Checking dietary restrictions before cooking | Learn Spanish in English

Spanish lesson set in a contemporary Madrid everyday setting: At home, two adults check guests' dietary restrictions and adjust a dinner plan before cooking..

EN → ES / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Checking dietary restrictions before cooking to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Antes de preparar la cena, debería comprobar las restricciones alimentarias de todos.

AHN-tehs deh preh-pah-RAHR lah SEH-nah, deh-beh-REE-ah kohm-proh-BAHR lahs rehs-treek-SYOH-nehs ah-lee-mehn-TAH-ryahs deh TOH-dohs. Before I cook dinner, I should check everyone's dietary restrictions.
B

Vale la pena comprobarlo, porque una persona invitada evita los lácteos y otra no come cerdo.

BAH-leh lah PEH-nah kohm-proh-BAHR-loh, POR-keh OO-nah pehr-SOH-nah een-bee-TAH-dah eh-BEE-tah lohs LAHK-teh-ohs ee OH-trah noh KOH-meh SEHR-doh. It is worth checking, because one guest avoids dairy and another does not eat pork.
A

Pensaba preparar pasta cremosa, así que necesito un sustituto.

pehn-SAH-bah preh-pah-RAHR PAHS-tah kreh-MOH-sah, ah-SEE keh neh-seh-SEE-toh oon soos-tee-TOO-toh. I was planning to make creamy pasta, so I need a substitute.
B

Podrías usar aceite de oliva y verduras en lugar de una salsa a base de leche.

poh-DREE-ahs oo-SAHR ah-SEH-teh deh oh-LEE-bah ee behr-DOO-rahs ehn loo-GAHR deh OO-nah SAHL-sah ah BAH-seh deh LEH-cheh. You could use olive oil and vegetables instead of a milk-based sauce.
A

¿Seguiría pareciendo una comida completa para los invitados?

seh-gee-REE-ah pah-reh-SYEN-doh OO-nah koh-MEE-dah kohm-PLEH-tah pah-rah lohs een-bee-TAH-dohs? Would that still feel like a proper meal for guests?
B

Sí, sobre todo si añades champiñones y una ensalada fresca.

SEE, SOH-breh TOH-doh see ah-NYAH-dehs cham-pee-NYOH-nehs ee OO-nah ehn-sah-LAH-dah FREHS-kah. It would, especially if you add mushrooms and a bright salad.
A

Enviaré un mensaje breve para preguntar si tienen alguna otra preferencia.

ehm-bee-ah-REH oon mehn-SAH-heh BREH-beh pah-rah preh-goon-TAHR see tee-EH-nehn ahl-GOO-nah OH-trah preh-feh-REHN-syah. I will send a quick message asking about any other preferences.
B

Haz la pregunta de forma sencilla, o la gente puede sentir que está causando problemas.

ahs lah preh-GOON-tah deh FOR-mah sehn-SEE-yah, oh lah HEHN-teh PWEH-deh sehn-TEER keh ehs-TAH kow-SAHN-doh proh-BLEH-mahs. Keep the question simple, or people may feel they are causing trouble.
A

El mensaje puede decir simplemente que quiero preparar algo adecuado para todos.

el mehn-SAH-heh PWEH-deh deh-SEER seem-pleh-MEHN-teh keh KYEH-roh preh-pah-RAHR AHL-goh ah-deh-KWAH-doh pah-rah TOH-dohs. The message can simply say I want to make something suitable for everyone.
B

Eso suena considerado y les da la oportunidad de responder con claridad.

EH-soh SWEH-nah kohn-see-deh-RAH-doh ee lehs dah lah oh-por-too-nee-DAHD deh rehs-pohn-DEHR kohn klah-ree-DAHD. That sounds considerate and gives them a chance to answer clearly.

