About This Lesson
Use Talking calmly about loud music to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
La música de al lado no me ha dejado dormir varias noches últimamente.
lah MOO-see-kah deh ahl LAH-doh noh meh ah deh-HAH-doh dor-MEER BAH-ryahs NOH-chehs ool-tee-mah-MEN-teh. The music next door has kept me up several nights lately.
B
Entonces deberíamos hablar con ellos antes de que se convierta en un conflicto mayor.
ehn-TON-sehs deh-beh-RYAH-mohs ah-BLAR kohn EH-yohs AN-tehs deh keh seh kohn-BYER-tah ehn oon kohn-FLEEK-toh mah-YOR. Then we should talk to them before it becomes a bigger conflict.
A
No quiero sonar dramático, porque quizá no se dan cuenta de que está alta.
noh KYEH-roh soh-NAR drah-MAH-tee-koh, POR-keh kee-SAH noh seh dahn KWEHN-tah deh keh es-TAH AL-tah. I do not want to sound dramatic, because they may not realize it is loud.
B
Empieza diciendo que las paredes son delgadas y que necesitas dormir temprano.
ehm-PYEH-sah dee-SYEN-doh keh lahs pah-REH-dehs sohn dehl-GAH-dahs ee keh neh-seh-SEE-tahs dor-MEER tehm-PRAH-noh. Start by saying the walls are thin and you need to sleep early.
A
¿Deberíamos mencionar las normas del edificio sobre las horas de silencio?
deh-beh-RYAH-mohs mehn-syoh-NAR lahs NOR-mahs dehl eh-dee-FEE-syoh soh-BREH lahs OH-rahs deh see-LEN-syoh? Should we mention the building rules about quiet hours?
B
Solo si se niegan a colaborar. Al principio, un recordatorio amistoso es más razonable.
SOH-loh see seh NYEH-gahn ah koh-lah-boh-RAR. ahl preen-SEE-pyoh, oon reh-kor-dah-TOH-ryoh ah-mees-TOH-soh es mahs rah-soh-NAH-bleh. Only if they refuse to cooperate. A friendly reminder is more reasonable at first.
A
Quizá podamos sugerirles que usen auriculares más tarde por la noche, cuando tenemos que trabajar al día siguiente.
kee-SAH poh-DAH-mohs soo-heh-REER-lehs keh OO-sehn ow-ree-koo-LAH-rehs mahs TAR-deh por lah NOH-cheh, KWAHN-doh teh-NEH-mohs keh trah-bah-HAR ahl DEE-ah see-GYEN-teh. Maybe we can suggest that they use headphones later in the evening when we have work the next day.
B
Eso sería un compromiso práctico y no los acusaría directamente.
EH-soh seh-REE-ah oon kohm-proh-MEE-soh PRAHK-tee-koh ee noh lohs ah-koo-sah-REE-ah dee-rehk-tah-MEN-teh. That would be a practical compromise, and it does not accuse them directly.
A
Puedo elegir un momento tranquilo esta noche para hablar con ellos.
PWEH-doh eh-leh-HEER oon moh-MEN-toh trahn-KEE-loh ES-tah NOH-cheh pah-rah ah-BLAR kohn EH-yohs. I can choose a calm moment this evening to talk to them.
B
Elegir un momento tranquilo suele evitar que un problema pequeño se vuelva algo personal.
eh-leh-HEER oon moh-MEN-toh trahn-KEE-loh SWEH-leh eh-bee-TAR keh oon proh-BLEH-mah peh-KEH-nyoh seh BWEHL-bah AL-goh pehr-soh-NAHL. Calm timing usually prevents a small problem from becoming personal.Word by Word
La
In 'La música', this is the definite article meaning 'the' before the music being discussed. It introduces a specific thing, and the same pattern can be reused before a known noun.
música
In 'La música de al lado', this means the music coming from next door. It is the subject of the sentence and is described as preventing sleep. You could use it when discussing music that is too loud or disturbing.
de
In 'de al lado', this links the music with its location and means 'from' or 'of'. Together with 'al lado', it identifies the music as coming from next door. This pattern is useful for describing where something comes from.
al
In 'de al lado', this is part of the expression meaning 'next door' or 'on the side'. It appears inside the location phrase that modifies 'música'. Use the full expression 'de al lado' when identifying something from a neighboring place.
lado
In 'de al lado', this means 'side', but the whole expression refers to the neighboring side or next door. It helps specify where the music comes from. The same word can be used when describing one side of a place or object.
