Explaining damage to a borrowed bag | Learn Spanish in English

Spanish lesson set in a contemporary Madrid everyday setting: After borrowing a bag, one adult explains zipper damage and discusses repair or replacement with the owner..

EN → ES / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Explaining damage to a borrowed bag to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Tengo que contarte algo sobre el bolso que tomé prestado.

TEHNG-goh keh kohn-TAR-teh AHL-goh SOH-breh ehl BOL-soh keh toh-MEH prehs-TAH-doh. I need to tell you something about the bag I borrowed.
B

¿Le pasó algo durante tu viaje?

leh pah-SOH AHL-goh doo-RAHN-teh too BYAH-heh? Did something happen to it during your trip?
A

La cremallera se atascó y una parte se soltó.

lah kreh-mah-YEH-rah seh ah-tahs-KOH ee OO-nah PAR-teh seh sohl-TOH. The zipper got stuck, and part of it came loose.
B

¿La cremallera ya estaba dañada?

lah kreh-mah-YEH-rah yah ehs-TAH-bah dah-NYAH-dah? Was the zipper already damaged?
B

¿O se rompió mientras la usabas?

oh seh rohm-PYOH mee-EHN-trahs lah oo-SAH-bahs? Or did it break while you were using it?
A

Antes parecía estar bien, así que quiero asumir la responsabilidad.

AHN-tehs pah-reh-SEE-ah ehs-TAR BYEHN ah-SEE keh KYEH-roh ah-soo-MEER lah rehs-pohn-sah-bee-lee-DAHD. It seemed fine before, so I want to take responsibility.
B

Aprecio tu honestidad. Todavía se puede reparar.

ah-PREH-syoh too oh-nehs-tee-DAHD. toh-dah-BYAH seh PWEH-deh reh-pah-RAR. I appreciate your honesty. It may still be repairable.
A

Puedo encargarme de la reparación o sustituir el bolso si hace falta.

PWEH-doh ehn-kahr-GAR-meh deh lah reh-pah-rah-SYOHN oh soos-tee-TWEER ehl BOL-soh see AH-seh FAHL-tah. I can arrange the repair or replace the bag if needed.
B

Llevémoslo a un taller de reparación antes de decidir.

yeh-BEH-mohs-loh ah oon tah-YEHR deh reh-pah-rah-SYOHN AHN-tehs deh deh-see-DEER. Let's take it to a repair shop before deciding.
A

Lo siento por no habértelo dicho en cuanto pasó.

loh SYEHN-toh pohr noh ah-BEHR-teh-loh DEE-choh ehn KWAHN-toh pah-SOH. I'm sorry I didn't tell you as soon as it happened.
B

Lo mencionaste ahora y eso ayuda. Veremos qué dicen.

loh mehng-syoh-NAHS-teh ah-OH-rah ee EH-soh ah-YOO-dah. beh-REH-mohs keh DEE-sehn. You brought it up now, and that helps. We'll see what they say.

