Spanish Phrase
Puedes pedir que lo reparen o que te lo cambien.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener they have the option to request that the item be repaired or that it be replaced for them. It uses the construction ‘pedir que + subjunctive’ to express a polite request about someone else’s actions.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing warranty service, consumer‑rights situations, or any context where you can ask a provider to either fix a faulty product or give you a new one.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Puedespedirqueloreparenoquetelocambien
Poder (Puedes)
‘Puedes’ is the second‑person singular present of ‘poder’, expressing ability or permission.
Pedir + que + Subjunctive
When ‘pedir’ introduces a request about another’s action, it is followed by ‘que’ and a verb in the subjunctive mood.
Pronombres de objeto directo (lo)
‘Lo’ replaces a masculine singular noun that is the direct object of the verb.
Subjuntivo presente (reparen, cambien)
‘Reparen’ and ‘cambien’ are present‑subjunctive forms of ‘reparar’ and ‘cambiar’, used after ‘pedir que’.
Pronombres de objeto indirecto (te)
‘Te’ indicates the indirect object (to you) in the second clause, combined with the direct object ‘lo’.
Conjunción disyuntiva (o)
‘O’ simply links the two alternative requests.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué hago con la cafetera que se rompió?
What should I do with the broken coffee maker?
Puedes pedir que lo reparen o que te lo cambien.
You can ask that they repair it or that they replace it for you.
✕Common Mistakes
Puedes pedir que lo reparas o que te lo cambias.
After ‘pedir que’, the verb must be in the subjunctive, not the indicative.
Puedes pedir que lo reparen o que cambian.
The indirect and direct object pronouns are missing; also the verb should be subjunctive.
Puedes pedir que lo reparen o que te lo cambiar.
The infinitive cannot replace the required subjunctive form after ‘pedir que’.
↔Alternatives
Puedes solicitar que lo arreglen o que te lo sustituyan.
You can request that they fix it or that they substitute it for you.
Tienes la opción de reclamar la reparación o la sustitución del artículo.
You have the option to claim repair or replacement of the item.
Puedes exigir que lo reparen o que te lo cambien.
You can demand that they repair it or that they change it for you.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries consumer‑protection laws (e.g., the Ley de Defensa del Consumidor) guarantee the right to request either repair or replacement of a defective product. Using ‘pedir que’ + subjunctive sounds courteous and is the standard way to phrase such requests in formal or semi‑formal contexts.