What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the verb abordar, which literally means to board (such as a ship or plane) or to approach and the suffix -lo, which is a direct object pronoun meaning 'it' in reference to a masculine noun or concept.
Which one should you use?
While abordarlo is a general way to say 'address it', other phrases can be used depending on the context. You might use Abordar el tema to mean 'Address the issue' or Tratar el asunto to mean 'Deal with the matter'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the phrase Enfrentar el tema is used to mean 'Address the issue'. In Spain, Resolver el asunto is used to mean 'Resolve the matter'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix attached to the end of the verb changes to agree with the gender and number of the thing being addressed. Use abordarlo for a masculine singular noun or concept, and abordarla for a feminine singular noun (such as la situación or la cuestión). To say 'address them', use abordarlos or abordarlas.
How do you pronounce it?
/aboɾdaɾlo/
Did you know?
- In a nautical context, abordar can refer to two ships colliding or one ship ramming another, which is the origin of the metaphor for 'tackling' a difficult problem.
- The verb abordar is a cognate of the English word 'board', as both come from the Old French word aborder, meaning to reach the side of a ship.
- In a social setting, using the verb abordar can imply a stranger approaching you on the street to start a conversation, often with the intent to sell something or ask for a favor.
Examples in context
- Debemos abordar el tema del cambio climático en la reunión de hoy.We need to address the issue of climate change in today's meeting.
- Es importante tratar el asunto de forma diplomática.It's important to deal with the matter diplomatically.
- Debemos arreglar el asunto lo antes posible.We need to fix the matter as soon as possible.
- Es hora de encarar la situación y buscar una solución.It's time to confront the situation and find a solution.
- Tenemos que enfrentar el tema de la corrupción en nuestra sociedad.We have to address the issue of corruption in our society.
- Debemos resolver el asunto para evitar futuros conflictos.We need to resolve the matter to avoid future conflicts.
- Tenemos que abordarlo cuanto antes.We have to address it as soon as possible.
- Es un problema serio y debemos abordarlo.It is a serious problem and we must address it.
- Antes de seguir, es necesario abordarlo.Before continuing, it is necessary to address it.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing a technical error at work.
- DanielHay un error en el sistema.There is an error in the system.
- SofíaEntiendo, ¿cuándo planeas abordarlo?I understand, when do you plan to address it?
- DanielVoy a abordarlo esta tarde.I am going to address it this afternoon.
- SofíaPerfecto, gracias por hacerlo.Perfect, thanks for doing it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
