estragar in 30 Seconds
- Estragar is a common Portuguese verb meaning to spoil, break, or ruin.
- It applies to food (spoiling), objects (malfunctioning), and abstract plans (ruining).
- It is a regular -ar verb, and its adjective form is 'estragado'.
- It is less dramatic than 'arruinar' and more general than 'quebrar'.
The Portuguese verb estragar is a versatile and essential term in the daily life of any Portuguese speaker. At its core, it conveys the idea of something losing its functionality, quality, or integrity. Whether you are talking about a piece of fruit that has gone bad in the heat, a mechanical device that has ceased to function, or a social situation that has been ruined by an insensitive comment, 'estragar' is the go-to word. It bridges the gap between physical decay, mechanical failure, and metaphorical ruin. For an English speaker, it translates most directly to 'to spoil,' 'to break,' 'to damage,' or 'to ruin,' depending heavily on the context in which it is placed.
- Physical Objects
- When a child plays too roughly with a toy and it snaps, or when a computer stops working due to a virus or hardware failure, we use 'estragar'. It implies a transition from a state of being useful or whole to a state of being broken or useless.
Cuidado para não estragar o meu computador novo.
- Food and Perishables
- In the culinary world, 'estragar' refers to the process of decomposition or spoilage. If you leave milk out of the fridge in the Brazilian summer, it will 'estragar' quickly. Here, it is synonymous with 'apodrecer' (to rot) or 'azedar' (to sour).
O calor fez a carne estragar em poucas horas.
- Abstract Concepts and Plans
- One of the most common uses is in social contexts. If someone reveals the ending of a movie, they 'estragam o final'. If rain cancels a long-awaited picnic, the weather 'estragou os planos'. It suggests that the enjoyment or the intended outcome of an event has been compromised.
Não conte o segredo, você vai estragar a surpresa!
Aqueles pais acabaram por estragar o filho com tantos presentes.
Se você mexer aí sem saber, pode estragar o motor.
Understanding 'estragar' requires recognizing that it is a verb of transition. It describes the moment or process where something moves from 'good/working' to 'bad/broken'. It is high-frequency because it covers so many different English verbs in one single Portuguese package. Whether you are a mechanic, a chef, or just a friend trying not to ruin a party, 'estragar' will be part of your vocabulary. It is also important to note the reflexive form 'estragar-se', which is used when something spoils or breaks on its own, though in spoken Brazilian Portuguese, the reflexive pronoun is often dropped, and the context makes it clear.
Using 'estragar' correctly involves understanding its conjugation as a regular '-ar' verb and its interaction with different subjects. Because it applies to both animate and inanimate objects, the sentence structure is quite flexible. You can use it transitively (someone ruins something) or intransitively/reflexively (something goes bad). In this section, we will explore the grammatical nuances that allow you to express everything from a broken phone to a ruined reputation with precision and natural flow.
- Direct Object Usage
- When you are the cause of the damage, 'estragar' takes a direct object. You 'estragar' the thing. For example, 'Eu estraguei o relógio' (I broke the watch). There is no need for a preposition between the verb and the noun it affects.
A chuva vai estragar o seu penteado novo.
- Reflexive and Spontaneous Action
- In more formal or European Portuguese, when something spoils by itself, you use 'estragar-se'. 'A comida estragou-se no calor.' In Brazil, however, it is much more common to say 'A comida estragou no calor.' Both are understood, but the latter feels more natural in everyday Brazilian conversation.
Parece que a televisão estragou sozinha ontem à noite.
- Past Participle as Adjective
- The past participle 'estragado' (spoiled/broken) is used extensively as an adjective. 'Comida estragada' (spoiled food), 'Carro estragado' (broken car). It must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (estragado, estragada, estragados, estragadas).
Não coma isso, o cheiro indica que está estragado.
O técnico disse que não vale a pena consertar, pois você vai estragar o aparelho de vez.
Se você continuar gritando, vai estragar o clima da festa.
In summary, 'estragar' is a workhorse verb. It fits into the standard '-ar' conjugation pattern (eu estrago, você estraga, nós estragamos, eles estragam). Whether you are blaming someone for a mishap or describing the natural decay of time, this verb provides the semantic range necessary for clear communication. Remember to distinguish between the action of ruining (estragar) and the state of being ruined (estar estragado). This distinction is vital for accurate descriptions in Portuguese.
