A fair cleaning routine | Learn Spanish in English

About This Lesson

Use A fair cleaning routine to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Nuestra rutina de limpieza no funciona y la cocina sigue estando desordenada.

NWEHS-trah roo-TEE-nah deh leem-PYEH-sah noh foon-see-OH-nah ee lah koh-SEE-nah SYEH-gheh ehs-TAHN-doh deh-sohr-deh-NAH-dah. Our cleaning routine is not working, and the kitchen keeps getting messy.

No creo que ninguno de los dos lo haga a propósito.

Noh KREH-oh keh neen-GOO-noh deh lohs dohs loh AH-gah ah proh-POH-see-toh. I do not think either of us is doing it on purpose.

Quizás necesitamos una norma más clara, especialmente para los platos y la cocina.

Kee-SAHS neh-seh-see-TAH-mohs OO-nah NOHR-mah mahs KLAH-rah, ehs-peh-syal-MEN-teh pah-rah lohs PLAH-tohs ee lah koh-SEE-nah. Maybe we need a clearer standard, especially for dishes and the stove.

Podríamos turnarnos las tareas cada semana para que la misma persona no tenga que fregar el suelo siempre.

Poh-DREE-ah-mohs toor-NAHR-nohs lahs tah-REH-ahs KAH-dah seh-MAH-nah pah-rah keh lah MEES-mah pehr-SOH-nah noh TEN-gah keh freh-GAHR ehl SWEH-loh SYEHMP-reh. We could rotate tasks weekly, so the same person does not always mop.

Me parece justo, aunque prefiero sacar la basura a limpiar el baño.

Meh pah-REH-seh HOOS-toh, AHN-keh preh-FYEH-roh sah-KAHR lah bah-SOO-rah ah leem-PYAHR ehl BAH-nyoh. That sounds fair, although I prefer taking out the trash to cleaning the bathroom.

Las preferencias están bien, pero las tareas desagradables todavía tenemos que compartirlas.

Lahs preh-feh-REN-syahs ehs-TAHN BYEHN, PEH-roh lahs tah-REH-ahs deh-sah-grah-DAH-bles toh-dah-BEE-ah teh-NEH-mohs keh kohm-pahr-TEER-lahs. Preferences are fine, but the unpleasant jobs still need to be shared.

Si lo escribimos, podemos evitar que el resentimiento se acumule más adelante.

See loh ehs-kree-BEE-mohs, poh-DEH-mohs eh-bee-TAHR keh ehl reh-sen-tee-MYEN-toh seh ah-koo-MOO-leh mahs ah-deh-LAHN-teh. If we write it down, we can keep resentment from building up later.

Hagamos una tabla sencilla y revisémosla después de probarla durante un tiempo.

Ah-GAH-mohs OO-nah TAH-blah sen-SEE-yah ee reh-bee-SEH-mohs-lah deh-SPWEHS deh proh-BAHR-lah doo-RAHN-teh oon TYEHM-poh. Let's make a simple chart and review it after we try it for a while.

Si parece demasiado estricta, podemos ajustarla en vez de discutir.

See pah-REH-seh deh-mah-see-AH-doh ehs-TREEK-tah, poh-DEH-mohs ah-hoos-TAHR-lah ehn BEHS deh dees-koo-TEER. If it feels too strict, we can adjust it instead of arguing.

El objetivo es tener una casa más limpia, no un sistema perfecto.

Ehl ohb-heh-TEE-boh ehs teh-NEHR OO-nah KAH-sah mahs LEEM-pyah, noh oon sees-TEH-mah pehr-FEHK-toh. The goal is a cleaner home, not a perfect system.

