Asking for Clearer Feedback | Learn Spanish in English

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Dialogue

Los comentarios dicen que la propuesta debería ser más sólida, pero eso parece poco claro.

lohs koh-men-TAH-ryohs DEE-sen keh lah proh-PWEHS-tah deh-beh-REE-ah sehr mahs SOH-lee-dah, PEH-roh EH-soh pah-REH-seh POH-koh KLAH-roh. The feedback says the proposal should be stronger, but that feels vague.

Pregunta qué parte necesita revisión: las pruebas, el tono o la estructura.

preh-GOON-tah keh PAHR-teh neh-seh-SEE-tah reh-bee-SYOHN: lahs PROO-eh-bahs, ehl TOH-noh oh lah ehs-trook-TOO-rah. Ask which part needs revision: the evidence, tone, or structure.

Creo que quizá la introducción no explica el problema con suficiente claridad.

KREH-oh keh kee-SAH lah een-troh-dook-SYOHN noh ehk-SPLEE-kah ehl proh-BLEH-mah kohn soo-fee-SYEN-teh klah-ree-DAHD. I think the introduction may not explain the problem clearly enough.

Entonces, pide un ejemplo específico de lo que quieren que cambies.

ehn-TOHN-sehs PEE-deh oon eh-HEHM-ploh ehk-speh-SEE-fee-koh deh loh keh KYEH-rehn keh KAHM-byehs. Then ask for a specific example of what they want changed.

¿Eso sonaría a la defensiva?

EH-soh soh-nah-REE-ah ah lah deh-fen-SEE-bah? Would that sound defensive?

No, si dices que quieres cumplir con sus expectativas.

noh, see DEE-sehs keh KYEH-rehs koom-PLEER kohn soos ehk-spehk-tah-TEE-bahs. Not if you say you want to match their expectations.

Puedo preguntar si quieren más datos o un tono más seguro.

PWEH-doh preh-goon-TAHR see KYEH-rehn mahs DAH-tohs oh oon TOH-noh mahs seh-GOO-roh. I can ask whether they want more data or a more confident tone.

Eso les da dos opciones claras para elegir.

EH-soh lehs dah dohs ohp-SYOH-nehs KLAH-rahs pah-rah eh-leh-HEER. That gives them two clear directions to choose from.

Cuando sepa qué dirección seguir, podré revisarla rápidamente.

KWAHN-doh SEH-pah keh dee-rehk-SYOHN seh-GEER, poh-DREH reh-bee-SAR-lah rah-pee-dah-MEN-teh. Once I know the direction, I can revise it quickly.

Una orientación clara puede evitar reescribir sin necesidad.

OO-nah oh-ryen-tah-SYOHN KLAH-rah PWEH-deh eh-bee-TAHR reh-ehs-kree-BEER seen neh-seh-see-DAHD. Clear guidance can save unnecessary rewriting.

Word by Word

Los “Los” is the masculine plural form of “the” in “Los comentarios”. It agrees with the plural masculine noun “comentarios” and is useful before a specific group of things or people.

comentarios “Comentarios” means comments or feedback here, referring to the remarks about the proposal. It is used as the subject of “Los comentarios dicen”; this pattern is useful when reporting what feedback communicates.

dicen “Dicen” means “say” or “state” here: “Los comentarios dicen que…”. It is the form used when “los comentarios” are treated as the source of information, and “decir que” introduces the reported message.

que “Que” introduces the clause containing what the comments say: “dicen que la propuesta debería ser más sólida”. It commonly links a reporting expression such as “decir” to the information being reported.

la “La” means “the” before the feminine singular noun “propuesta” in “la propuesta”. It agrees with that noun and is used for a specific proposal already being discussed.

propuesta “Propuesta” means proposal here, the document being discussed and revised. It appears with “la” and is the subject of “debería ser más sólida”; this noun is useful when discussing a suggested plan or document.

debería “Debería” expresses what the proposal should be like: “la propuesta debería ser más sólida”. It is the conditional form used for a recommendation or expected improvement, and “debería + infinitive” is a reusable pattern.

ser “Ser” means “be” in “debería ser más sólida”, describing the desired quality of the proposal. It stays in the infinitive after “debería”; “debería ser + adjective” is a common way to state what something should be like.

más “Más” means “more” in “más sólida”, indicating a higher degree of strength or solidity. It is placed before the adjective and can be reused in comparisons or requests for a greater degree of a quality.

sólida “Sólida” describes the proposal as strong or well-supported in “más sólida”. Its feminine singular form agrees with “propuesta”, and “ser más sólida” is useful when discussing how to strengthen an argument or document.

