Need to know how to say repair in Chinese? The word is 修理 (xiū lǐ), and you’ll use it pretty much every week if you live in China. From broken air conditioners to jammed doors, something always needs fixing.
When I first moved to Tianjin, my washing machine broke during my second week. I had no idea how to ask my landlord for help, and I definitely didn’t know the word for repair. After some awkward pointing and gesturing, I learned that 修理 (xiū lǐ) is the magic word that gets things fixed.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to use 修理 (xiū lǐ) in everyday situations. You’ll learn the exact pronunciation, common phrases, and cultural tips that make getting repairs done in China way smoother.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- 修理 (xiū lǐ) is the standard Chinese word for “repair” or “fix.” It works for everything from electronics to furniture.
- The word breaks down into 修 (xiū, meaning “fix/mend”) and 理 (lǐ, meaning “manage/put in order”). Together they literally mean “fix and put in order.”
- When asking for repairs in China, use 请帮我修理一下 (qǐng bāng wǒ xiū lǐ yí xià) for “please help me repair this.”
Core Ways to Say Repair in Chinese
The Basic Meaning of 修理
修理 (xiū lǐ) is your go-to verb for “to repair” or “to fix” in Chinese. It covers pretty much anything that breaks: keys, doors, phones, bikes, you name it. If something stops working and you want it working again, 修理 is the word you need.
The character 修 means “to mend” or “to repair,” while 理 means “to manage” or “to put in order.” Put them together and you get a word that captures the whole idea of taking something broken and making it right again.
How to Pronounce 修理
Pronouncing 修理 (xiū lǐ) is straightforward. 修 is first tone (high and flat), so your voice stays level: “xi-uuu.” 理 is third tone (dipping), so your voice drops down then comes back up: “li-iii.”
Put them together: xiū lǐ. The space between the syllables helps Chinese speakers understand you better. For more on pronunciation, check out Yoyo Chinese’s tone guides.
Related Verbs and Synonyms
While 修理 is the most common word for repair, you’ll hear a few alternatives depending on the situation:
- 修 (xiū) – The shortened version, used casually. “帮我修一下” (bāng wǒ xiū yí xià) means “help me fix this a bit.”
- 维修 (wéi xiū) – More formal, used for professional maintenance and repairs. Common for washing machines and air conditioners.
- 修补 (xiū bǔ) – Used for patching or mending things like clothes, shoes, or walls.
- 弄好 (nòng hǎo) – Very casual, literally “make it good.” You’ll hear this among friends.
Related Vocabulary
Common Repair Phrases
Here are the phrases you’ll actually use when something breaks:
- 坏了 (huài le) – “It’s broken.” Say this to explain the problem.
- 能修吗？ (néng xiū ma?) – “Can it be repaired?” Ask this before getting a quote.
- 修多少钱？ (xiū duō shao qián?) – “How much to repair it?” Essential for negotiating the price.
- 请帮我修一下 (qǐng bāng wǒ xiū yí xià) – “Please help me fix this.” Polite and practical.
- 什么时候能修好？ (shén me shí hou néng xiū hǎo?) – “When will it be fixed?”
Types of Repairs
Different repairs have different names in Chinese. Knowing the specific term helps you find the right person for the job:
- 修车 (xiū chē) – Car repair
- 修手机 (xiū shǒu jī) – Phone repair
- 修水管 (xiū shuǐ guǎn) – Pipe repair
- 修电器 (xiū diàn qì) – Appliance repair
- 修锁 (xiū suǒ) – Lock repair (see also locksmith vocabulary)
Practical Usage and Examples
Everyday Scenarios
Here’s how 修理 (xiū lǐ) works in real conversations:
Chinese: 我的空调坏了，你能来修理吗？
Pinyin: Wǒ de kōng tiáo huài le, nǐ néng lái xiū lǐ ma?
English: My air conditioner is broken. Can you come repair it?
Chinese: 这个门需要修理。
Pinyin: Zhè ge mén xū yào xiū lǐ.
English: This door needs to be repaired.
Chinese: 修理这个要多少钱？
Pinyin: Xiū lǐ zhè ge yào duō shao qián?
English: How much does it cost to repair this?
Common Mistakes
A common mistake learners make is confusing 修理 with 装修 (zhuāng xiū), which means “renovation” or “decoration.” You don’t 装修 a broken phone, you 修理 it. 装修 is for making spaces look better, not fixing broken things.
Another tip: in China, repair services are often surprisingly cheap compared to Western countries. Don’t assume you need to buy a new item when the old one can be fixed for a few yuan.
For more on Chinese repair culture and practical expat tips, Expatica has a great guide to household maintenance in China.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 修理 and 维修?
修理 (xiū lǐ) is the general word for “repair” and works in almost any situation. 维修 (wéi xiū) is more formal and typically used for professional maintenance services, especially for vehicles, appliances, and equipment.
How do I ask “Can you repair this?” in Chinese?
Say 这个能修理吗？(zhè ge néng xiū lǐ ma?) for “Can this be repaired?” If you want someone to do it for you, say 请帮我修理一下 (qǐng bāng wǒ xiū lǐ yí xià).
Is 修理 used for all types of repairs?
Yes, 修理 is the standard verb for most repairs. However, specific repairs sometimes use compound words like 修车 (car repair), 修手机 (phone repair), or 修锁 (lock repair).
How much do repairs typically cost in China?
Repairs in China are generally much cheaper than in Western countries. Simple fixes might cost 20-50 RMB, while more complex repairs like phone screen replacement range from 100-400 RMB depending on the device.
Where can I find repair shops in Chinese cities?
Repair shops are everywhere in China. Look for signs saying 维修 (wéi xiū) or 修理店 (xiū lǐ diàn). Many neighborhoods have small repair stalls on the street. For electronics, shopping malls usually have repair counters.
Advanced Ways for How to Say Repair in Chinese Sentences
Ready for more complex sentences? Here are advanced examples showing 修理 in different contexts:
Chinese: 房东答应明天找人修理漏水的水管。
Pinyin: Fáng dōng dā ying míng tiān zhǎo rén xiū lǐ lòu shuǐ de shuǐ guǎn.
English: The landlord promised to find someone to repair the leaking pipes tomorrow.
Chinese: 与其买新的，不如把旧的修理一下。
Pinyin: Yǔ qí mǎi xīn de, bù rú bǎ jiù de xiū lǐ yí xià.
English: Rather than buying a new one, it’s better to repair the old one.
Chinese: 这台洗衣机太旧了，修理还不如换一台。
Pinyin: Zhè tái xǐ yī jī tài jiù le, xiū lǐ hái bù rú huàn yì tái.
English: This washing machine is too old. Repairing it isn’t worth it; better to replace it.
For more on Chinese characters and their components, Arch Chinese offers detailed character breakdowns. To explore repair-related vocabulary in cultural context, The Culture Trip covers everyday life in China.
