arreglar
/areˈɡlaɾ/
To fix in Spanish is arreglar.
The verb arreglar is used to describe the act of repairing something that is broken or not working correctly. It is a polysemous word, meaning it can also mean to arrange or organize, depending on the context in which it is used.
Which one should you use?
While arreglar is the most common way to express the idea of fixing something, reparar is a formal synonym often used in professional or technical contexts. In informal situations, specifically when talking about fixing a machine or making it work properly, you might use the expression poner a punto.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to say 'to fix it' regarding a masculine object, you attach the object pronoun lo to the end of the infinitive to form arreglarlo.
How do you pronounce it?
/areˈɡlaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse arreglar (to fix or arrange) with the reflexive form arreglarse, which means to get ready or to fix oneself through personal grooming or preparation.
Did you know?
- Because arreglar also means 'to arrange', it can be used to describe 'fixing' a problem through a deal or a bribe, such as arreglar el partido for 'fixing the match'.
- While arreglar is used for general repairs, a Spanish speaker would use curar to 'fix' or 'heal' a wound, as arreglar would sound unnervingly like they are repairing a piece of furniture.
- The word arreglar is built from regla, meaning 'rule'. It literally describes the act of bringing something back into a straight line or a proper order.
Examples in context
- Yo sé cómo arreglar eso.I know how to fix that.This sentence shows how to use arreglar to express knowing how to fix something.Tatoeba #4398211 by pchamorro, translation #3736351 by CK
- Le encanta arreglar cosas.He loves to fix things.This sentence uses arreglar to describe a love for fixing things.Tatoeba #8966372 by arh, translation #9844118 by Ricardo14
- ¿Cómo pretendes arreglar esto?How do you intend to fix this?This sentence demonstrates a question about the intention to fix something using arreglar.Tatoeba #1875662 by Shishir, translation #1789088 by Spamster
- Necesito reparar mi computadora porque no enciende.I need to fix my computer because it won't turn on.
- Voy a solucionar el problema con la impresora.I am going to fix the problem with the printer.
- Necesito arreglar la puerta de la entrada, está rota.I need to fix the front door, it's broken.
- Tienes que componer tu bicicleta, las llantas están desinfladas.You need to fix your bike, the tires are flat.
- Tardé una hora en arreglarme para la fiesta.It took me an hour to get ready for the party.
- Necesito poner a punto mi coche antes del viaje.I need to fix/tune up my car before the trip.
- Debo remendar mis pantalones rotos antes de usarlos.I need to fix my torn pants before wearing them.
- Voy a enmendar mi error y disculparme contigo.I'm going to fix my mistake and apologize to you.
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is in their kitchen looking at a broken sink.
- MaríaJavier, el fregadero no funciona.Javier, the sink is not working.
- JavierNo te preocupes, yo lo voy a arreglar.Don't worry, I am going to fix it.
- María¿Sabes cómo arreglarlo?Do you know how to fix it?
- JavierSí, tengo las herramientas necesarias.Yes, I have the necessary tools.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry arreglar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arreglar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
