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A2 verb 11 min de lecture

estragar-se

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces estragar-se en 30 secondes
Explication estragar-se in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should focus on the most literal meaning of estragar-se: when food goes bad. This is a very practical word for beginners who need to talk about grocery shopping, cooking, and daily life. You will mostly use it in the third person singular (ele/ela) or plural (eles/elas). For example, if you see a banana that is black and mushy, you can say 'A banana estragou-se'. At this stage, don't worry too much about complex grammar rules. Just remember that 'se' usually goes after the verb. Think of it as a single unit: 'estragou-se' means 'it went bad'. You might also hear it when a toy or a simple object stops working. It's a key word for expressing that something is no longer 'good' (bom) but is now 'bad' (mau/estragado). Learning this word helps you avoid eating old food and allows you to explain why you are throwing something away. It is often paired with 'não' (no/not), as in 'Não comas isso, estragou-se' (Don't eat that, it went bad). This simple usage is the foundation for more complex meanings later on.
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At the A2 level, you expand the use of estragar-se to include mechanical and electronic failures. This is the level where you learn to navigate problems in a Portuguese-speaking environment. If your car won't start, or your washing machine stops mid-cycle, you say it 'estragou-se'. You also start to learn about the placement of the reflexive pronoun 'se'. You will notice that if you say 'O meu computador estragou-se' (My computer broke), the 'se' is at the end. But if you say 'O meu computador não se estragou' (My computer didn't break), the 'se' moves before the verb. This is a big step in your grammar journey. You will also use this verb to talk about weather or plans. For instance, 'The picnic was ruined because of the rain' (O piquenique estragou-se por causa da chuva). This level is about using the word to describe common frustrations and explaining the reasons behind them. You are moving from just talking about food to talking about your belongings and your schedule.
At the B1 level, you begin to use estragar-se in more abstract and social contexts. You might talk about how a person's mood 'se estragou' (was ruined) after hearing bad news, or how a relationship 'se estragou' over time. You are now comfortable with various tenses: the imperfect (estragava-se), the future (estragar-se-á or vai estragar-se), and the conditional (estragar-se-ia). You understand that this verb implies a loss of quality. You might use it to describe a neighborhood that used to be nice but has now 'estragado-se' (become run-down). At B1, you also start to distinguish 'estragar-se' from more specific verbs like 'avariar-se' (for machines) and 'danificar-se' (for damage). You can explain nuances, such as why a plan 'se estragou' even if nothing was physically broken. Your vocabulary is becoming more descriptive, and you can use this verb to tell stories about things that didn't go as planned during a trip or a project.
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At the B2 level, you use estragar-se with greater precision and in more formal settings. You understand the moral and ethical implications of the verb. For example, you might discuss how a political scandal 'estragou' the reputation of a leader, or how corruption 'estraga' (ruins) a society. You are also aware of the reflexive use for people: 'Ele estragou-se com o álcool' (He ruined himself with alcohol), which implies a self-destructive path. You can use the verb in complex sentence structures, such as 'É provável que a comida se estrague se não a guardares' (It is likely the food will spoil if you don't put it away), showing mastery of the subjunctive mood. You also recognize the word in literature and news reports, where it might describe the 'estragar-se' of an economy or a social fabric. Your understanding of the word is no longer just about 'broken things' but about the 'decay of systems and characters'. You can also use it sarcastically or idiomatically in conversation.
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At the C1 level, your use of estragar-se is sophisticated and nuanced. You can use it to describe the subtle 'degradation' of ideas, languages, or cultural values. You might engage in a debate about whether the Portuguese language is 'estragar-se' (becoming ruined/corrupted) by foreign influences. You understand the stylistic choice between using 'estragar-se' and its more academic synonyms like 'deteriorar-se', 'corromper-se', or 'degradar-se'. You can use the verb to create vivid metaphors in writing. For example, 'A beleza do momento estragou-se com a intrusão do barulho mundano' (The beauty of the moment was ruined by the intrusion of mundane noise). You are fully aware of regional variations between Brazil and Portugal and can adapt your pronoun placement and choice of synonym accordingly. At this level, the verb is a tool for expressing deep philosophical or social critiques regarding the entropy and decline of various aspects of human existence.
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At the C2 level, estragar-se is used with complete native-like fluidity, often in highly idiomatic or literary ways. You might use it to discuss the 'estragar-se' of an entire generation's prospects or the 'estragar-se' of a complex philosophical argument. You can appreciate the irony when the verb is used in contexts of extreme luxury or decay. You have a mastery of all possible syntactic arrangements, including the most archaic or formal placements of the reflexive pronoun. You can analyze how the verb has evolved from its Latin roots and how it interacts with other verbs of change in the Portuguese language. Whether you are writing a technical report on the 'estragar-se' of materials in extreme conditions or a poetic piece on the 'estragar-se' of a summer romance, you use the word with precision, emotional resonance, and perfect grammatical accuracy. You are also able to play with the word, using it in puns or complex wordplay that requires a deep cultural and linguistic background.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

estragar-se en 30 secondes

  • Estragar-se is a reflexive verb meaning 'to break down' or 'to spoil', essential for describing daily malfunctions and food expiration.
  • It is used for everything from rotten fruit and sour milk to broken cars, dead phone batteries, and ruined weekend plans.
  • Grammatically, the 'se' pronoun is vital, moving before the verb in negative sentences or after certain 'trigger' words like 'que'.
  • In European Portuguese, it is distinct from 'quebrar' (physical breaking) and 'avariar-se' (more formal/technical mechanical failure).

