A useful reset during a work decision | Learn Spanish in English

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Use A useful reset during a work decision to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

No puedo decidir qué versión del diseño funciona mejor.

noh PWEH-doh deh-see-DEER keh behr-SYOHN del dee-SEH-nyoh foon-SYOH-nah meh-HOR. I can't decide which version of the design works better.

Salgamos unos minutos y hablemos del tema.

sahl-GAH-mohs OO-nohs mee-NOO-tohs ee ah-BLEH-mohs del TEH-mah. Let's step out for a few minutes and talk it through.

El aire fresco podría ayudar, pero no quiero perder demasiado tiempo.

el EYE-reh FREHS-koh poh-DREE-ah ah-yoo-DAR, PEH-roh noh KYEH-roh pehr-DEHR deh-mah-SYAH-doh TYEHM-poh. Fresh air might help, but I don't want to lose too much time.

Podemos dar una vuelta a la manzana y centrarnos en la decisión principal.

poh-DEH-mohs dar OO-nah BWEHL-tah ah lah mahn-SAH-nah ee sehn-TRAR-nohs en lah deh-see-SYOHN preen-see-PAHL. We can just circle the block and focus on the main decision.

Eso me daría un descanso sin dejar de lado el problema por completo.

EH-soh meh dah-REE-ah oon dehs-KAHN-soh seen deh-HAR deh LAH-doh el proh-BLEH-mah por kohm-PLEH-toh. That would give me a break without dropping the problem completely.

A veces moverse hace que la decisión parezca más fácil.

ah BEH-sehs moh-BEHR-seh AH-seh keh lah deh-see-SYOHN pah-REHS-kah mahs FAH-seel. Sometimes moving around makes the decision feel easier.

Llevaré mi teléfono por si necesitamos revisar el prototipo.

yeh-bah-REH mee teh-LEH-foh-noh por see neh-seh-see-TAH-mohs reh-bee-SAR el proh-toh-TEE-poh. I'll bring my phone in case we need to check the mockup.

Mantengamos un ritmo tranquilo para que esto no se convierta en otra tarea.

mahn-tehn-GAH-mohs oon REET-moh trahn-KEE-loh PAH-rah keh EHS-toh noh seh kohn-BYEHR-tah en OH-trah TAH-reh-ah. Keep the pace relaxed so it doesn't turn into another task.

Después de dar un paseo corto, podemos volver y elegir una dirección.

dehs-PWEHS deh dar oon pah-SEH-oh KOR-toh, poh-DEH-mohs bol-BEHR ee eh-leh-HEER OO-nah dee-rehk-SYOHN. After a short walk, we can come back and choose one direction.

Un breve reinicio mental podría evitar que pasemos otra hora pensando demasiado.

oon BREH-beh reh-ee-NEE-syoh mehn-TAHL poh-DREE-ah eh-bee-TAR keh pah-SEH-mohs OH-trah OH-rah pehn-SAHN-doh deh-mah-SYAH-doh. A short reset might save us from another hour of overthinking.

Word by Word

No “No” negates “puedo decidir” here, so the speaker says they cannot decide. It normally comes directly before the verb it negates, as in “No puedo”. You would use it when rejecting or denying a possibility or action.

puedo “Puedo” means “I can” or “I am able to” in “No puedo decidir”. It is used with an infinitive such as “decidir” to express ability or possibility. This form is useful when saying what you can or cannot do.

decidir “Decidir” means “to decide” and names the action the speaker is unable to complete. It follows “puedo” as an infinitive in “No puedo decidir”. Use it with a choice or decision that must be made.

qué “Qué” introduces the choice being considered in “qué versión del diseño”. Here it means “which” before a noun. It is used to ask or identify which option is relevant.

versión “Versión” means “version” and refers to one form of the design. In “qué versión del diseño”, it is followed by “del diseño” to specify what has different versions. Use it when comparing different forms of the same thing.

del “Del” means “of the” in “del diseño”. It is the combined form of “de” and “el”, linking “versión” to the design. Use it before a masculine singular noun when expressing this kind of relationship.

diseño “Diseño” means “design” in “la versión del diseño”. It identifies the work being compared. Use it after “del” when referring to a specific design or its parts.

funciona “Funciona” means “works” or “functions” in “funciona mejor”. Here it evaluates how well the design version performs. It can be used with an adverb such as “mejor” to compare performance.

mejor “Mejor” means “better” in “funciona mejor”. It compares how well one design version works with another. Use it after a verb to describe improved performance.

