Rescheduling a trip when a friend is sick | Learn Spanish in English

Spanish lesson set in a contemporary Madrid everyday setting: While planning a group trip, two friends discuss how to reschedule or update everyone after someone becomes sick..

EN → ES / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Rescheduling a trip when a friend is sick to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Una amiga dice que tiene fiebre y probablemente no podrá viajar mañana.

oo-nah ah-MEE-gah DEE-seh keh tee-EH-neh FYEH-breh ee proh-bah-bleh-MEN-teh noh poh-DRAH vee-ah-HAR mah-NYAH-nah. A friend says she has a fever and probably cannot travel tomorrow.
B

Entonces deberíamos tenerla en cuenta y hablar de si debemos cambiar la fecha.

en-TOHN-sehs deh-beh-REE-ah-mohs teh-NEHR-lah en KWEHN-tah ee ah-BLAR deh see deh-BEH-mohs kahm-BYAR lah FEH-chah. Then we should be considerate and discuss whether to reschedule.
A

Puede ser difícil cambiar la fecha del viaje si esperamos mucho más.

PWEH-deh sehr dee-FEE-seel kahm-BYAR lah FEH-chah del VYAH-heh see eh-speh-RAH-mohs MOO-choh mahs. It may be hard to reschedule the trip if we wait much longer.
B

¿Podemos cambiar la reserva en vez de cancelarla por completo?

poh-DEH-mohs kahm-BYAR lah reh-SEHR-bah en BES deh kahn-seh-LAR-lah por kohm-PLEH-toh. Can we move the booking instead of canceling it completely?
A

Déjame llamar y preguntar qué opciones hay.

DEH-hah-meh yah-MAR ee preh-goon-TAR keh op-see-OH-nehs eye. Let me call and ask what options are available.
B

También pregunta si ella se sentiría cómoda si fuéramos sin ella.

tahm-BYEN preh-GOON-tah see EH-yah seh sen-tee-REE-ah KOH-moh-dah see fweh-RAH-mohs seen EH-yah. Also ask whether she would be comfortable with us going without her.
A

Preferiría posponerlo, porque estaba planeado como un viaje en grupo.

preh-feh-ree-REE-ah pohs-poh-NEHR-loh POR-keh es-TAH-bah plah-neh-AH-doh KOH-moh oon VYAH-heh en GROO-poh. I would rather postpone, because it was planned as a group trip.
B

Tiene sentido, especialmente si solo necesita unos días para recuperarse.

tee-EH-neh sen-TEE-doh, es-peh-see-ahl-MEN-teh see SOH-loh neh-seh-SEE-tah OO-nohs DEE-ahs pah-rah reh-koo-peh-RAHR-seh. That makes sense, especially if she only needs a few days to recover.
A

Les escribiré a todos con las opciones y una actualización clara.

lehs es-kree-bee-REH ah TOH-dohs kohn lahs op-see-OH-nehs ee OO-nah ahk-too-ah-lee-sah-SYON KLEH-rah. I will message everyone with the options and a clear update.
B

La gente aceptará mejor el cambio si conoce el motivo y el momento.

lah HEN-teh ah-sehp-tah-RAH meh-HOR el KAHM-byoh see koh-NOH-seh el moh-TEE-boh ee el moh-MEN-toh. People will handle the change better if they know the reason and timing.