The Portuguese verb estragar-se is a fundamental pronominal verb used to describe the process of something becoming unusable, damaged, or decayed. At its core, it translates to 'to break down', 'to spoil', or 'to go bad'. Unlike the simple transitive verb 'estragar' (to ruin something), the reflexive form 'estragar-se' focuses on the object itself undergoing the change. It is an essential word for daily life because it covers everything from a computer failing to a tomato rotting in the fridge.

Biological Decay
This is perhaps the most common use. When food is no longer fit for consumption, we say it 'se estragou'. It implies a natural process of expiration or rotting due to heat or time.

Não comas esse iogurte, ele já estragou-se há dois dias.

Mechanical and Electronic Failure
When a car won't start or a phone screen stays black, 'estragar-se' is the go-to verb. While 'avariar-se' is more technical, 'estragar-se' is the everyday term used by native speakers to describe any device that has stopped working correctly.

Beyond physical objects, the verb can be applied to abstract situations. A plan can 'estragar-se' if it rains, or a relationship can 'estragar-se' due to a lack of communication. It suggests a loss of original quality or function. In more advanced contexts, it can even refer to a person's moral character or health 'going downhill'. The versatility of this verb makes it a cornerstone of the A2 level, as it allows learners to explain problems and justify why things are no longer working or available.

O tempo estragou-se de repente e começou a chover torrencialmente.

Situational Ruin
When an event or a mood is ruined by an external factor, we use this verb to indicate that the positive state has been lost.

A festa estragou-se quando a música parou de tocar.

Ultimately, 'estragar-se' is about the transition from a state of 'good/functional' to 'bad/broken'. Whether it is a piece of fruit, a luxury watch, or a sunny afternoon, if it loses its utility or charm, it has 'estragado-se'. Understanding this word helps you navigate the frustrations of daily life in a Portuguese-speaking environment with ease.

Using estragar-se correctly requires attention to both the subject and the reflexive pronoun. Since it is a pronominal verb, the pronoun ('me', 'te', 'se', 'nos', 'vos', 'se') must agree with the subject. However, in 90% of cases, you will use the third-person singular or plural ('se') because it is usually things (food, machines, plans) that are breaking down or spoiling. Let's look at the grammatical nuances and structural patterns that define its usage.

Conjugation Basics
In the present tense: Eu estrago-me, tu estragas-te, ele/ela/você estraga-se. In the past (Pretérito Perfeito): Eu estraguei-me, tu estragaste-te, ele/ela/você estragou-se. Note the spelling change in the first person past ('estraguei') to maintain the hard 'g' sound.

A minha televisão estragou-se durante a tempestade de ontem à noite.

The Role of Negative Sentences
When you use 'não', the pronoun moves before the verb. This is a crucial rule in all dialects of Portuguese. You must say 'Não se estragou' instead of 'Não estragou-se'. This 'proclisis' (pronoun before verb) is triggered by negative words, adverbs, and certain conjunctions.

When talking about food, the verb is often used in the future or conditional to express warnings. For example, 'If you don't put the milk in the fridge, it will spoil' becomes 'Se não puseres o leite no frigorífico, ele vai estragar-se'. Here, the auxiliary verb 'vai' takes the main grammatical weight, but the reflexive nature of the action remains. In European Portuguese, the pronoun can attach to the infinitive ('vai estragar-se') or the auxiliary ('vai-se estragar'), though the former is more common in speech.

O computador está-se a estragar com este uso excessivo.

Reflexive for People
When applied to people, 'estragar-se' often means to ruin one's health, reputation, or future. 'Ele estragou-se com as drogas' (He ruined himself with drugs). It implies a self-inflicted or inevitable decline into a worse state.

Muitos jovens talentos estragam-se por falta de disciplina.

Finally, consider the difference between 'estragar-se' and 'quebrar-se'. If a glass falls and shatters, it 'quebrou-se'. If a glass is still whole but the liquid inside has fermented and gone bad, the liquid 'estragou-se'. Use 'estragar-se' for functional or qualitative failure, and 'quebrar-se' for physical destruction. Mastering this distinction will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and precise.

You will hear estragar-se in almost every corner of Portuguese life, from the domestic sphere to the professional world. It is a 'high-frequency' verb because things are constantly failing or expiring. Let's explore the specific environments where this word is most prevalent and the subtle nuances it carries in those contexts.