Salgamos “Salgamos” proposes that the speakers go out together for a short time. In “Salgamos unos minutos”, it works as a first-person plural suggestion or invitation. Use it to propose a shared action.

unos “Unos” means “a few” in “unos minutos”. It indicates an unspecified small number and agrees with the plural noun “minutos”. Use it before a plural noun when the amount is limited but not exact.

minutos “Minutos” means “minutes” and measures the short time proposed in “unos minutos”. It follows the quantity word “unos”. Use it with time expressions to state a duration.

y “Y” means “and” and joins the two suggested actions in “Salgamos unos minutos y hablemos del tema”. It connects actions or ideas of equal importance. Use it to add one action to another.

hablemos “Hablemos” proposes that the speakers talk about the matter together. In “hablemos del tema”, it is a first-person plural suggestion followed by the topic introduced with “del”. Use it when suggesting a conversation or discussion.

tema “Tema” means “topic” or “matter” in “hablemos del tema”. It names what the speakers will discuss. Use it after “hablar de” or the exact combined form “del” when identifying the subject of a conversation.

El “El” means “the” in “El aire fresco”. It introduces the specific air being discussed and agrees with the masculine singular noun “aire”. Use it before a specific masculine singular noun.

aire “Aire” means “air” in “El aire fresco”. Here it refers to the fresh air that may help the speakers think. Use it with an adjective such as “fresco” to describe the air.

fresco “Fresco” means “fresh” in “El aire fresco”. It describes “aire” and agrees with that masculine singular noun. Use it after a noun when describing a fresh or cool quality.

podría “Podría” expresses a possibility: the fresh air might help. In “podría ayudar”, it is followed by the infinitive “ayudar”. Use it when presenting a possible result without certainty.

ayudar “Ayudar” means “to help” in “podría ayudar”. It names the possible benefit of the fresh air. It follows “podría” as an infinitive and can refer to helping a person, action, or situation.

pero “Pero” means “but” and introduces the speaker’s concern after mentioning a possible benefit. In the dialogue it contrasts “podría ayudar” with not wanting to lose time. Use it to connect contrasting ideas.

quiero “Quiero” means “I want” in “no quiero perder demasiado tiempo”. With “no”, it expresses what the speaker does not want to happen. It is commonly followed by an infinitive for the desired or undesired action.

perder “Perder” means “to lose” or, with time, “to waste” in “perder demasiado tiempo”. It follows “quiero” as an infinitive. Use it with “tiempo” when saying that an activity may take more time than desired.

demasiado “Demasiado” means “too much” in “demasiado tiempo”. It indicates an excessive amount and modifies “tiempo”. Use it before a noun when the quantity is more than acceptable.

tiempo “Tiempo” means “time” in “perder demasiado tiempo”. It refers to the time the speakers do not want to waste. Use it with quantity expressions such as “demasiado” when discussing duration or available time.