You will hear 'estragar' everywhere—from the kitchen to the mechanic's shop, and from a child's playroom to a high-stakes business meeting. It is a word that transcends social class and professional boundaries. Because it covers both the literal and the figurative, its frequency is incredibly high. Let's look at the specific environments where this word is most prevalent and the nuances it carries in those settings.
- In the Kitchen and Supermarket
- This is perhaps the most common place. People checking the expiration dates or the smell of milk will often ask: 'Isso está estragado?' (Is this spoiled?). Chefs warn assistants not to 'estragar o molho' (ruin the sauce) by adding too much salt.
Esqueci o tomate fora da geladeira e ele acabou por estragar.
- With Technology and Cars
- When a car breaks down on the highway, the driver might say: 'O carro estragou no meio da estrada.' It is a general term for failure. In technical support, a user might complain: 'A atualização estragou meu celular' (The update broke/ruined my phone).
Não force a chave ou você vai estragar a fechadura.
- Social Life and Relationships
- This is where 'estragar' gets emotional. If a couple fights during a vacation, they might say the argument 'estragou a viagem'. It implies that the positive atmosphere was destroyed. It is also used for 'spoiler' alerts: 'Não estraga o filme!' (Don't ruin/spoil the movie!).
Aquela fofoca maldosa serviu apenas para estragar a amizade deles.
A geada pode estragar toda a plantação de café.
Por que você tinha que estragar tudo contando a verdade agora?
By listening to how Brazilians and Portuguese people use 'estragar', you'll notice it's a very 'active' word. It often carries a sense of frustration or regret. When something 'estraga', it's an inconvenience. When someone 'estraga' something, it's often a point of blame. Pay attention to the tone—it can range from a casual 'Oops, I broke it' to a serious 'You've ruined my life'. This versatility makes it one of the most expressive verbs in your A2 toolkit.
While 'estragar' is a relatively straightforward verb, English speakers often fall into traps because of the multiple English equivalents it covers. The most common errors involve using 'estragar' when 'quebrar' is more appropriate, or failing to use the correct adjective form. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native and less like a translation software.
- Estragar vs. Quebrar
- 'Quebrar' usually implies physical breakage into pieces (like a glass or a bone). 'Estragar' implies a loss of function or quality. If your phone screen is shattered, it is 'quebrado'. If the screen is fine but the phone won't turn on, it is 'estragado'. Confusing these two is a classic learner mistake.
Não diga 'o leite quebrou', diga 'o leite estragou'.
- Overusing 'Arruinar'
- English speakers often reach for 'arruinar' because it sounds like 'ruin'. While 'arruinar' exists in Portuguese, it is much more formal and dramatic. For everyday things like ruining a surprise or a dinner, 'estragar' is far more natural. Using 'arruinar' for a burnt toast sounds overly theatrical.
Você vai estragar o seu futuro se não estudar (Natural) vs. Você vai arruinar seu futuro (Formal/Dramatic).
- Agreement with 'Estragado'
- Remember that 'estragado' is an adjective. Many students forget to change the ending to match the noun. It's 'a comida estragada' (feminine) and 'os ovos estragados' (masculine plural). Forgetting this agreement is a sign of an A1/A2 level plateau.
Aquelas frutas estão estragadas, jogue-as fora.
Se você deixar a porta aberta, vai estragar o ar-condicionado.
O excesso de sol pode estragar a pintura do carro.
To avoid these mistakes, always ask yourself: Is it broken into pieces (quebrar)? Is it a serious, life-altering ruin (arruinar)? Or is it just no longer good/working (estragar)? Most of the time, 'estragar' is your safest and most natural bet. Practice the adjective agreement regularly, and you'll find that 'estragar' becomes one of the most useful tools in your linguistic belt.
While 'estragar' is incredibly common, expanding your vocabulary means knowing when to use more specific synonyms. Depending on whether you are talking about a computer, a piece of fruit, or a political scandal, there might be a better word than 'estragar'. Let's compare 'estragar' with its closest relatives to help you choose the right word for the right situation.
- Danificar
- 'Danificar' is more formal than 'estragar'. You will see it in insurance documents or technical manuals. It specifically refers to physical damage. While you can 'estragar' a surprise, you cannot 'danificar' a surprise.
O transporte pode danificar os móveis se não houver cuidado.
- Apodrecer
- When talking about organic matter, 'apodrecer' means 'to rot'. 'Estragar' is the general term for food going bad, but 'apodrecer' is the specific biological process of rotting. If a fruit is completely brown and mushy, it has 'apodrecido'.
As maçãs no fundo da cesta começaram a apodrecer.