In the Kitchen and Supermarket
This is the primary domain of the word. You'll hear parents telling children to finish their fruit before it 'se estraga'. In supermarkets, staff might discuss products that 'se estragaram' due to a fridge failure. It is the standard way to talk about food waste and expiration.

Temos de comer esta carne hoje, senão ela estraga-se.

At the Mechanic or IT Support
When explaining a problem to a professional, you will use this verb. 'O meu telemóvel estragou-se' is the first thing you say at the repair shop. While the technician might use more specific words like 'curto-circuito' (short circuit), the customer almost always uses 'estragar-se'.

Weather reports and casual conversations about the weekend often feature this verb. If a sunny morning turns into a rainy afternoon, people will say 'O tempo estragou-se'. This implies that the 'good' weather has been ruined. Similarly, if a holiday plan is cancelled because of a strike, the plan 'estragou-se'. It captures that feeling of disappointment when something positive turns sour.

O nosso passeio estragou-se por causa da greve dos comboios.

Social and Moral Contexts
In gossip or news, you might hear about a politician whose career 'se estragou' due to a scandal. Or a neighborhood that 'se estragou' (became run-down or dangerous) over the years. Here, it reflects a decline in quality, safety, or reputation.

A vizinhança estragou-se muito nos últimos dez anos.

Whether you are listening to a podcast about history (discussing how empires 'se estragaram' from within) or just talking to a neighbor about their broken toaster, this verb is your companion. It is the linguistic tool for describing the inevitable entropy of the world, making it indispensable for any serious learner of the Portuguese language.

Learning estragar-se involves navigating a few linguistic pitfalls. Because English often uses different verbs for 'spoiling' (food) and 'breaking' (machines), English speakers tend to over-complicate things or use the wrong Portuguese equivalent. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them to ensure your Portuguese sounds authentic and grammatically sound.

Omitting the Reflexive Pronoun
This is the #1 mistake. In English, we say 'The milk spoiled' (intransitive). English speakers often say 'O leite estragou'. While common in informal Brazilian speech, in formal contexts and in European Portuguese, you MUST use the 'se'. Without it, 'estragou' feels like it's waiting for an object (e.g., 'The milk ruined... what?').

Incorrect: O meu carro estragou ontem.
Correct: O meu carro estragou-se ontem.

Confusing 'Estragar-se' with 'Quebrar'
English uses 'break' for everything. However, in Portuguese, if a chair leg snaps, it 'quebrou'. If a computer has a software error and won't boot, it 'estragou-se'. Using 'quebrar' for rotting food or a malfunctioning app sounds very strange to a native ear.

Another common error is the placement of the reflexive pronoun. As mentioned before, words like 'não', 'nunca', 'que', and 'quem' pull the pronoun to the front. Learners often forget this and say 'O leite que estragou-se' instead of 'O leite que se estragou'. This rule is non-negotiable in standard Portuguese grammar.

Incorrect: Eu acho que estragou-se.
Correct: Eu acho que se estragou.

Using 'Passar' instead of 'Estragar-se' for Food
Some learners translate 'to pass' (as in 'past its date') literally. While you can say 'está fora do prazo' (it's past the deadline), saying 'a carne passou' to mean it's rotten is less common and can be ambiguous. 'Estragou-se' is the most direct and clear way to say food is bad.

Não uses esse leite, ele está estragado.

Finally, avoid using 'estragar-se' when you mean 'to hurt oneself' in a physical accident. For that, use 'magoar-se' or 'ferir-se'. If you say 'eu estraguei-me no futebol', people might think you mean you ruined your career or your life, rather than just skinning your knee. Precision with reflexive verbs is key to moving from a beginner to an intermediate level.

While estragar-se is the most versatile and common verb for things going wrong, Portuguese offers a rich palette of synonyms that provide more specific details about *how* or *what* is being ruined. Choosing the right alternative can make your speech more precise and sophisticated. Let's compare 'estragar-se' with its closest relatives.

Avariar-se vs. Estragar-se
'Avariar-se' is the technical sibling. It is used almost exclusively for machines, vehicles, and electronic systems. While you can say a car 'estragou-se', a mechanic or a formal report will likely say 'o veículo avariou-se'. You would never use 'avariar-se' for food; a rotten apple never 'avaria'.

O elevador avariou-se e tivemos de usar as escadas.

Apodrecer vs. Estragar-se
'Apodrecer' means 'to rot' or 'to putrefy'. It is more graphic and specific than 'estragar-se'. While all rotting food 'se estraga', not everything that 'se estraga' is rotting (it might just be stale or sour). Use 'apodrecer' when there is visible decay or a strong smell.

For slang and informal situations, especially regarding electronics, Brazilians use 'pifar' and Portuguese people might use 'dar o berro' (literally 'to give the scream', meaning to die/stop working). These add flavor to your speech. If your computer suddenly dies, saying 'O meu PC pifou!' sounds very natural in a casual setting.