Podemos “Podemos” means “we can” in “Podemos dar una vuelta”. It introduces a possible shared action and is followed by the infinitive “dar”. Use it to suggest or state an available option for a group.

dar “Dar” means “to give”, but in “dar una vuelta” it forms an expression meaning to take or go for a short walk around. The noun “una vuelta” completes this expression. Use the full pattern “dar una vuelta” when proposing a brief walk.

una “Una” means “a” or “one” in “una vuelta”. It introduces the singular feminine noun “vuelta”. Use it before a singular feminine noun when referring to one nonspecific item or activity.

vuelta “Vuelta” means a turn or a short walk around in “dar una vuelta a la manzana”. Its meaning here comes from the full expression “dar una vuelta”. Use that expression for a brief walk or circuit.

a “A” contributes to the route in “a la manzana”, indicating that the walk goes around the block. It connects “dar una vuelta” with the place or area involved. Use it as part of this route expression.

la “La” means “the” in “la manzana”. It introduces the specific block being used as the route and agrees with the feminine singular noun “manzana”. Use it before a specific feminine singular noun.

manzana “Manzana” means “block” in “dar una vuelta a la manzana”. Here it refers to a city block, not a fruit. Use it in this expression when describing a walk around a city block.

centrarnos “Centrarnos” means “to focus ourselves” in “centrarnos en la decisión principal”. The form combines the infinitive “centrar” with “nos” and refers to the speakers focusing together. Use it with “en” and the topic of attention.

en “En” means “on” or “in” in “centrarnos en la decisión principal”. It introduces what the speakers will focus on. Use it after “centrarse” or “centrarnos” to name the focus.

decisión “Decisión” means “decision” in “la decisión principal”. It identifies the issue the speakers want to keep in focus during the walk. Use it with “tomar”, “elegir”, or “principal” when discussing a choice.

principal “Principal” means “main” in “la decisión principal”. It identifies the most important decision among the issues being considered. Use it after a noun to specify its primary importance.

Eso “Eso” means “that” and refers to the proposed walk and discussion in the previous line. In “Eso me daría un descanso”, it presents that plan as the subject of the result. Use it to refer back to an idea or situation already mentioned.

me “Me” means “to me” in “me daría un descanso”. It identifies the person who would receive the break. Use it before a verb when the action affects or benefits the speaker.

daría “Daría” expresses the possible result that the plan would give the speaker a break. In “me daría un descanso”, it is followed by the recipient and the thing received. Use it to describe a hypothetical or conditional result.

un “Un” means “a” in “un descanso”. It introduces one nonspecific break or period of rest. Use it before a singular masculine noun.

descanso “Descanso” means “break” or “rest” in “me daría un descanso”. It refers to a pause from the immediate decision-making effort. Use it for a pause from work or another demanding activity.

sin “Sin” means “without” in “sin dejar de lado el problema”. It introduces an action that does not happen while the break takes place. It is followed here by an infinitive construction.

dejar In “dejar de lado el problema”, “dejar” contributes to the expression meaning to set the problem aside. The full expression says that the speakers will take a break without abandoning the problem. Use “dejar de lado” with an issue, concern, or responsibility.

de In “dejar de lado”, “de” is part of the expression meaning to set something aside. It links “dejar” with “lado” and cannot be omitted from this exact pattern. Use the full construction with the thing being set aside.

lado “Lado” means “side”, but in “dejar de lado el problema” it helps form the expression “set the problem aside”. The meaningful unit is the full phrase “dejar de lado”. Use it when temporarily putting an issue out of immediate attention.

problema “Problema” means “problem” in “dejar de lado el problema”. It is the issue the speakers will pause without abandoning completely. Use it for a difficulty or matter that still needs attention.

por In “por completo”, “por” helps form the phrase meaning “completely” or “entirely”. Here it strengthens the idea that the problem is not being set aside in full. Learn it as part of the exact expression “por completo”.

completo In “por completo”, “completo” contributes the idea of totality, making the phrase mean “completely”. It modifies how fully the problem is set aside. Use the expression “por completo” to emphasize that something happens entirely.

veces “Veces” means “times” in “A veces”. Together, “A veces” means “sometimes” and introduces a repeated but not constant situation. Use it at the beginning or before the main verb when describing frequency.

moverse “Moverse” means “to move around” in “moverse hace que la decisión parezca más fácil”. It refers to physical movement as a general activity. Use the infinitive when discussing movement as an idea or activity.