Word by Word

Tengo “Tengo” means “I have” and, in “Tengo que contarte algo”, expresses that the speaker needs to tell the other person something. It is used with “que” plus an infinitive to express an obligation or need. This is useful when explaining something that must be done or said.
que In “Tengo que contarte algo”, “que” helps form the expression for needing or having to do something; it does not mean “that” by itself here. The reusable pattern is “tener que” plus an infinitive. Use it when stating an obligation or necessity.
contarte “Contarte” means “to tell you” in this dialogue. It combines the action of telling with “te”, which identifies the person being told. The pattern “contar algo a alguien” is useful when telling someone information or a story.
algo “Algo” means “something” in “contarte algo”. It refers to an unspecified piece of information that the speaker is about to share. Use “algo” when the exact thing is not named or is not yet being specified.
sobre “Sobre” means “about” in “algo sobre el bolso”. It introduces the topic of the information being shared. A common pattern is “algo sobre” followed by a topic.
el “El” is the article meaning “the” before “bolso” in “el bolso”. It identifies a specific masculine singular noun. Use “el” before a specific noun when referring to one item of this type.
bolso “Bolso” means “bag” or “handbag” in this dialogue. It is the item that was borrowed and later needs inspection or possible repair. Use “bolso” when referring to this type of personal bag.
tomé “Tomé” means “I took” in “que tomé prestado”, referring here to taking the bag to borrow it. It is the speaker’s completed action in the dialogue. The pattern “tomar algo prestado” means to borrow something.
prestado “Prestado” means “borrowed” in “tomé prestado”. It describes something taken with the intention of returning it. The reusable expression is “tomar algo prestado” for borrowing an object.
Le “Le” means “to it” in “¿Le pasó algo?”, referring to the bag as the thing affected by what happened. It marks the person or thing to which an event happens. Use “le pasó algo” to ask whether something happened to someone or something.
pasó “Pasó” means “happened to” in “¿Le pasó algo?”. Together with “le”, it asks what event affected the bag. The pattern “pasarle algo a alguien o algo” is useful for asking whether something happened to a person or object.
durante “Durante” means “during” and places the event within the time of “tu viaje”. It is followed by a noun naming the period or event. Use “durante” when saying that something occurred within a trip, meeting, or other period.
tu “Tu” means “your” in “tu viaje”. It identifies the trip as belonging to the person being addressed informally. Use “tu” before a singular noun when speaking informally about something belonging to the listener.
viaje “Viaje” means “trip” or “journey” in “tu viaje”. It names the period during which the zipper problem occurred. Use “viaje” with expressions such as “durante tu viaje” when discussing events on a trip.
La “La” means “the” before “cremallera” in “La cremallera”. It identifies a specific feminine singular noun. The same article appears as “la” later in the dialogue when it is not at the beginning of a sentence.
cremallera “Cremallera” means “zipper” in the dialogue. It is the part of the bag that got stuck and may have been damaged. Use “la cremallera” when referring to a specific zipper.
se In “se atascó”, “se soltó”, and “se rompió”, “se” helps present the zipper or its part as undergoing the event. These expressions describe something getting stuck, coming loose, or breaking without naming a separate person who caused it. A useful pattern is “se” plus a damage-related verb for an event affecting an object.
atascó “Atascó” means “got stuck” in “La cremallera se atascó”. It describes the zipper becoming unable to move normally. Use “se atascó” to report that a mechanism or object became stuck.
y “Y” means “and” in “se atascó y una parte se soltó”. It connects the zipper problem with the additional fact that a part came loose. Use “y” to link related actions, facts, or descriptions.
una “Una” means “a” or “one” before “parte”. It introduces one unspecified feminine singular part of the zipper. Use “una” before a feminine singular noun when introducing one item without identifying it specifically.
parte “Parte” means “part” in “una parte”. It refers to one section or component of the zipper that came loose. Use “una parte de” when identifying a section of a larger object.
soltó “Soltó” means “came loose” in “una parte se soltó”. With “se”, it describes the part becoming detached or no longer firmly attached. Use “se soltó” when reporting that a component loosened or came free.
ya “Ya” means “already” in “¿ya estaba dañada?”. It asks whether the damage existed before the later event being discussed. Use “ya” to refer to a condition that existed at an earlier point.
estaba “Estaba” means “was” in “la cremallera ya estaba dañada”. It describes the zipper’s condition at an earlier time. The pattern “estaba” plus a description is useful for reporting a previous state or condition.
dañada “Dañada” means “damaged” in “la cremallera ya estaba dañada”. It describes the zipper as having damage. Use “estar dañada” when stating that an object is in a damaged condition.
O “O” means “or” in “¿O se rompió mientras la usabas?”. It introduces an alternative explanation for the zipper problem. Use “o” to offer another possibility or choice.
rompió “Rompió” means “broke” in “se rompió”. With “se”, it describes the zipper breaking during use. Use “se rompió” to report that an object stopped being intact.
mientras “Mientras” means “while” in “mientras la usabas”. It introduces an action occurring at the same time as another event. Use “mientras” before a clause to connect simultaneous actions.
usabas “Usabas” means “you were using” in “mientras la usabas”, referring to the bag or zipper being used at that time. It presents the use as ongoing when the break occurred. Use “mientras” plus this kind of ongoing action to describe what was happening when another event took place.
Antes “Antes” means “before” or “earlier” in “Antes parecía estar bien”. It refers to a time before the zipper problem. Use “antes” to compare an earlier condition with the current situation.
parecía “Parecía” means “seemed” in “Antes parecía estar bien”. It presents the earlier condition as the speaker’s impression rather than as an absolute claim. A common pattern is “parecía” plus a description or infinitive, as in “parecía estar bien”.
estar “Estar” means “to be” in “parecía estar bien”. It completes the expression describing the earlier condition of the bag or zipper. The pattern “parecer estar” is useful for saying that something seems to be in a particular state.
bien “Bien” means “fine” in “estar bien”. It describes the earlier condition as apparently normal or undamaged. Use “estar bien” to say that a person or object is in good condition.
así In “así que quiero asumir la responsabilidad”, “así que” means “so” and introduces the consequence of the earlier observation. The meaning comes from the whole expression, not from “así” alone. Use “así que” to connect a reason with a result.
quiero “Quiero” means “I want” in “quiero asumir la responsabilidad”. It expresses the speaker’s intention to accept responsibility. A useful pattern is “quiero” plus an infinitive to state what the speaker intends or wishes to do.