A bateria do meu telemóvel pifou completamente.

Arruinar-se vs. Estragar-se
'Arruinar-se' is often used for financial or total structural ruin. A company 'arruína-se' (goes bankrupt), or an old building 'arruína-se' (turns into ruins). It is more dramatic and permanent than 'estragar-se', which can often be fixed (like a broken toaster).

O império arruinou-se após anos de guerra civil.

In summary: use estragar-se for everyday failures and food; avariar-se for machines; apodrecer for organic rot; arruinar-se for total destruction or bankruptcy; and pifar for a sudden, funny-sounding breakdown of a gadget. Knowing these distinctions will elevate your Portuguese from basic to nuanced.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"O equipamento informático avariou-se devido a picos de tensão."

Neutre

"O meu carro estragou-se ontem à noite."

Informel

"O meu telemóvel pifou outra vez!"

Child friendly

"Cuidado com o brinquedo para ele não se estragar."

Argot

"Fiquei todo estragado depois da festa."

Le savais-tu ?

The word is a close relative of the Spanish 'estragar' and the Italian 'stragare', though in Portuguese it became the standard word for both mechanical failure and food spoilage, whereas other languages use more specific terms.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ɨʃ.tɾɐ.ˈɡaɾ.sɨ/
US /es.tɾa.ˈɡaɾ.si/
The primary stress is on the last syllable of the verb stem: 'estragÁR'.
Rime avec
largar-se pagar-se apagar-se entregar-se julgar-se chegar-se pegar-se vingar-se
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing the 'g' as a 'j' sound. It should always be a hard 'g' like in 'go'.
  • Forgetting to pronounce the 'r' before the reflexive 'se'.
  • In European Portuguese, over-emphasizing the initial 'e'. It should be very soft.
  • Confusing the pronunciation of 'estraga' (he ruins) with 'estragou' (he ruined).
  • Nasalizing the 'a' in 'estragar' incorrectly.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in context because it often appears with food or machines.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowledge of reflexive pronoun placement (proclisis vs. enclisis).

Expression orale 3/5

The pronunciation of the 's' and the 'r-s' cluster can be tricky for beginners.

Écoute 3/5

In fast speech, 'estragou-se' can sound like one blurred word.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

bom mau comida carro não

Apprends ensuite

avariar-se consertar partir quebrar prazo

Avancé

deterioração obsolescência putrefação degradação

Grammaire à connaître

Reflexive Pronoun Placement (Enclisis)

O leite estragou-se. (Standard position in affirmative sentences).

Reflexive Pronoun Placement (Proclisis)

O leite não se estragou. (Negative words pull the pronoun).

Spelling Change in Pretérito Perfeito

Eu estraguei-me. (The 'g' becomes 'gu' before 'ei' to keep the hard sound).

Future Subjunctive of Reflexive Verbs

Se o carro se estragar, chamamos o reboque.

Personal Infinitive with Reflexive

Para não nos estragarmos, temos de descansar.

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Exemples par niveau

1

O leite estragou-se.

The milk spoiled.

Simple past of a reflexive verb.

2

A maçã está a estragar-se.

The apple is spoiling.

Present continuous with 'estar a' + infinitive.

3

Não comas isso, estraga-se!

Don't eat that, it's going bad!

Imperative followed by present tense.

4

O meu brinquedo estragou-se.

My toy broke.

Subject (toy) + reflexive verb.

5

A comida estraga-se no calor.

Food spoils in the heat.

General truth in the present tense.

6

O peixe estragou-se depressa.

The fish spoiled quickly.

Adverb 'depressa' modifying the verb.

7

Este pão não se estraga.

This bread doesn't spoil.

Negative 'não' pulls 'se' before the verb.

8

As flores estragaram-se.

The flowers wilted/spoiled.

Plural subject and verb agreement.

1

O meu carro estragou-se na estrada.

My car broke down on the road.

Common use for mechanical failure.

2

A televisão estragou-se ontem.

The TV broke yesterday.

Past tense 'estragou-se'.

3

A máquina de lavar estragou-se de novo.

The washing machine broke again.

Use of 'de novo' (again).

4

O tempo estragou-se à tarde.

The weather turned bad in the afternoon.

Idiomatic use for weather.

5

Se não usares o frigorífico, a carne estraga-se.

If you don't use the fridge, the meat spoils.

Conditional 'if' clause.

6

O meu telemóvel estragou-se quando caiu.

My phone broke when it fell.

Temporal 'quando' clause.

7

A festa estragou-se com a chuva.

The party was ruined by the rain.

Passive-like meaning using reflexive.

8

Acho que este ovo se estragou.

I think this egg has spoiled.

'Que' pulls 'se' to the front.

1

A nossa viagem estragou-se por causa da greve.

Our trip was ruined because of the strike.

