When learning Spanish, mastering everyday verbs is essential for developing conversational fluency. One such verb is to spoil, which can appear in different contexts and meanings. Whether you’re talking about spoiling a child, ruining food, or giving someone a special treat, Spanish offers several distinct translations for to spoil. Understanding how to use these verbs correctly based on the context will enhance your vocabulary and make your communication more precise and natural in Spanish-speaking settings.
Understanding the Meaning of To Spoil
The English verb to spoil carries multiple meanings depending on the situation. It can mean:
- To ruin something (e.g., a surprise or a movie ending)
- To make food go bad
- To overindulge someone, especially a child
- To treat someone with special kindness or luxury
Each of these meanings translates differently into Spanish, and knowing the right verb for each sense will improve both your speaking and writing accuracy. Spanish is a language that often uses specific verbs for particular contexts, and this is especially true for verbs like to spoil.
To Spoil as in To Ruin
The Verb Arruinar
When to spoil means to ruin something like a party, a surprise, or someone’s mood the appropriate Spanish verb isarruinar.
Examples:
- Don’t spoil the movie for me.No me arruines la pelÃcula.
- The rain spoiled our picnic.La lluvia arruinó nuestro picnic.
Arruinar is a regular verb in Spanish and is commonly used in both formal and informal situations. It is useful for discussing anything that has been negatively affected or destroyed, making it a direct translation in many contexts.
Other Synonyms
Depending on the region or the specific nuance, other words likeestropearcan also be used to express the idea of ruining something.
- Don’t spoil the surprise.No estropees la sorpresa.
Estropear is slightly more colloquial and is frequently used in Spain. It often refers to breaking or damaging objects, but it can also apply to ruining plans or experiences.
To Spoil as in Food Going Bad
The Verb Echarse a Perder
When you’re talking about food that has gone bad or perished, the phraseecharse a perderis commonly used.
Examples:
- The milk spoiled.La leche se echó a perder.
- Don’t leave the meat out, or it will spoil.No dejes la carne fuera o se echará a perder.
This phrase is reflexive and somewhat idiomatic, literally meaning to throw oneself to ruin. It is very common in everyday conversations related to food or perishables.
Alternative: Descomponerse
Another option for describing spoiled food, especially in Latin America, isdescomponerse, which means to decompose or to go bad.
- The vegetables spoiled.Las verduras se descompusieron.
This is another reflexive verb and may sound a bit more technical or descriptive than echarse a perder.
To Spoil a Person (Overindulging)
The Verb Mimar
If you’re referring to spoiling a person, especially a child, with too much attention, gifts, or leniency, the most common verb ismimar, which means to pamper or to spoil.
Examples:
- They spoil their children too much.Miman demasiado a sus hijos.
- She’s a spoiled girl.Es una niña mimada.
Mimar is a regular verb and widely used in many Spanish-speaking countries. The adjectivemimado/mimadarefers to someone who has been spoiled, typically by excessive affection or gifts.
The Verb Consentir
Another verb with a similar meaning isconsentir, which can also mean to indulge or to spoil.
- The grandparents always spoil the grandchildren.Los abuelos siempre consienten a los nietos.
It’s worth noting that consentir can also mean to allow or to permit in certain contexts, so understanding the situation is key.
To Spoil Someone with Kindness or Gifts
The Verb Agasajar
When someone is spoiled in the sense of being treated very well or given a lot of special attention, you can useagasajar.
Examples:
- They spoiled the guests with food and wine.Agasajaron a los invitados con comida y vino.
This verb is more formal and is used especially in social or ceremonial contexts where someone is being honored or treated generously.
Expressions Using Regalonear (in Chilean Spanish)
In some regions, such as Chile, the verbregalonearis used in the context of pampering or doting on someone.
- I love to spoil my dog.Me encanta regalonear a mi perro.
This term is regional and not used universally in Spanish-speaking countries, but it’s good to recognize its meaning if you encounter it.
Summary of Spanish Verbs for To Spoil
To master the different translations of to spoil in Spanish, it’s important to consider the exact meaning and context. Here is a quick reference guide:
- Arruinar to ruin something (a plan, mood, etc.)
- Estropear to mess up, damage, or ruin
- Echarse a perder for food going bad
- Descomponerse also for food, especially in Latin America
- Mimar to spoil a person, especially children
- Consentir to indulge someone
- Agasajar to treat someone luxuriously
- Regalonear regional word meaning to pamper (Chile)
Learning how to say to spoil in Spanish requires understanding its various meanings in English and applying the appropriate verb in each situation. Whether you’re talking about spoiled food, ruined plans, or overindulged children, Spanish has a rich vocabulary to express each of these nuances. By practicing these different verbs and using them in conversation, you’ll gain more fluency and confidence in your Spanish communication. Expanding your knowledge with such versatile verbs will help you better understand native speakers and express yourself with greater clarity.