after the winter.
"Estropeados" agrees with "electrodomésticos" (masculine plural).
El software se estropeó después de la última actualización.
The software broke down after the last update.
"Estropeó" is the past tense of the verb "estropear" used reflexively.
No pudimos ir a la excursión porque el autobús se estropeó.
We couldn't go on the excursion because the bus broke down.
"Estropeó" is the past tense of the verb "estropear" used reflexively.
El vino se ha estropeado por no haberlo guardado en un lugar fresco.
The wine has spoiled because it wasn't stored in a cool place.
"Estropeado" agrees with "vino" (masculine singular).
Me temo que la pantalla de mi portátil está estropeada.
I'm afraid my laptop screen is damaged.
"Estropeada" agrees with "pantalla" (feminine singular).
Las condiciones de la carretera estropearon el viaje.
The road conditions ruined the trip.
"Estropearon" is the past tense of the verb "estropear" used to describe how the conditions affected the trip.
El sistema de navegación del coche estaba estropeado.
The car's navigation system was broken.
"Estropeado" agrees with "sistema" (masculine singular).
Tras la inundación, varios equipos electrónicos de la casa quedaron estropeados.
After the flood, several electronic devices in the house were left damaged.
"Estropeados" agrees with "equipos electrónicos" (masculine plural).
No confíes en esa aplicación; a menudo se estropea sin motivo aparente.
Don't trust that app; it often breaks down for no apparent reason.
"Estropea" is the present tense of the verb "estropear" used reflexively.
La falta de mantenimiento adecuado ha provocado que la maquinaria se estropee prematuramente.
The lack of proper maintenance has caused the machinery to break down prematurely.
"Estropee" is the subjunctive form of the verb "estropear" used reflexively after "ha provocado que."
El fuerte golpe estropeó la carcasa del móvil, aunque seguía funcionando.
The strong impact damaged the phone's casing, although it was still working.
"Estropeó" is the past tense of the verb "estropear."
Las continuas tormentas estropearon los planes de la boda al aire libre.
The continuous storms ruined the outdoor wedding plans.
"Estropearon" is the past tense of the verb "estropear."
Si el yogur tiene un olor ácido, es muy probable que esté estropeado.
If the yogurt has an acidic smell, it is very likely spoiled.
"Estropeado" agrees with "yogur" (masculine singular).
Hemos descubierto que el sensor principal del robot está estropeado.
We have discovered that the robot's main sensor is broken.
"Estropeado" agrees with "sensor" (masculine singular).
La calidad del audio se estropeó por interferencias externas.
The audio quality was spoiled by external interference.
"Estropeó" is the past tense of the verb "estropear."
La infraestructura de comunicación de la región quedó gravemente estropeada tras el terremoto.
The region's communication infrastructure was severely damaged after the earthquake.
"Estropeada" agrees with "infraestructura" (feminine singular).
Se teme que la sobreexplotación de los recursos naturales haya estropeado el ecosistema local.
It is feared that the overexploitation of natural resources has damaged the local ecosystem.
"Estropeado" agrees with "ecosistema" (masculine singular).
El uso continuado de productos químicos agresivos puede haber estropeado la pintura del coche.
The continuous use of aggressive chemicals may have damaged the car's paint.
"Estropeado" agrees with "pintura" (feminine singular), but it should be "estropeada."
Las malas prácticas de gestión estropearon el potencial de crecimiento de la empresa.
Poor management practices ruined the company's growth potential.
"Estropearon" is the past tense of the verb "estropear."
La exposición prolongada a la humedad ha estropeado los documentos históricos.
Prolonged exposure to humidity has damaged the historical documents.
"Estropeado" agrees with "documentos" (masculine plural).
Un fallo en el sistema de refrigeración puede hacer que el motor se estropee rápidamente.
A failure in the cooling system can cause the engine to break down quickly.
"Estropee" is the subjunctive form of the verb "estropear" used reflexively after "hacer que."
La reputación del político se estropeó a raíz del escándalo.
The politician's reputation was ruined as a result of the scandal.
