French Phrase
Mon ordi est en panne. Qui peut le réparer ?
Meaning
This phrase is used to report a technical malfunction with a computer and ask for assistance. 'En panne' is the standard French expression for a machine or vehicle that has broken down or stopped working. The second part of the sentence seeks out a person with the skills to perform a repair.
When to use
Use this phrase in an office, at school, or at home when your laptop or desktop stops functioning. It is appropriate for technical failures rather than physical damage like a cracked screen.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Monordiesten panneQuipeutleréparer
En panne
This is a fixed prepositional phrase used to describe machines, cars, or elevators that are out of order.
Direct Object Pronoun
The word 'le' is a pronoun that replaces 'mon ordi' to avoid repeating the noun in the second sentence.
🗨In Conversation
Mon ordi est en panne. Qui peut le réparer ?
My computer is broken. Who can fix it?
Demande à Marc, il s'y connaît vraiment bien.
Ask Marc, he really knows his stuff.
✕Common Mistakes
Mon ordi est cassé. Qui peut le réparer ?
While 'cassé' means broken, 'en panne' is the specific term for a mechanical or electronic breakdown.
Mon ordi est en panne. Qui peut le fixer ?
'Fixer' in French means to attach or to stare; 'réparer' is the correct verb for fixing a device.
↔Alternatives
Mon ordinateur ne marche plus.
My computer isn't working anymore.
Mon PC a un problème.
My PC has a problem.
Cultural Tip
The word 'ordi' is a very common informal shortening of 'ordinateur'. In a formal business setting, you might prefer using the full word 'ordinateur', but in most daily interactions, 'ordi' is perfectly acceptable.