Popravilo

Popravilo is a Slovenian noun referring to the act of repairing or the repair work needed to restore an object, device, or structure to its working condition after damage or wear. The related verb is popraviti (to repair), and the past participle is popravljen (repaired). The term is commonly used across everyday, technical, and professional contexts.

Origin and usage: Popravilo is formed from the verb popraviti with the noun-forming suffix -ilo. It is used to describe a wide range of activities, from minor fixes in the home to substantial interventions on machines, vehicles, electronics, or buildings. In everyday language people speak of popravilo avtomobila (repair of a car), popravilo gospodinjskih aparatov (repair of household appliances), or popravilo stavb (repair of buildings). The concept is closely related to maintenance, but maintenance denotes preventive care, while popravilo usually refers to fixing something after it has failed or deteriorated.

Process and practitioners: A typical popravilo involves diagnosing the fault, replacing or repairing faulty components, adjusting settings, and testing to verify proper function. Depending on complexity, it may be performed by an individual with adequate skills or by a professional service, such as an appliance technician, automotive mechanic, or building contractor. In regulated sectors, repairs may need to meet manufacturer specifications or safety standards and may affect warranties.

Significance: Popravilo is a central concept in consumer culture and industry, enabling the reuse and extension of the lifespan of objects and infrastructure, reducing waste and costs compared with replacement. It also underpins skilled trades and service economies in Slovenian-speaking regions.