Word by Word

Una In "Una amiga", "Una" means “a” and introduces one female friend. It is used before a feminine singular noun, as in "una reserva" for “a reservation.”
amiga "amiga" means “female friend” in this dialogue. Use it when referring to a female friend, as in "una amiga" when explaining who gave information.
dice "dice" means “says” here and reports what the friend says. It is useful for introducing someone’s words or information, as in "dice que..." followed by the message.
que In "dice que tiene fiebre", "que" introduces the information being reported: “that she has a fever.” Use "que" after verbs such as "dice" when connecting them to what someone says.
tiene In "tiene fiebre", "tiene" means “has,” while in "Tiene sentido" it means “makes” as part of the expression “makes sense.” Use "tener" with conditions or things someone has, and use "tener sentido" to say that an idea is reasonable.
fiebre "fiebre" means “fever,” the health problem the friend has. Use it after "tener", as in "tener fiebre", when describing someone’s fever.
y "y" connects the two pieces of information in "tiene fiebre y probablemente no podrá viajar": she has a fever and probably will not be able to travel. Use it to join related words, phrases, or clauses.
probablemente "probablemente" means “probably” and shows that the speaker considers the situation likely but not certain. It can modify a verb or clause, as in "probablemente no podrá viajar" when making a prediction.
no "no" negates "podrá viajar", giving the meaning “will not be able to travel.” Place it before the verb or verb phrase you want to make negative, as in "no podrá".
podrá "podrá" means “will be able to” in "no podrá viajar". It is useful for describing whether someone will have the ability or possibility to do something, followed by an infinitive such as "viajar".
viajar "viajar" means “to travel” in this dialogue. As an infinitive, it follows a form such as "podrá" to express the action someone may or may not be able to do.
mañana "mañana" means “tomorrow” here and identifies when the travel is expected to happen. Use it to refer to the day after today, often placed at the end of a sentence such as "viajar mañana".
Entonces "Entonces" means “then” and introduces the response that follows from the friend’s illness. Use it at the beginning of a reply when drawing a practical conclusion from earlier information.
deberíamos "deberíamos" means “we should” in the suggestion "deberíamos tenerla en cuenta". Use it to make a considerate recommendation about what “we” ought to do.
tenerla In "tenerla en cuenta", "tenerla" is the form used with the feminine object "la" referring to the friend; the whole expression means “to take her into account.” Use this construction when someone’s situation should influence a decision.
en In "tenerla en cuenta", "en" is part of the expression used to mean “take into account.” Keep it in the reusable pattern "tener ... en cuenta" when saying that a person or factor should be considered.
cuenta In "tenerla en cuenta", "cuenta" belongs to the expression meaning “consideration” or “account,” so the whole phrase means “take her into account.” Use "tener ... en cuenta" when deciding with someone’s needs or circumstances in mind.
hablar "hablar" means “to talk” or “to discuss” in "hablar de si debemos cambiar la fecha". Use the infinitive after a suggestion such as "deberíamos", and use "hablar de" to introduce the topic.
de In "hablar de si debemos cambiar la fecha", "de" introduces what the speakers will discuss. Use "hablar de" before a topic, including a question or issue introduced by "si".
si In "hablar de si debemos cambiar la fecha", "si" means “whether”; in "si esperamos mucho más", it means “if.” Use it to introduce an indirect yes-or-no question or a condition, depending on the surrounding clause.
debemos "debemos" means “we should” or “we must” in the question of whether they should change the date. Use it with an infinitive, as in "debemos cambiar", when discussing an obligation or necessary action.
cambiar "cambiar" means “to change” and is used for changing the trip date or moving the booking. Use it as an infinitive after forms such as "debemos" or "podemos", followed by the thing being changed.
la "la" is the feminine singular article in "la fecha", "la reserva", and "La gente". Use it before a feminine singular noun, while its capitalized form at the start of "La gente" reflects sentence position.
fecha "fecha" means “date,” specifically the date of the trip in "cambiar la fecha". Use it after "cambiar" when discussing moving an event to another date.
Puede "Puede" means “may” in "Puede ser difícil", expressing that something may be difficult. Use it before "ser" when describing a possible quality or situation.
ser "ser" means “to be” in "Puede ser difícil". Here it links the possibility expressed by "Puede" with the description "difícil", and the same pattern can describe a possible situation.
difícil "difícil" means “difficult” or “hard” in "Puede ser difícil cambiar la fecha". Use it after "ser" to describe an action or situation that may require effort.
del "del" means “of the” in "la fecha del viaje" and connects the date with the trip. It is used before a masculine singular noun when expressing this kind of relationship.
viaje "viaje" means “trip” in "la fecha del viaje". Use it with travel-planning words such as "la fecha" or "la reserva" when referring to the planned journey.