Word by Word

Nuestra “Nuestra” means “our” in “Nuestra rutina de limpieza”, identifying the routine as belonging to the speakers. It is used before a singular feminine noun such as “rutina”. A common reuse pattern is “nuestra + singular feminine noun”.

rutina “Rutina” means “routine” in “Nuestra rutina de limpieza”, referring to the regular cleaning plan. The phrase “rutina de + activity” identifies what the routine is for. You can reuse “rutina de limpieza” for a cleaning routine.

de In “rutina de limpieza”, “de” links “rutina” with the activity it concerns, giving the meaning “cleaning routine”. This word commonly connects a noun with another noun that specifies it. A reusable pattern is “noun + de + noun”.

limpieza “Limpieza” means “cleaning” in “rutina de limpieza”. Here it names the activity governed by the routine. It can be reused after “de” to specify a cleaning-related object or plan.

no “No” makes “no funciona” negative, so the routine is said not to work. In “No creo”, it also negates the speaker’s belief. It normally comes directly before the verb or verb phrase being negated.

funciona “Funciona” means “works” in “Nuestra rutina de limpieza no funciona”, describing the routine as ineffective. The form is used with a singular subject such as “rutina”. A common pattern is “algo funciona” or “algo no funciona”.

y “Y” connects the two statements “no funciona” and “la cocina sigue estando desordenada”. It means “and” and joins related information. Use it to link words, phrases, or complete clauses.

la “La” means “the” before the singular feminine noun “cocina” in “la cocina”. It identifies a specific kitchen already relevant to the speakers. A common pattern is “la + singular feminine noun”.

cocina “Cocina” means “kitchen” in “la cocina”. It is the shared area whose condition is being discussed. It can also refer to the room or to cooking depending on context, but here it clearly refers to the room.

sigue “Sigue” means “continues” in “sigue estando desordenada”, showing that the kitchen remains messy. It is followed here by “estando” and an adjective. A reusable pattern is “seguir + gerund” for an action or state that continues.

estando “Estando” contributes the idea of “being” in “sigue estando desordenada”. Together, “sigue estando desordenada” says that the kitchen continues to be messy. It follows “sigue” here to describe a continuing state.

desordenada “Desordenada” means “messy” or “untidy” in “la cocina sigue estando desordenada”. Its feminine form matches “cocina”. It can be used after “estar” or “seguir estando” to describe the condition of a feminine singular subject.

creo “Creo” means “I think” in “No creo que ninguno de los dos lo haga”. It introduces the speaker’s belief, which is negated by “No”. A common pattern is “creo que + statement” or “no creo que + statement”.

que “Que” introduces the statement believed in “No creo que ninguno de los dos lo haga”. Here it links the speaker’s opinion with the following clause. It commonly follows verbs such as “creo” when introducing what someone thinks.

ninguno “Ninguno” means “neither” in “ninguno de los dos”, referring to not one of the two housemates. The construction “ninguno de + group” identifies none of a specified group. It is followed here by “de los dos”.

los In “ninguno de los dos”, “los” is part of the phrase identifying the two people. It is the article before “dos” in this expression. A reusable pattern is “ninguno de los + number or group”.

lo “Lo” means “it” in “lo haga”, referring to the cleaning activity or behavior under discussion. It appears before the verb and functions as the thing being done. A common pattern is “lo + verb” when referring to an understood action.

haga “Haga” means “does” in “lo haga a propósito”, asking whether either person does it intentionally. After “No creo que”, this exact form presents the action as part of a doubted or rejected belief. The reusable pattern is “no creo que + subject + haga + object”.

a In “a propósito”, “a” is part of the fixed expression meaning “on purpose”. The whole expression describes intentional action, so “a” should be learned together with “propósito”. A common reuse pattern is “hacer algo a propósito”.

propósito “Propósito” contributes the meaning “purpose” in “a propósito”, which means “intentionally” or “on purpose”. The expression describes an action done deliberately. It is normally used here with the preposition “a”.