Word by Word

Antes “Antes” means “before” in “Antes de preparar la cena,” placing the cooking action earlier than another action. A common reusable pattern is “Antes de” followed by an infinitive. You would use it when explaining what happens first, such as before starting an activity.
de In “Antes de preparar,” “de” connects “Antes” with the infinitive “preparar” and gives the meaning “before preparing.” The reusable pattern is “Antes de + infinitive.” You would use it to describe an action that happens before another action.
preparar “Preparar” means “to prepare” in “Antes de preparar la cena.” Here it names the action that must happen before the dinner is ready, and it follows “de” in the expression “Antes de preparar.” You would use it when talking about preparing food, plans, or materials.
la “La” means “the” before the feminine singular noun “cena” in “la cena.” It identifies one specific dinner, and the reusable pattern is “la + feminine singular noun.” You would use it when referring to a known feminine singular thing.
cena “Cena” means “dinner” in “preparar la cena,” the evening meal being prepared. It commonly appears with “preparar” when talking about making dinner. You would use it at home or when discussing an evening meal.
debería “Debería” expresses what the speaker thinks they should do in “debería comprobar.” It presents checking as advisable or responsible rather than as a direct command. A reusable pattern is “debería + infinitive” for giving or describing advice.
comprobar “Comprobar” means “to check” in “debería comprobar las restricciones alimentarias.” The object being checked follows directly: “comprobar” plus the information or thing to verify. You would use it when verifying details before making a decision.
las “Las” means “the” before the feminine plural noun “restricciones” in “las restricciones alimentarias.” It refers to specific restrictions and matches the plural noun. The reusable pattern is “las + feminine plural noun.”
restricciones “Restricciones” means “restrictions” in “las restricciones alimentarias,” referring to limits on what guests can eat. It is used here with an adjective that specifies the type of restrictions. You would use it when checking requirements or limits that affect a plan.
alimentarias “Alimentarias” means “dietary” or “food-related” in “las restricciones alimentarias.” It specifies that the restrictions concern eating and food. It is useful after a noun such as “restricciones” when discussing what someone can or cannot eat.
todos “Todos” means “everyone” in “de todos,” referring to all the people whose dietary restrictions should be checked. Here it follows “de” to show whose restrictions are involved. You would use it when referring to all people in a group.
Vale la pena “Vale la pena” means “it is worth it” in “Vale la pena comprobarlo.” As a whole, the expression says that checking is worthwhile: “Vale” presents the value, while “la pena” forms the noun phrase meaning the effort or worth involved. You would use it to recommend an action because its benefit justifies the effort.
comprobarlo “Comprobarlo” means “to check it” in “Vale la pena comprobarlo.” The attached “lo” refers to the matter already being discussed, namely the guests’ dietary restrictions. A reusable pattern is an infinitive with an attached object pronoun when the object is already clear.
porque “Porque” means “because” in “porque una persona invitada evita los lácteos.” It introduces the reason why checking is worthwhile. You would use it to connect a statement with its explanation or reason.
una “Una” means “a” or “one” before the feminine singular noun “persona” in “una persona invitada.” It introduces one female-described person without identifying her by name. The reusable pattern is “una + feminine singular noun.”
persona “Persona” means “person” in “una persona invitada.” It identifies one guest by the general word for a person, and “invitada” adds information about that person. You would use it when referring to someone without focusing on a name or role beyond the context.
invitada “Invitada” means “invited guest” in “una persona invitada.” It describes the person as someone invited to the meal and agrees with “persona” in the phrase. You would use it when referring to a female guest or a person described with this feminine form.
evita “Evita” means “avoids” in “una persona invitada evita los lácteos.” It describes the guest’s choice not to consume dairy products, with “los lácteos” as the object. You would use it to state that someone deliberately stays away from a food, activity, or situation.
los “Los” means “the” before the masculine plural noun “lácteos” in “los lácteos.” It refers to dairy products as a category and matches the plural noun. The reusable pattern is “los + masculine plural noun.”
lácteos “Lácteos” means “dairy products” in “evita los lácteos.” It names the category of food that the guest avoids. You would use it when discussing milk-based foods or dietary restrictions.
y “Y” means “and” in “evita los lácteos y otra no come cerdo.” It joins two related facts about different guests. You would use it to connect words, phrases, or complete statements.
otra “Otra” means “another” in “otra no come cerdo,” referring to a different female-described guest. It contrasts this person with the one mentioned immediately before. A reusable pattern is “otra + verb” when introducing another person or thing in the discussion.
no “No” negates “come” in “no come cerdo,” stating that the other guest does not eat pork. It normally appears directly before the verb being negated. You would use it to express a negative statement.
come “Come” means “eats” in “otra no come cerdo.” Together with “no,” it describes the guest’s food restriction, and “cerdo” names the food affected. You would use it when saying what someone eats or does not eat.
cerdo “Cerdo” means “pork” in “no come cerdo,” naming the meat that the guest does not eat. It follows the verb phrase “no come” as the food being avoided. You would use it when discussing ingredients or dietary preferences.
Pensaba “Pensaba” expresses a prior plan in “Pensaba preparar pasta cremosa,” meaning the speaker had been planning to prepare creamy pasta. It introduces an intention that may now need to change because of the dietary restrictions. You would use it when explaining an earlier plan or expectation.
pasta “Pasta” means “pasta” in “preparar pasta cremosa.” It names the main food the speaker originally planned to prepare. You would use it when discussing a pasta dish or meal.
cremosa “Cremosa” means “creamy” in “pasta cremosa,” describing the texture or style of the pasta dish. It gives more information about “pasta” and uses the feminine form matching that noun. You would use it to describe a creamy food or sauce.
