The phrase "echar a perder" is a verbal expression (an idiomatic verb phrase).
/ˈet͡ʃaɾ a ˈpeɾdeɾ/
"echar a perder" is an idiomatic expression commonly used in Spanish that means to spoil or ruin something. It is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, though it appears more often in informal spoken language among native speakers. The phrase conveys the idea of something becoming unusable or losing its value due to carelessness or mismanagement.
This expression is widely used in everyday conversations and is understood by Spanish speakers across different regions. It can refer to food spoiling or figuratively to situations, plans, or relationships that have gone awry.
"Si no refrigeramos la comida, se va a echar a perder."
"If we don't refrigerate the food, it is going to spoil."
"La irresponsabilidad de Juan echó a perder el proyecto."
"Juan's irresponsibility ruined the project."
"No dejes que el miedo eche a perder tu oportunidad."
"Don't let fear ruin your opportunity."
The phrase "echar a perder" is part of various idiomatic expressions used in the Spanish language. Here are a few notable ones:
"Una discusión a primera hora echó a perder el día."
"An argument early on ruined the day."
"Echar a perder una relación"
"To spoil a relationship"
"Los celos pueden echar a perder una relación."
"Jealousy can spoil a relationship."
"No eches a perder lo que has conseguido"
"Don't ruin what you have achieved"
"Con cuidado, no eches a perder lo que has conseguido."
"Be careful, don't ruin what you have achieved."
"Echar a perder la fiesta"
"To ruin the party"
The expression combines the verb "echar," which means "to throw" or "to cast," with "perder," which means "to lose." Thus, the literal translation would be "to throw away" or "to cast away to lose," which gives it a figurative meaning of spoiling or ruining something.