Introduction
Learning how to ask for repairs is one of the most practical skills in Brazilian Portuguese. This article teaches you how to say Can this be fixed? in natural, beginner-friendly ways, explains key words, gives examples for stores, restaurants, and transportation, and shows polite replies and common mistakes to avoid.
- Basic phrase to ask Can this be fixed?
- Alternative beginner phrases
- Key vocabulary explained
- Polite ways to add context or urgency
- Common short dialogues
- Common replies you might hear
- Practical phrases for specific contexts
- Beginner tips and cultural notes
- Short practice scenarios you can use
- Extra vocabulary for repairs
- Conclusion
Basic phrase to ask Can this be fixed?
The simplest, most direct way to ask Can this be fixed? in Brazilian Portuguese is Isso pode ser consertado?
Breakdown:
Isso = this
pode = can / is able to (from the verb poder)
ser = to be (passive voice helper)
consertado = fixed (past participle of consertar)
Why this structure works
In Portuguese the passive construction ser + past participle is common for asking if an action is possible. Isso pode ser consertado? literally asks if the object can be fixed. It is polite and neutral, suitable for stores, repair shops, or asking a friend.
Alternative beginner phrases
Here are other ways to ask the same question, each slightly different in tone or formality.
Isso dá para consertar? – A very common, informal Brazilian way. Literal idea: Does this give to be fixed?
Consegue consertar isso? – Asks a person directly if they can fix it. Consegue comes from conseguir (to be able to).
Vocês conseguem consertar isto? – Use when speaking to a shop or staff. Vocês = you (plural).
Tem conserto? – Very short, colloquial: Is there a fix? Useful when you need a quick answer.
When to use each phrase
Use Isso pode ser consertado? for a clear, polite question. Use Isso dá para consertar? with friends or in casual shops. Use Consegue consertar isso? when addressing the technician directly. Use Tem conserto? if you want a short, informal check.
Key vocabulary explained
consertar = to fix, repair. This is the most common verb for repairs in Brazilian Portuguese.
conserto = repair, a noun. Example: Precisa de conserto? = Does it need a repair?
consertado = fixed (past participle). Used in passive forms: ser consertado.
reparar = another verb meaning to repair or notice; less common in everyday spoken repair contexts but still correct.
conserto rápido = quick fix. Useful in service contexts.
assistência técnica = technical support or service center. Example: Leve na assistência técnica = Take it to technical support/service.
garantia = warranty. Important when discussing whether the repair is covered.
Polite ways to add context or urgency
If you want to be polite, add a greeting or please:
Bom dia, isso pode ser consertado? – Good morning, can this be fixed?
Por favor, consegue consertar isso? – Please, can you fix this?
If it is urgent, add expressions like urgente or preciso:
É urgente, isso dá para consertar hoje? – It’s urgent, can this be fixed today?
Preciso consertar isso até amanhã. Tem como? – I need this fixed by tomorrow. Is that possible?
Common short dialogues
Scenario: At a cellphone repair shop
Cliente: Bom dia. Isso pode ser consertado?
Atendente: Deixa eu ver. Ah, sim. Dá para trocar a tela. Vai ficar pronto em uma hora.
Scenario: On a bus, you notice a broken strap
Passageiro: Com licença, isso pode ser consertado?
Motorista: Posso avisar o setor de manutenção, mas hoje só no depósito. Tem como esperar?
Scenario: At a restaurant, a chair is damaged
Cliente: Desculpe, essa cadeira pode ser consertada?
Gerente: Vamos trocar por outra agora. Obrigado por avisar.
Common replies you might hear
Sim, pode ser consertado. – Yes, it can be fixed.
Não tem conserto. – There is no fix. (Short, direct)
Dá para consertar, mas vai custar X. – It can be fixed, but it will cost X.
Conseguimos consertar aqui mesmo. – We can fix it right here.
Fica pronto em X dias/horas. – It will be ready in X days/hours.
How to ask about price and time
Quanto custa o conserto? – How much does the repair cost?
Quanto tempo leva o conserto? – How long does the repair take?
Vai ficar pronto quando? – When will it be ready?
Practical phrases for specific contexts
At a clothing repair or tailor
Precisa de bainha? Isso pode ser consertado? – Does this need a hem? Can this be fixed?
Electronics or appliances
Minha geladeira não liga. Tem conserto?
O carregador está com defeito. Consegue trocar o cabo?
Transportation (car, bike)
O carro faz um barulho estranho. Isso dá para consertar?
A bicicleta está com o freio ruim. Vocês consertam isso?
Beginner tips and cultural notes
Tip 1: Use please and thank you. Politeness is expected. Por favor and obrigado/obrigada go a long way.
Tip 2: Be ready to show the item. Pointing and handing the item while saying Isso pode ser consertado? is normal.
Tip 3: If you don’t understand the reply, ask politely: Pode repetir, por favor? or Como assim? which means Can you repeat, please? or What do you mean?
Tip 4: Many repair shops will ask to see documentation if the item has a warranty. Say: Está na garantia? – Is it under warranty?
Common beginner mistakes
Mistake: Using consertar reflexively like consertar-se. Avoid saying Isso se conserta? That sounds odd in many contexts. Use the passive or direct forms shown above.
Mistake: Translating word-for-word from English. For example, saying Pode consertar isso? without ser or a subject is understandable but can sound abrupt. Prefer Consegue consertar isso? or Isso pode ser consertado?
Mistake: Confusing conserto (noun) with concerto (music concert). Spelling matters: conserto for repair, concerto for musical concert.
Short practice scenarios you can use
Scenario for a phone call to a repair shop
Olá, bom dia. Preciso saber se isso pode ser consertado. É um telefone que caiu na água. Quanto tempo leva?
Scenario for a message to a friend
Oi, tudo bem? Meu relógio quebrou. Você acha que isso dá para consertar? Posso te mostrar uma foto.
Scenario for in-person at a store
Com licença, comprei essa máquina ontem e não liga. Tem conserto pela garantia?
Extra vocabulary for repairs
trocar = to replace
peça = part
orçamento = estimate, quote
conserto em garantia = warranty repair
assistência = service
Conclusion
Asking Can this be fixed? in Brazilian Portuguese is straightforward once you know the key phrases. Start with Isso pode ser consertado? and try alternatives like Isso dá para consertar? or Consegue consertar isso? Use the vocabulary and example dialogues above in real situations—shops, restaurants, transport—and remember polite words like por favor and obrigado/obrigada to make interactions smooth.
