How to Use “Consertar” in Portuguese for Fixing Broken Things

Introduction

Learning how to say and use the verb consertar is essential for everyday Portuguese, especially when you need to talk about fixing things. This article explains conjugation, common constructions, differences with similar verbs, practical examples in Brazilian Portuguese, and cultural notes to help beginner and intermediate learners feel confident using consertar.

What does consertar mean?

Consertar primarily means to repair or fix something that is broken or not working properly. It can refer to physical objects, like electronics and furniture, as well as to more abstract things, such as relationships or plans. In Brazilian Portuguese, context often clarifies whether the meaning is literal or figurative.

Basic definitions and usage

Consertar is a regular -ar verb. Its most common uses include:

• Repairing broken objects: consertar o carro, consertar a geladeira
• Fixing a problem or mistake: consertar um erro
• Mending relationships or situations: consertar uma amizade

Conjugation overview

Because consertar is a regular -ar verb, you conjugate it following the standard pattern. Below are the present, preterite (simple past), and future forms that learners use most often. Familiarity with these tenses lets you describe actions now, completed actions, and planned repairs.

Present tense (presente do indicativo)

Use the present to say what someone is doing now or to express habitual actions.

eu conserto
tu consertas
ele/ela conserta
nós consertamos
vós consertais
eles/elas consertam

Examples:

Eu conserto o celular dela hoje.
Ele sempre conserta coisas elétricas em casa.

Simple past (pretérito perfeito)

Use the preterite to describe completed repairs in the past.

eu consertei
tu consertaste
ele/ela consertou
nós consertamos
vós consertastes
eles/elas consertaram

Examples:

Ontem eu consertei a máquina de lavar.
Eles consertaram o portão na semana passada.

Future tense (futuro do presente)

Use the future to describe what will be repaired or when you plan to fix something.

eu consertarei
tu consertarás
ele/ela consertará
nós consertaremos
vós consertareis
eles/elas consertarão

Examples:

Eu consertarei o computador amanhã.
Nós consertaremos a instalação elétrica no sábado.

Reflexive and pronominal uses

Consertar is typically transitive, needing a direct object: consertar o carro. However, in conversational Portuguese you will sometimes hear reflexive or pronominal constructions, especially when focusing on the effect on someone or something.

Direct object: the most common usage

This is the straightforward structure: Subject + consertar + object.

Example: O mecânico consertou o carro.

Se + consertar for passive-like meanings

You can use the particle se to form impersonal or passive constructions. This is useful when the doer is unknown or unimportant.

O relógio se consertou sozinho is uncommon; more natural would be O relógio foi consertado.

However, se is more natural with verbs like quebrar in passive sense: Vendeu-se a casa. For consertar, prefer passive voice with ser or estar.

Passive constructions with ser and estar

To say something was fixed (focus on action rather than who did it), use ser or estar + past participle consertado.

O carro foi consertado ontem.
A televisão está consertada.

Common verb patterns and collocations

Learning typical verb-object combinations helps you sound natural. Here are common patterns with consertar.

Objects often repaired

• eletrônicos: consertar o celular, consertar a televisão
• veículos: consertar o carro, consertar a bicicleta
• eletrodomésticos: consertar a geladeira, consertar a máquina de lavar
• roupas/tecidos: consertar a camisa, consertar a calça
• coisas mais abstratas: consertar um erro, consertar uma situação

Common verbs used with help verbs

Modal verbs and periphrases are frequent in speech:

precisar consertar: Eu preciso consertar o chuveiro.
ir consertar (to go fix): Vou consertar o computador agora.

Differences between consertar and similar verbs

Portuguese has several verbs that overlap in meaning. Knowing the differences avoids mistakes.

Consertar vs reparar

Both mean to repair. Consertar is more common in Brazil in everyday speech. Reparar can sound slightly more formal or technical.

Ela consertou a torneira. (common, everyday)
O técnico reparou o sistema. (more formal or technical)

Consertar vs arrumar

Arrumar can mean to fix but often means to tidy or arrange. Use consertar when something is broken; use arrumar when organizing or putting things in order.

Vou arrumar o quarto. (clean/tidy)
Vou consertar a cadeira. (fix a broken chair)

Consertar vs corrigir

Corrigir is used for correcting mistakes, errors, or written work. It can overlap when you correct a problem, but choose consertar for physical repairs.

O professor corrigiu a prova.
Ele consertou o motor, não apenas corrigiu um ajuste.

Negation and questions

Negatives and questions follow standard Portuguese grammar but are useful to practice with consertar.

Negation

Place não before the verb.

Eu não consertei a máquina ainda.
A loja não conserta eletrodomésticos pequenos.

Yes/no questions

Use intonation or inversion. In speech, just raise your intonation.

Você consertou a bicicleta?
Consertaram o ar-condicionado?

Question words

Use como, quando, onde, por que to get details.

Onde você consertou o rádio?
Quando eles vão consertar o portão?

Useful phrases and dialogues

Short dialogues show how native speakers use consertar naturally. Use them to model your own sentences.

Cliente: Você conserta televisões?
Técnico: Sim, conserto. Posso levar para a oficina?

Amigo: Meu celular quebrou.
Você: Eu posso consertar, qual é o problema?

Casual: A fritadeira parou de funcionar.
Resposta: Talvez precise consertar a resistência.

Pronunciation tips

Pronounce consertar as con-ser-TAR with stress on the final syllable. In Brazilian Portuguese, the r in the final syllable sounds like a guttural or tapped r depending on the regional accent. The initial con- is pronounced like the English con in context.

Regional pronunciation notes

In some parts of Brazil, the final r sounds like an English h, so consertar may sound like conserTAH. In others, it sounds like a tapped r similar to Spanish r. Both are acceptable and normal.

Cultural and usage notes

When you take an item to be repaired in Brazil, expect friendly, informal service in many shops. Use the phrase Aceitam conserto aqui? to ask if they accept repairs. Warranties and informal agreements are common; ask Quanto custa consertar isso? before leaving an item.

Also, Brazilians often use colloquial expressions with consertar in figurative speech. For example, Precisamos consertar as coisas between friends can mean resolving a disagreement. Be aware of the context to interpret literal vs figurative meaning.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Beginners often mix up consertar with arrumar or reparar, or forget to include direct objects. Remember these tips:

• Use consertar for physical repairs and fixing broken items.
• Use arrumar for tidying or organizing, unless you mean fix a broken object.
• Include the object when needed: consertar + o/a + noun.
• For passive statements, prefer ser/estar + consertado instead of awkward reflexive forms.

Quick reference: model sentences

Here are concise examples you can memorize and adapt.

Eu consertei a bicicleta ontem.
Ele vai consertar o fogão na segunda-feira.
O técnico consertou a impressora rapidamente.
Nós precisamos consertar a porta antes do inverno.
Você conserta relógios antigos?

Conclusion

Mastering consertar will help you talk about repairs, problems, and solutions in everyday Brazilian Portuguese. Remember the regular conjugation patterns, the difference between consertar, arrumar, and reparar, and the natural ways Brazilians use the verb in speech. With these examples and cultural tips, you can confidently ask for and describe repairs in Portuguese.