no
In 'no me ha dejado dormir', this negates the statement and means 'not'. It shows that the music has prevented the speaker from sleeping. Place it before the verb phrase when forming this kind of negation.
me
In 'no me ha dejado dormir', this refers to the speaker as the person affected by the music. The phrase says that the music has not let me sleep. This object form is useful when explaining who experiences an effect.
ha
In 'ha dejado', this auxiliary helps express that the music has caused an effect up to now. It combines with 'dejado' to form the statement about the nights of disturbed sleep. The same auxiliary pattern can describe a recent or continuing result.
dejado
In 'ha dejado dormir', this means 'allowed' or 'let', so the music has not allowed the speaker to sleep. The meaning comes from the construction 'dejar dormir', not from 'dejado' alone. This pattern can describe allowing someone to do an activity.
dormir
In 'me ha dejado dormir', this means 'to sleep' and names the activity the speaker was unable to do. It follows the expression about allowing or preventing an action. Use it when talking about sleep as an activity.
varias
In 'varias noches', this means 'several' and indicates more than one night without giving an exact number. It describes the plural noun 'noches'. This pattern is useful when referring to an unspecified number of repeated occasions.
noches
In 'varias noches últimamente', this means 'nights' and identifies when the sleep problem has happened. The plural form shows that the problem occurred on several nights. Use it when describing repeated nighttime events.
últimamente
This means 'lately' and places the sleep problem in the recent period. It shows that the situation has been happening recently rather than only once. It can be used to describe a recent change or continuing problem.
Entonces
At the start of the reply, this means 'then' and connects the previous problem with the proposed next step. It introduces the conclusion that they should speak to the neighbors. Use it to respond to a situation with a consequence or decision.
deberíamos
In 'deberíamos hablar', this means 'we should' and presents talking to the neighbors as advisable. It softens the suggestion instead of making it a direct command. Use it before an action when proposing what a group ought to do.
hablar
In 'deberíamos hablar con ellos', this means 'to talk' or 'to speak'. It is the action recommended for addressing the noise. The pattern 'hablar con' identifies the people you speak with.
con
In 'hablar con ellos', this means 'with' and introduces the people who will be addressed. It shows that the planned action is a conversation with the neighbors. Use it after 'hablar' when naming the conversation partner.
ellos
In 'hablar con ellos', this refers to the neighbors as the people to be spoken with. It means 'them' in this context. Use it after 'con' when referring to people as conversation partners.
antes
In 'antes de que', this means 'before' and places the planned conversation earlier than a possible worsening of the situation. The phrase introduces the time condition for acting. Use it to say that one action should happen before another event.
que
In 'antes de que se convierta', this introduces the clause describing the possible result. It connects 'before' with the event of the situation becoming a bigger conflict. This word commonly introduces a dependent clause after expressions such as 'antes de'.
se
This form appears in 'se convierta', 'se niegan' and 'se vuelva'. It helps express a change of state in 'se convierta' and 'se vuelva', and it forms the expression about refusing in 'se niegan'. Use it as part of the full verb expression rather than translating it separately in every context.
convierta
In 'se convierta en un conflicto mayor', this means 'becomes' or 'turns into'. It describes the situation changing into a bigger conflict. The pattern 'convertirse en' is useful when describing a change into a new condition or category.
en
In 'se convierta en un conflicto mayor', this means 'into' and introduces the result of the change. It connects the changing situation with the conflict it may become. Use it in expressions that describe changing into something.
un
In 'un conflicto mayor', this means 'a' and introduces one possible conflict. It presents the conflict as a new or larger problem rather than as something already specified. Use it before a singular noun when referring to one nonspecific item.
conflicto
In 'un conflicto mayor', this means 'conflict' and names the possible result of the problem getting worse. It refers to a serious disagreement between the people involved. Use it when discussing tension or disagreement that may need to be resolved.
mayor
In 'un conflicto mayor', this means 'bigger' or 'greater' and compares the possible conflict with the current problem. It shows that the situation could become more serious. Use it to describe a greater degree or a more serious development.
quiero
In 'No quiero sonar dramático', this means 'I want' and expresses the speaker's intention. With 'no', it says the speaker does not want to give a dramatic impression. Use it before an action when stating what you do or do not intend to do.
sonar
In 'sonar dramático', this means 'to sound' in the sense of giving an impression. The speaker does not want to appear dramatic while discussing the noise. Use it before an adjective when describing how someone or something comes across.
dramático
In 'sonar dramático', this means 'dramatic' and describes the impression the speaker wants to avoid giving. It refers to an exaggerated or overly intense way of presenting the problem. Use it when evaluating the tone of a statement or reaction.