Abstract subject 'viagem'.

2

A relação deles estragou-se com o tempo.

Their relationship soured over time.

Metaphorical use for relationships.

3

O plano estragou-se no último momento.

The plan fell through at the last moment.

Use of 'no último momento'.

4

Tenho medo que a comida se estrague no caminho.

I'm afraid the food might spoil on the way.

Subjunctive mood after 'tenho medo que'.

5

A vizinhança estragou-se muito ultimamente.

The neighborhood has gone downhill lately.

Refers to social/physical decline.

6

Ele estragou-se por causa das más companhias.

He ruined himself because of bad company.

Reflexive for personal moral decline.

7

O computador estragou-se enquanto eu trabalhava.

The computer broke while I was working.

Use of 'enquanto' (while).

8

Se o motor se estragar, vai ser caro.

If the engine breaks, it will be expensive.

Future subjunctive in the 'if' clause.

1

A reputação do político estragou-se com o escândalo.

The politician's reputation was ruined by the scandal.

Abstract use for reputation.

2

O ambiente na empresa estragou-se após os despedimentos.

The atmosphere at the company soured after the layoffs.

Describing social/work atmosphere.

3

Não deixes que o teu talento se estrague por preguiça.

Don't let your talent go to waste through laziness.

Subjunctive after 'deixar que'.

4

A fruta estraga-se facilmente se não for bem guardada.

Fruit spoils easily if not stored properly.

Adverb 'facilmente' and passive condition.

5

O sistema estragou-se devido a um vírus informático.

The system crashed due to a computer virus.

Technical context.

6

Espero que o dia não se estrague com notícias tristes.

I hope the day isn't ruined by sad news.

Subjunctive after 'esperar que'.

7

A madeira estragou-se com a humidade excessiva.

The wood rotted/warped due to excessive humidity.

Cause indicated by 'devido a' or 'com'.

8

A amizade deles estragou-se por causa de dinheiro.

Their friendship was ruined over money.

Social consequence.

1

O debate público estragou-se com insultos pessoais.

Public debate was degraded by personal insults.

Describing the quality of discourse.

2

A integridade do projeto estragou-se com tantas concessões.

The integrity of the project was compromised by so many concessions.

Abstract concept of integrity.

3

Diz-se que a língua se estraga com o uso excessivo de estrangeirismos.

It is said that the language is corrupted by the excessive use of foreignisms.

Passive 'diz-se' and 'se' placement.

4

O tecido social de uma nação estraga-se com a desigualdade.

The social fabric of a nation is ruined by inequality.

Sociological metaphor.

5

É imperativo que não se estrague esta oportunidade única.

It is imperative that this unique opportunity is not wasted.

Formal 'imperativo que' + subjunctive.

6

A obra de arte estragou-se devido à negligência do museu.

The artwork was damaged due to the museum's negligence.

Institutional responsibility.

7

O equilíbrio ecológico estraga-se com a poluição dos rios.

The ecological balance is ruined by the pollution of rivers.

Scientific/Environmental context.

8

A surpresa estragou-se quando ele viu o bolo antes da hora.

The surprise was ruined when he saw the cake ahead of time.

Situational outcome.

1

A pureza da sua intenção estragou-se perante o pragmatismo político.

The purity of his intention was corrupted in the face of political pragmatism.

Highly abstract/literary.

2

O legado do autor estragou-se com a publicação de obras inacabadas.

The author's legacy was tarnished by the publication of unfinished works.

Nuanced use for 'tarnished'.

3

Teme-se que a coesão europeia se estrague perante o nacionalismo.

It is feared that European cohesion will be ruined in the face of nationalism.

Passive 'teme-se' + subjunctive.

4

A sonoridade do poema estraga-se se mudarmos uma única sílaba.

The sonority of the poem is ruined if we change a single syllable.

Aesthetic precision.

5

A essência da democracia estraga-se quando o diálogo morre.

The essence of democracy is ruined when dialogue dies.

Philosophical statement.

6

O verniz da civilização estraga-se facilmente em tempos de crise.

The veneer of civilization is easily ruined in times of crisis.

Metaphorical 'verniz' (veneer).

7

A harmonia arquitetónica da praça estragou-se com o novo edifício.

The architectural harmony of the square was ruined by the new building.

Aesthetic criticism.

8

A paciência do mestre estragou-se após sucessivas insolências.

The master's patience wore thin/was ruined after successive insolences.

Describing psychological states.

Collocations courantes

comida estragar-se
carro estragar-se
tempo estragar-se
planos estragarem-se
telemóvel estragar-se
relação estragar-se
negócio estragar-se
dia estragar-se
surpresa estragar-se
fruta estragar-se

Phrases Courantes

Vai-se estragar.

— It's going to go bad / It's going to break.

Come a fruta, senão vai-se estragar.

Já se estragou.

— It's already spoiled / It's already broken.

Não tentes ligar o rádio, já se estragou.