así que “Así que” means “so” or “therefore” in “así que necesito un sustituto.” As a whole, it connects the earlier plan with its consequence: the dietary issue means a substitute is needed; “así” points to the resulting situation and “que” completes the connector. You would use it to introduce a result or conclusion.
necesito “Necesito” means “I need” in “necesito un sustituto.” It states that the speaker requires something because the original ingredient or plan is unsuitable. A reusable pattern is “necesito + noun” for expressing a need.
un “Un” means “a” or “one” before the masculine singular noun “sustituto” in “un sustituto.” It introduces one substitute without identifying a particular one. The reusable pattern is “un + masculine singular noun.”
sustituto “Sustituto” means “substitute” in “necesito un sustituto.” It refers to an alternative ingredient or option that can replace part of the original meal. You would use it when one item must be replaced by another.
Podrías “Podrías” means “you could” in “Podrías usar aceite de oliva y verduras.” It presents a possible suggestion in a considerate way rather than giving a forceful instruction. A reusable pattern is “Podrías + infinitive” when offering an option or recommendation.
usar “Usar” means “to use” in “Podrías usar aceite de oliva y verduras.” It introduces the ingredients suggested as an alternative to the milk-based sauce. You would use it when saying which tool, material, or ingredient can serve a purpose.
aceite “Aceite” means “oil” in “aceite de oliva.” It is the main noun in the ingredient phrase, while “de oliva” specifies the type of oil. You would use it when discussing cooking ingredients or other kinds of oil.
oliva “Oliva” means “olive” in “aceite de oliva.” Together, “aceite de oliva” means olive oil, with “de oliva” specifying what the oil is made from or associated with. You would use this expression when naming an oil used in cooking.
verduras “Verduras” means “vegetables” in “usar aceite de oliva y verduras.” It names another group of ingredients proposed for the meal. You would use it when discussing vegetable ingredients or a vegetable-based dish.
en lugar de “En lugar de” means “instead of” in “en lugar de una salsa a base de leche.” As a whole, it marks the replacement: one option is used in place of another; “en” means in, “lugar” means place, and “de” introduces the option being replaced. You would use it before a noun or action when comparing a chosen alternative with what it replaces.
salsa “Salsa” means “sauce” in “una salsa a base de leche.” It names the food component that the suggested oil and vegetables would replace. You would use it when describing a sauce served with or mixed into a meal.
a base de “A base de” means “based on” in “una salsa a base de leche.” As a whole, it identifies the main ingredient or basis of the sauce; “a” and “de” frame “base,” meaning basis. You would use it before an ingredient to describe what a food or product is based on.
leche “Leche” means “milk” in “una salsa a base de leche.” It identifies the ingredient on which the sauce is based. You would use it when discussing milk as an ingredient or a dietary concern.
Seguiría “Seguiría” contributes the meaning “would still continue to” in “Seguiría pareciendo una comida completa.” It asks whether the meal would retain the same impression after the proposed change. A reusable pattern is “seguiría + gerund” for asking whether a situation would continue.
pareciendo “Pareciendo” means “seeming” or “appearing” in “Seguiría pareciendo una comida completa.” Together with “Seguiría,” it asks whether the meal would still give the impression of being complete. You would use it when discussing how something appears or comes across.
comida “Comida” means “meal” in “una comida completa,” referring to the dinner as a whole rather than to one ingredient. It is modified by “completa” to describe the meal’s overall character. You would use it when talking about a meal or food in a general way.
completa “Completa” means “complete” or “full” in “una comida completa.” It describes the meal as sufficiently substantial or well-rounded for the guests and agrees with “comida.” You would use it to say that something includes what is needed or expected.
para “Para” means “for” in “para los invitados,” identifying the people for whom the meal is intended. It introduces the intended recipients or purpose. You would use it before a person or group when saying who something is for.
invitados “Invitados” means “guests” in “para los invitados.” It refers to the people attending the meal and follows “para” to show who the meal is intended for. You would use it when discussing people invited to an event or meal.
Sí “Sí” means “yes” in the reply “Sí, sobre todo si añades champiñones.” It confirms the question about whether the meal would still seem complete. You would use it to give an affirmative answer.
sobre todo “Sobre todo” means “especially” in “sobre todo si añades champiñones.” As a whole, it emphasizes the condition that follows; “sobre” means over or about and “todo” means all, but together they function as an emphasis expression. You would use it to highlight the most important factor or example.
si “Si” means “if” in “si añades champiñones.” It introduces the condition under which the meal would still seem complete. You would use it to connect a possible condition with its result.
añades “Añades” means “you add” in “si añades champiñones y una ensalada fresca.” It describes the ingredient addition that supports the suggested meal. A reusable pattern is “añades + ingredient” when explaining what to include in a dish.
champiñones “Champiñones” means “mushrooms” in “añades champiñones.” It names one of the ingredients suggested to make the meal feel complete. You would use it when discussing mushrooms as a cooking ingredient.
ensalada “Ensalada” means “salad” in “una ensalada fresca.” It names the side dish suggested for the meal. You would use it when discussing a salad served with a main dish.
fresca “Fresca” means “fresh” in “una ensalada fresca.” It describes the salad and agrees with “ensalada” in the phrase. You would use it to describe food that is fresh or has a fresh character.
Enviaré “Enviaré” means “I will send” in “Enviaré un mensaje breve.” It states the speaker’s intention to send a message about the guests’ preferences. A reusable pattern is “Enviaré + thing” when announcing something you plan to send.
mensaje “Mensaje” means “message” in “Enviaré un mensaje breve.” It is the written communication the speaker plans to send to the guests. You would use it for a text, note, or other short communication.
breve “Breve” means “brief” or “short” in “un mensaje breve.” It describes the message as concise and agrees in form with “mensaje.” You would use it when emphasizing that written or spoken communication will not be long.
