vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Reparar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to repair", and "arreglar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to fix". Learn more about the difference between "reparar" and "arreglar" below.
reparar(
rreh
-
pah
-
rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to repair
El mecánico está esperando unos repuestos de la fábrica para reparar mi coche.The mechanic is waiting for some replacement parts to come in from the factory to repair my car.
b. to fix
Puedes reparar esa pieza rota con un poco de pegamento.You can fix that broken part with some glue.
c. to mend
Conozco un zapatero que puede reparar cualquier zapato.I know a cobbler who can mend any shoe.
2. (to recover)
a. to restore
Necesitamos reparar energías. Paremos en la próxima posada para comer y dormir.We need to restore our energy. Let's stop at the next inn to eat and sleep.
a. to correct
Nunca es tarde para reparar los errores que cometiste en el pasado.It's never late to correct the errors you made in the past.
b. to make amends for
Si no puedes reparar lo que hiciste, al menos puedes pedir perdón.If you can't make amends for what you have done, at least you can apologize.
c. to make good
Me despidieron sin motivo alguno y el juez decidió que tienen que reparar mis pérdidas.I was fired me for no reason, and the judge decided they have to make good my loss.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to notice
Llevo todo el día buscando mi smartphone sin reparar en que estaba en mi bolsillo.I've been looking for my smartphone all day without noticing it was in my pocket.
a. to think about
¡Nunca reparas en las consecuencias antes de actuar!You never think about the consequences before acting!
b. to take heed of
Había un perro echado bajo la mesa del restorán, pero nadie reparó en su presencia.There was a dog lying under the restaurant table, but nobody took heed of his presence.
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Fue una boda magnífica; no repararon en gastos.It was a fantastic wedding; they spared no expense.
Cuando Elsa va de vacaciones, no repara en gastos.When Elsa goes on vacation, she spares no expense.
6. (to buck) (Central America) (Mexico)
Regionalism used in Central America: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama
Regionalism used in Mexico
a. to rear
Mi caballo reparó cuando estaba montando porque se asustó de una serpiente.My horse reared when I was riding him because he got spooked by a snake.
repararse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
7. (to buck) (Central America) (Mexico)
Regionalism used in Central America: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama
Regionalism used in Mexico
a. to rear
Cuando el trueno restalló, el caballo se reparó y huyó despavorido.When the thunder clapped, the horse reared and scampered away.
arreglar(
ah
-
rreh
-
glahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to restore)
a. to arrange
Lo hemos arreglado todo para poder irnos una semana de vacaciones.We have arranged everything so we can go on vacation for a week.
3. (to clean)
a. to tidy
Arregla la cocina cuando termines de cocinar.Tidy the kitchen once you've finished cooking.
b. to tidy up
Estoy enseñando a mis hijos a arreglar su cuarto.I am teaching my children to tidy up their room.
4. (to solve)
a. to settle
La madre arregló la discusión regañando a ambos niños.The mother settled the discussion by scolding both kids.
b. to sort out
Quiero arreglar este asunto antes del almuerzo.I want this matter sorted out before lunch.
5. (to agree)
a. to arrange
Seguro que él puede arreglarte un buen precio.I'm sure he can arrange a good price for you.
6. (music)
a. to arrange
Vamos a arreglar esta melodía para varias voces.We will arrange this melody for multiple voices.
arreglarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
b. to make up (couple)
Mi hermano se arregló con su novia después de una pelea.My brother made up with his girlfriend after a fight.
a. to manage
No ganamos mucho dinero, pero nos arreglamos.We do not earn a lot of money, but we manage.
