Making a private call during a work break | Learn Spanish in English

About This Lesson

Use Making a private call during a work break to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Necesito hacer una llamada privada durante el descanso.

neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-SAIR OO-nah yah-MAH-dah pree-VAH-dah doo-RAHN-teh ehl dehs-KAHN-soh. I need to make a private call during the break.

Usa el pasillo tranquilo si el tema es delicado.

OO-sah ehl pah-SEE-yoh trahn-KEE-loh see ehl TEH-mah ehs deh-lee-KAH-doh. Use the quiet hallway if the topic is sensitive.

No quiero interrumpir a las personas que todavía están trabajando.

noh KYEH-roh een-teh-room-PEER ah lahs pehr-SOH-nahs keh toh-dah-VEE-ah ehs-TAHN trah-bah-HAHN-doh. I don't want to interrupt people who are still working.

La reunión se reanuda pronto, así que sé breve si puedes.

lah reh-oo-NYOHN seh reh-ah-NOO-dah PROHN-toh, ah-SEE keh seh BREH-veh see PWEH-dehs. The meeting restarts soon, so keep it brief if you can.

Si no vuelvo justo a tiempo, ¿podrías anotar cualquier cosa que me pierda?

see noh BWEHL-boh HOO-stoh ah TYEHM-poh, poh-DREE-ahs ah-noh-TAR kwahl-KYEHR KOH-sah keh meh PYEHR-dah. If I'm not back exactly on time, could you keep track of anything I miss?

Puedo hacerlo, pero mándame un mensaje si la llamada dura más.

PWEH-doh ah-SAIR-loh, PEH-roh MAHN-dah-meh oon men-SAH-heh see lah yah-MAH-dah DOO-rah mahs. I can do that, but message me if the call takes longer.

Lo haré. Debería volver antes del siguiente punto de la agenda.

loh ah-REH. deh-beh-REE-ah bwoh-VEHR AHN-tehs dehl see-GYEHN-teh POON-toh deh lah ah-HEHN-dah. I will. I should be back before the next agenda item.

La primera parte después del descanso es solo una actualización breve.

lah pree-MEH-rah PAR-teh dehs-PWEHS dehl dehs-KAHN-soh ehs SOH-loh OO-nah ahk-too-ah-lee-sah-SYOHN BREH-veh. The first part after the break is just a quick update.

Eso ayuda. Voy a salir ahora.

EH-soh ah-YOO-dah. boy ah sah-LEER ah-OH-rah. That helps. I'll step outside now.

Tómate el tiempo que necesites, pero no pierdas de vista el reloj.

TOH-mah-teh ehl TYEHM-poh keh neh-seh-SEE-tehs, PEH-roh noh PYEHR-dahs deh VEE-stah ehl roh-LOHK. Take the time you need, but keep an eye on the clock.

Word by Word

Necesito “Necesito” means that the speaker needs something in this situation: a private call. It is useful for stating a personal need before an infinitive, as in “Necesito hacer”. You could use it when explaining what you need to do during a work break.

hacer In “Necesito hacer”, “hacer” means to make or carry out the call. It follows “Necesito” to name the action that is needed. This pattern is useful for stating an action you need to do.

una “Una” means “a” in “una llamada” and introduces one feminine noun. It agrees with “llamada” in this expression. Use it before a singular feminine noun when referring to one non-specific thing.

llamada “Llamada” means a call, specifically the private call the speaker needs to make. In “una llamada privada”, it is the activity being discussed. It is useful when arranging, making, or discussing a phone call.

privada “Privada” describes the call as private or not meant for other people to hear. It agrees with “llamada” in “una llamada privada”. Use this kind of description when the content of a conversation should remain personal.

durante “Durante” means “during” and places the call within the period of the break. In “durante el descanso”, it introduces the time when something happens. Use it before a noun to state when an activity takes place.

el “El” means “the” before the masculine singular noun “descanso” in “el descanso”. It identifies the particular break known to both speakers. Use it with a specific masculine singular noun.

descanso “Descanso” means the break or rest period from work in this dialogue. “Durante el descanso” identifies when the private call will happen. It is useful for talking about a work break or another period of rest.