"Estropeó" is the past tense of the verb "estropear" used reflexively.
Las negociaciones se estropearon debido a diferencias irreconciliables.
The negotiations broke down due to irreconcilable differences.
"Estropearon" is the past tense of the verb "estropear" used reflexively.
La arquitectura de la ciudad se vio irreversiblemente estropeada por la especulación urbanística descontrolada.
The city's architecture was irreversibly damaged by uncontrolled urban speculation.
"Estropeada" agrees with "arquitectura" (feminine singular).
La falta de previsiones y la negligencia han estropeado la integridad del patrimonio cultural.
The lack of foresight and negligence have damaged the integrity of the cultural heritage.
"Estropeado" agrees with "integridad" (feminine singular), but it should be "estropeado" if referring to "el patrimonio."
Se argumenta que la excesiva comercialización ha estropeado la esencia de muchas tradiciones.
It is argued that excessive commercialization has spoiled the essence of many traditions.
"Estropeado" agrees with "esencia" (feminine singular), but it should be "estropeado" if referring to "el espíritu" or "la naturaleza."
Las condiciones climáticas extremas amenazan con estropear los esfuerzos de conservación del arrecife de coral.
Extreme climatic conditions threaten to damage the coral reef conservation efforts.
"Estropear" is the infinitive form of the verb "estropear" used after "amenazan con."
El debate se estropeó cuando surgieron acusaciones personales.
The debate broke down when personal accusations arose.
"Estropeó" is the past tense of the verb "estropear" used reflexively.
La credibilidad de la institución se ha visto estropeada por la falta de transparencia.
The institution's credibility has been damaged by a lack of transparency.
"Estropeada" agrees with "credibilidad" (feminine singular).
Los intentos de modernización superficial estropearon la autenticidad del sitio histórico.
Attempts at superficial modernization spoiled the authenticity of the historical site.
"Estropearon" is the past tense of the verb "estropear."
La constante interferencia política estropeó el progreso del proyecto de desarrollo.
Constant political interference ruined the progress of the development project.
"Estropeó" is the past tense of the verb "estropear."
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— The plan got ruined.
Se estropeó el plan de la cena porque no había ingredientes.
— The device is broken.
El aparato está estropeado, ¿tenemos uno de repuesto?
— The system is malfunctioning.
El sistema de ventilación está estropeado y hace mucho calor.
— It ended up broken/damaged.
Después de la mudanza, varios muebles quedaron estropeados.
Souvent confondu avec
"Roto" specifically means broken, often implying a fracture or tear. "Estropeado" is broader and can mean damaged, malfunctioning, or spoiled. For example, a broken glass is "roto," but a spoiled apple is "estropeada."
"Dañado" means damaged and is very similar to "estropeado." "Estropeado" can imply malfunction, whereas "dañado" focuses more on physical harm. They are often interchangeable for objects.
"Mal" is a general term for bad. While "la comida está mal" is understood as spoiled, "estropeado" is more precise for spoiled food or a malfunctioning object.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To throw something overboard; to ruin or spoil something completely. This idiom is related in concept to "estropeado" as it signifies ruin.
No tires por la borda todo tu esfuerzo por un pequeño error.
General— To be in a terrible state, about to fall apart or be discarded. Similar to something being "estropeado" to the point of no return.
Este viejo coche ya está para el arrastre, necesito uno nuevo.
Informal— To spoil or ruin something; to bring something to naught. It implies a complete failure or spoilage of plans or efforts.
La crisis económica dio al traste con muchos negocios.
Formal— To spoil, to ruin (food or plans). This is a very common phrase and a direct synonym for the spoilage aspect of "estropeado."
Si dejas la comida fuera, se echará a perder.
General— To be exhausted, worn out, or in a very bad state (physically or mentally). It can sometimes be used for objects that are severely damaged.
Después de la caminata, estoy hecho polvo. / El mueble está hecho polvo.
Informal— To break the mold; to do something innovative or unconventional. This is an antonym in spirit, as "estropeado" implies failure to conform to a standard.
