Spanish Phrase
¿Puedo volver a hacer el examen?
Meaning
The speaker is asking for permission to retake a specific exam, usually because they failed it or want a better grade. The question is polite and uses the standard ‘poder + infinitive’ formula.
When to use
Use this sentence in a classroom, university office, or any formal academic setting when you need to ask a teacher, professor, or administrator if you may sit the exam again. It works both in spoken conversation and in a short written email.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Puedovolverahacerelexamen?
Poder (present)
‘Puedo’ is the first‑person singular present of poder, used to ask for permission or ability.
Volver a + infinitivo
The construction ‘volver a’ followed by an infinitive means ‘to do something again’ or ‘to return to doing something’.
Hacer (infinitive)
‘Hacer’ is the infinitive for ‘to do’ or ‘to take’ (an exam).
Definite article with examen
In Spanish the noun ‘examen’ normally takes the definite article ‘el’ when you refer to a specific test.
🗨In Conversation
¿Puedo volver a hacer el examen?
May I retake the exam?
Sí, puedes hacerlo la próxima semana después de la revisión de tu calificación.
Yes, you can do it next week after we review your grade.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Puedo volver a hacer examen?
The noun ‘examen’ normally needs the definite article ‘el’ when you refer to a specific test.
Puedo volver a hacer el examen?
In written Spanish a question must start with an opening ‘¿’ and end with a closing ‘?’; omitting the opening mark is a common error.
¿Puedo volver a hacer tomar el examen?
‘Tomar’ is also correct, but learners sometimes mix ‘hacer’ and ‘tomar’ in the same sentence, which can sound awkward.
↔Alternatives
¿Me permite repetir el examen?
May I repeat the exam?
¿Puedo presentarme de nuevo al examen?
Can I sit the exam again?
¿Hay posibilidad de volver a tomar el examen?
Is there a possibility to take the exam again?
Cultural Tip
Retake policies differ across Spanish‑speaking institutions. In many universities you must request a ‘recurso de segunda oportunidad’ (second‑chance request) in writing, and some schools only allow one retake per course. Using a polite form like ‘¿Puedo…?’ shows respect, but in very formal contexts you might add ‘por favor’ or address the professor with their title (e.g., ‘Profesor, ¿puedo…?’).