hace “Hace” means “makes” in “hace que la decisión parezca más fácil”. It introduces a cause-and-effect construction: one activity causes something to seem easier. Use “hacer que” to describe what causes a result.

que In “hace que la decisión parezca más fácil”, “que” links the cause with its result. It introduces the clause describing what the movement makes happen. Use it after “hacer” when connecting an action to its effect.

parezca “Parezca” means “seem” or “appear” in “la decisión parezca más fácil”. It describes how the decision feels after moving around, rather than claiming that its objective difficulty changes. It follows “hace que” in this cause-and-effect construction.

más “Más” means “more” in “más fácil”. It creates the comparison that the decision seems easier than before. Use it before an adjective to form a comparative description.

fácil “Fácil” means “easy” in “parezca más fácil”. With “más”, it means “easier” in the comparison. Use it after a verb such as “parecer” to describe how an action or decision seems.

Llevaré “Llevaré” means “I will bring” in “Llevaré mi teléfono”. It announces a future action or plan involving the speaker bringing the phone. Use it with the item that will be brought.

mi “Mi” means “my” in “mi teléfono”. It shows that the phone belongs to or is associated with the speaker. Use it directly before a singular noun to indicate possession.

teléfono “Teléfono” means “phone” in “Llevaré mi teléfono”. It is the object the speaker plans to bring in case it is needed. Use it with “mi” when referring to the speaker’s phone.

si In “por si necesitamos revisar el prototipo”, “si” contributes the condition “if” or “in case”. The full phrase expresses preparation for a possible need. Use “por si” before a possible situation that may occur.

necesitamos “Necesitamos” means “we need” in “por si necesitamos revisar el prototipo”. It states the possible need shared by the speakers. It is followed by the infinitive “revisar” to name what may be needed.

revisar “Revisar” means “to check” or “to review” in “revisar el prototipo”. It names the possible action involving the prototype. Use it with the item or material that needs checking.

prototipo “Prototipo” means “prototype” or “mockup” in “revisar el prototipo”. It refers to the design version the speakers may need to inspect. Use it for an early or test version of a design.

Mantengamos “Mantengamos” proposes that the speakers keep something in a particular state. In “Mantengamos un ritmo tranquilo”, it suggests maintaining a calm pace together. Use it to make a shared suggestion about preserving a condition or manner.

ritmo “Ritmo” means “pace” in “un ritmo tranquilo”. It refers to how quickly or steadily the speakers walk. Use it with an adjective such as “tranquilo” to describe the pace of an activity.

tranquilo “Tranquilo” means “calm” or “relaxed” in “un ritmo tranquilo”. It describes the pace the speakers want to maintain and agrees with masculine singular “ritmo”. Use it after a noun to describe a calm manner or level of activity.

para “Para” introduces the purpose clause in “para que esto no se convierta en otra tarea”. The clause explains why the pace should remain relaxed. Use “para que” to state a desired purpose or result.

esto “Esto” means “this” and refers to the walk or activity being discussed. In “esto no se convierta en otra tarea”, it is the thing that should not become another task. Use it to refer to a nearby situation or activity.

se In “se convierta en otra tarea”, “se” is part of the verb expression meaning “becomes” or “turns into”. It marks the change of state described by “convertirse”. Use the complete form with “en” before the resulting thing.

convierta “Convierta” means “turn into” or “become” in “se convierta en otra tarea”. It describes the activity changing into an additional task. It follows “para que” in this purpose clause and is used with “en” plus the result.

otra “Otra” means “another” in “otra tarea”. It shows that the activity would become one more task in addition to existing work. Use it before a singular feminine noun when referring to an additional item or activity.

tarea “Tarea” means “task” in “otra tarea”. It identifies the kind of activity the speakers want to avoid creating. Use it for a piece of work or responsibility that needs to be completed.