esperamos "esperamos" means “we wait” in the condition "si esperamos mucho más". Use it with a time expression such as "mucho más" when describing waiting longer before taking action.
mucho In "mucho más", "mucho" strengthens the idea of waiting by meaning “much” or “a lot.” Use it before "más" to express a substantially greater amount or duration.
más In "esperamos mucho más", "más" means “more” and refers to waiting longer. Use it after a verb such as "esperar" when adding to the amount or duration already understood.
Podemos "Podemos" means “can we” in the question "¿Podemos cambiar la reserva...?". Use it before an infinitive to ask whether an action is possible or permitted.
reserva "reserva" means “booking” or “reservation” in "cambiar la reserva". Use it for a travel arrangement that can be changed or canceled.
vez In "en vez de cancelarla", "vez" is part of the expression meaning “instead of.” Use the complete pattern "en vez de" before an infinitive when choosing one action rather than another.
cancelarla "cancelarla" means “to cancel it,” referring to the reservation; the final "la" refers back to "la reserva". Use this infinitive with its attached object pronoun when saying that a feminine singular thing will be canceled.
por In "por completo", "por" contributes to the expression meaning “completely” or “entirely.” Keep it with "completo" when emphasizing that an action is done in full.
completo In "por completo", "completo" contributes the idea of being complete, and the whole expression means “completely.” Use "por completo" after an action such as canceling when nothing is to remain.
Déjame "Déjame" means “let me” in "Déjame llamar" and gives permission for the speaker to do something. Use it before an infinitive when offering to take an action yourself.
llamar "llamar" means “to call” in "Déjame llamar y preguntar". Use it as an infinitive after "Déjame" when offering to make a phone call.
preguntar "preguntar" means “to ask” in "llamar y preguntar qué opciones hay". Use it with a question or information request, such as "preguntar qué opciones hay".
qué "qué" means “what” in the indirect question "qué opciones hay". Use it before a noun when asking which information or things are involved inside a larger sentence.
opciones "opciones" means “options,” referring to the available ways to change the booking. Use it with "qué" in "qué opciones hay" when asking what choices exist.
hay "hay" means “there are” in "qué opciones hay", asking what choices are available. Use it before a noun or noun phrase to say that something exists or is available.
También "También" means “also” and adds another request to the request to call and ask about the options. Use it at the beginning of a sentence when adding an additional action or point.
pregunta "pregunta" means “ask” here and gives a direct instruction to ask about the friend’s feelings. Use this form at the beginning of a request when telling someone to ask a question.
ella "ella" means “she” in "si ella se sentiría cómoda" and identifies the friend whose feelings matter. Use it when referring explicitly to a female person in a sentence.
se In "se sentiría cómoda", "se" is used with "sentiría" to express how she herself would feel. Keep it with the verb in this pattern when describing someone’s personal emotional or physical state.
sentiría "sentiría" means “would feel” in the question about whether she would be comfortable. Use it to describe a possible feeling, commonly followed by an adjective such as "cómoda".
cómoda "cómoda" means “comfortable” in "se sentiría cómoda". Use it after "sentirse" when asking whether someone would feel at ease in a proposed situation.
fuéramos "fuéramos" refers to “we went” or “we were to go” in the hypothetical situation "si fuéramos sin ella". Use it after "si" when discussing a possible situation involving the group going somewhere.
sin "sin" means “without” in "fuéramos sin ella", showing that the group might go without the friend. Use it before a person or thing that will be absent from an action.
Preferiría "Preferiría" means “I would rather” and expresses the speaker’s preference to postpone the trip. Use it before an infinitive, as in "Preferiría posponerlo", when politely stating a preferred option.
posponerlo "posponerlo" means “to postpone it,” referring to the trip; the final "lo" represents that masculine singular object. Use it after a preference expression such as "Preferiría" when delaying an event.
porque "porque" means “because” and introduces the reason for preferring to postpone the trip. Use it to connect a decision or opinion with its explanation.
estaba "estaba" means “was” in "estaba planeado", describing the trip’s earlier planned state. Use it with a description or participle when explaining how something was arranged at that time.
planeado "planeado" means “planned” in "estaba planeado como un viaje en grupo". Use it after "estaba" to describe how an event had been arranged.
como "como" means “as” in "planeado como un viaje en grupo", describing the role or intended form of the trip. Use it before a noun phrase when saying that something is planned or treated as something.
un "un" means “a” in "un viaje en grupo" and introduces a masculine singular noun. Use it before a masculine singular noun when referring to one unspecified item or event.
grupo "grupo" means “group” in "un viaje en grupo", describing travel done by several people together. Use it after "en" in this expression to identify the group arrangement.
