كم سيكلف التصليح؟
kam sayukallif al-taslih?
How much will the repair cost?
Literally: How much the repair will cost?
In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask for a repair estimate for broken items.
- Combines 'how much', 'the repair', and 'will cost'.
- Essential for mechanics, plumbers, and tech support interactions.
Meaning
This is the most common way to ask for a price estimate when something is broken. It's the 'how much am I going to owe you' question for repairs.
Key Examples
3 of 6At the car mechanic
يا أسطى، كام التصليح هيكلف؟
Hey boss, how much will the repair cost?
Fixing a phone screen
لو سمحت، كام التصليح هيكلف للشاشة؟
Excuse me, how much will the repair cost for the screen?
Texting a plumber
ممكن تقولي كام التصليح هيكلف تقريباً؟
Can you tell me approximately how much the repair will cost?
Cultural Background
In Middle Eastern markets, asking for the cost is the start of a relationship. Repairmen often give a slightly higher initial quote expecting a polite 'discount' request. This phrase is the essential key to navigating the informal service economy found in cities like Cairo or Amman.
The Magic Word
Always add 'ta'riban' (approximately) to your question. It makes the conversation feel less like a confrontation and more like a consultation.
The 'After' Trap
Never wait until the work is done to ask this. In many places, once the work is finished, the price is non-negotiable.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask for a repair estimate for broken items.
- Combines 'how much', 'the repair', and 'will cost'.
- Essential for mechanics, plumbers, and tech support interactions.
What It Means
This phrase is your bread and butter for life's little accidents. It specifically asks for the total cost of fixing an item. The word kam means 'how much' or 'how many.' Al-taslih refers to 'the repair.' Hayekallef is the future tense of 'to cost.' Together, they form a direct, clear question about your upcoming bill.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase almost anywhere. It works for cars, phones, or even a leaky faucet. Simply point to the broken item and say the phrase. You don't need fancy grammar here. It’s a complete thought on its own. You can add ta’riban at the end to mean 'approximately.' This shows you are looking for an estimate, not a blood oath.
When To Use It
Use it when you are at the mechanic's shop. Use it when you drop your phone and the screen shatters. It’s perfect for talking to a plumber or an electrician. Use it before the work starts to avoid a heart attack later. It’s also great for texting a technician a photo of the damage.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for buying new things. For a new shirt, use bi kam da? instead. Avoid using it in high-end luxury boutiques. They might find it a bit too blunt. Also, don't use it if a friend is fixing something for free as a favor. Asking the cost then might seem like you’re offering to pay for their time, which can be awkward in some social circles.
Cultural Background
In many Arabic-speaking countries, bargaining is a way of life. This phrase is often the opening bell for a negotiation. When you hear the price, don't just nod. It’s culturally expected to ask for a better deal or a 'special price.' The repairman expects you to react to the number he gives. It’s a social dance that keeps the economy moving.
Common Variations
In Egypt, you might hear hayetkallef kam? which flips the order. In the Levant, people often say addeish bitkallef? which uses a different word for 'how much.' If you want to be very brief, just say al-taslih bi kam? which is 'the repair for how much?' All of these will get you the same result: a number that you will likely try to negotiate down.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for daily use. It is most common in Egyptian and Levantine dialects but will be understood elsewhere.
The Magic Word
Always add 'ta'riban' (approximately) to your question. It makes the conversation feel less like a confrontation and more like a consultation.
The 'After' Trap
Never wait until the work is done to ask this. In many places, once the work is finished, the price is non-negotiable.
The 'Special' Price
If you are a regular customer, ask 'Kam el-taslih hayekallef... ashan khatri?' (How much... for my sake?). It's a polite way to ask for a loyalty discount.
Examples
6يا أسطى، كام التصليح هيكلف؟
Hey boss, how much will the repair cost?
Using 'Usta' is a friendly way to address a skilled tradesman.
لو سمحت، كام التصليح هيكلف للشاشة؟
Excuse me, how much will the repair cost for the screen?
Adding 'lo samaht' makes the request more polite.
ممكن تقولي كام التصليح هيكلف تقريباً؟
Can you tell me approximately how much the repair will cost?
Adding 'approximately' is common in text for rough estimates.
أريد أن أعرف كام التصليح هيكلف قبل البدء.
I want to know how much the repair will cost before starting.
A more direct approach to ensure no hidden fees.
يا ساتر! هو كام التصليح هيكلف؟ ثمن عربية جديدة؟
Good heavens! How much will the repair cost? The price of a new car?
A common joke when the estimate is shockingly high.
هذا غالي عليّ، كام التصليح هيكلف؟
This is precious to me, how much will the repair cost?
Showing emotional value while asking for the price.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to ask for the repair cost of a car.
العربية عطلانة، ___ التصليح هيكلف؟
'Kam' is the word for 'how much' in this context.
Which word refers to 'the repair'?
كام ___ هيكلف؟
'Al-taslih' specifically means 'the repair'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Kam al-taslih hayekallef?'
Used with local handymen or friends.
كام التصليح؟
Standard way to ask at a shop.
كام التصليح هيكلف؟
In a corporate or official service center.
كم ستكون تكلفة الإصلاح؟
Where to use this phrase
Auto Shop
Engine trouble
Tech Support
Broken laptop
Home Maintenance
Leaky pipe
Tailor
Torn jacket
Practice Bank
2 exercisesالعربية عطلانة، ___ التصليح هيكلف؟
'Kam' is the word for 'how much' in this context.
كام ___ هيكلف؟
'Al-taslih' specifically means 'the repair'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, while the pronunciation of kam or hayekallef might change slightly, the core words are understood across the Middle East.
It's better to use kam al-kashf? (How much for the exam?) for doctors. Taslih is specifically for physical objects.
Start with law samaht (if you please) or ya basha (a respectful title like 'boss' or 'sir').
After they give the price, say mish kteer shwayya? (Isn't that a bit much?) to start the negotiation.
It is modern Egyptian/Levantine dialect. In Classical Arabic, you would say kam satakunu al-tuklifa?.
No, for services like haircuts, just ask bi kam al-hilaqa? (How much for the cut?).
It comes from the root S-L-H, which relates to being good or right. So taslih is the act of making something 'right' again.
Not at all. In fact, it's considered smart and expected. It shows you are a serious customer.
Kam is usually for quantity or cost in a sentence, while bi kam is like saying 'for how much' and is often used for simple price tags.
Just say tamam, itfaddal (Okay, go ahead/here you go).
Related Phrases
الفاتورة كام؟
How much is the bill?
ممكن خصم؟
Can I have a discount?
ده غالي قوي
This is very expensive.
السعر النهائي كام؟
What is the final price?
