Spanish · B2 · Family moment
Checking second-hand hobby equipment in Spanish
When buying second-hand equipment for your child's hobbies, it is essential to determine if items are adjustable, repairable, or functional. This guide focuses on using the 'pasiva refleja' (se + verb) and 'se puede' to express what can or cannot be done with an object.
What you'll learn
- Express possibility and capability using reflexive structures.
- Evaluate the condition and adjustability of used items.
- Use specific vocabulary related to tools and repairs.
Spanish phrases for checking second-hand hobby equipment
¿Se puede ajustar la altura sin herramientas especiales?
Can the height be adjusted without special tools?
Uses 'se puede' + infinitive to ask about possibility.
Esta correa se puede reemplazar con bastante facilidad.
This strap can be replaced quite easily.
'Reemplazar' is the standard verb for 'to replace' parts.
Las ruedas no se pueden quitar sin una llave inglesa.
The wheels cannot be removed without a spanner.
'Quitar' is used here for 'removing' or 'taking off'.
¿Se puede reparar esa grieta de forma segura?
Can that crack actually be repaired safely?
'De forma segura' is a natural way to say 'safely'.
Todo el equipo se puede guardar en esta bolsa.
The whole set can be packed into this bag.
'Guardar' is used for packing away or storing.
Estas manchas se pueden limpiar con agua tibia.
These marks can be cleaned off with warm water.
Note the plural 'se pueden' because 'las manchas' is plural.
Las instrucciones se pueden descargar del sitio web del fabricante.
The instructions can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website.
'Del sitio web' indicates the source of the download.
Tal vez el precio todavía se pueda negociar.
Perhaps the price can still be negotiated.
Uses the subjunctive 'pueda' because it follows 'tal vez'.
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Llave inglesa
Spanner / Wrench
A common tool needed for hobby equipment like bikes or skates.
Correa
Strap
Used for helmets, bags, or sports gear.
Grieta
Crack
Often used when checking the safety of helmets or plastic parts.
Ajustar
To adjust
Crucial for ensuring gear fits a growing child.
The Reflexive Passive with 'Poder'
In Spanish, to express that something 'can be done' (similar to the German 'sich lassen'), we use 'se' + 'poder' + infinitive. The verb 'poder' must agree in number with the object being discussed.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular Object | se puede + infinitive | La altura se puede ajustar. |
| Plural Object | se pueden + infinitive | Las ruedas se pueden cambiar. |
| Negative | no se puede + infinitive | No se puede arreglar. |
More examples
¿Se deja plegar el carrito fácilmente?
Does the stroller fold up easily?
Using 'dejarse' + infinitive is a more literal equivalent to 'sich lassen', implying the object 'allows itself' to be folded.
Este casco no se debe usar si tiene un golpe.
This helmet must not be used if it has been hit.
Uses 'se debe' to express obligation or safety rules.
El sillín se ajusta con una palanca.
The seat is adjusted with a lever.
A direct 'pasiva refleja' without using 'poder'.