Visiting the Cobbler
When your favorite pair of shoes starts to break down, it's time to visit the cobbler. Let's learn the vocabulary needed to describe wear and tear, and the repairs you might need.
When a shoe is worn out, the cobbler can patch it to extend its life.
Here is how you can describe a cobbler in the middle of this action. Notice how using كان before a present tense verb (like يرقع) indicates an ongoing past action ("was patching").
Shoe Parts and Problems
Different parts of a shoe require different fixes. You might need to repair the sole or the heel.
When you describe a shoe's condition, you may want to use negative statements. Remember that when negating a nominal sentence with ليس, the predicate takes the accusative case (often indicated by an alif and two *fatha*s for indefinite adjectives, such as زلقا).
If the damage is too severe, the cobbler might need to replace the part entirely.
Shoelaces, Fit, and Glue
Sometimes the fix is much simpler, or the issue is just about the fit of the shoe.
For sealing gaps or fixing a hole, the cobbler relies on strong glue.
Notice how the preposition بـ (with/by means of) attaches directly to the tool being used to repair the shoe.
Now you have all the essential vocabulary to describe exactly what is wrong with your shoes and how they can be fixed!