Inviting a Friend to a Design Event | Learn Spanish in English

Spanish lesson set in a contemporary Madrid everyday setting: Before a design event, one friend invites another and checks sign-up details, meeting place, and timing..

EN → ES / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Inviting a Friend to a Design Event to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Hay un evento de diseño esta semana.

EYE oon eh-BEN-toh deh dee-SEH-nyoh EH-stah seh-MAH-nah. There's a design event this week.
A

Pensé que quizá te gustaría ir.

pen-SAY keh kee-SAH teh goos-tah-REE-ah eer. I thought you might want to go.
B

Podría ir. ¿Qué tipo de evento es?

poh-DREE-ah eer. keh TEE-poh deh eh-BEN-toh ess? I might. What kind of event is it?
A

Tiene unas cuantas charlas cortas y una pequeña exposición.

TYEH-neh OO-nahs KWAHN-tahs CHAR-lahs KOR-tahs ee OO-nah peh-KEH-nyah ehks-poh-see-SYON. It has a few short talks and a small exhibition.
A

Así que debería ser fácil pasarse.

ah-SEE keh deh-beh-REE-ah sehr fah-SEEL pah-SAR-seh. So it should be easy to drop in.
B

¿Los visitantes tienen que inscribirse antes?

lohs bee-see-TAHN-tehs TYEH-nehn keh een-skree-BEER-seh AHN-tehs? Do visitors need to sign up beforehand?
A

Voy a consultar la página del evento y te enviaré los detalles.

boy ah kohn-sool-TAR lah PAH-hee-nah dehl eh-BEN-toh ee teh em-byah-RAY lohs deh-TAH-yehs. I'll check the event page and send you the details.
B

¿También podrías averiguar dónde deberíamos encontrarnos?

tahm-BYEN poh-DREE-ahs ah-beh-ree-GWAR DON-deh deh-beh-REE-ah-mohs en-kohn-TRAR-nohs? Could you also find out where we should meet?
A

Si la inscripción es sencilla, quedemos junto a la entrada antes de la primera charla.

see lah een-skreep-SYON ess sen-SEE-yah, keh-DEH-mohs HOON-toh ah lah en-TRAH-dah AHN-tehs deh lah pree-MEH-rah CHAR-lah. If sign-up is simple, let's meet by the entrance before the first talk.
B

Me parece bien. Envíame el plan cuando lo tengas.

meh pah-REH-seh BYEN. em-BYAH-meh el plahn KWAHN-doh loh TEN-gahs. That works for me. Send the plan once you have it.
A

Esta noche confirmaré las normas de inscripción y propondré una hora para encontrarnos.

EH-stah NOH-cheh kohn-feer-mah-RAY lahs NOR-mahs deh een-skreep-SYON ee proh-pohn-DRAY OO-nah OH-rah PAH-rah en-kohn-TRAR-nohs. Tonight, I will confirm the sign-up rules and suggest a meeting time.
B

Entonces podré dejar libre esa noche.

en-TOHN-sehs poh-DRAY deh-HAR LEE-breh EH-sah NOH-cheh. Then I can keep that evening free.