preguntar “Preguntar” means “to ask” in “para preguntar si tienen alguna otra preferencia.” It names the purpose of sending the message, namely finding out whether the guests have another preference. A reusable pattern is “para preguntar” when stating the purpose of an action.
tienen “Tienen” means “they have” in “si tienen alguna otra preferencia.” It asks whether the guests possess or have any additional preference. You would use it with a plural subject when asking about what people have or want.
alguna “Alguna” means “any” or “some” in “alguna otra preferencia.” It leaves open whether an additional preference exists and agrees with the feminine noun “preferencia.” A reusable pattern is “alguna + feminine singular noun” in questions or conditional contexts.
preferencia “Preferencia” means “preference” in “alguna otra preferencia.” It refers to an additional food choice or desire the guests may have. You would use it when asking what option someone would prefer.
Haz “Haz” means “make” or “keep” in the instruction “Haz la pregunta de forma sencilla.” It tells the listener to formulate the question simply, and it is used here as a direct instruction. You would use it when telling someone to carry out an action.
pregunta “Pregunta” means “question” in “Haz la pregunta de forma sencilla.” It is the thing that should be made or formulated simply. You would use it when referring to something asked to obtain information.
forma “Forma” means “way” or “manner” in “de forma sencilla.” It describes how the question should be asked. A reusable pattern is “de forma + adjective” for explaining the manner of an action.
sencilla “Sencilla” means “simple” or “straightforward” in “de forma sencilla.” It describes the manner of asking the question and agrees with “forma.” You would use it when recommending an uncomplicated way to do something.
o “O” means “or” in “o la gente puede sentir que está causando problemas.” It introduces the possible consequence if the question is not kept simple. You would use it to connect alternatives or present a warning about another result.
gente “Gente” means “people” in “la gente puede sentir.” It refers generally to the guests or people receiving the question. You would use it when speaking about people as a group rather than naming individuals.
puede “Puede” means “may” or “can” in “la gente puede sentir que está causando problemas.” It presents a possible reaction, not a certain one. A reusable pattern is “puede + infinitive” for expressing possibility or ability.
sentir “Sentir” means “to feel” in “puede sentir que está causando problemas.” It introduces the possible emotional reaction of the people receiving the question. You would use it when talking about someone’s feelings or personal experience.
que “Que” means “that” in “sentir que está causando problemas.” It introduces the content of what the people may feel: that they are causing problems. A reusable pattern is “sentir que + statement” for describing a perceived situation.
está “Está” means “is” in “está causando problemas.” Together with “causando,” it describes an action that is in progress. You would use it with a gerund when describing what someone is doing at that time.
causando “Causando” means “causing” in “está causando problemas.” Together with “está,” it says that the person may feel they are creating trouble for others. You would use it when describing an action that produces a result or problem.
problemas “Problemas” means “problems” or “trouble” in “está causando problemas.” It names the unwanted difficulty that people may worry they are creating. You would use it when discussing difficulties or complications.
El “El” means “the” before the masculine singular noun “mensaje” in “El mensaje.” It identifies the specific message being discussed. The reusable pattern is “el + masculine singular noun.”
decir “Decir” means “to say” in “puede decir simplemente.” It describes the content that the message can communicate. A reusable pattern is “decir + message or statement” when explaining what someone or something says.
simplemente “Simplemente” means “simply” in “puede decir simplemente que quiero preparar algo adecuado.” It indicates that the message can state the intention directly and without extra complexity. You would use it to emphasize a straightforward manner or explanation.
quiero “Quiero” means “I want” in “quiero preparar algo adecuado para todos.” It expresses the speaker’s intention to prepare something suitable for everyone. A reusable pattern is “quiero + infinitive” for stating what you want to do.
algo “Algo” means “something” in “preparar algo adecuado para todos.” It refers to an unspecified dish or item that will be suitable for everyone. You would use it when the exact thing is not named or is not important yet.
adecuado “Adecuado” means “suitable” or “appropriate” in “algo adecuado para todos.” It describes the unspecified food as fitting the needs of every guest. You would use it when saying that something fits a particular purpose or group.
Eso “Eso” means “that” in “Eso suena considerado.” It refers to the message or idea just described. You would use it to point back to an idea, action, or situation already mentioned.
suena “Suena” means “sounds” in “Eso suena considerado.” It evaluates how the idea comes across to the listener, not how it physically sounds. A reusable pattern is “suena + adjective” for giving an impression of an idea or statement.
considerado “Considerado” means “considerate” or “thoughtful” in “suena considerado.” It praises the plan because it takes the guests’ needs into account. You would use it when describing behavior that shows attention to other people.
les “Les” means “to them” in “les da la oportunidad.” It identifies the guests as the people who receive the opportunity. A reusable pattern is “les da + noun” when saying that something gives people something.
da “Da” means “gives” in “les da la oportunidad de responder.” Together with “les,” it says that the message gives the guests an opportunity. You would use it in the pattern “dar a alguien la oportunidad de + infinitive.”
oportunidad “Oportunidad” means “opportunity” or “chance” in “les da la oportunidad de responder.” It names the possibility offered to the guests: they can provide a clear answer. You would use it when someone is given the possibility to do something.
responder “Responder” means “to answer” or “to respond” in “la oportunidad de responder con claridad.” It names the action the guests can take after receiving the message. The reusable pattern is “la oportunidad de + infinitive” for describing what someone has a chance to do.
con “Con” means “with” in “responder con claridad.” It introduces the manner in which the guests can respond. A reusable pattern is “con + noun” to describe how an action is carried out.
claridad “Claridad” means “clarity” in “responder con claridad.” Together with “con,” it means answering clearly and making the information easy to understand. You would use it when emphasizing that communication should be clear.