porque
This means 'because' and introduces the reason the speaker does not want to sound dramatic. It connects the speaker's intention with the possibility that the neighbors may not realize the music is loud. Use it to give a reason for a statement.
quizá
In 'quizá no se dan cuenta' and 'Quizá podamos sugerirles', this means 'maybe' and marks both ideas as possibilities. It makes the speaker's claim or proposal less definite. Use it before a possible explanation or suggestion.
se dan cuenta
This expression means 'realize' or 'notice' in 'quizá no se dan cuenta de que está alta'. 'Se' forms part of the expression, while 'dan' and 'cuenta' together complete the idea of becoming aware; 'de que' introduces what may not be noticed. Use the full pattern when saying that someone does or does not notice a fact.
está
In 'está alta', this means 'is' and describes the music's current state. Together with 'alta', the phrase says that the music is loud. Use this form of describing a present condition when referring to how something is at a particular time.
alta
In 'está alta', this means 'loud', not simply physically high, because it describes the music. It identifies the volume as the issue the neighbors may fail to notice. Use it with a form of 'estar' when describing the music's current volume in this context.
Empieza
At the start of 'Empieza diciendo', this is a direct instruction to start with a particular approach. It means 'start' or 'begin'. Use it before an action or before a phrase describing the first thing someone should say or do.
diciendo
In 'Empieza diciendo que', this means 'saying' and explains how to begin the conversation. The pattern tells someone to start by saying the following information. Use it after an instruction to introduce the first words or explanation.
las
In 'las paredes', this is the definite article meaning 'the' before the walls being discussed. It refers to specific walls in the building. Use it before a known plural noun when identifying particular things.
paredes
In 'las paredes son delgadas', this means 'walls' and gives the reason sound travels easily between the homes. It is the subject described as thin. Use it when discussing the physical walls of a room or building.
son
In 'las paredes son delgadas', this means 'are' and links the walls with their description. It states a characteristic of the walls. Use it to connect a plural subject with an adjective describing it.
delgadas
In 'las paredes son delgadas', this means 'thin' and describes the walls. The word explains why the neighboring music can be heard. Use it when describing walls or other objects that have little thickness.
y
In 'son delgadas y que necesitas dormir temprano', this means 'and' and joins the information about the thin walls with the need to sleep early. It links two related points in the suggested explanation. Use it to connect compatible words, phrases, or clauses.
necesitas
In 'necesitas dormir temprano', this means 'you need' and states the listener's practical reason for asking for less noise. It is followed by the action that is needed. Use it before an infinitive when explaining what someone needs to do.
temprano
In 'dormir temprano', this means 'early' and describes the time of sleeping. It gives a reason why late music is a problem. Use it after an action such as sleeping when specifying an early time.
mencionar
In 'deberíamos mencionar', this means 'to mention' and refers to bringing the building rules into the conversation. It follows 'deberíamos' as the proposed action. Use it when deciding whether to refer to a rule, fact, or topic.
normas
In 'las normas del edificio', this means 'rules' and refers to the building's established expectations. These rules concern quiet hours in the conversation. Use it when discussing formal or shared rules that guide behavior.
del
In 'del edificio', this links the rules to the building and means 'of the' or 'from the'. It identifies which rules are being discussed. The pattern 'normas del edificio' is useful when referring to rules belonging to a building.
edificio
In 'las normas del edificio', this means 'building' and identifies the place whose rules may be mentioned. It limits the rules to the shared residential building. Use it when discussing a building and its regulations or features.
sobre
In 'normas ... sobre las horas de silencio', this means 'about' and introduces the subject of the rules. It connects the rules with quiet hours. Use it before a topic when saying what a rule, conversation, or document concerns.
horas
In 'las horas de silencio', this means 'hours' and refers to the scheduled period when quiet is expected. It is part of the expression for quiet hours. Use it when talking about a defined period of time.
silencio
In 'horas de silencio', this means 'silence' or 'quiet'. The full phrase refers to hours when residents are expected to keep noise down. Use it when discussing quiet periods in a building or shared space.
