Whether you find yourself traveling, living, or interacting with Spanish-speaking individuals, it’s essential to know how to express that something is broken in Spanish. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of saying something is broken, including tips, examples, and regional variations. ¡Vamos!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When communicating in formal settings or with people you don’t have a close relationship with, it’s important to use respectful language. Here are some formal expressions you can use to convey something is broken:
- Está roto/a: This is a straightforward and widely used expression meaning “It is broken.” Remember to adjust the gender of “roto” (masculine) or “rota” (feminine) according to the noun.
- No funciona: If you want to express that something is not functioning, this expression is commonly used. It translates to “It doesn’t work.”
- Ha dejado de funcionar: This expression is a more formal way to say “It has stopped working.”
- Se ha estropeado: When something has become faulty or broken, you can use this expression, which can be translated to “It has become damaged.” This is particularly useful when talking about devices or appliances.
Informal Expressions
Informal expressions are commonly used among friends, family, or people with whom you share a close relationship. Here are some examples of how to say something is broken informally:
- Está hecho pedazos: This expression is a casual way of saying “It’s broken into pieces” or “It’s shattered.”
- Está hecho/a trizas: Similar to the previous expression, this one means “It’s broken to bits” or “It’s in tatters.”
- Está en mal estado: If something is in poor condition or deteriorated, this expression can be used to convey the idea of “It’s in a bad state.”
- Se rompió: This simple and direct expression translates to “It broke.” It’s commonly used to refer to a recent event or when the cause of the damage is already known.
Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken in numerous countries, each with its own local vocabulary and regional variations. While the expressions mentioned above are widely understood, it’s worth noting some regional variations:
- Mexico and Central America: Instead of “Está roto/a,” you may hear “Está descompuesto/a” or “Está averiado/a.”
- Argentina: In Argentina, the verb “romper” is often used as “fajar.” Therefore, you might hear “Está fajado/a” to mean “It’s broken.”
Tips and Examples
Here are a few tips and additional examples to enhance your understanding of how to say something is broken in Spanish:
Tip 1: Remember the Gender Agreement
In Spanish, adjectives need to agree in gender with the noun they refer to. Pay attention to the gender when using expressions like “Está roto/a” or “Está hecho/a trizas.”
Example: La lámpara está rota. (The lamp is broken.)
Tip 2: Combine Formal Language with Informal Gestures
Even when using formal expressions, you can use friendly gestures or facial expressions to maintain a warm tone and build rapport.
Example: Señor, el televisor está roto. (Sir, the TV is broken.)
Tip 3: Use Contextual Clues
If you’re unsure about the right expression to use, rely on context. Observing and listening to native speakers in different situations will help you grasp how to express something is broken more accurately.
Example: ¡Mi teléfono no funciona! (My phone doesn’t work!)
“Está en mal estado, necesito llevarlo a reparar.” (It’s in poor condition, I need to take it for repair.)
Tip 4: Expand Your Vocabulary
Learning additional vocabulary related to objects and their functions will enhance your ability to describe broken items more precisely.
Example: El ordenador ha dejado de funcionar. (The computer has stopped working.)
With these tips, expressions, and examples, you’re well on your way to effectively expressing that something is broken in Spanish. Remember to practice and immerse yourself in the language to deepen your understanding. ¡Buena suerte!