Word by Word

Hay ‘Hay’ means ‘there is’ here and introduces the existence of an event. Use it to say that something exists or is available in a place or situation.
un ‘Un’ means ‘a’ or ‘an’ in ‘un evento’, referring to one unspecified event. It is used before a singular noun when introducing something new.
evento ‘Evento’ means ‘event’, the design event being discussed. Use it for an organized occasion such as a talk, exhibition, or meeting.
de ‘De’ links ‘evento’ to ‘diseño’ in ‘evento de diseño’, showing what kind of event it is. A common reuse pattern is ‘noun de noun’ to describe the type or subject of something.
diseño ‘Diseño’ means ‘design’ in ‘evento de diseño’. It identifies the subject of the event and can be used to describe work, studies, or activities related to design.
esta ‘Esta’ means ‘this’ in ‘esta semana’ and ‘Esta noche’, pointing to the current week or evening. It is used before the feminine nouns ‘semana’ and ‘noche’ in these expressions.
semana ‘Semana’ means ‘week’ in ‘esta semana’. Use it with a time expression to refer to a period of seven days.
Pensé ‘Pensé’ means ‘I thought’ in ‘Pensé que quizá te gustaría ir’. It introduces what the speaker had in mind about the other person’s possible interest.
que ‘Que’ means ‘that’ in ‘Pensé que quizá te gustaría ir’, linking the thought to its content. A common reuse pattern is to place it between a verb of thinking or saying and the following statement.
quizá ‘Quizá’ means ‘perhaps’ or ‘maybe’, showing that the speaker is not certain about the other person’s wish to go. Use it to soften or qualify a possibility.
te ‘Te’ refers to ‘you’ as the person affected in ‘te gustaría ir’. Together with ‘gustaría’, it identifies whose preference is being discussed; a common reuse pattern is this pronoun before a form of ‘gustar’ when talking about someone’s preference.
gustaría ‘Gustaría’ means ‘would like’ in ‘te gustaría ir’. The full expression refers to a possible wish to go, and it is commonly followed by an infinitive when stating what someone would like to do.
ir ‘Ir’ means ‘to go’ in ‘te gustaría ir’. It is the action the person might want to do, and an infinitive like this commonly follows an expression of desire or intention.
Podría ‘Podría’ means ‘might’ or ‘could’ in ‘Podría ir’, expressing a possible decision to go. Use it before an infinitive when presenting an action as possible rather than certain.
Qué ‘Qué’ means ‘what’ in ‘Qué tipo de evento’, asking for information about the kind of event. Use it in a question before a noun or noun phrase when asking which one or what kind.
tipo ‘Tipo’ means ‘kind’ or ‘type’ in ‘Qué tipo de evento’. The pattern asks for the category or nature of something and can be reused before another noun.
es ‘Es’ means ‘is’ in ‘Qué tipo de evento es’, linking the event to the information being requested. Use it to identify or describe what something is.
Tiene ‘Tiene’ means ‘has’ in ‘Tiene unas cuantas charlas cortas y una pequeña exposición’, describing what the event includes. Use it to say that an event, place, or object contains or offers something.
unas ‘Unas’ contributes the meaning ‘some’ in ‘unas cuantas charlas’. It introduces an unspecified plural quantity and appears before the plural noun it describes.
cuantas ‘Cuantas’ contributes the meaning ‘a few’ in ‘unas cuantas charlas’, giving an approximate small quantity. This expression is used before a plural noun when the exact number is not important.
charlas ‘Charlas’ means ‘talks’ in ‘charlas cortas’, referring to the event’s short presentations. Use it for spoken presentations or informal talks.
cortas ‘Cortas’ means ‘short’ and describes the talks in ‘charlas cortas’. It is used after the noun here to give information about their length or duration.
y ‘Y’ means ‘and’, joining ‘charlas cortas’ with ‘una pequeña exposición’. Use it to connect two or more related items or actions.
una ‘Una’ means ‘a’ or ‘one’ in ‘una pequeña exposición’, introducing one exhibition. It is used before a singular noun when presenting one unspecified item.
pequeña ‘Pequeña’ means ‘small’ and describes ‘exposición’. It gives information about the exhibition’s size and is placed before the noun in this phrase.
exposición ‘Exposición’ means ‘exhibition’ in ‘una pequeña exposición’, referring to the event’s display of work. Use it for an organized public display of objects, art, or ideas.
Así ‘Así’ contributes ‘so’ in ‘Así que debería ser fácil pasarse’, introducing a conclusion based on the event being small and simple. Use the expression ‘Así que’ to connect information with its result or conclusion.
debería ‘Debería’ means ‘should’ in ‘debería ser fácil pasarse’, expressing an expectation. It commonly comes before an infinitive when saying what is expected or considered likely.
ser ‘Ser’ means ‘to be’ in ‘ser fácil’, describing the expected level of difficulty. It appears as an infinitive after ‘debería’ and links the situation to an adjective.
fácil ‘Fácil’ means ‘easy’ in ‘ser fácil pasarse’, describing stopping by the event as uncomplicated. Use it after a form of ‘ser’ to evaluate how difficult an action or situation is.
pasarse ‘Pasarse’ means ‘to drop in’ or ‘to stop by’ in the context of attending the event. Use this form when referring to stopping by a place or event.
Los ‘Los’ means ‘the’ before the plural noun ‘visitantes’. It identifies the visitors as the people being discussed and is used before a plural noun.
visitantes ‘Visitantes’ means ‘visitors’ in ‘Los visitantes’. It refers to the people attending the event, and it can be used for people visiting an event, place, or exhibition.
tienen In ‘tienen que inscribirse’, ‘tienen’ supplies the ‘have to’ part of an obligation expression, so the full phrase means that visitors need to sign up. A common reuse pattern is this form followed by ‘que’ and an infinitive.
inscribirse ‘Inscribirse’ means ‘to sign up’ or ‘to register’ in ‘tienen que inscribirse’. It names the action visitors must complete, and it can follow an expression of obligation.
antes ‘Antes’ means ‘before’ or ‘beforehand’ in ‘inscribirse antes’. It places the registration earlier than the event and can be used after an action to set an earlier deadline.
Voy ‘Voy’ means ‘I am going’ in ‘Voy a consultar’, where the full expression describes a planned action. The pattern ‘Voy a’ followed by an infinitive is useful for talking about what the speaker plans to do.
a ‘A’ connects ‘Voy’ with the planned action in ‘Voy a consultar’. In this construction, it introduces an infinitive that states what the speaker is going to do.
consultar ‘Consultar’ means ‘to check’ or ‘to consult’ in ‘consultar la página del evento’. It describes looking at a source for information and can be used with a page or other source.
la ‘La’ means ‘the’ before the singular noun ‘página’. It identifies a specific page and is used before this feminine singular noun.
