What does it mean word for word?
In the form enderezarlo, the suffix -lo is an enclitic pronoun meaning 'it' (masculine) that is attached to the end of the infinitive enderezar.
Which one should you use?
While enderezarlo specifically conveys the idea of straightening or aligning something, other verbs can be used depending on the context of 'fixing' a situation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, native speakers might use acomodarlo to express the idea of straightening something out. In Spain, enderezarlo is a common alternative to arreglarlo when you specifically mean to straighten or align an object.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, you can express 'straighten it out' as a single word by attaching the object pronoun to the end of the infinitive. Use enderezarlo when the object being straightened is a masculine noun. If the object being straightened is a feminine noun, the suffix changes from -lo to -la, resulting in enderezarla.
How do you pronounce it?
/endeɾeθaɾlo/
Did you know?
- The root of enderezar is derecho, which means 'straight'. In Spanish, this same word is used to describe 'rights' in a legal sense, such as human rights.
- The verb enderezar shares a linguistic ancestor with the English word 'direct'. Both derive from the Latin directus, meaning something that has been made straight.
- If you are straightening out a messy situation or a misunderstanding rather than a physical object, a Spaniard might use desenredar el asunto, which literally means 'to untangle the matter'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, necesito que lo arregles.Please, I need you to straighten it out.
- Pido disculpas por el inconveniente. Trabajaremos para solucionarlo lo antes posible.I apologize for the inconvenience. We will work to straighten it out as soon as possible.
- Oye, ¿puedes arreglarlo?Hey, can you straighten it out?
- Necesitamos ponerlo en orden antes de que lleguen los invitados.We need to straighten it out before the guests arrive.
- No te olvides de acomodarlo todo antes de irte.Don't forget to straighten it all out before leaving.
- Por favor, podrías enderezarlo un poco más.Please, could you straighten it out a bit more.
- Tengo que enderezarlo.I have to straighten it out.
- Él intentó enderezarlo con cuidado.He tried to straighten it out carefully.
- Puedes enderezarlo con las manos.You can straighten it out with your hands.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are looking at a bent metal rod in the garage.
- Mateo¿Puedes enderezarlo, Sofía?Can you straighten it out, Sofía?
- SofíaSí, lo intentaré ahora.Yes, I will try it now.
- MateoTen cuidado de no doblarlo más.Be careful not to bend it more.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, Mateo.Don't worry, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
