abîmer vs gâcher

Tom G.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

abîmer vs gâcher

For the sentence, Je pense qu'ils gâchent un sport intéressant, is abîmer, an acceptable alternative to gâcher to say "spoil". Please explain the different usages of the two words.
Asked 3 years ago
CélineKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Bonjour Tom,

That's an excellent question! 

"abîmer" -> to damage / wreck something concrete

Il a abîmé mon sac à dos = he damaged my backpack

Quelqu'un a abîmé mon vase = someone damaged my vase

 

"gâcher" = to spoil / ruin something (not tangible)

Tu gâches mon plaisir = you spoil / ruin my enjoyment

Elle a gâché l'anniversaire de tes enfants she ruined your kids' birthday

 I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

gâcher is also more like "spoil" in English.

abîmer vs gâcher

For the sentence, Je pense qu'ils gâchent un sport intéressant, is abîmer, an acceptable alternative to gâcher to say "spoil". Please explain the different usages of the two words.

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