- Deteriorar
- 'Deteriorar' implies a slow, gradual decline in quality. It is often used for buildings, health, or relationships. 'Estragar' can be sudden (like dropping a phone), but 'deteriorar' is a process over time.
A falta de manutenção fez a fachada do prédio se deteriorar.
O escândalo serviu para comprometer (compromise/ruin) sua carreira.
Não deixe que esse pequeno erro venha a prejudicar o seu trabalho.
By mastering these alternatives, you move from a basic level of 'everything is estragado' to a more sophisticated ability to describe the specific nature of the problem. However, never forget that in 90% of daily situations, 'estragar' is perfectly acceptable and will make you sound very natural. It is the 'Swiss Army Knife' of Portuguese verbs for anything that isn't quite right.
Examples by Level
O leite estragou.
The milk spoiled.
Simple past tense of a regular -ar verb.
O meu brinquedo está estragado.
My toy is broken.
Adjective 'estragado' matching the masculine noun 'brinquedo'.
A carne estragou no calor.
The meat spoiled in the heat.
Using 'no calor' to explain the cause.
Eu não quero estragar o livro.
I don't want to ruin the book.
Infinitive form after 'querer'.
A televisão estragou ontem.
The TV broke yesterday.
Time marker 'ontem' with past tense.
Esta maçã está estragada?
Is this apple spoiled?
Interrogative sentence with feminine adjective.
Não estrague a mesa!
Don't ruin the table!
Imperative (negative) form.
O pão estragou rápido.
The bread spoiled quickly.
Adverb 'rápido' modifying the verb.
A chuva estragou o nosso piquenique.
The rain ruined our picnic.
Abstract use: ruining an event.
Você vai estragar o seu celular se deixar cair.
You will ruin your phone if you let it fall.
Future construction with 'ir' + infinitive.
Não conte o final, vai estragar o filme!
Don't tell the ending, it will ruin the movie!
Common social usage: spoilers.
O menino estragou o desenho da irmã.
The boy ruined his sister's drawing.
Transitive use with a direct object.
A geladeira quebrou e a comida estragou.
The fridge broke and the food spoiled.
Contrast between 'quebrar' (machine) and 'estragar' (food).
Ele estraga todos os seus sapatos novos.
He ruins all his new shoes.
Present tense indicating a habit.
Eu estraguei o bolo porque usei muito sal.
I ruined the cake because I used too much salt.
Causal clause with 'porque'.
Cuidado para não estragar a surpresa de aniversário.
Careful not to ruin the birthday surprise.
Use of 'para não' + infinitive.
Se você mexer aí, pode estragar tudo.
If you touch that, you might ruin everything.
Conditional 'pode' + infinitive.
Eu espero que a chuva não estrague a festa.
I hope the rain doesn't ruin the party.
Present Subjunctive 'estrague' after 'espero que'.
Eles estragaram a criança com muitos mimos.
They spoiled the child with too many treats/pampering.
Metaphorical use for character development.
O motor estragou-se devido à falta de óleo.
The engine broke down due to lack of oil.
Reflexive form 'estragou-se' (more common in EP).
Não deixe que um pequeno erro estrague o seu dia.
Don't let a small mistake ruin your day.
Subjunctive 'estrague' in a negative command.
O excesso de sol estraga a pele.
Too much sun ruins/damages the skin.
General truth in the present tense.
Nós estragamos a pintura da parede sem querer.
We ruined the wall paint by accident.
Phrase 'sem querer' (by accident/unintentionally).
Pare de reclamar, você está estragando o clima.
Stop complaining, you are ruining the mood.
Present continuous to describe an ongoing effect.
A humidade está a estragar as fundações da casa.
The humidity is damaging the foundations of the house.
Progressive aspect (EP style) with 'estar a' + infinitive.
O escândalo estragou a reputação do político.
The scandal ruined the politician's reputation.
Abstract usage in a professional/public context.
Se eu soubesse que ia estragar, não teria tocado.
If I knew it was going to break, I wouldn't have touched it.
Compound conditional structure.
A poluição está estragando o ecossistema local.
Pollution is ruining the local ecosystem.
Large-scale environmental context.
Não estrague seu futuro por causa de uma bobagem.
Don't ruin your future because of a piece of nonsense.
Advisory tone using the imperative.
O vinho estragou porque a rolha estava seca.
The wine spoiled because the cork was dry.
Specific culinary/beverage context.
A falta de investimento acabou por estragar o projeto.
The lack of investment ended up ruining the project.
Phrasal verb 'acabou por' + infinitive.
