averiar
break down
The Spanish word "averiar" is a verb, and it means to break down, to damage, or to cause a malfunction in something, typically referring to machines, vehicles, or equipment.
Meaning:
- To cause a failure or fault in a mechanical or electronic device.
- It can also mean for something to get damaged or stop working properly.
Parts:
- "Averiar" comes from the noun "avería," which means damage or breakdown.
- The suffix "-ar" is a common verb ending in Spanish, used to form infinitive verbs.
Usage Examples:
- Se averió el coche en medio de la carretera.
(The car broke down in the middle of the road.) - La máquina se averió después de pocos días de uso.
(The machine got damaged after only a few days of use.)
Synonyms:
- Estropearse (to break down, to get spoiled)
- Descomponerse (to break down, to get out of order)
- Romper (to break)
Antonyms:
- Funcionar (to work, to function)
- Arreglar (to fix, to repair)
In summary, "averiar" refers to the act of causing or experiencing a malfunction or damage, mostly related to mechanical or technical contexts.
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Examples
El coche se averió en medio del camino.verb
The car broke down in the middle of the road.
Si no revisas las máquinas, pueden averiarse fácilmente.verb
If you don't check the machines, they can break down easily.
¿Qué hacemos si se averían las luces durante la tormenta?verb
What do we do if the lights break down during the storm?
Los teléfonos se averiaron tras la caída de tensión eléctrica.verb
The phones broke down after the power drop.
El ordenador podría averiarse si no lo apagamos correctamente.verb
The computer could break down if we don't turn it off properly.
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