Breakdown of Para arreglar esa camisa, necesitarás una aguja fina y un poco de hilo resistente.
tú
you
de
of
y
and
un poco
a bit
para
for
necesitar
to need
arreglar
to fix
,
comma
la camisa
the shirt
la aguja
the needle
el hilo
the thread
resistente
strong
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Questions & Answers about Para arreglar esa camisa, necesitarás una aguja fina y un poco de hilo resistente.
What does arreglar mean in this sentence?
In this context, arreglar translates as “to fix” or “to repair.” It indicates that the action involves mending or restoring the shirt rather than, say, simply cleaning or styling it.
Why does the sentence begin with para arreglar esa camisa using para + infinitive?
The construction para + infinitive is used to express purpose. Here, para arreglar esa camisa means “in order to fix that shirt,” clarifying why the needle and thread are needed.
What is the significance of using una aguja fina in the sentence?
Una aguja fina means “a fine needle.” The adjective fina (the feminine form of fino) is used to describe the needle, suggesting that a delicate or precise needle is required for mending the shirt properly.
Why is the phrase un poco de hilo resistente used instead of simply saying hilo resistente?
Adding un poco de specifies that only a small amount of thread is needed. It communicates that while strong or durable thread (hilo resistente) is important, you do not require a large quantity to complete the repair.
Why is the verb necesitarás in the future tense rather than the present tense?
Necesitarás is in the future tense and means “you will need.” This emphasizes that these items are requirements for the upcoming action of fixing the shirt, a common way in Spanish to give instructions or outline steps that will soon take place.
What does the use of esa camisa suggest about the shirt?
The demonstrative adjective esa means “that,” indicating a specific shirt that is perhaps known from context. It distinguishes the shirt from others, implying it is not immediately present with the speaker (as opposed to esta, meaning “this”).
How does the word order in this Spanish sentence compare to English?
The sentence begins with a purpose phrase (para arreglar esa camisa), much like an English infinitive of purpose (“to fix that shirt”). The main clause (necesitarás una aguja fina y un poco de hilo resistente) follows, which is similar in function to English but may differ slightly in word order because of the natural syntax in Spanish.
Are there alternative ways to express this same idea in Spanish?
Yes. For example, you might say: "Si quieres arreglar esa camisa, vas a necesitar una aguja fina y algo de hilo resistente." This version uses a conditional clause with si quieres (“if you want”) and a periphrastic future (vas a necesitar), conveying a similar meaning with a slightly different emphasis.