asumir “Asumir” means “to take on” or “to assume” in “asumir la responsabilidad”. It describes accepting responsibility for the damage. Use “asumir la responsabilidad” when acknowledging that you will accept responsibility for a situation.
responsabilidad “Responsabilidad” means “responsibility” in “asumir la responsabilidad”. It refers to accepting accountability for the zipper damage and its consequences. Use it with “asumir” when someone agrees to take responsibility for something.
Aprecio “Aprecio” means “I appreciate” in “Aprecio tu honestidad”. It expresses the speaker’s positive response to the other person’s honesty. Use “aprecio” before a quality, action, or effort that you value.
honestidad “Honestidad” means “honesty” in “Aprecio tu honestidad”. It names the truthful behavior that the speaker appreciates. Use “apreciar” with “honestidad” when thanking someone for being truthful.
Todavía “Todavía” means “still” in “Todavía se puede reparar”. It shows that repair remains possible at this point. Use “todavía” when a possibility or condition continues to exist.
puede In “se puede reparar”, “puede” contributes the meaning that repair is possible. Together with “se” and “reparar”, the expression means that the item may still be repaired. Use “poder” plus an infinitive to express possibility or feasibility.
reparar “Reparar” means “to repair” in “se puede reparar”. It names the action that may be possible for the damaged item. Use “reparar” with an object when discussing fixing damage.
Puedo “Puedo” means “I can” in “Puedo encargarme de la reparación”. It expresses the speaker’s ability or willingness to handle the repair. Use “puedo” plus an infinitive to offer help or state what you are able to do.
encargarme “Encargarme” means “to take care of it” or “to handle it” in “encargarme de la reparación”. The form makes the speaker the person who will take charge. Use “encargarse de” plus a task or matter when offering to handle it.
de In “encargarme de la reparación”, “de” connects the expression for taking charge with the matter being handled. It introduces “la reparación” as the responsibility. The reusable pattern is “encargarse de” plus a task or object.
reparación “Reparación” means “repair” in “encargarme de la reparación”. It refers to the work needed to fix the zipper or the bag. Use it when discussing arranging, paying for, or taking responsibility for repair work.
sustituir “Sustituir” means “to replace” in “sustituir el bolso”. It describes providing another bag instead of the damaged one if repair is not suitable. Use “sustituir” followed by the item being replaced.
si “Si” means “if” in “si hace falta”. It introduces the condition under which the speaker will replace the bag. Use “si” to state a condition for an action or decision.
hace falta “Hace falta” means “is needed” in “si hace falta”, referring to whether replacement becomes necessary. Here “hace” and “falta” work together as an impersonal expression, so the phrase should not be understood by translating each word separately. A useful pattern is “hace falta” plus a noun or infinitive when stating that something is necessary.
Llevémoslo “Llevémoslo” means “let’s take it” in “Llevémoslo a un taller de reparación”. It proposes that the speakers take the bag somewhere for inspection, with “lo” referring to the bag. Use this form to suggest doing something together with a specific object.
a In “Llevémoslo a un taller”, “a” means “to” and introduces the destination of taking the bag. It connects the movement with the place being visited. Use “llevar algo a” followed by a destination.
un “Un” means “a” before “taller” in “un taller de reparación”. It introduces one repair shop without identifying a particular shop. Use “un” before a masculine singular noun when introducing one unspecified item.
taller “Taller” means “workshop” and, in “taller de reparación”, means “repair shop”. It is the place where the bag can be examined or repaired. Use “taller de” plus the type of work to identify a specialized workshop.
decidir “Decidir” means “to decide” in “antes de decidir”. It refers to choosing what to do after the repair shop has assessed the bag. The pattern “antes de” plus an infinitive means “before” doing that action.
Lo In the expression “Lo siento”, “Lo” is part of the fixed way to apologize. It does not refer to the bag in this sentence; the whole expression means “I’m sorry”. Use “Lo siento” when apologizing for an action or situation.
siento In “Lo siento”, “siento” contributes the speaker’s expression of regret, so the full expression means “I’m sorry”. It is used here to apologize for not reporting the damage sooner. Use “Lo siento” as a direct apology.
por “Por” means “for” or “because of” in “Lo siento por no habértelo dicho”. It introduces the action that caused the speaker’s regret or apology. Use “lo siento por” before a noun or an action when apologizing for something.
no “No” means “not” in “no habértelo dicho”. It negates the action of telling the other person. Place “no” before the verb phrase that is being negated.
habértelo “Habértelo” forms part of “no habértelo dicho”, meaning “not having told you about it”. It combines “haber” with “te”, referring to the person told, and “lo”, referring to the matter told. This form is useful before a participle when referring to a completed action involving those pronouns.
dicho “Dicho” means “told” in “habértelo dicho”. It completes the expression for having told the other person about the matter. Use it with “haber” in “haber dicho” when referring to something that has been said or told.
en cuanto “En cuanto” means “as soon as” in “en cuanto pasó”. The words work together to introduce the moment immediately after something happens: “en” links the timing phrase and “cuanto” completes this time expression. A useful pattern is “en cuanto” plus a clause for an action that follows immediately.
mencionaste “Mencionaste” means “you mentioned” in “Lo mencionaste ahora”. It refers to the listener bringing up the damage in the current conversation. Use it when saying that someone referred to a topic or fact.
ahora “Ahora” means “now” in “Lo mencionaste ahora”. It places the mentioning in the present conversation. Use “ahora” to identify the current time or moment.
eso “Eso” means “that” in “y eso ayuda”. It refers to the fact that the other person has now mentioned the problem. Use “eso” to point back to an idea, action, or situation just discussed.
ayuda “Ayuda” means “helps” in “eso ayuda”. It says that bringing up the problem now has a useful or positive effect. Use “ayuda” after a subject such as an action or situation to say that it makes things easier or better.
Veremos “Veremos” means “we will see” in “Veremos qué dicen”. It expresses that the speakers will wait for the repair shop’s assessment before knowing the outcome. Use “veremos” when leaving the result open until more information is available.
qué “Qué” means “what” in the embedded question “qué dicen”. It introduces the information the speakers want to learn from the repair shop. Use “qué” in a question asking for the content of what someone says or does.
dicen “Dicen” means “they say” in “qué dicen”, referring to what the repair shop staff will say after examining the bag. It identifies the people giving the future assessment as the subject. Use “qué dicen” to ask or refer to someone’s opinion, answer, or assessment.

