Your fan stopped spinning, or your phone won't charge, and a repairman is standing at your door.
He asks, "What's the problem?" Suddenly your mind goes blank. You don't know the English word for
the part, you worry he'll think you're foolish, so you just point and say "this not working." You
walk away unsure he understood. Here is the truth. You do not need technical words. You only need
to say what happened, when it started, and what you want. This guide gives you the exact lines for
each part, so you can explain any fault calmly and clearly.
Quick answer: To describe a problem to a repairman in English, use three simple parts. Name
the thing: "My ceiling fan isn't working." Describe what's wrong: "It makes a strange noise and
won't turn on." Add when it started: "It started yesterday." Then ask about the fix and cost:
"Can you repair it? How much will it cost?" Three parts, plain words, no technical terms needed.
How do I start and name the problem?
Start by naming the item and the main fault in one short sentence. "My washing machine isn't
draining water" tells him where to look right away.
- "My ceiling fan isn't working."
- "The mixer makes a strange noise."
- "My phone won't charge properly."
- "The tap is leaking under the sink."
- "My geyser isn't heating the water."
Keep your first line simple. You do not need the name of the part. "Something inside is loose" is
perfectly fine. The repairman will find the exact part himself.
Repairman: What seems to be the problem?
You: My ceiling fan isn't working.
Repairman: Does it make any sound?
You: Yes, a small humming sound, but it doesn't spin.
Repairman: Okay, let me have a look.
Notice you gave just the headline first. He asks for the rest, one step at a time.
How do I describe what exactly is wrong?
Use everyday words for what you see, hear, or smell. You do not need part names. "It makes a
clicking sound and then stops" paints a clear picture.
- "It makes a strange noise."
- "It turns on, then switches off by itself."
- "There's a burning smell."
- "Water is leaking from the bottom."
- "It gets very hot when I use it."
Describe with your senses: sound, smell, heat, leaks, sparks. These plain clues help him find the
fault fast. If you can show him, even better. Point and say "It happens right here."
Repairman: When did this start?
You: It started two days ago. First a noise, now nothing.
Repairman: Did it get wet or fall?
You: No, nothing like that. It just stopped slowly.
Repairman: Got it. Probably the motor.
Say this, not that (naming the problem)
❌ "This thing bad." ✅ "My washing machine isn't draining water."
❌ Staying silent because you don't know the part name. ✅ "Something inside makes a noise."
❌ "You fix fast fast." ✅ "How long will the repair take, please?"
❌ "I don't know what's wrong." ✅ "It worked yesterday, then it just stopped."
The clear version helps him find the fault faster. You don't need the right technical word. You
just need to describe what you noticed.
How do I ask about the cost and time?
Ask plainly and early, before he starts. "How much will it cost to fix?" is a normal, polite
question. Asking saves you from a surprise bill later.
- "Can you repair it?"
- "How much will it cost?"
- "Do I need a new part?"
- "How long will it take?"
- "Is it cheaper to repair or replace?"
Always ask for the price before he begins. If a part is needed, ask "How much is the part, and how
much is your labour?" This keeps things clear for both of you.
You: Can you fix it today?
Repairman: Yes, but it needs a new part.
You: How much will the part cost?
Repairman: Around four hundred rupees, plus my charge.
You: Okay. So the total will be about six hundred?
Repeat the total back, like "so about six hundred." It confirms you both agree before he starts.
Common mistakes to avoid
❌ Letting him start without asking the price. ✅ "How much will it cost before you begin?"
❌ Nodding when you didn't understand. ✅ "Sorry, can you explain that again?"
❌ "Anything is fine, you decide." ✅ "Can you tell me my options first?"
❌ Forgetting to ask about a warranty. ✅ "Is there any guarantee on this repair?"
You can change your lines to fit the item. For a phone or laptop, ask "Will my data be safe?"
For a home appliance like a fridge or AC, ask "Do you need to take it to the shop?" For a small
job like a leaking tap, a quick "Can you fix this now? How much?" is enough. The three parts stay
the same. You just add the one question that matters most for that item.
Say it out loud (2-minute practice)
This drill makes home repairs feel routine. Run it once a day:
- Pick one item that could break, like your fan or phone.
- Name the problem in one short sentence, out loud.
- Describe what's wrong using sound, smell, or heat.
- Add when it started, then play the repairman asking back.
- Ask about the cost and time, then repeat the total back.
- Run the whole talk twice more, a little calmer each time.
Two minutes a day moves these lines from your head into your mouth, ready for the real visit. If
you want a warm, guided place to rehearse these everyday talks with kind feedback, try the
FirstWords English speaking course, which is built for
exactly this kind of real-life practice.
A quick word on the fear
The fear says, "If I don't know the right word, he'll think I'm foolish." But remember, a repairman
hears "this thing makes a noise" all day, every day. He does not expect you to know part names.
That is his job, not yours. He just wants to know what happened so he can fix it. Nobody is grading
your English at your front door. When you describe the fault in simple words and ask about the cost
calmly, you often get a better, fairer service. Be kind to yourself. A wobbly first talk still gets
your fan fixed, and the next one will feel far easier.
Mini-FAQ
What if I don't know the English name of the part?
You don't need it. Just describe what it does: "the round thing that spins" or "the part where the
wire goes in." Point at it if you can. He will know what you mean.
How do I avoid being overcharged?
Ask the price before he starts, and ask for the part cost and labour cost separately. Repeat the
total back to confirm. A clear, calm question keeps the deal honest.
What if he speaks too fast?
Say "Could you say that a little slower, please?" or "Can you explain in simple words?" Repairmen
are used to this and will gladly slow down for you.
Should I ask for a guarantee?
Yes. A simple "Is there any guarantee on this repair?" is normal and smart. If something breaks
again soon, you can call him back without paying twice.
Your next step
Describing a repair problem is just three small skills: naming the item, describing what's wrong,
and asking about the cost and time. You now have the exact phrases for each one. Pick one item,
rehearse the lines tonight, and use them on the next repairman who visits. Each time, the next talk
feels easier and less scary. If you want a kind, judgment-free place to practise these everyday
conversations out loud, explore the FirstWords English program
and take it one clear sentence at a time.
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