Quizás “Quizás” means “maybe” in “Quizás necesitamos una norma más clara”. It softens the suggestion by presenting it as a possibility. It can appear at the beginning of a clause before the proposed action or situation.

necesitamos “Necesitamos” means “we need” in “necesitamos una norma más clara”. The speakers identify something necessary for their shared cleaning routine. A common pattern is “necesitamos + noun” or “necesitamos + infinitive”.

una “Una” means “a” in “una norma más clara”, introducing one standard that has not been specified before. It comes before the singular feminine noun “norma”. A common pattern is “una + singular feminine noun”.

norma “Norma” means “standard” or “rule” in “una norma más clara”. Here it refers to an agreed level or rule for cleaning. It can be reused in “una norma + adjective” when describing a rule’s quality.

más “Más” means “more” in “más clara”, making a comparison with the current standard. It comes before the adjective it modifies. A common pattern is “más + adjective” for a higher degree of a quality.

clara “Clara” means “clear” in “una norma más clara”, describing a standard that would be easier to understand. Its feminine form matches “norma”. It can follow “más” in the pattern “más clara”.

especialmente “Especialmente” means “especially” in “especialmente para los platos y la cocina”. It highlights the areas needing particular attention. It commonly appears before the phrase or item being emphasized.

para In “especialmente para los platos y la cocina”, “para” marks the items to which the standard applies. It introduces the relevant objects here. A reusable pattern is “una norma para + noun”.

platos “Platos” means “dishes” in “los platos y la cocina”, referring to the dishes that need a clearer cleaning standard. The plural form refers to more than one dish. It is used here after “los” and linked with “la cocina” by “y”.

Podríamos “Podríamos” means “we could” in “Podríamos turnarnos las tareas”. It presents taking turns as a possible suggestion. A common pattern is “podríamos + infinitive” for proposing an action.

turnarnos “Turnarnos” means “take turns” in “Podríamos turnarnos las tareas”. The form describes the speakers alternating responsibility for the tasks. It follows “podríamos” as an infinitive, and a reusable pattern is “turnarnos + task or activity”.

las In “las tareas”, “las” means “the” and identifies the specific chores being discussed. Its feminine plural form matches “tareas”. It can be reused before a known group of feminine plural nouns.

tareas “Tareas” means “tasks” or “chores” in “turnarnos las tareas”. Here it refers specifically to the shared cleaning jobs. A common reuse pattern is “hacer” or “repartir” with “las tareas”.

cada “Cada” means “each” or “every” in “cada semana”, describing a repeated weekly schedule. It comes before a singular noun even when the idea applies repeatedly. A common pattern is “cada + singular time expression”.

semana “Semana” means “week” in “cada semana”, specifying how often the tasks rotate. Together, “cada semana” means “every week”. It can be used after “cada” for a regular time interval.

misma “Misma” means “same” in “la misma persona”, emphasizing that it should not always be one identical person. Its feminine form matches “persona”. A common pattern is “el mismo” or “la misma” before a noun referring to an identical person or thing.

persona “Persona” means “person” in “la misma persona”. Here it refers to one housemate responsible for mopping. It can be used after an article and adjective, as in “la misma persona”.

tenga “Tenga” contributes the meaning “has to” in “tenga que fregar el suelo”. The complete expression “tener que + infinitive” expresses obligation, and here it appears after “para que”. A reusable pattern is “tener que + infinitive”.

fregar “Fregar” means “mop” in “fregar el suelo”, referring to cleaning the floor. It appears after “tener que” as the required action. A common pattern is “fregar + el suelo”.

el “El” means “the” before the singular masculine noun “suelo” in “el suelo”. It identifies the floor that needs cleaning. A common pattern is “el + singular masculine noun”.

suelo “Suelo” means “floor” in “fregar el suelo”. It is the object of the cleaning action. The phrase “fregar el suelo” is a reusable expression for mopping the floor.

siempre “Siempre” means “always” in “no tenga que fregar el suelo siempre”. It describes an action that happens every time or repeatedly. It commonly appears near the verb or at the end of the clause.

