estropearse
spoil
The Spanish word 'estropearse' is a verb that translates to 'spoil' in English. It is often used to refer to something that has been wrecked or ruined over time. This can apply to various contexts, such as food becoming rotten or spoiled, an object getting damaged, or a situation turning unfavorable. The verb is reflexive in Spanish, meaning the action is performed on the subject itself, hence the 'se' ending.
Example sentences using: estropearse
Mi coche se va a estropear si no lo reparo pronto.
My car is going to break down if I don't repair it soon.
This sentence demonstrates a future possibility where a specific action (not repairing) will lead to a negative outcome (car breaking down). In Spanish, the reflexive verb 'estropearse' is used to express the concept of something breaking down.
Niños, no jueguen con la computadora, podría estropearse.
Kids, don't play with the computer, it could break.
In this example sentence, the speaker warns the kids not to play with the computer because it could break ('estropearse'). The verb estropearse again demonstrates the concept of something breaking and is used to express a potential outcome if a certain action is performed.
No quiero estropear la sorpresa.
I don't want to spoil the surprise.
In this sentence, 'estropear' is used in a figurative way to express 'ruining' or 'spoiling' something, not physically damaging it. Nouns like surprise, party, plan, mood, or moment can be 'estropeados' when the pleasant feeling or the expectation about them is ruined or diminished.