Ese artista rompió el molde con su estilo único.
General— To be completely useless, not even good for the simplest of things. Implies something is so "estropeado" that it has no value.
Este ordenador es tan viejo que no vale ni para tomar el sol.
Informal— To be in a terrible state, about to fall apart or be discarded. Similar to something being "estropeado" to the point of no return.
Este viejo coche ya está para el arrastre, necesito uno nuevo.
Informal— To spoil or ruin something; to bring something to naught. It implies a complete failure or spoilage of plans or efforts.
La crisis económica dio al traste con muchos negocios.
Formal— To spoil, to ruin (food or plans). This is a very common phrase and a direct synonym for the spoilage aspect of "estropeado."
Si dejas la comida fuera, se echará a perder.
GeneralFacile à confondre
Both describe a state of not being functional or intact.
"Roto" implies a physical break or fracture, like a broken window. "Estropeado" is broader, encompassing malfunction, damage, or spoilage. You wouldn't say a spoiled apple is "roto," but it is "estropeada."
El jarrón está roto. La leche está estropeada.
Both refer to harm or impairment.
"Dañado" emphasizes damage done to something. "Estropeado" can mean damaged but also malfunctioning or spoiled. A car with a scratch is "dañado"; a car that won't start is "estropeado."
El disco duro está dañado. El coche está estropeado.
Related because "estropeado" implies not functioning.
"Funcionar" is a verb meaning "to work" or "to function." "Estropeado" is an adjective describing the state of *not* functioning properly.
El reloj no funciona. El reloj está estropeado.
It's the verb form from which the adjective is derived.
"Estropear" is the verb meaning "to damage, spoil, or ruin." "Estropeado" is the adjective describing the resulting state of being damaged, spoiled, or broken.
No estropees la comida. La comida está estropeada.
Both imply a negative outcome or loss of value.
"Arruinado" means ruined, often completely. "Estropeado" is a state of damage or malfunction that may or may not lead to complete ruin. A plan can be "estropeado" (inconvenienced) or "arruinado" (completely cancelled).
El plan se estropeó. La economía está arruinada.
Structures de phrases
El/La [noun] está estropeado/a.
El juguete está estropeado.
Mi [noun] se ha estropeado.
Mi coche se ha estropeado.
El/La [noun] estaba estropeado/a.
La lavadora estaba estropeada.
Se estropeó el/la [noun].
Se estropeó el sistema de riego.
Los/Las [plural noun] están estropeados/as.
Los aparatos están estropeados.
La [noun] se vio estropeada por [cause].
La reputación se vio estropeada por el escándalo.
El/La [noun] quedó estropeado/a.
El equipo quedó estropeado tras la caída.
Se teme que [noun] se haya estropeado.
Se teme que el ecosistema se haya estropeado.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Very High
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Forgetting gender/number agreement.
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El coche estropeado (masculine singular). La puerta estropeada (feminine singular).
Adjectives must agree with the noun. "Estropeado" changes its ending to match the noun's gender and number.
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Using "estropeado" for a definitive break.
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El vaso está roto. (The glass is broken.)
While "estropeado" can mean broken, "roto" is more specific for a physical fracture or shattering.
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Using "estropeado" for spoiled food when "pasado" is more specific.
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La leche está pasada. (The milk is expired/overripe.)
"Pasado" refers to food that has passed its expiration date or is overripe. "Estropeado" is a more general term for spoiled food due to other reasons.
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Using "estropeado" for a person's illness when "enfermo" is more appropriate.
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Me siento enfermo hoy. (I feel sick today.)
While "estropeado" can informally mean feeling unwell, "enfermo" is the standard and more precise term for being sick.
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Confusing the verb "estropear" with the adjective "estropeado."
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El ordenador está estropeado. (The computer is broken.)
"Estropeado" is an adjective describing a state. "Estropear" is the verb meaning to damage or spoil. You need "estar" + adjective, not just the verb.
