abîmer vs gâcher

Question

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.

Accepted 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 !

Answer

gâcher is also more like "spoil" in English.