pero “Pero” means “but” and contrasts the suggestion that the proposal should improve with the speaker’s view that the feedback is unclear. It links two contrasting clauses and is useful when acknowledging one point before adding a concern.

eso “Eso” refers to the preceding feedback or suggestion as a point being evaluated: “pero eso parece poco claro”. It is useful for referring back to an idea, statement, or situation without repeating it.

parece “Parece” means “seems” in “eso parece poco claro”, presenting the speaker’s impression rather than an absolute statement. It is used with a subject and a description, as in “algo parece + adjective”.

poco “Poco” means “little” or “not very” in the phrase “poco claro”. Here it lowers the degree of clarity and works together with “claro” to describe the feedback as vague; “poco + adjective” is a reusable way to soften a quality.

claro “Claro” contributes the meaning of clarity in “poco claro”, which describes “eso” as vague or insufficiently clear. The exact masculine singular form is used in this expression, and “parece claro” can describe whether an idea is understandable.

Pregunta “Pregunta” is a direct request meaning “ask” in “Pregunta qué parte necesita revisión”. It addresses one person and gives an instruction; “pregunta + question clause” is useful when requesting a specific point of information.

qué “Qué” means “which” or “what” in “qué parte necesita revisión”. It introduces the requested information and appears before the noun “parte”; this pattern is useful when asking which item is involved.

parte “Parte” means “part” here, referring to one area of the proposal that may need revision. It is used in “qué parte” to ask for a specific section or aspect of something.

necesita “Necesita” means “needs” in “qué parte necesita revisión”. It identifies the part requiring attention, and “necesitar + noun” is a common pattern for stating what something requires.

revisión “Revisión” means revision or review here, the work needed on a part of the proposal. It follows “necesita” in “necesita revisión”; this noun is useful when discussing an examination or improvement of a document.

las “Las” means “the” before the feminine plural noun “pruebas” in “las pruebas”. It agrees with that noun and introduces the specific evidence under discussion.

pruebas “Pruebas” means evidence here, one possible area for revision in the proposal. It appears in the list “las pruebas, el tono o la estructura” and is useful when discussing information that supports a claim.

el “El” means “the” before the masculine singular noun “tono” in “el tono”. It agrees with that noun and introduces the specific tone being considered.

tono “Tono” means tone, referring to the way the proposal sounds or presents its message. It is one of the possible areas for revision and is commonly used with adjectives describing how communication sounds.

o “O” means “or” and separates the alternatives in “las pruebas, el tono o la estructura”. It connects choices or possibilities when only one or another option is being considered.

estructura “Estructura” means structure here, the organization of the proposal. It is the final item in the list of possible areas for revision and is useful when discussing how a text or presentation is arranged.

Creo “Creo” means “I think” in “Creo que quizá…”, introducing the speaker’s opinion. “Creo que” is a common way to state a view before giving an explanation or assessment.

quizá “Quizá” means “perhaps” or “maybe” and makes the statement about the introduction less definite. It can be placed before the clause it qualifies, as in “quizá la introducción no explica…”.

introducción “Introducción” means introduction here, the opening part of the proposal. It is the subject of “no explica el problema…” and is useful when discussing the beginning section of a document or presentation.

no “No” negates the statement “la introducción explica el problema”. In “no explica”, it comes directly before the verb; it is also used alone as “No” when answering the question in the dialogue.

explica “Explica” means “explains” in “la introducción no explica el problema”. It describes what the introduction does or fails to do, and “explicar + object” is a reusable pattern for saying what something explains.

problema “Problema” means problem here, the issue that the introduction may not explain clearly enough. It is the direct object of “explica” in “explica el problema” and is useful when identifying an issue that needs discussion.

con “Con” means “with” in “con suficiente claridad”, describing the manner or degree of clarity. This preposition commonly introduces what accompanies an action or the way something is done.

suficiente “Suficiente” means “enough” or “sufficient” in “con suficiente claridad”. It indicates that the level of clarity may be adequate or inadequate, and “suficiente + noun” is a reusable pattern for stating an adequate amount.

claridad “Claridad” means clarity here, the quality with which the introduction explains the problem. It appears in “con suficiente claridad”; this pattern is useful for describing whether an action is performed clearly enough.