Me “Me” means “to me” in “Me parece justo”, showing whose impression is being expressed. It comes before “parece” in this opinion pattern. A common reuse pattern is “Me parece + adjective” to say how something seems to the speaker.

parece “Parece” means “seems” in “Me parece justo”. Together with “Me”, it introduces the speaker’s judgment about the proposed arrangement. A common pattern is “Me parece + adjective” or “Me parece que + clause”.

justo “Justo” means “fair” in “Me parece justo”, describing the suggested task rotation as equitable. It gives the speaker’s evaluation of the proposal. A common pattern is “parece justo” when evaluating an arrangement or decision.

aunque “Aunque” means “although” in “aunque prefiero sacar la basura a limpiar el baño”. It introduces a concession: the speaker accepts that the plan is fair while stating a preference. It commonly connects an accepted point with an additional qualification.

prefiero “Prefiero” means “I prefer” in “prefiero sacar la basura a limpiar el baño”. It expresses the speaker’s choice between two cleaning tasks. A common pattern is “prefiero + infinitive + a + infinitive”.

sacar “Sacar” means “take out” in “sacar la basura”. It names the action the speaker prefers to do. A reusable pattern is “sacar + object”, including “sacar la basura”.

basura “Basura” means “trash” in “sacar la basura”. It is the object taken outside or removed. The common expression “sacar la basura” describes taking out the trash.

limpiar “Limpiar” means “clean” in “limpiar el baño”. It names the alternative task the speaker prefers less. A common pattern is “limpiar + place or object”, such as “limpiar el baño”.

baño “Baño” means “bathroom” in “limpiar el baño”. It is the place that would be cleaned. The phrase “limpiar el baño” is a reusable expression for cleaning the bathroom.

preferencias “Preferencias” means “preferences” in “Las preferencias están bien”. It refers to individual choices about which tasks people like more. A common pattern is “tener preferencias por” a particular option or activity.

están “Están” means “are” in “Las preferencias están bien”. Here it describes the acceptability of the preferences. It is used with the plural subject “las preferencias”.

bien “Bien” means “fine” in “Las preferencias están bien”, saying that having preferences is acceptable. It follows “están” to describe the situation’s acceptability. A common pattern is “estar bien” for something being fine or acceptable.

pero “Pero” means “but” in “pero las tareas desagradables todavía tenemos que compartirlas”. It contrasts accepting preferences with the need to share unpleasant jobs. It commonly joins two ideas that differ or limit one another.

desagradables “Desagradables” means “unpleasant” in “las tareas desagradables”. It describes chores that are not pleasant to do. Its plural form matches “tareas”, and it follows the noun here as a descriptive adjective.

todavía “Todavía” means “still” in “todavía tenemos que compartirlas”. It shows that the obligation remains even when people have different preferences. It commonly appears before the verb or verb phrase it modifies.

tenemos “Tenemos” means “we have” in “tenemos que compartirlas”. Together with “que” and the infinitive, “tener que compartirlas” expresses that the speakers need to share the tasks. A common pattern is “tenemos que + infinitive”.

compartirlas “Compartirlas” means “share them” in “tenemos que compartirlas”, referring to the unpleasant tasks. The ending “las” refers back to the feminine plural “tareas” and is attached to the infinitive. A common pattern is “compartir + object”, with the object pronoun attached to an infinitive.

