Italian Phrase
Si può riparare?
Meaning
Literally “Can it be repaired?” This question asks whether an object is capable of being fixed, without specifying who would do the repairing. It is a neutral, polite way to inquire about the repairability of something.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re looking at a broken item—like a phone, appliance, or piece of furniture—and you want to know if a repair service can fix it. It works in shops, with technicians, or even in casual conversation with friends.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sipuòriparare
Impersonal "si"
The particle *si* creates an impersonal construction, equivalent to English "one can" or "it is possible to"; it does not refer to a specific subject.
Potere (può)
*Può* is the third‑person singular present indicative of *potere* (to be able), used here to express possibility.
Infinitive verb
*Riparare* is the infinitive form of the verb meaning “to repair”. In impersonal *si* constructions the infinitive follows the modal verb.
🗨In Conversation
Il mio frullatore non funziona più.
My blender no longer works.
Si può riparare?
Can it be repaired?
✕Common Mistakes
Si puo riparare?
Do not drop the accent on *può*; it distinguishes the verb from the noun *puo* (a non‑existent word).
Può si riparare?
The order must be *si può*; swapping them makes the sentence ungrammatical.
Si può ripararelo?
When adding a direct object pronoun, attach it to the infinitive (*ripararlo*), not to *si*.
↔Alternatives
È possibile ripararlo?
Is it possible to repair it?
Può essere riparato?
Can it be repaired?
Si può sistemare?
Can it be fixed?
Cultural Tip
In Italian, the impersonal *si* construction sounds more formal and less direct than simply asking *Può ripararlo?* Using *Si può…?* shows politeness, especially when speaking to service staff. Remember that the verb *riparare* is transitive, so if you want to specify the object you can add a pronoun (*ripararlo*).