Para não se estragar.

— So that it doesn't spoil / break.

Põe o leite no frio para não se estragar.

O que é que se estragou?

— What broke? / What went bad?

Ouvi um barulho na cozinha. O que é que se estragou?

Estragou-se tudo.

— Everything was ruined / Everything broke down.

Houve um curto-circuito e estragou-se tudo.

Não deixes estragar-se.

— Don't let it go to waste / Don't let it break.

Tens tanto talento, não deixes estragar-se.

Costuma estragar-se.

— It usually breaks / spoils.

Este modelo de carro costuma estragar-se facilmente.

Pode estragar-se.

— It might break / spoil.

Cuidado, isso é frágil e pode estragar-se.

Antes que se estrague.

— Before it spoils / breaks.

Vamos comer o bolo antes que se estrague.

Quase se estragou.

— It almost broke / spoiled.

O computador apanhou água, mas quase não se estragou.

Souvent confondu avec

estragar-se vs quebrar

English 'break'. Use 'quebrar' for physical shattering and 'estragar-se' for malfunctioning.

estragar-se vs partir

In Portugal, 'partir' is used for breaking things like glass or legs. Don't use it for food spoiling.

estragar-se vs magoar-se

Means 'to hurt oneself'. English speakers sometimes say 'estragar-se' when they mean they got hurt.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Estragar o prazer"

— To spoil the fun or enjoyment of something.

Não contes o final do filme, vais estragar o prazer!

Informal
"Estragar-se com mimos"

— To be spoiled (as in a child getting too much attention/gifts).

Aquela criança está a estragar-se com tantos mimos.

Neutral
"Estragar o velório"

— To ruin a situation, especially by being a 'party pooper' or bringing bad news.

Eu não queria estragar o velório, mas o projeto foi cancelado.

Informal
"Ficar estragado"

— To be very tired, hungover, or physically exhausted.

Depois da maratona, fiquei todo estragado.

Slang
"Estragar a pintura"

— To mess things up or ruin a perfect situation/appearance.

Ele chegou atrasado e estragou a pintura da cerimónia.

Informal
"Mudar para não estragar"

— An ironic way of saying that changing something might actually make it worse.

A equipa estava a ganhar, não deviam ter mudado nada para não estragar.

Informal
"Estragar a festa a alguém"

— To ruin someone's plans or celebration.

A polícia chegou e estragou a festa aos vizinhos.

Neutral
"Deitar a perder / Estragar tudo"

— To throw everything away or ruin a whole effort.

Um erro estúpido estragou tudo o que tínhamos feito.

Neutral
"Estragar-se de riso"

— To laugh uncontrollably (to 'break' oneself laughing).

Nós estragámo-nos de riso com a piada dele.

Informal
"O que não tem remédio, remediado está"

— Related idiom: 'What can't be cured must be endured' (often used when something 'se estragou' and can't be fixed).

O vaso partiu-se. Paciência, o que não tem remédio, remediado está.

Proverb

Facile à confondre

estragar-se vs estragar

Transitive vs. Reflexive.

Estragar means YOU ruin something. Estragar-se means IT ruins itself or becomes ruined.

Eu estraguei o bolo (I ruined the cake) vs. O bolo estragou-se (The cake went bad).

estragar-se vs avariar

Both mean 'to break'.

Avariar is only for machines. Estragar is for machines, food, and situations.

A car can 'avariar' or 'estragar-se', but a banana can only 'estragar-se'.

estragar-se vs apodrecer

Both used for food.

Apodrecer is specific to rotting. Estragar-se is general spoilage.

The meat 'estragou-se' (maybe it just smells off), but the log 'apodreceu' (it's rotting away).

estragar-se vs corromper

Both mean 'to go bad'.

Corromper is usually for morals or computer files. Estragar-se is for physical things.

The file 'corrompeu-se', but the toaster 'estragou-se'.

estragar-se vs danificar

Both imply damage.

Danificar is often external damage (a scratch, a dent). Estragar-se is internal failure.

The box was 'danificada' in the mail, but the electronics inside 'estragaram-se'.

Structures de phrases

A1

[Food] + estragou-se.

O queijo estragou-se.

A2

[Object] + estragou-se + [Time/Place].

O rádio estragou-se ontem.

B1

[Plan/Situation] + estragou-se + por causa de + [Reason].

O passeio estragou-se por causa do vento.

B1

Se + [Subject] + se estragar...

Se o telemóvel se estragar, compro um novo.

B2

Não deixes que + [Subject] + se estrague.

Não deixes que a comida se estrague.

C1

[Abstract Concept] + estragou-se + devido a + [Complex Cause].

A democracia estragou-se devido à desinformação.

C1

Diz-se que + [Subject] + se estraga...

Diz-se que a juventude se estraga com a falta de limites.

C2

[Metaphorical Subject] + estragar-se-ia + se...

