Spanish · B2 · Family moment
A Second Life for Sports Gear in Spanish
Learn how to discuss the condition and repairability of second-hand sports equipment with your child. This guide focuses on natural Spanish alternatives to the passive voice to describe what can or cannot be done to an object.
What you'll learn
- Identify whether sports items can be cleaned, repaired, or adjusted.
- Use the reflexive construction 'se puede' or 'se deja' to express possibility.
- Master vocabulary related to sports gear maintenance and safety.
Spanish phrases for a second life for sports gear
Esta bolsa de deporte se puede lavar antes de que la uses.
This sports bag can be washed before you use it.
Uses 'se puede' + infinitive to express the passive possibility.
Veamos si estos patines se dejan ajustar a tu talla.
Let's see whether these skates can be adjusted to your size.
The verb 'dejarse' + infinitive implies the object 'allows' itself to be adjusted.
La cremallera se puede reparar, así que no hace falta cambiar toda la bolsa.
The zip can be repaired, so we don't need to replace the whole bag.
'No hace falta' is a common way to say 'it is not necessary'.
Esta raqueta se deja agarrar cómodamente con una mano.
This racket can be held comfortably with one hand.
'Agarrar' means to grip or hold.
La rueda suelta no se deja apretar bien, así que dejaremos esos patines aquí.
The loose wheel can't be tightened properly, so we'll leave those skates here.
'Apretar' is the verb for tightening a bolt or screw.
¿Se puede bajar el sillín de esta bici lo suficiente para ti?
Can this bike seat be lowered far enough for you?
'Sillín' specifically refers to a bicycle seat.
La etiqueta del nombre se puede quitar sin dañar la camiseta.
The name label can be removed without damaging the shirt.
'Quitar' is used for removing items or stickers.
No todos los daños se dejan ver a primera vista, así que le preguntaremos a alguien que sepa de bicis.
Not every bit of damage can be spotted straight away, so we'll ask someone who knows about bikes.
'A primera vista' means 'at first glance' or 'straight away'.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
la cremallera
zipper
Essential for bags and jackets.
ajustar
to adjust / fit
Used for changing settings to fit a person.
el sillín
bicycle seat
Distinct from 'la silla' (chair) or 'el asiento' (general seat).
apretar
to tighten
Commonly used for screws, bolts, or laces.
Passive Alternatives with 'Se'
In Spanish, rather than a literal passive voice, we often use 'se puede' (it can be done) or 'se deja' (it allows itself to be) followed by an infinitive to express that an action is possible on an object.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| General possibility | se puede + infinitive | Se puede lavar. (It can be washed.) |
| Capacity/Flexibility | se deja + infinitive | Se deja ajustar. (It can be adjusted / It allows adjustment.) |
| Negative possibility | no se deja + infinitive | No se deja abrir. (It can't be opened.) |
More examples
Este casco se deja abrochar fácilmente.
This helmet can be fastened easily.
'Abrochar' is used for buckles or buttons.
El manillar se puede subir un poco más.
The handlebars can be raised a bit more.
'Manillar' is the term for bike handlebars.