página ‘Página’ means ‘page’ in ‘la página del evento’, referring to the event’s information page. Use it for a webpage or a page containing information.
del ‘Del’ means ‘of the’ in ‘la página del evento’. It is the combined form used to connect the page with the event in this phrase.
enviaré ‘Enviaré’ means ‘I will send’ in ‘te enviaré los detalles’, presenting the sending as a future action. Use it before the recipient and the item that will be sent.
detalles ‘Detalles’ means ‘details’ in ‘te enviaré los detalles’, referring to specific information about the event. Use it for the individual pieces of information someone needs to know.
También ‘También’ means ‘also’ in ‘También podrías averiguar’, adding another request to the previous one. Use it to introduce an additional action or idea.
podrías ‘Podrías’ means ‘could you’ in ‘También podrías averiguar’, making a polite request. It commonly comes before an infinitive when asking someone to do something in a softened way.
averiguar ‘Averiguar’ means ‘to find out’ in ‘averiguar dónde deberíamos encontrarnos’. It describes obtaining information that is not yet known, such as a meeting location.
dónde ‘Dónde’ means ‘where’ in ‘dónde deberíamos encontrarnos’, asking about the meeting location. Use it to introduce a question or clause about place.
deberíamos ‘Deberíamos’ means ‘we should’ in ‘dónde deberíamos encontrarnos’, referring to a suitable arrangement for both people. It can come before an infinitive when discussing a shared plan.
encontrarnos ‘Encontrarnos’ means ‘to meet each other’ in ‘deberíamos encontrarnos’. It refers to the two people meeting, and it can follow a form expressing a proposed or recommended plan.
Si ‘Si’ means ‘if’ in ‘Si la inscripción es sencilla’, introducing a condition for the suggested meeting plan. Use it at the beginning of a clause that states a requirement or condition.
inscripción ‘Inscripción’ means ‘sign-up’ or ‘registration’ in ‘la inscripción’. It names the registration process for visitors and can be used when discussing whether an event requires registration.
sencilla ‘Sencilla’ means ‘simple’ in ‘la inscripción es sencilla’, describing the registration process as uncomplicated. Use it after ‘ser’ to evaluate a process or arrangement.
quedemos ‘Quedemos’ means ‘let’s meet’ in ‘quedemos junto a la entrada’. It proposes arranging a meeting and can be used when suggesting a place or time.
junto ‘Junto’ contributes ‘next to’ or ‘by’ in ‘junto a la entrada’, specifying the meeting location. The reusable location pattern is ‘junto a’ followed by the place.
entrada ‘Entrada’ means ‘entrance’ in ‘junto a la entrada’. It identifies the place where the two people will meet and can refer to the entrance of a building or event.
primera ‘Primera’ means ‘first’ in ‘la primera charla’, identifying the talk that comes at the beginning of the event. Use it before an item when marking its position in a sequence.
charla ‘Charla’ means ‘talk’ in ‘la primera charla’, referring to one presentation at the event. It is the singular form used when referring to a particular talk.
Me ‘Me’ marks the person giving the reaction in ‘Me parece bien’, meaning ‘to me’ or ‘for me’. Together with ‘parece bien’, it expresses personal approval; use this pronoun before a form of ‘parecer’ for a personal evaluation.
parece ‘Parece’ means ‘seems’ in ‘Me parece bien’, where the speaker says that the proposal seems acceptable. Use it with an evaluation to give an opinion about a suggestion or situation.
bien ‘Bien’ means ‘well’ or ‘good’ in ‘Me parece bien’, contributing a positive evaluation. This expression is useful for accepting or approving a proposed plan.
Envíame ‘Envíame’ means ‘send me’ in ‘Envíame el plan’, combining the request to send with the recipient ‘me’. Use it when directly asking someone to send something to you.
el ‘El’ means ‘the’ before the singular noun ‘plan’. It identifies a specific plan that has been discussed and is used before this masculine singular noun.
plan ‘Plan’ means ‘plan’ in ‘Envíame el plan’, referring to the agreed event arrangements. Use it for an organized proposal or schedule of actions.
cuando ‘Cuando’ means ‘when’ or ‘once’ in ‘cuando lo tengas’, marking the point at which the plan is available. Use it before a clause that states when another action should happen.
lo ‘Lo’ means ‘it’ in ‘cuando lo tengas’, referring back to ‘el plan’. It replaces a previously mentioned thing so the speaker does not repeat the noun.
tengas ‘Tengas’ means ‘you have’ in ‘cuando lo tengas’, referring to having the plan ready or available. It completes the time expression about when the plan should be sent.
noche ‘Noche’ means ‘evening’ or ‘night’ in ‘Esta noche’ and ‘esa noche’. It refers to the particular evening being scheduled, and it is commonly used with a word pointing to which evening.
confirmaré ‘Confirmaré’ means ‘I will confirm’ in ‘confirmaré las normas de inscripción’, describing a future check of the rules. Use it before information that the speaker plans to verify.
las ‘Las’ means ‘the’ before the plural noun ‘normas’. It identifies specific rules, in this case the rules for registration.
normas ‘Normas’ means ‘rules’ in ‘las normas de inscripción’, referring to the requirements for signing up. Use it when discussing instructions or conditions that apply to an activity.
propondré ‘Propondré’ means ‘I will suggest’ or ‘I will propose’ in ‘propondré una hora para encontrarnos’. It presents a future action in which the speaker offers a meeting time or option.
hora ‘Hora’ means ‘time’ in ‘una hora para encontrarnos’, referring to the agreed time for meeting. Use it when arranging when an activity or meeting will take place.
para ‘Para’ means ‘for’ or ‘to’ in ‘para encontrarnos’, marking the purpose of the proposed time. A common reuse pattern is ‘para’ followed by an infinitive to state what something is intended for.
Entonces ‘Entonces’ means ‘then’ in ‘Entonces podré dejar libre esa noche’, linking the previous plan to its consequence. Use it to introduce what follows from information just mentioned.
podré ‘Podré’ means ‘I will be able to’ in ‘podré dejar libre’, expressing future ability or possibility. It commonly comes before an infinitive to say what the speaker can do later.
dejar In ‘dejar libre esa noche’, ‘dejar’ contributes the idea of leaving or keeping something in a particular state; the full phrase means keeping that evening free. Use it with an adjective when describing the state in which something is left.
libre ‘Libre’ means ‘free’ or ‘available’ in ‘dejar libre esa noche’, describing an evening with no other commitment. Use it after ‘dejar’ when talking about keeping time available.
esa ‘Esa’ means ‘that’ in ‘esa noche’, pointing to the particular evening under discussion. Use it before a noun when referring to a specific previously identified time or thing.