A harmonia da alma estragar-se-ia se não houvesse silêncio.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely frequent in daily spoken Portuguese.

Erreurs courantes
  • O leite estragou. → O leite estragou-se.

    In standard Portuguese, the reflexive pronoun is required for the meaning of 'spoiling'.

  • O copo estragou-se. → O copo partiu-se / quebrou-se.

    If a glass shatters physically, use 'partir' or 'quebrar'. 'Estragar' is for functional failure.

  • Eu acho que estragou-se. → Eu acho que se estragou.

    The word 'que' triggers the pronoun to move before the verb.

  • A carne passou. → A carne estragou-se.

    While 'passar do prazo' exists, 'estragar-se' is the standard way to say food is bad.

  • Eu estraguei-me no braço. → Eu magoei-me no braço.

    Use 'magoar-se' for physical injuries to the body.

Astuces

Watch the 'se'

Always remember the reflexive pronoun. If you don't use it, the sentence feels incomplete to a native speaker.

Food vs. Machines

It's the perfect 'bridge' word. Use it for everything that was good but is now bad, whether it's an apple or a car.

The Hard 'G'

The 'g' in 'estragar' is always hard, like in 'game'. Never pronounce it like a 'j'.

Brazil vs. Portugal

In Portugal, say 'estragou-se'. In Brazil, you'll often hear 'se estragou' or just 'estragou'.

Weather Warning

When you hear 'O tempo vai estragar-se', grab an umbrella. It means rain is coming.

Extra Garbage

Associate 'estragar' with 'extra garbage'. If it's 'estragado', throw it in the trash.

Laughing Hard

Use 'estragar-se de riso' to tell someone you were 'cracking up' with laughter.

Trigger Words

Remember that 'que', 'quem', 'não', and 'nunca' move the 'se' to the front.

Short 'E'

In Portugal, the first 'e' is so short it's almost not there. Listen for 'shtragar'.

Softening Blame

Use the reflexive 'estragou-se' to describe a mistake without sounding like you're blaming someone directly.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Extra Garbage'. When something 'se estraga', it becomes 'Extra Garbage' because it is spoiled or broken.

Association visuelle

Imagine a bright green apple slowly turning brown and mushy, or a car engine with steam coming out. These are the two 'faces' of estragar-se.

Word Web

Leite Carro Computador Fruta Planos Tempo Telemóvel Relação

Défi

Try to find three things in your house that could 'estragar-se' (one food item, one electronic, and one abstract thing like a plan) and write a sentence for each.

Origine du mot

From the Vulgar Latin *extragare, which likely comes from 'extra' (outside) and 'agere' (to lead/drive), implying leading something out of its proper state.

Sens originel : To lead out of the way, to deviate, and later to waste or destroy.

Romance (Latin origin).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'estragar-se' for people; it can imply moral bankruptcy or being 'damaged goods' if used insensitively.

English speakers often use 'break' or 'spoil'. Portuguese uses 'estragar-se' for both, which can be confusing at first but eventually simplifies your vocabulary.

The song 'Estragaste Tudo' (You Ruined Everything) by various Portuguese artists. Literary descriptions of the 'estragar-se' of the Portuguese Empire in historical novels. The common news headline 'O tempo vai estragar-se no fim de semana'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the mechanic

  • O motor estragou-se.
  • Os travões estragaram-se.
  • A bateria estragou-se.
  • Não sei o que se estragou.

In the kitchen

  • O leite estragou-se.
  • A fruta está a estragar-se.
  • Isto vai estragar-se?
  • Cheira a estragado.

Talking about weather

  • O tempo vai estragar-se.
  • O dia estragou-se com a chuva.
  • A previsão diz que o tempo se vai estragar.
  • Estragou-se o sol.

At the electronics store

  • O ecrã estragou-se.
  • O carregador estragou-se.
  • O sistema estragou-se sozinho.
  • Tem garantia se se estragar?

Socializing/Plans

  • O plano estragou-se.
  • A surpresa estragou-se.
  • Não estragues a festa!
  • A relação deles estragou-se.

Amorces de conversation

"O teu telemóvel já se estragou alguma vez este ano?"

"O que é que fazes quando a comida se estraga no frigorífico?"

"Já tiveste um carro que se estragou no meio de uma viagem importante?"

"Achas que o tempo se vai estragar este fim de semana?"

"Qual foi o plano mais divertido que se estragou por causa da chuva?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreve sobre uma vez em que um objeto importante se estragou e como resolveste o problema.

Descreve um dia perfeito que se estragou por causa de um pequeno detalhe.

O que é que costumas fazer para evitar que a comida se estrague em tua casa?

Pensa numa relação ou amizade que se estragou. O que aconteceu?

Escreve sobre as máquinas que mais se estragam na tua opinião e porquê.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Not usually. For a broken heart, we use 'coração partido'. However, you could say 'a nossa relação estragou-se', meaning the relationship went bad.