Si “Si” means “if” in “Si lo escribimos”. It introduces a condition for the result that follows. A common pattern is “Si + clause, + result clause”.

escribimos “Escribimos” means “we write” in “Si lo escribimos”, referring to writing the cleaning arrangement down. In this conditional clause, it presents the possible action that leads to a benefit. A reusable pattern is “Si escribimos + object, podemos + infinitive”.

podemos “Podemos” means “we can” in “podemos evitar que el resentimiento se acumule”. It expresses the speakers’ ability to prevent the later problem. A common pattern is “podemos + infinitive”.

evitar “Evitar” means “avoid” or “prevent” in “podemos evitar que el resentimiento se acumule”. It introduces the unwanted result the speakers want to stop. A common pattern is “evitar que + clause”.

resentimiento “Resentimiento” means “resentment” in “el resentimiento se acumule”. It refers to negative feelings that could grow if responsibilities remain unclear. It is used here as the subject of “se acumule”.

se In “se acumule”, “se” marks the resentment as building up on its own rather than naming someone who accumulates it. Together, “el resentimiento se acumule” means that resentment accumulates. This pattern can describe a feeling or problem that gradually grows.

acumule “Acumule” means “builds up” in “el resentimiento se acumule”. After “evitar que”, this form presents the buildup as the unwanted result being prevented. A reusable pattern is “evitar que + problem + se acumule”.

adelante “Adelante” means “later” in “más adelante”, referring to a future point in the situation. The complete expression places the possible buildup in the future. A common pattern is “más adelante” for “later on”.

Hagamos “Hagamos” means “let’s make” in “Hagamos una tabla sencilla”. It proposes a joint action by the speakers. A common pattern is “Hagamos + noun” when suggesting that the group create something together.

tabla “Tabla” means “chart” or “table” in “una tabla sencilla”. Here it is a written chart for organizing the cleaning tasks. It can be reused with an adjective or purpose phrase to describe the chart.

sencilla “Sencilla” means “simple” in “una tabla sencilla”, describing a chart that is not complicated. Its feminine form matches “tabla”. A common pattern is “un/una + noun + adjective”.

revisémosla “Revisémosla” means “let’s review it” in “revisémosla después de probarla”. It proposes looking over the chart again after using it. The final “la” refers to the feminine singular “tabla” and is attached to the suggested-action form.

después “Después” means “afterward” in “después de probarla”. It places the review after the trial period. A common pattern is “después de + infinitive” for an action that happens later.

probarla “Probarla” means “try it” in “después de probarla”, referring to trying the chart in practice. The final “la” refers to “tabla” and is attached to the infinitive. A common pattern is “probar + object”, with the object pronoun attached to an infinitive.

durante “Durante” means “for” in “durante un tiempo”, indicating the duration of the trial. It introduces the time period during which the chart will be tried. A common pattern is “durante + time expression”.

un “Un” means “a” in “un tiempo”, introducing an unspecified period of time. It comes before the singular masculine noun “tiempo”. A common pattern is “durante un + singular masculine time noun”.

tiempo “Tiempo” means “time” in “durante un tiempo”, referring to an unspecified period. The phrase describes how long the chart should be tried before review. “Durante un tiempo” is a reusable expression for trying something for a while.

demasiado “Demasiado” means “too” in “demasiado estricta”, showing that the level of strictness may be excessive. It comes before the adjective it intensifies. A common pattern is “demasiado + adjective”.

estricta “Estricta” means “strict” in “parece demasiado estricta”, describing the chart as possibly too demanding. Its feminine form refers back to “tabla”. It can be used after “parecer” to give an impression about a plan or rule.

ajustarla “Ajustarla” means “adjust it” in “podemos ajustarla”, referring to changing the chart if necessary. The final “la” refers to “tabla” and is attached to the infinitive. A common pattern is “podemos + infinitive + object pronoun”.

en In “en vez de discutir”, “en” is part of the expression “en vez de”, meaning “instead of”. The whole expression introduces the action chosen in place of arguing. A common pattern is “en vez de + infinitive”.

vez In “en vez de discutir”, “vez” contributes to the expression meaning “instead of arguing”. The complete phrase contrasts adjusting the chart with arguing. It is normally learned as the fixed pattern “en vez de + infinitive” in this use.

