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Reparam-se comandos e trocam-se pilhas aqui.

Reparam-se comandos e trocam-se pilhas aqui.
Remotes are repaired and batteries are replaced here.
FromLesson 36inHardcore Portuguese (Portugal)

Questions & Answers about Reparam-se comandos e trocam-se pilhas aqui.

What does comandos mean here? Is it “commands” or “remote controls”?
In European Portuguese, comando very commonly means “remote control” (TV remote, etc.). It can mean “command” in other contexts, but on shop signs like this it clearly means “remote controls.” In Brazil, you’d more often see controle remoto.
What is the -se doing in reparam-se and trocam-se?

That se is the so-called passive se. It turns an active idea into a passive one:

  • Reparam-se comandos ≈ “Remote controls are repaired.”
  • Trocam-se pilhas ≈ “Batteries are replaced.”

It’s not reflexive (the remotes aren’t repairing themselves). It’s equivalent to the analytic passive with ser: Comandos são reparados; pilhas são trocadas.

Why are the verbs plural (reparam, trocam)?

With the passive se, the verb agrees in number with the grammatical subject that follows:

  • comandos (plural) → reparam-se (plural)
  • pilhas (plural) → trocam-se (plural)

If the noun were singular, the verb would be singular: Repara-se um comando.

Can I say repara-se comandos or troca-se pilhas?
Not in standard European Portuguese. With the passive se, the verb must agree with the following noun phrase, so you need the plural: reparam-se comandos, trocam-se pilhas. Forms like vende-se casas are widespread on signs but are considered nonstandard in Portugal.
Why is there no article (os/as) before comandos and pilhas?
Omitting the article here makes the nouns generic/indefinite, which is typical on service signs: it means “we repair remote controls and replace batteries (as a service).” Adding the definite article (os comandos, as pilhas) would sound like you’re referring to specific items already known, which isn’t the intent.
Could I move aqui to the front? Does that change anything?
Yes, you can say: Aqui reparam-se comandos e trocam-se pilhas. Placing aqui first just emphasizes the location. In European Portuguese, you still keep the clitic attached to the verb (enclisis) after simple adverbs like aqui: Aqui reparam-se…, not typically Aqui se reparam…
Could I use the explicit passive with ser instead of se?
Yes: Comandos são reparados e pilhas são trocadas aqui. This is grammatical but a bit heavier stylistically. On signs and notices, the se-passive is more concise and sounds more natural.
Do I have to repeat -se? Could I write Reparam-se comandos e trocam pilhas aqui?
You should repeat -se. Without it in the second clause, trocam pilhas switches to an active reading (“they change batteries”), which is not the neutral service-announcement style. Keep it parallel: Reparam-se… e trocam-se…
Is reparar the best verb? What about arranjar or consertar?
  • reparar = standard/neutral in Portugal for “to repair/fix.”
  • arranjar = very common and informal/colloquial for “to fix” in Portugal; fine on a sign too.
  • consertar = widely used in Brazil; understood in Portugal but less idiomatic there.

So in Portugal: Reparam-se or Arranjam-se comandos are both natural.

Does trocar pilhas really mean “replace batteries,” not “swap batteries with someone”?
Yes. In everyday Portuguese, trocar (as) pilhas means “to change/replace the batteries.” If you want to be very explicit/formal, you can say substituir pilhas. Mudar pilhas is also common and informal.
What’s the difference between pilhas and baterias in Portugal?
  • pilha(s) = typically small cylindrical/coin cells (AA, AAA, etc.).
  • bateria = a larger or built-in rechargeable battery (phone, laptop) or a car battery.

So for AA/AAA, pilhas is the natural word.

Is this wording specifically European Portuguese? How would Brazilians usually phrase it?
Yes, it’s EP style. In Brazil you’d commonly see the active “we” form: Consertamos controles remotos e trocamos pilhas aqui. A Brazilian se-passive exists, but agreement often varies in practice; the “we” form is the most natural on signs there.
Why is the clitic attached with a hyphen (reparam-se, trocam-se)?
In European Portuguese, in affirmative declaratives without a proclisis trigger, clitics attach to the verb with a hyphen (enclisis): Reparam-se. With triggers like negation, you switch to proclisis and drop the hyphen: Não se reparam comandos.
Why present tense? Is it talking about a specific moment?
The present simple in signs expresses a habitual/ongoing service: “We repair…/…are repaired here (as a service).” It’s not tied to right now; it’s a general statement.
Could I use cá instead of aqui?
You could, but aqui is the neutral choice on signs. cá is common in speech and can sound more colloquial: Cá reparam-se comandos… On a shop notice, aqui is safer.
Are there shorter/noun-phrase sign alternatives?

Yes, very common on storefronts:

  • Reparação de comandos. Troca de pilhas.
  • Arranjo de comandos. Troca de pilhas. These are concise and entirely natural.
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