Grammar Points

debería + infinitivo

Debería comprobar las restricciones alimentarias.

deh-beh-REE-ah kohm-proh-BAHR lahs rehs-treek-SYOH-nehs ah-lee-mehn-TAH-ryahs.

I should check the dietary restrictions.

Debería expresses advice or obligation and is followed by a verb in the infinitive.

en lugar de + sustantivo

Aceite de oliva en lugar de lácteos.

ah-SEH-teh deh oh-LEE-bah ehn loo-GAHR deh LAHK-teh-ohs.

Olive oil instead of dairy products.

En lugar de introduces the thing that replaces another option.

Spanish Vocabulary

cena noun
SEH-nah dinner
cerdo noun
SEHR-doh pork
comprobar verb
kohm-proh-BAHR to check
debería verb
deh-beh-REE-ah should
evita verb
eh-BEE-tah avoids
invitada noun
een-bee-TAH-dah female guest
lácteos noun
LAHK-teh-ohs dairy products
pasta cremosa phrase
PAHS-tah kreh-MOH-sah creamy pasta
pensaba verb
pehn-SAH-bah I was planning
preparar verb
preh-pah-RAHR to prepare

Antes de preparar la cena

restricciones alimentarias phrase
rehs-treek-SYOH-nehs ah-lee-mehn-TAH-ryahs dietary restrictions
vale la pena phrase
BAH-leh lah PEH-nah it is worth it

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

dairy products

Show Answerlácteos

to prepare

Show Answerpreparar

should

Show Answerdebería

avoids

Show Answerevita