discutir “Discutir” means “argue” in “en vez de discutir”. It is the action the speakers want to avoid by adjusting the chart. A common pattern is “en vez de + infinitive” to choose one action instead of another.

objetivo “Objetivo” means “goal” in “El objetivo es tener una casa más limpia”. It identifies the result the housemates want from the routine. A common pattern is “El objetivo es + infinitive”.

es “Es” means “is” in “El objetivo es tener una casa más limpia”. It links the goal with the action or result that defines it. A common pattern is “El objetivo es + infinitive or noun phrase”.

tener “Tener” means “to have” in “tener una casa más limpia”, expressing the desired result of having a cleaner home. It follows “El objetivo es” as an infinitive. A common pattern is “el objetivo es tener + noun phrase”.

casa “Casa” means “home” or “house” in “tener una casa más limpia”. It is the place whose cleanliness the speakers want to improve. A common pattern is “una casa + adjective”.

limpia “Limpia” means “clean” in “una casa más limpia”, describing the desired improved condition of the home. Its feminine form matches “casa”, and “más” makes it comparative. A common pattern is “más + adjective” when describing an improvement.

sistema “Sistema” means “system” in “un sistema perfecto”. It refers to the complete cleaning arrangement or method. Here it is contrasted with the more practical goal of having a cleaner home.

perfecto “Perfecto” means “perfect” in “un sistema perfecto”, describing a system with no flaws. Its masculine form matches “sistema”. The phrase “no un sistema perfecto” sets this as something less important than the main goal.

Grammar Points

en vez de + infinitivo

Prefiero sacar la basura en vez de fregar el suelo.

preh-FYEH-roh sah-KAHR lah bah-SOO-rah ehn BEHS deh freh-GAHR ehl SWEH-loh.

I prefer to take out the trash instead of mopping the floor.

Use en vez de before an infinitive to express substitution: doing one action instead of another.

infinitivo + pronombre de objeto

probarla durante un tiempo

proh-BAHR-lah doo-RAHN-teh oon TYEHM-poh

to try it for a while

Object pronouns attach to infinitives: probar + la becomes probarla.

Spanish Vocabulary

a propósito adv

ah proh-POH-see-toh on purpose; intentionally

No creo que ninguno de los dos lo haga a propósito.

cada semana phrase

KAH-dah seh-MAH-nah every week; weekly

Podríamos turnarnos las tareas cada semana para que la misma persona no tenga que fregar el suelo siempre.

desordenada adj

deh-sohr-deh-NAH-dah messy; untidy

Nuestra rutina de limpieza no funciona y la cocina sigue estando desordenada.

especialmente adv

ehs-peh-syal-MEN-teh especially

Quizás necesitamos una norma más clara, especialmente para los platos y la cocina.

funciona verb

foon-see-OH-nah works; functions

Nuestra rutina de limpieza no funciona y la cocina sigue estando desordenada.

haga verb

AH-gah does; makes

No creo que ninguno de los dos lo haga a propósito.

más clara adj

mahs KLAH-rah clearer

Quizás necesitamos una norma más clara, especialmente para los platos y la cocina.

ninguno pron

neen-GOO-noh neither; none

No creo que ninguno de los dos lo haga a propósito.

norma noun

NOHR-mah standard; rule

Quizás necesitamos una norma más clara, especialmente para los platos y la cocina.

rutina de limpieza phrase

roo-TEE-nah deh leem-PYEH-sah cleaning routine

Nuestra rutina de limpieza no funciona y la cocina sigue estando desordenada.

tareas noun

tah-REH-ahs tasks; chores

Podríamos turnarnos las tareas cada semana para que la misma persona no tenga que fregar el suelo siempre.

turnarnos verb

toor-NAHR-nohs to take turns

Podríamos turnarnos las tareas cada semana para que la misma persona no tenga que fregar el suelo siempre.

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

standard; rule

Show Answer

norma

neither; none

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ninguno

does; makes

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haga

works; functions

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funciona