Portuguese Phrase
Você sabe como consertar essa prateleira quebrada?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct inquiry about someone's ability or technical knowledge regarding a specific repair. It uses the verb 'saber' to denote a learned skill or capability.
When to use
Use this phrase in a domestic or workshop setting when you encounter something broken and need assistance or want to gauge if someone can help with a repair.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vocêsabecomoconsertaressaprateleiraquebrada
Saber (sabe)
The verb 'saber' is used here to express 'knowing how' to perform a task or skill.
Gender Agreement
The adjective 'quebrada' (broken) must be in the feminine form to match the feminine noun 'prateleira' (shelf).
🗨In Conversation
Você sabe como consertar essa prateleira quebrada?
Do you know how to fix this broken shelf?
Acho que sim, só precisamos de alguns pregos e um martelo.
I think so, we just need some nails and a hammer.
✕Common Mistakes
Você conhece como consertar essa prateleira?
Use 'saber' for skills and 'conhecer' for being familiar with people or places.
Você sabe como consertar essa prateleira quebrado?
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'prateleira', so it should be 'quebrada'.
↔Alternatives
Você consegue arrumar essa prateleira?
Can you fix this shelf?
Sabe como dar um jeito nessa prateleira?
Do you know how to fix up this shelf?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the term 'marido de aluguel' (husband for hire) is a common name for a handyman who performs these types of small home repairs. While 'consertar' is the formal word for 'to fix', the verb 'arrumar' is frequently used in informal, everyday conversation.