Grammar Points

hay + sustantivo

Hay un evento de diseño esta semana.

EYE oon eh-BEN-toh deh dee-SEH-nyoh EH-stah seh-MAH-nah.

There is a design event this week.

Hay means both “there is” and “there are”; it does not change for singular or plural nouns.

tener que + infinitivo

Los visitantes tienen que inscribirse antes.

lohs bee-see-TAHN-tehs TYEH-nehn keh een-skree-BEER-seh AHN-tehs.

Visitors have to sign up beforehand.

Tener que expresses obligation. Tener changes with the subject, while que is followed by an infinitive.

Spanish Vocabulary

charlas noun
CHAR-lahs talks
diseño noun
dee-SEH-nyoh design
evento noun
eh-BEN-toh event
exposición noun
ehks-poh-see-SYON exhibition
gustaría verb
goos-tah-REE-ah would like
hay verb
EYE there is; there are
pasarse verb
pah-SAR-seh to drop in; to stop by
pensé verb
pen-SAY I thought
podría verb
poh-DREE-ah I could; I might
quizá adv
kee-SAH perhaps; maybe
semana noun
seh-MAH-nah week
tipo noun
TEE-poh type; kind

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

I thought you might want to go.

Show AnswerPensé que quizá te gustaría ir.

So it should be easy to drop in.

Show AnswerAsí que debería ser fácil pasarse.

Do visitors need to sign up beforehand?

Show Answer¿Los visitantes tienen que inscribirse antes?

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

I could; I might

Show Answerpodría

would like

Show Answergustaría

perhaps; maybe

Show Answerquizá

week

Show Answersemana