Spanish for the Tailor: Describing a Torn Seam and Asking for a Repair
Learn to say 'Se rompió la costura' and '¿Puede coserlo?' in polite Latin American Spanish. Describe clothing damage and ask a tailor to fix it.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
When a seam splits or a hem comes undone, you need to explain the problem clearly and ask for a repair. In this lesson you will learn to describe a torn seam, point out where the damage is, and politely ask a tailor to sew it. You will practice the key phrase 'Se rompió la costura' and the question '¿Puede coserlo?' along with other useful expressions. The focus is on polite, general Latin American Spanish that works in most Spanish-speaking regions. By the end, you will be able to walk into a tailor shop and communicate what needs fixing without relying on English or gestures.
By the end, you can…
- describe a torn seam using 'Se rompió la costura' and similar phrases.
- ask a tailor to sew a repair with '¿Puede coserlo?' and related questions.
- point out where the damage is on a garment using location words.
- ask how long a repair might take without assuming specific policies.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Se rompió la costura.
The seam tore.
seh roh-MPYOH lah kohs-TOO-rah
Use this to state the problem directly. It works for a seam that has split open on pants, a shirt, or a jacket.
¿Puede coserlo?
Can you sew it?
PWEH-deh koh-SEHR-loh
A polite request to have the item sewn. Use 'coserla' if the garment is feminine, like 'la falda' (the skirt).
Se descosió aquí.
It came unstitched here.
seh dehs-koh-SYOH ah-KEE
Point to the exact spot while saying this. 'Descoser' means to come undone at the stitches.
¿Puede arreglarlo?
Can you fix it?
PWEH-deh ah-reh-GLAHR-loh
A general way to ask for a repair. Use 'arreglarla' for feminine nouns.
¿Cuánto tarda?
How long does it take?
KWAHN-toh TAHR-dah
Ask this to find out about timing. It does not assume a specific deadline or price.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To describe a tear or a seam that has come apart, use 'Se rompió' or 'Se descosió' plus the item. For example: 'Se rompió la costura del pantalón' (The seam of the pants tore). 'Se descosió el dobladillo' (The hem came unstitched). To ask for a repair, use '¿Puede' + infinitive + 'lo/la'? For instance: '¿Puede coserlo?' (Can you sew it?) or '¿Puede arreglarla?' (Can you fix it? referring to a feminine item like 'la chaqueta'). The object pronoun matches the gender of the garment: -lo for masculine, -la for feminine. Note that 'pantalón' is masculine even though it refers to a pair of pants, so you say 'el pantalón' and 'coserlo'.
When to use it
Use these phrases when you are at a tailor shop or a repair service and need to explain damage. Start with 'Se rompió...' to state the problem, then point and say 'aquí' or 'allí' to show where. If you want to be extra polite, begin with 'Disculpe' (Excuse me) or 'Buenos días' (Good morning). For example: 'Disculpe, se rompió la costura de esta camisa. ¿Puede coserla?' This sequence is clear and respectful. Avoid using 'tú' commands with strangers; stick to 'usted' forms like 'puede' to maintain a polite tone. In some regions, such as parts of Central America and Argentina, people may use 'vos' in informal settings, but 'usted' remains the safest choice with a tailor you do not know.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Buenos días. Se rompió la costura de este pantalón. ¿Puede coserlo?
Good morning. The seam of these pants tore. Can you sew it?BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs. seh roh-MPYOH lah kohs-TOO-rah deh EHS-teh pahn-tah-LOHN. PWEH-deh koh-SEHR-lohSí, claro. ¿Dónde está la rotura?
Yes, of course. Where is the tear?SEE, KLAH-roh. DOHN-deh ehs-TAH lah roh-TOO-rahAquí, en la parte de atrás. Se descosió ayer.
Here, on the back part. It came unstitched yesterday.ah-KEE, ehn lah PAHR-teh deh ah-TRAHS. seh dehs-koh-SYOH ah-YEHREntiendo. ¿Y cuánto tarda el arreglo?
I understand. And how long does the repair take?ehn-TYEHN-doh. ee KWAHN-toh TAHR-dah ehl ah-RREH-glohA little context goes a long way
In many Latin American countries, tailors and repair shops are common in local markets or neighborhoods. Politeness is often shown by using 'usted' with the tailor, especially if you are not familiar with them. A simple 'por favor' and a friendly tone go a long way. While some regions may use 'vos' or 'tú' in informal settings, 'usted' is generally safe and respectful in this context. Avoid assuming prices or turnaround times; ask instead. Customs and formality levels vary from country to country, so observe how locals address the tailor and adjust accordingly.
One thing to watch for
Using '¿Puedes coserlo?' with a stranger, which is informal and can sound disrespectful.
Try this instead: Use the formal 'usted' form: '¿Puede coserlo?' This shows respect. For example, say 'Disculpe, ¿puede coserlo?' instead of '¿Puedes coserlo?' when speaking to a tailor you don't know.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'The seam tore' in Spanish?
Show a sample answer
Se rompió la costura.
This is a common way to state the problem. You could also say 'La costura se rompió' with the same meaning.
2Ask a tailor politely to sew a shirt (camisa).
Show a sample answer
¿Puede coserla?
Because 'camisa' is feminine, the pronoun is 'la'. If it were a masculine item like 'pantalón', you would say '¿Puede coserlo?'
3How do you ask 'How long does it take?' in a polite way?
Show a sample answer
¿Cuánto tarda?
This question asks about duration without assuming a specific time. You could also ask '¿Cuánto tiempo tarda?' for more clarity.
Use 'Se rompió la costura' to describe a torn seam and '¿Puede coserlo?' to ask for a repair. Remember to match the pronoun to the garment's gender and use 'usted' for politeness.
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