É fácil estragar uma amizade de anos com uma mentira.
It's easy to ruin a years-long friendship with a lie.
Impersonal 'é fácil' + infinitive.
A corrupção sistemática estragou as instituições do país.
Systematic corruption ruined the country's institutions.
High-level political/sociological discourse.
O autor tomou cuidado para não estragar a fluidez do texto.
The author took care not to ruin the flow of the text.
Metaphorical use in literary criticism.
Sua arrogância acabou por estragar suas chances de promoção.
His arrogance ended up ruining his chances of promotion.
Psychological/behavioral cause and effect.
A geada tardia estragou a colheita de uvas deste ano.
The late frost ruined this year's grape harvest.
Agricultural/economic context.
Não permitas que a amargura estrague o teu coração.
Do not allow bitterness to ruin your heart.
Poetic/philosophical imperative (Tu form).
O restauro mal feito estragou a pintura original.
The poorly done restoration ruined the original painting.
Artistic/technical context.
A inflação galopante estragou o poder de compra da classe média.
Galloping inflation ruined the purchasing power of the middle class.
Economic terminology.
Ele tem o dom de estragar os momentos mais bonitos com piadas sem graça.
He has a knack for ruining the most beautiful moments with tasteless jokes.
Character description using 'o dom de'.
A entropia dita que tudo tende a se estragar com o tempo.
Entropy dictates that everything tends to decay/spoil over time.
Scientific/philosophical context.
A má gestão de recursos estragou irremediavelmente o património.
Poor resource management irremediably ruined the heritage.
Use of the adverb 'irremediavelmente'.
Estragar-se-ia a surpresa se eu revelasse o segredo agora.
The surprise would be ruined if I revealed the secret now.
Mesoclisis (formal/literary future conditional).
A crueza do relato não chegou a estragar a beleza da obra.
The rawness of the account didn't quite manage to ruin the beauty of the work.
Nuanced literary analysis.
O vício do poder estragou o caráter outrora ilibado do líder.
The addiction to power ruined the once-unblemished character of the leader.
Sophisticated vocabulary ('ilibado', 'outrora').
Não se deve estragar a pureza da infância com preocupações adultas.
One should not spoil the purity of childhood with adult concerns.
Passive voice with 'se'.
A intervenção humana estragou o equilíbrio delicado do bioma.
Human intervention ruined the delicate balance of the biome.
Scientific/Environmental discourse.
O excesso de verniz acabou por estragar a pátina natural da madeira.
The excess of varnish ended up ruining the natural patina of the wood.
Technical/Artistic precision.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— It's broken for good / ruined completely.
Depois daquela queda, o relógio estragou de vez.
Idioms & Expressions
— To ruin a moment, often by bringing up something negative or being a 'party pooper'.
Ele chegou reclamando de dinheiro e estragou o velório.
Informal— To take the joy out of something.
Não quero estragar o prazer, mas o filme é ruim.
Neutral— To laugh excessively (literally 'to ruin oneself laughing').
Nós nos estragamos de rir com aquela piada.
Informal (Brazil)— To ruin someone's plans or success.
O competidor estragou a festa do favorito e venceu.
Neutral— To ruin a situation or a good thing through misuse.
Eles tinham um bom acordo, mas ele estragou o brinquedo.
Informal— To ruin a situation or a deal (literally 'to ruin the broth').
Uma palavra errada pode estragar o caldo da negociaçã
Summary
The verb 'estragar' is the ultimate 'utility' word for anything going wrong in Portuguese. Whether it's milk in the sun or a secret being told too early, use 'estragar' to describe the loss of quality or function. Example: 'Não estrague tudo!' (Don't ruin everything!).
- Estragar is a common Portuguese verb meaning to spoil, break, or ruin.
- It applies to food (spoiling), objects (malfunctioning), and abstract plans (ruining).
- It is a regular -ar verb, and its adjective form is 'estragado'.
- It is less dramatic than 'arruinar' and more general than 'quebrar'.
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Related Grammar Rules
More daily_life words
à noite
A2at night; during the period from sunset to sunrise.
a par de
C1Aware of; abreast of; in addition to.
a propósito
B2By the way; incidentally; speaking of that.
à tarde
A2in the afternoon; during the period from noon to evening.
abastecimento
C1The action of supplying something with something else; provision of goods.
abotoar
B2To fasten (clothing) with buttons.
abranger
C1To cover, encompass, or include a wide range of things.
abre
B1Opens (third person singular of 'abrir').
Abril
A1April
Abrir
A1To open