Solo
At the start of 'Solo si se niegan', this means 'only'. It limits mentioning the rules to the situation in which the neighbors refuse to cooperate. Use it to state that something applies under a restricted condition.
si
In 'Solo si se niegan a colaborar', this means 'if' and introduces the condition for mentioning the rules. It connects a possible refusal with the recommended response. Use it to describe what should happen under a particular condition.
niegan
In 'se niegan a colaborar', this means 'refuse' in the context of not cooperating. The expression describes the neighbors declining the requested cooperation. Use it with the following action to state what someone refuses to do.
a
In 'se niegan a colaborar', this introduces the action that is refused. It connects the expression for refusing with 'colaborar'. Use it in this pattern before an action someone declines to perform.
colaborar
In 'se niegan a colaborar', this means 'to cooperate'. It names the behavior the neighbors may refuse. Use it after the expression about refusing when specifying the action someone will not do.
principio
In 'Al principio', this means 'beginning', and the full expression means 'at first'. It places the friendly reminder at the first stage of handling the problem. Use it when describing the initial step in a process or situation.
recordatorio
In 'un recordatorio amistoso', this means 'reminder'. It refers to a polite mention of the quiet expectation rather than an accusation. Use it when asking someone to remember a rule, request, or agreed behavior.
amistoso
In 'un recordatorio amistoso', this means 'friendly' and describes the reminder's calm, non-confrontational tone. It helps present the request without escalating the disagreement. Use it to describe communication intended to remain cordial.
es
In 'es más razonable', this means 'is' and links the reminder with the evaluation that it is more reasonable. It states how the proposed approach is judged. Use it to describe a quality or assessment of a singular subject.
más
In 'más razonable', this means 'more' and makes a comparison in favor of the friendly reminder. It shows that this approach is considered more reasonable than a stronger response. Use it before an adjective when comparing degrees.
razonable
In 'más razonable', this means 'reasonable' and describes an approach that is sensible and fair in the situation. The comparison favors beginning with a friendly reminder. Use it when evaluating a practical response or decision.
podamos
In 'Quizá podamos sugerirles', this means 'we may be able to' or 'we can' as a possibility. With 'Quizá', it presents the suggestion as an option rather than a firm plan. Use it before an action when proposing what the group might be able to do.
sugerirles
In 'sugerirles que usen auriculares', this means 'suggest to them'. The ending refers to the people receiving the suggestion, and the following clause states what is suggested. Use this pattern when proposing an action to specific people.
usen
In 'que usen auriculares', this means 'use' and names the action being suggested to the neighbors. It follows the suggestion introduced by 'sugerirles que'. Use it when recommending that other people use an object or method.
auriculares
In 'usen auriculares', this means 'headphones' and identifies the object that could reduce the noise heard by others. It is the practical solution suggested for later in the evening. Use it when discussing personal audio equipment.
tarde
In 'más tarde por la noche', this means 'later' and places the suggested headphone use at a later time in the evening. It contrasts with an earlier part of the evening without stating an exact hour. Use it when postponing an action to a later time.
por
In 'por la noche', this helps express the time period 'at night' or 'during the night'. It places the situation in the nighttime period. Use this time expression when describing when an activity normally occurs.
noche
In 'por la noche', this means 'night' or 'evening' and identifies when the neighbors are asked to use headphones. It gives the time context for the request. Use it when referring to nighttime activities or routines.
cuando
In 'cuando tenemos que trabajar', this means 'when' and introduces the circumstance that the speakers have work the next day. It connects the requested timing with their schedule. Use it to introduce a time or situation that affects another action.
tenemos
In 'tenemos que trabajar', this contributes the meaning 'we have'. Together with the rest of the expression, it says that the speakers need to work the next day. Use this pattern when describing an obligation or necessity shared by a group.
trabajar
In 'tenemos que trabajar', this means 'to work' and names the activity required the next day. It follows the expression that states necessity. Use it after that pattern when specifying the required action.
día
In 'al día siguiente', this means 'day' and refers to the day after the evening being discussed. It is part of the time expression locating the work. Use the full expression when referring to the following day.
siguiente
In 'al día siguiente', this means 'next' or 'following'. It specifies that the day comes after the current evening. Use it to identify the next item or period in a sequence.
Eso
At the start of 'Eso sería un compromiso práctico', this refers to the proposed use of headphones. It means 'that' and points back to the idea just discussed. Use it to refer to a previous suggestion, action, or situation.
sería
In 'Eso sería un compromiso práctico', this means 'would be'. It presents the proposed solution as a possible evaluation rather than a definite fact. Use it when describing what a suggestion or situation would represent.
compromiso
In 'un compromiso práctico', this means 'compromise'. It describes an arrangement that considers both the neighbors' music and the speakers' need for sleep. Use it when a solution balances the interests of people in a disagreement.
práctico
In 'un compromiso práctico', this means 'practical' and describes a solution that can realistically be used. It presents the headphone suggestion as workable. Use it when evaluating whether an idea is useful and feasible.
los
In 'no los acusaría directamente', this refers to the neighbors as the people who would not be accused. It is the object of the action expressed by 'acusaría'. Use it when referring back to those people as the object of an action.
acusaría
In 'no los acusaría directamente', this means 'would accuse'. The form presents a possible consequence of the proposed wording and says that it would not directly blame the neighbors. Use it when discussing how a possible action might affect another person.
directamente
In 'no los acusaría directamente', this means 'directly' and describes the manner of accusing. It emphasizes that the suggestion avoids an explicit personal accusation. Use it to clarify that an action is done openly or without an intermediary.