Después “Después” means “after” or “afterward” in “Después de dar un paseo corto”. It places the next action after the walk. Use “después de” before a noun or infinitive to order events.

paseo “Paseo” means “walk” or “stroll” in “dar un paseo corto”. It refers to the short walk the speakers plan to take. Use it with “dar” to describe going for a walk.

corto “Corto” means “short” in “un paseo corto”. It describes the limited length of the walk and agrees with masculine singular “paseo”. Use it after a noun to describe something of limited length or duration.

volver “Volver” means “to come back” or “to return” in “podemos volver”. It names the action of returning after the walk. It follows “podemos” as an infinitive and can be used when returning to a place or activity.

elegir “Elegir” means “to choose” in “elegir una dirección”. It names the decision the speakers plan to make after returning. Use it with the option or direction that will be selected.

dirección “Dirección” means “direction” in “elegir una dirección”. Here it refers to the course or option the speakers will select for the design decision. Use it with “elegir” when choosing a way forward.

breve “Breve” means “brief” or “short” in “Un breve reinicio mental”. It describes the reset as lasting only a short time and agrees with “reinicio”. Use it before a noun to emphasize limited duration or length.

reinicio “Reinicio” means “reset” in “Un breve reinicio mental”. Here it refers to a short mental pause that helps interrupt excessive thinking. Use it for a deliberate return to a clearer or refreshed state.

mental “Mental” means “mental” in “reinicio mental”. It specifies that the reset concerns thinking rather than a physical device or object. Use it after a noun to describe something related to the mind.

evitar “Evitar” means “to avoid” in “podría evitar que pasemos otra hora”. It names the possible prevention of spending more time overthinking. It is followed by “que” and the result being avoided.

pasemos “Pasemos” means “we spend” in “pasemos otra hora pensando demasiado”. With “otra hora”, it describes the amount of time the speakers might spend doing something. Use it with a time expression and an activity to describe how long an activity continues.

hora “Hora” means “hour” in “otra hora pensando demasiado”. It measures the additional time that might be spent overthinking. Use it with a quantity word such as “otra” and an activity describing what happens during that time.

pensando “Pensando” means “thinking” in “pasemos otra hora pensando demasiado”. It describes the activity carried out during the hour. Use it after a time expression with “pasar” to say what someone spends time doing.

Grammar Points

Salgamos a + infinitivo

Salgamos a dar una vuelta.

sahl-GAH-mohs ah dar OO-nah BWEHL-tah.

Let's go out for a walk.

The nosotros present-subjunctive form expresses a suggestion or proposal, equivalent to “let's” in English.

por si + indicativo

Llevaré el prototipo por si funciona.

yeh-bah-REH el proh-toh-TEE-poh por see foon-SYOH-nah.

I'll bring the prototype in case it works.

por si introduces a possible situation or precaution; the following verb normally remains in the indicative.

Spanish Vocabulary

aire fresco phrase

EYE-reh FREHS-koh fresh air

El aire fresco podría ayudar

centrarnos verb

sehn-TRAR-nohs to focus

y centrarnos en la decisión principal

dar una vuelta phrase

dar OO-nah BWEHL-tah to take a walk; to go around

Podemos dar una vuelta a la manzana

decidir verb

deh-see-DEER to decide

No puedo decidir qué versión

diseño noun

dee-SEH-nyoh design

del diseño

funciona verb

foon-SYOH-nah works

funciona mejor

hablemos verb

ah-BLEH-mohs let's talk

y hablemos del tema

manzana noun

mahn-SAH-nah block

a la manzana

perder verb

pehr-DEHR to lose

no quiero perder demasiado tiempo

salgamos verb

sahl-GAH-mohs let's go out

Salgamos unos minutos

tema noun

TEH-mah topic; matter

hablemos del tema

versión noun

behr-SYOHN version

qué versión del diseño

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

topic; matter

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tema

design

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diseño

let's go out

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salgamos

works

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funciona