Astuces
Gender and Number Agreement
Always remember that "estropeado" is an adjective and must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. If the noun is masculine singular, use 'estropeado'. If feminine singular, use 'estropeada'. For masculine plural, use 'estropeados', and for feminine plural, use 'estropeadas'.
Soft 'D' Sound
In "estropeado," the 'd' sound is soft, similar to the 'th' in 'the' in English. Avoid pronouncing it like the hard 'd' in 'dog'.
Use with 'Estar'
Most commonly, "estropeado" is used with the verb "estar" to describe the current state of something being broken or spoiled. For example, "El coche está estropeado."
Distinguish from "Roto"
While "roto" also means broken, it often implies a more definitive physical break. "Estropeado" is more versatile for general malfunction or spoilage. Use "roto" for a shattered vase and "estropeado" for spoiled milk.
Sound Association
Try associating the sound of "estropeado" with the sound of something breaking, like a loud crash, and then think of a "pedal" that broke off. This can help you remember the word and its meaning.
Describe Your Surroundings
Practice by looking around your environment and describing anything that is "estropeado" using the correct gender and number. This active recall will solidify your understanding.
Plans and Situations
Don't forget that "estropeado" (or its verb form "estropear") can also apply to abstract things like plans or situations that have been ruined or disrupted. For example, "Se estropeó la fiesta."
Learn Key Phrases
Learning common phrases like "Está estropeado," "Se ha estropeado," and "comida estropeada" will make it easier to use the word in context and understand native speakers.
Consider "Dañado"
For physical damage, "dañado" is a close synonym. If something has a scratch or dent, "dañado" might be more precise than "estropeado," though they are often interchangeable.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a 'stone' (estro-) that has been 'pedaled' over so much (-peado) that it's now broken and rough. The stone is now estropeado. Or, think of a 'strong' (estro-) 'pedal' (-peado) that has been used so much it's now broken.
Association visuelle
Picture a car with a big dent in it, clearly estropeado. Or, visualize a carton of milk with mold growing on it, making it estropeada. Perhaps a broken toy with its parts scattered.
Word Web
Défi
Try to describe three different things in your home that are currently estropeado. Use the correct gender and number for the adjective in your descriptions.
Origine du mot
The word "estropeado" comes from the Spanish verb "estropear," which means to damage, spoil, or ruin. The verb itself is believed to derive from the Latin word "extrapolare," which means to extrapolate or to extend beyond limits, suggesting a deviation from the normal or intended state.
Sens originel : The root suggests a deviation from the norm or intended state, leading to damage or spoilage.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > SpanishContexte culturel
While "estropeado" is a common word, it's important to use it appropriately. For example, describing a person's mental state as "estropeado" can be sensitive and might be better replaced with "indispuesto" or "enfermo" depending on the context.
In English, we have many words for this, such as 'broken,' 'damaged,' 'out of order,' 'spoiled,' 'ruined,' or 'malfunctioning.' The Spanish "estropeado" often encompasses several of these meanings.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Home Appliances
- La lavadora está estropeada.
- El frigorífico no enfría, está estropeado.
- Necesito arreglar el horno estropeado.
Vehicles
- Mi coche está estropeado.
- El motor está estropeado.
- Se nos estropeó el coche en el viaje.
Electronics
- El ordenador está estropeado.
- La pantalla del móvil está estropeada.
- El televisor está estropeado.
Food
- La leche está estropeada.
- Esta fruta se ve estropeada.
- No comas eso, está estropeado.
Plans and Events
- Nuestro plan se estropeó.
- La lluvia estropeó la fiesta.
- Se estropeó la excursión.
Amorces de conversation
"¿Alguna vez se te ha estropeado un electrodoméstico importante?"
"¿Qué haces cuando descubres que la comida está estropeada?"
"¿Te ha pasado alguna vez que se te ha estropeado el coche en un mal momento?"
"¿Cómo te sientes cuando tus planes se estropean?"
"¿Cuál ha sido la cosa más cara que se te ha estropeado?"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe un objeto que tengas en casa que esté estropeado y que necesites arreglar.
Escribe sobre una ocasión en la que tus planes se estropearon y cómo lo manejaste.
