Spanish Conversation · Level 133
44 words
Spanish word
averiar
Pronunciation
IPA/aβeˈɾjaɾ/
Meaning
- verbbreak down
Example
Mi coche se averió ayer.
My car broke down yesterday.
More examples
El televisor se averió durante el partido.
The television broke down during the match.
Core concept
A car stopped on the roadside with its hood open.
Common phrases
averiarse el motor
engine break down
averiarse el televisor
television break down
averiarse el electrodoméstico
appliance break down
Similar words
fallar: A machine or device fails to work as expected, showing a malfunction.
estropear: An object or machine becomes damaged or worn so it no longer works.
romperse: An item breaks or cracks, suffering physical damage that prevents use.
descomponer: A machine or device suffers internal failure and ceases to function properly.
Definition in Spanish
Causar daño o dejar de funcionar correctamente, especialmente referido a máquinas, vehículos o aparatos.
Word origin
The verb averiar comes from the noun avería, itself from medieval French avarie 'damage to cargo', with Spanish -ar forming the verb meaning 'to cause a breakdown'.
Usage tips
- Use averiarse (se averió) when something fails on its own, and use averiar + object when saying someone or something causes the damage.