All articles
Portuguese for Travel

At a Luggage Repair Shop in Brazil: Fix a Suitcase Wheel or Handle

Learn travel-specific repair words for a stuck suitcase wheel, broken handle, or damaged zipper in Brazil.

Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026

The short answer

A suitcase is a mala. The wheel is rodinha, the handle is alça, and the zipper is zíper. Show the damaged part and say whether it broke, got stuck, or came loose.

Describe what stopped working

Uma rodinha da mala quebrou.

One of the suitcase wheels broke.

A alça retrátil ficou presa.

The retractable handle got stuck.

Ask about a repair before traveling

Ask whether the part can be repaired or needs to be replaced. Tell the shop when you travel so the employee can say honestly whether the repair can be completed in time; do not assume same-day service.

Dá para trocar esta rodinha antes de sexta-feira?

Can you replace this wheel before Friday?

Quanto custa o orçamento?

Is there a charge for the estimate?

Confirm the price and collection details

Ask the total estimate and whether the replacement part is included. Confirm how the shop will contact you and whether you need a receipt to collect the suitcase.

O valor já inclui a peça e a mão de obra?

Does the price include the part and labor?

Como vocês vão me avisar quando ficar pronto?

How will you let me know when it’s ready?

Put it into practice

Describe the exact suitcase part, share your travel deadline, and confirm the full estimate.

Quick practice

Which Portuguese example matches “One of the suitcase wheels broke”?

Choose an answer to check yourself.

Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app

Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.