Piensa en una comida que hayas tenido que tirar porque estaba estropeada. ¿Qué era y por qué se estropeó?
Relata una experiencia en la que tu vehículo se estropeó y las consecuencias que tuvo.
Reflexiona sobre la importancia de "no estropear" las relaciones personales o profesionales.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsWhile both mean "broken" or "damaged," "roto" typically implies a physical break or fracture (like a broken glass or torn paper). "Estropeado" is a broader term that can mean damaged, malfunctioning, or spoiled (like spoiled milk or a computer that won't start). Think of "roto" as a more definitive physical break, and "estropeado" as a more general state of disrepair or spoilage.
Informally, yes, it can be used to describe someone feeling unwell, "out of sorts," or not their usual self. However, for actual sickness, "enfermo" (sick) or "indispuesto" (unwell) are more common and precise. Using "estropeado" for a person is generally less common and more colloquial.
You need to match the adjective's ending to the gender and number of the noun it describes. If the noun is masculine singular (e.g., 'el coche'), use 'estropeado'. If it's feminine singular (e.g., 'la máquina'), use 'estropeada'. For masculine plural nouns (e.g., 'los aparatos'), use 'estropeados', and for feminine plural nouns (e.g., 'las herramientas'), use 'estropeadas'.
The verb form is "estropear," which means "to damage," "to spoil," or "to ruin." "Estropeado" is the past participle of this verb, used as an adjective to describe the state of being damaged or spoiled.
Yes, "estropeado" can be used for abstract concepts. For example, "Nuestro plan se estropeó por la lluvia" means "Our plan was ruined by the rain." In this case, the verb "estropear" in the past tense is used reflexively.
Yes, "estropeado" is a very common and useful word in Spanish. You will encounter it frequently in everyday conversations, especially when talking about objects that aren't working, food that has gone bad, or plans that have been disrupted.
Opposites include "nuevo" (new), "funcional" (functional), "perfecto" (perfect), and "en buen estado" (in good condition). These describe things that are not damaged, broken, or spoiled.
"No funciona" (it doesn't work) is a direct statement of malfunction. "Estropeado" implies that the reason it doesn't work is due to damage, spoilage, or a breakdown. While "no funciona" is always correct for a non-working item, "estropeado" adds more information about the cause or nature of the problem.
Absolutely. It's very common to say that software, an app, or a computer system is "estropeado" when it's malfunctioning or has crashed.
Try associating it with the sound of something breaking. Imagine a loud "crash!" followed by the word "pedal" – perhaps a pedal on a bike that broke off in a crash. The combined sound and image can help you link "estropeado" to the idea of damage or breaking.
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Summary
"Estropeado" is a versatile adjective in Spanish, meaning "damaged," "broken," or "spoiled." It's crucial for describing anything from a malfunctioning appliance to food that has gone bad. Remember to always match its ending to the gender and number of the noun it modifies, as in "el coche estropeado" (the broken car) or "la fruta estropeada" (the spoiled fruit).
- Describes things that are broken, malfunctioning, or spoiled.
- Applies to objects, food, and sometimes plans.
- Requires gender and number agreement with the noun.
- Commonly used with 'estar'.
Gender and Number Agreement
Always remember that "estropeado" is an adjective and must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. If the noun is masculine singular, use 'estropeado'. If feminine singular, use 'estropeada'. For masculine plural, use 'estropeados', and for feminine plural, use 'estropeadas'.
Context is Key
While "estropeado" can cover many meanings, pay attention to the context. If it's about food, it means spoiled. If it's about a machine, it means broken or malfunctioning. This will help you understand and use it correctly.
Soft 'D' Sound
In "estropeado," the 'd' sound is soft, similar to the 'th' in 'the' in English. Avoid pronouncing it like the hard 'd' in 'dog'.
Use with 'Estar'
Most commonly, "estropeado" is used with the verb "estar" to describe the current state of something being broken or spoiled. For example, "El coche está estropeado."
Exemple
El coche está estropeado, no podemos usarlo.
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