Entonces “Entonces” means “then” and introduces the advice that follows from the previous concern. It is useful for connecting a situation with a suggested next action, as in “Entonces, pide…”.

pide “Pide” is a direct request meaning “ask for” in “pide un ejemplo específico”. It addresses one person and tells them what to request; “pedir + noun” is a common pattern for requesting something.

un “Un” means “a” or “an” before the masculine singular noun “ejemplo” in “un ejemplo”. It introduces one non-specific example and agrees with the noun’s masculine singular form.

ejemplo “Ejemplo” means example here, specifically an illustration of what should be changed. It is the object of “pide” in “pide un ejemplo específico”; this pattern is useful when asking someone to make vague feedback concrete.

específico “Específico” means specific in “un ejemplo específico”, emphasizing that the example should identify a particular change. Its masculine singular form agrees with “ejemplo”, and it is useful for requesting precise information.

de “De” means “of” in “un ejemplo específico de lo que quieren que cambies”. It links the example with the content it should illustrate, and “un ejemplo de + clause” is a reusable way to ask for an illustration of something.

lo “Lo” contributes the meaning of “that which” in the expression “lo que quieren que cambies”. Together, “lo que” refers to the thing or content they want changed; this construction is useful when referring to an unspecified thing described by a following clause.

quieren “Quieren” means “they want” in “lo que quieren que cambies”. It states the other people’s desired change, and “querer que + clause” is a common pattern for expressing what someone wants another person to do.

cambies “Cambies” means “you change” in “que cambies”, referring to the change the other people want the listener to make. It appears after “quieren que” in a clause about someone else’s desired action; this pattern is useful for reporting requests.

a la defensiva “A la defensiva” is the whole expression meaning “defensively” or in a defensive manner in “¿Eso sonaría a la defensiva?”. The components “a”, “la”, and “defensiva” combine into this phrase, so the meaning belongs to the full expression rather than to one word alone. It is useful when discussing how a question, reply, or attitude might be perceived.

si “Si” means “if” in “si dices que quieres cumplir con sus expectativas”. It introduces the condition under which the question would not sound defensive, and “si + clause” is a common way to state a condition.

dices “Dices” means “you say” in “si dices que quieres…”, referring to what the listener says. It is used with “que” to introduce the content of the statement; “decir que + clause” is a reusable reporting pattern.

quieres “Quieres” means “you want” in “quieres cumplir con sus expectativas”. It expresses the listener’s intention and is followed by the infinitive “cumplir”; “querer + infinitive” is a common way to state what someone intends or wishes to do.

cumplir “Cumplir” means “meet” or “fulfill” in “cumplir con sus expectativas”. The preposition “con” is part of this useful pattern, which expresses meeting a standard, promise, or expectation.

sus “Sus” means “their” in “sus expectativas”, referring to the expectations of the people giving the feedback. It comes before the plural noun and is useful for showing possession without repeating the owners.

expectativas “Expectativas” means expectations here, the standards or results the reviewers hope for. It follows “cumplir con” in “cumplir con sus expectativas”, a useful expression for saying that a result meets what others expect.

Puedo “Puedo” means “I can” in “Puedo preguntar…”, expressing the speaker’s ability or option to ask a question. It is followed by the infinitive “preguntar”; “puedo + infinitive” is a common way to state what one can do.

preguntar “Preguntar” means “ask” in “Puedo preguntar si quieren más datos…”. It is the infinitive after “puedo” and introduces the question being considered; “preguntar si” is useful when asking whether something is true or desired.

datos “Datos” means data here, information that could be added to make the proposal stronger. It appears as “más datos” and is useful when discussing factual information used to support an argument.

seguro “Seguro” means confident or assured in “un tono más seguro”. Its masculine singular form agrees with “tono”, and this expression is useful when discussing how confident written or spoken communication sounds.

les “Les” means “to them” in “les da dos opciones claras”, identifying the people who receive the options. It is used with “dar” to show the recipient, and “darle(s) algo a alguien” is a common pattern for giving something to someone.

da “Da” means “gives” in “Eso les da dos opciones claras”. The subject is “Eso” and “les” identifies the recipients; “dar + object + indirect recipient” is a reusable way to describe providing someone with something.

opciones “Opciones” means options here, the two possible directions the feedback providers can choose between. It is the direct object of “da” in “les da dos opciones claras” and is useful when presenting alternatives.

claras “Claras” means clear in “dos opciones claras”, indicating that the alternatives are easy to distinguish. Its feminine plural form agrees with “opciones”, and it is useful for describing choices that are stated plainly.

para “Para” means “for” or “in order to” in “para elegir”, expressing the purpose or use of the options. “Para + infinitive” is a common pattern for stating what an action or thing is intended for.

elegir “Elegir” means “choose” in “opciones claras para elegir”. It is an infinitive after “para” and identifies the action the recipients can take; “opciones para elegir” is useful when presenting alternatives.

