español · B1 · vocabulary · 4 minutes
Problems and solutions
Diagnose a fault before choosing repair or replacement.
Understand the choice
Diagnose a practical failure before jumping to a fix. Name the fault, check a possible cause, decide whether it can be repaired, and replace the item only if necessary.
Core rule: Buscar takes a direct object without por; buscar una solución means to look for a solution.
Notice it in context
El aparato no funciona; vamos a buscar una solución.
The device does not work; we are going to look for a solution.
Buscar takes a direct object without por; buscar una solución means to look for a solution.
Primero debemos comprobar la conexión.
First we should check the connection.
Deber + infinitive recommends a step.
Si no se puede arreglar, lo reemplazaremos.
If it cannot be fixed, we will replace it.
The real condition links present and future.
What to remember
- Avería is a mechanical or technical breakdown; fallo is a fault, failure, or error in a wider range of systems.
- Resolver goes with problema; arreglar usually means to repair an object or sort out a situation.
Common trap: Buscar already means “look for,” so buscar por una solución is usually wrong. Say buscar una solución; use buscar por only in special regional or causal contexts.