estropear
Lemma Details
Translation: to damage; to spoil; to ruin; to break; to mess up
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from Old Italian 'stroppiare' (to cripple, to maim), which comes from Vulgar Latin *extorpidare (to make torpid or numb). The Latin root 'torpidus' (numb, sluggish) is also the origin of English words like 'torpid' and 'torpor'. The semantic evolution went from making something numb to causing it to malfunction or be damaged.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 20%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La lluvia estropeó nuestra excursión.
The rain ruined our excursion.
Ten cuidado, no vayas a estropear el televisor nuevo.
Be careful, don't damage the new television.
La leche se ha estropeado por el calor.
The milk has gone bad because of the heat.
Estropeaste la sorpresa al contarle todo.
You ruined the surprise by telling him everything.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'estropear' as 'destroy-pear' - imagine destroying a pear to remember it means 'to damage' or 'to spoil'.
- The 'estro' part sounds like 'destroy' in English, which is similar in meaning.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Widely used in everyday Spanish across all Spanish-speaking countries. Often used in domestic contexts about appliances, food going bad, or plans being ruined.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'estropear' means to damage or ruin something, 'estorbar' means to obstruct, hinder, or get in the way.
Confused word:
No te quedes en la puerta, estás estorbando el paso.
Don't stand in the doorway, you're blocking the way.
Notes: Both verbs start with 'esto-' and have negative connotations, but affect things differently - one damages, the other obstructs.
Mnemonic: 'Estropear' has 'rope' in it - imagine a rope breaking (damaging). 'Estorbar' has 'bar' in it - imagine a bar blocking your way.
Explanation: 'Estropear' means to damage or ruin, while 'extrañar' means to miss someone or something, or to find something strange.
Notes: These verbs sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings and contexts of use.
Mnemonic: 'Extrañar' contains 'extra' - think of extra feelings (missing someone) or finding something extra strange.