Puedo
In 'Puedo elegir', this means 'I can' and expresses the speaker's ability or willingness to choose a suitable time. It is followed by the action the speaker can take. Use it before an action when offering or stating what you are able to do.
elegir
In 'Puedo elegir un momento tranquilo' and 'Elegir un momento tranquilo suele evitar', this means 'choose'. In the first sentence it follows 'Puedo'; in the second, it names the act of choosing as the subject of a general observation. Use it when selecting one option from several possibilities.
momento
In 'un momento tranquilo', this means 'moment' and refers to a suitable time for the conversation. The adjective describes that time as calm. Use it when selecting a particular point in time for an action.
tranquilo
In 'un momento tranquilo', this means 'calm' or 'quiet'. It describes a time when speaking with the neighbors is less likely to create tension. Use it to describe a peaceful time, place, or situation.
esta
In 'esta noche', this means 'this' and points to the current evening. It makes the proposed time specific. Use it before a time expression when referring to the present or immediate period.
para
In 'para hablar con ellos', this introduces the purpose of choosing the moment. It means 'to' or 'in order to', followed by the action of talking. Use it before an infinitive to state why an action is done.
suele
In 'suele evitar', this means 'usually tends to' and describes a normal or repeated result of choosing a calm time. It presents the result as a general tendency, not an absolute guarantee. Use it before an action when describing what commonly happens.
evitar
In 'suele evitar que un problema pequeño se vuelva algo personal', this means 'prevent' or 'avoid'. The full construction says that calm timing helps stop the problem from becoming personal. Use it before 'que' when describing an action that prevents a later result.
problema
In 'un problema pequeño', this means 'problem' and refers to the original noise issue. It is described as small before the possibility of becoming more personal. Use it when identifying an issue that may need attention or resolution.
pequeño
In 'un problema pequeño', this means 'small' and describes the current problem as limited in size or seriousness. The sentence contrasts this with the possibility of a personal dispute. Use it when describing a problem that is not yet major.
vuelva
In 'se vuelva algo personal', this means 'becomes' or 'turns into'. It describes the problem changing from a small issue into something personal. The pattern 'se vuelva ...' is useful when describing a possible change of state.
algo
In 'algo personal', this means 'something' and presents the result as a personal matter without naming a more specific category. It leaves the result general while the adjective explains its character. Use it when referring to an unspecified thing or situation.
personal
In 'algo personal', this means 'personal' and describes a problem that has shifted from an issue about noise to an issue involving people personally. It explains the kind of escalation the speakers want to prevent. Use it when distinguishing a personal matter from a general or practical problem.
Grammar Points
antes de que + subjuntivo
antes de que se convierta
AN-tehs deh keh seh kohn-BYER-tahbefore it becomes
Después de «antes de que» se usa el subjuntivo para expresar una acción futura o todavía no realizada.
deberíamos + infinitivo
Deberíamos hablar
deh-beh-RYAH-mohs ah-BLARWe should talk
«Deberíamos» es una forma condicional que se usa para dar una recomendación de manera moderada.
Spanish Vocabulary
antes de que
conj
AN-tehs deh keh
before
conflicto
noun
kohn-FLEEK-toh
conflict
de al lado
phrase
deh ahl LAH-doh
next door
deberíamos
verb
deh-beh-RYAH-mohs
we should
dormir
verb
dor-MEER
to sleep
ellos
pron
EH-yohs
them / they
ha dejado
verb
ah deh-HAH-doh
has left / has kept
hablar
verb
ah-BLAR
to talk
mayor
adj
mah-YOR
bigger / greater
música
noun
MOO-see-kah
music
se convierta
verb
seh kohn-BYER-tah
becomes
últimamente
adv
ool-tee-mah-MEN-teh
lately
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
to talk
Show Answer
hablarmusic
Show Answer
músicato sleep
Show Answer
dormirthem / they