averiarse
/abeɾjaɾse/from spelling rules
To break down (in the sense of ceasing to function) in Spanish is averiarse.
Depending on the context of what is being broken down, other formal verbs may be more appropriate: descomponer is used for the breakdown of mechanical parts or complex systems, desglosar is a formal translation for 'break down' and analizar can be used in a formal context to express breaking down a problem or situation into smaller parts.
Meaning: to cease to function, (other than above) (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
/abeɾjaɾse/
Did you know?
- If you are 'breaking down' a complex argument in a formal debate, using desmenuzar suggests you are 'mincing' or 'crumbling' the argument into tiny, morsel-sized pieces.
- The verb desglosar is the preferred term for 'breaking down' a budget or a list of costs, which literally means to 'un-glue' or 'un-bind' the items into separate parts.
- If you use the verb descomponer to describe a machine failing, you might accidentally imply that it is 'rotting' or 'decaying', as the word is also used for organic matter spoiling.
Examples in context
- El informe desglosa los datos de ventas por región.The report breaks down the sales data by region.
- El auto se descompuso en mitad del camino.The car broke down in the middle of the road.
- Vamos a analizar los factores que crean estrés en el trabajo.We are going to break down the factors that create stress in the workplace.
- El experto desglosará los resultados del estudio en su presentación.The expert will break down the study's results in his presentation.
- La lavadora se descompuso debido a un problema eléctrico.The washing machine broke down due to an electrical problem.
- El análisis del investigador ayudó a desglosar los factores de riesgo.The researcher's analysis helped to break down the risk factors.
- El chiste me hizo partirme de risa.The joke made me break down laughing.
- La película me hizo partirme de risa en el cine.The movie made me break down laughing at the movie theater.
- El televisor falló durante el partido.The TV broke down during the game.
- El ascensor suele averiarse en invierno.The elevator tends to break down in winter.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry averiarse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