Grammar Points

tener que + infinitivo + pronombre

Tengo que contarte algo.

TEHNG-goh keh kohn-TAR-teh AHL-goh.

I have to tell you something.

An object pronoun can attach to an infinitive: contar + te becomes contarte.

Mientras + imperfecto, pretérito indefinido

Mientras usabas el bolso, se atascó la cremallera.

mee-EHN-trahs oo-SAH-bahs ehl BOL-soh, seh ah-tahs-KOH lah kreh-mah-YEH-rah.

While you were using the bag, the zipper got stuck.

Mientras introduces an ongoing background action; the completed event uses the preterite.

Spanish Vocabulary

algo pron
AHL-goh something

Tengo que contarte algo.

atascarse verb
ah-tahs-KAR-seh to get stuck se atascó

La cremallera se atascó.

bolso noun
BOL-soh bag

el bolso

contar verb
kohn-TAR to tell contarte

Tengo que contarte algo.

cremallera noun
kreh-mah-YEH-rah zipper

La cremallera se atascó.

dañado adj
dah-NYAH-doh damaged dañada

¿La cremallera ya estaba dañada?

pasar verb
pah-SAR to happen pasó

¿Le pasó algo durante tu viaje?

romperse verb
rohm-PEHR-seh to break se rompió

¿O se rompió mientras la usabas?

soltarse verb
sohl-TAR-seh to come loose se soltó

Una parte se soltó.

tener que phrase
teh-NEHR keh to have to Tengo que

Tengo que contarte algo.

tomar prestado phrase
toh-MAR prehs-TAH-doh to borrow tomé prestado

el bolso que tomé prestado

viaje noun
BYAH-heh trip

durante tu viaje

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Did something happen to it during your trip?

Show Answer¿Le pasó algo durante tu viaje?

Was the zipper already damaged?

Show Answer¿La cremallera ya estaba dañada?

Or did it break while you were using it?

Show Answer¿O se rompió mientras la usabas?

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to happen

Show Answerpasó

zipper

Show Answercremallera

trip

Show Answerviaje

bag

Show Answerbolso