sentido In "Tiene sentido", "sentido" means “sense,” and the whole expression means “that makes sense.” Use "tener sentido" to show that an idea, explanation, or decision is reasonable.
especialmente "especialmente" means “especially” and emphasizes the condition about the friend needing only a few days to recover. Use it to highlight one particularly relevant reason or circumstance.
solo "solo" means “only” in "solo necesita unos días", limiting the time the friend needs. Use it before the relevant verb or phrase when emphasizing that the amount is small or limited.
necesita "necesita" means “needs” in "solo necesita unos días para recuperarse". Use it before the thing or amount that someone requires, such as "unos días".
unos "unos" means “a few” or “some” in "unos días", giving an approximate small number of days. Use it before a masculine plural noun when referring to an unspecified limited amount.
días "días" means “days” and identifies the recovery period in "unos días para recuperarse". Use it after a quantity such as "unos" when describing a period of time.
para "para" means “to” or “in order to” in "unos días para recuperarse", introducing the purpose of the days. Use "para" before an infinitive when explaining what time or an action is intended for.
recuperarse "recuperarse" means “to recover” in relation to the friend’s illness; the attached "se" shows the person recovering herself. Use it after "para" to express the purpose of time needed after illness.
Les "Les" means “to them” in "Les escribiré a todos", identifying the people who will receive the message. Use it before a verb of communication when referring to plural recipients, with the recipients also made explicit by "a todos" here.
escribiré "escribiré" means “I will write” and is used for sending a message to everyone. Use it with a recipient introduced by "a", as in "escribiré a todos", when promising future written communication.
a In "escribiré a todos", "a" introduces the recipients of the writing: “to everyone.” Use it before the person or people who receive a message or other communication.
todos "todos" means “everyone” or “all” in "a todos", referring to all the people involved in the trip. Use it after "a" when addressing or communicating with the whole group.
con "con" means “with” in "con las opciones y una actualización clara", describing what the message will contain. Use it before information, objects, or people that accompany an action.
actualización "actualización" means “update,” referring to new information about the trip plan. Use it with "una" or an adjective such as "clara" when giving people the latest status.
clara "clara" means “clear” in "una actualización clara", describing an update that is easy to understand. Use it after a feminine noun such as "actualización" to describe the quality of the information.
gente "gente" means “people” in "La gente aceptará mejor el cambio". Use it as a collective noun when referring to people generally rather than naming individual members of the group.
aceptará "aceptará" means “will accept” in "aceptará mejor el cambio", describing how people will respond to the change. Use it with the thing being accepted, such as "el cambio", when predicting a future reaction.
mejor "mejor" means “better” and modifies how people will accept the change. Use it after a verb to compare the quality of one response or action with another.
el "el" is the masculine singular article in "el cambio". Use it before a masculine singular noun when referring to a specific thing, such as the particular change being discussed.
cambio "cambio" means “change,” here referring to the altered travel plan. Use it with verbs such as "aceptar" when discussing how people respond to a change.
conoce "conoce" means “knows” in "si conoce el motivo y el momento", referring to having information about the reason and timing. Use it with a person, fact, or piece of information that someone knows.
motivo "motivo" means “reason” in "el motivo", identifying why the trip plan changed. Use it after "conocer" when explaining the information people need in order to understand a decision.
momento "momento" means “time” or “timing” in "el momento", referring to when the change will happen. Use it with a specific event or decision when the timing is important.

Grammar Points

preferiría + infinitivo

Preferiría posponerlo.

preh-feh-ree-REE-ah pohs-poh-NEHR-loh.

I would rather postpone it.

The conditional form preferiría expresses a polite preference, followed by an infinitive.

infinitivo + pronombre

tenerla en cuenta

teh-NEHR-lah en KWEHN-tah

to take her into consideration

Object pronouns can attach directly to an infinitive: tener + la → tenerla.

Spanish Vocabulary

amiga noun
ah-MEE-gah female friend
cambiar la fecha phrase
kahm-BYAR lah FEH-chah to reschedule
deberíamos verb
deh-beh-REE-ah-mohs we should
dice verb
DEE-seh says
difícil adj
dee-FEE-seel difficult
fiebre noun
FYEH-breh fever
hablar verb
ah-BLAR to discuss
podrá verb
poh-DRAH will be able to
probablemente adv
proh-bah-bleh-MEN-teh probably
tenerla en cuenta phrase
teh-NEHR-lah en KWEHN-tah to take her into consideration
tiene verb
tee-EH-neh has
viajar verb
vee-ah-HAR to travel

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

fever

Show Answerfiebre

says

Show Answerdice

has

Show Answertiene

female friend

Show Answeramiga