No. 'Quebrar' is for physical breaking (shattering). 'Estragar-se' is for things that stop working or go bad (like food).

Grammatically yes, but in casual speech, they often omit it: 'O carro estragou'. In Portugal, the 'se' is almost always kept.

You can say 'O leite está estragado' (state) or 'O leite estragou-se' (action/process).

Yes, 'O computador estragou-se' is very common, though technical people might say 'O sistema crashou' or 'O sistema foi abaixo'.

The opposite would be 'consertar-se' (to be fixed) or 'conservar-se' (to stay fresh/preserved).

It is neutral. It can be used in almost any context, though 'avariar-se' is more formal for machines.

Yes, usually meaning to ruin one's life or health: 'Ele estragou-se com as drogas'.

For 'it', use 'estragou-se'. For 'they', use 'estragaram-se'.

Because in Portuguese, negative words like 'não' attract the reflexive pronoun to the position before the verb.

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Teste-toi 186 questions

writing

Escreve uma frase sobre comida que foi deixada fora do frigorífico.

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writing

Escreve uma frase sobre um telemóvel que parou de funcionar.

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writing

Usa a palavra 'estragar-se' para descrever o tempo hoje.

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Explica o que acontece a uma banana se a deixares na mesa por duas semanas.

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writing

Escreve uma frase negativa usando o verbo 'estragar-se'.

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Cria um diálogo curto entre duas pessoas sobre um carro avariado.

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Usa 'estragar-se' num contexto de amizade ou relação.

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Escreve um aviso para uma embalagem de comida.

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Descreve um plano de férias que correu mal.

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Usa o futuro do conjuntivo (se + estragar-se).

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Usa o condicional (estragar-se-ia).

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Escreve sobre as consequências da poluição usando o verbo.

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Cria uma frase sobre um brinquedo partido.

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Usa o verbo para falar de uma surpresa.

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Escreve sobre o estado de um edifício antigo.

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Usa 'estragar-se de riso' numa frase.

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writing

Explica a diferença entre 'estragar' e 'estragar-se'.

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writing

Cria uma frase formal usando 'deteriorar-se'.

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Escreve uma frase sobre um político e a sua reputação.

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writing

Usa a palavra 'estragos' numa frase sobre uma tempestade.

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speaking

Diz em voz alta: 'O leite estragou-se.'

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speaking

Explica por que não devemos comer comida estragada.

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speaking

Pergunta a alguém se o telemóvel dele já se estragou.

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Conta uma história curta sobre um carro que se estragou.

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Como dirias que o tempo está a ficar mau?

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speaking

Usa a expressão 'estragar-se de riso' numa frase falada.

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speaking

Diz: 'Não deixes que a comida se estrague.'

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speaking

Como avisarias um amigo que o iogurte dele está fora do prazo?

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speaking

Descreve um objeto que tenhas em casa que esteja estragado.

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O que fazes quando os teus planos se estragam?

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speaking

Diz: 'O meu dia estragou-se completamente.'

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speaking

Como se diz 'The machine broke' de forma formal?

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speaking

Explica o que significa 'estragar a surpresa'.

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Diz: 'Se o motor se estragar, vai ser caro.'

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speaking

O que achas que 'estraga' uma amizade?

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speaking

Pronuncia corretamente: 'estragou-se'.

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speaking

Fala sobre uma fruta que se estraga depressa.

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speaking

Como dirias que um ficheiro de computador não abre?

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speaking

Diz: 'Espero que nada se estrague hoje.'

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speaking

Descreve a sensação de 'ficar estragado' depois de um treino.

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listening

Ouve e escreve: 'O leite estragou-se.'

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listening

Ouve e identifica o objeto: 'O meu carro estragou-se na ponte.'

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listening

Ouve e identifica o tempo verbal: 'A comida vai estragar-se.'

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listening

Ouve e responde: 'O tempo estragou-se, vamos para casa?' Para onde vão as pessoas?

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listening

Ouve e escreve: 'Não se estragou nada.'

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listening

Ouve e identifica o sentimento: 'O meu dia estragou-se com esta notícia.'

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listening

Ouve: 'A máquina de lavar estragou-se de novo.' Quantas vezes aconteceu?

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listening

Ouve: 'Se o computador se estragar, eu choro.' O que acontece se o computador quebrar?

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listening

Ouve e escreve: 'A fruta estraga-se no calor.'

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listening

Ouve: 'A surpresa estragou-se por tua causa.' Quem é o culpado?

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listening

Ouve: 'O queijo já cheira mal, deve estar estragado.' Qual o sentido usado?

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listening

Ouve e escreve: 'A amizade estragou-se.'

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listening

Ouve: 'O motor avariou-se.' Qual o sinónimo ouvido?

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listening

Ouve: 'Não deixes estragar-se o bolo.' O que não deve acontecer ao bolo?

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listening

Ouve e identifica se é singular ou plural: 'As máquinas estragaram-se.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 186 correct

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