Cuando “Cuando” means “once” or “when” in “Cuando sepa qué dirección seguir”. It introduces the time condition for the speaker’s next action, and “cuando + clause” is useful for linking an action to a future point.

sepa “Sepa” means “know” in “Cuando sepa qué dirección seguir”, referring to the speaker’s future knowledge. It appears in the time clause introduced by “cuando”; this pattern connects a future condition with a later result.

dirección “Dirección” means direction here, referring to the chosen approach for revising the proposal. It appears in “qué dirección seguir”, a useful expression for asking or deciding which course of action to follow.

seguir “Seguir” means “follow” in “qué dirección seguir”, describing the course of action the speaker will take. It follows the noun “dirección” in this question-like phrase; “seguir una dirección” is a reusable pattern for following an approach.

podré “Podré” means “I will be able to” in “podré revisarla rápidamente”. It expresses future ability after the direction is known, and “podré + infinitive” is a common pattern for stating what one will be able to do.

revisarla “Revisarla” means “revise it” in “podré revisarla rápidamente”. It combines “revisar” with the attached object pronoun “la”, referring to the feminine thing being revised; “revisar + object” is useful when discussing changes to a document.

rápidamente “Rápidamente” means “quickly” and describes how the speaker will revise it in “revisarla rápidamente”. It is an adverb placed after the verb phrase and is useful for describing the speed of an action.

Una “Una” means “a” or “an” before the feminine singular noun “orientación” in “Una orientación clara”. It introduces one non-specific source of guidance and agrees with the noun’s feminine singular form.

orientación “Orientación” means guidance here, clear direction about how to improve the proposal. It is the subject of “puede evitar…” and is useful when discussing advice that helps someone decide what to do.

clara “Clara” means clear in “Una orientación clara”, describing guidance that is easy to understand and act on. Its feminine singular form agrees with “orientación”, and it is useful for describing precise advice or instructions.

puede “Puede” means “can” or “may” in “puede evitar reescribir sin necesidad”, expressing a possible effect of clear guidance. It is followed by the infinitive “evitar”; “puede + infinitive” is a common way to state possibility or ability.

evitar “Evitar” means “avoid” in “evitar reescribir sin necesidad”. It describes preventing an unwanted action, and “evitar + infinitive” is a reusable pattern for saying that something prevents another action from happening.

reescribir “Reescribir” means “rewrite” here, referring to writing the proposal again unnecessarily. It follows “evitar” as an infinitive in “evitar reescribir”; this pattern is useful when discussing how to prevent repeated writing.

sin “Sin” means “without” in “sin necesidad”, indicating that the rewriting would not be necessary. It introduces the absence of something, and “sin + noun” is a common pattern for describing an action done without a particular condition.

necesidad “Necesidad” means need or necessity in “sin necesidad”, so the phrase means without need or unnecessarily. “Sin necesidad” is a useful expression when explaining that an action could have been avoided.

Grammar Points

cumplir con + sustantivo

cumplir con las expectativas

koom-PLEER kohn lahs ehk-spehk-tah-TEE-bahs

to meet expectations

La preposición con forma parte de la expresión y se mantiene antes del sustantivo.

adjetivo + -mente → adverbio

seguir rápidamente

seh-GEER rah-pee-dah-MEN-teh

to follow quickly

Rápidamente es un adverbio que indica cómo se realiza la acción.

Spanish Vocabulary

comentario noun

koh-men-TAH-ryoh feedback; comment comentarios

Los comentarios dicen...

estructura noun

ehs-trook-TOO-rah structure

explicar verb

ehk-SPLEE-kahr to explain explica

introducción noun

een-troh-dook-SYOHN introduction

parte noun

PAHR-teh part

poco claro phrase

POH-koh KLAH-roh unclear; vague

preguntar verb

preh-goon-TAHR to ask Pregunta

propuesta noun

proh-PWEHS-tah proposal

prueba noun

PROO-eh-bah evidence; proof pruebas

revisión noun

reh-bee-SYOHN revision

sólido adj

SOH-lee-doh strong; solid sólida

tono noun

TOH-noh tone

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Would that sound defensive?

Show Answer

¿Eso sonaría a la defensiva?

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

proposal

Show Answer

propuesta

evidence; proof

Show Answer

pruebas

revision

Show Answer

revisión

strong; solid

Show Answer

sólida