Usa “Usa” gives a direct instruction to use something, here the quiet hallway. It is the form used in “Usa el pasillo tranquilo”. Use it when telling someone to use a particular place, object, or resource.

pasillo “Pasillo” means hallway, the place suggested for the private call. In “el pasillo tranquilo”, it is the location being recommended. It is useful when giving directions inside a building.

tranquilo “Tranquilo” describes the hallway as quiet, making it suitable for a sensitive call. It agrees with “pasillo” in “el pasillo tranquilo”. Use it to describe a place with little noise or activity.

si “Si” means “if” and introduces the condition that the topic is sensitive. In “si el tema es delicado”, it connects a possible situation with the advice that follows. Use it to give advice that applies under a particular condition.

tema “Tema” means the topic being discussed during the call. In “el tema es delicado”, it is the subject that may require privacy. It is useful when referring to the subject of a conversation, meeting, or message.

delicado “Delicado” describes the topic as sensitive and requiring care. It agrees with “tema” in “el tema es delicado”. Use it when a subject could be private, difficult, or easily misunderstood.

No “No” negates the desire expressed in “No quiero interrumpir”. Here it shows that the speaker does not want to disturb people who are working. Use it before the verb to make a statement negative.

quiero “Quiero” means “I want” and expresses the speaker’s wish not to interrupt others. In “No quiero interrumpir”, it introduces the action the speaker does not want to perform. Use it to state a personal desire followed by an action.

interrumpir “Interrumpir” means to interrupt or disturb someone while they are doing something. It follows “quiero” in “No quiero interrumpir”. This pattern is useful for explaining an action you want or do not want to carry out.

a In “interrumpir a las personas”, “a” marks the people directly affected by the action. It connects “interrumpir” with the people who might be disturbed. This use is common when the object of an action is a person or people.

las “Las” means “the” before the feminine plural noun “personas” in “las personas”. It refers to particular people who are still working. Use it with a specific feminine plural noun.

personas “Personas” means people, referring here to the coworkers who are still working. In “a las personas que todavía están trabajando”, it identifies who might be interrupted. It is useful when referring to people in a general or specific group.

que In “personas que todavía están trabajando”, “que” means “who” and introduces information about the people. It connects “personas” with the fact that they are still working. Use it to describe or identify people with a following clause.

todavía “Todavía” means “still” and shows that the people continue working at this moment. In “todavía están trabajando”, it emphasizes that the activity has not ended. Use it with an ongoing situation that remains true.

están “Están” means “are” and helps express the ongoing activity in “están trabajando”. It connects the people with their current state of working. Use it with “trabajando” to describe what people are doing now.

trabajando “Trabajando” means working in “están trabajando”. Together, these words describe an activity that is in progress. This pattern is useful for saying what someone is doing at a particular time.

La “La” means “the” before the feminine singular noun “reunión” in “La reunión”. It identifies the particular meeting that will resume. Use it with a specific feminine singular noun.

reunión “Reunión” means meeting, the work meeting that is about to continue. In “La reunión se reanuda pronto”, it is the event being discussed. It is useful for talking about a scheduled meeting or gathering.

se In “La reunión se reanuda”, “se” helps present the meeting as undergoing the action of resuming. It belongs with “reanuda” in this expression rather than carrying the full meaning by itself. Learn it as part of the sentence pattern describing the meeting’s continuation.

reanuda “Reanuda” means resumes or starts again, referring to the meeting after the break. In “La reunión se reanuda pronto”, it tells when the meeting will continue. Use it when an activity restarts after an interruption or pause.

pronto “Pronto” means soon and places the meeting’s resumption in the near future. In “se reanuda pronto”, it explains why the call should be brief. Use it to refer to an event that will happen in a short time.

así In “así que sé breve”, “así” contributes to the linking expression meaning “so”. It connects the meeting restarting soon with the request to be brief. Use this expression to introduce a result or consequence.

sé “Sé” is a direct instruction to be brief in “sé breve”. It tells the listener how to keep the call or action. Use it before a description when giving this kind of direct instruction.

breve “Breve” means brief or short in “sé breve”. Here it asks the listener to keep the call short because the meeting will restart soon. It is useful when asking someone to limit the length of a message, explanation, or conversation.

puedes “Puedes” means “you can” in “si puedes”, referring to the listener’s ability to keep the call brief. It makes the request conditional rather than absolute. Use it when adding “if you can” to advice or a request.

vuelvo “Vuelvo” means “I come back” or “I return” in “no vuelvo justo a tiempo”. It refers to the speaker returning from the call. Use it when explaining that you are returning to a place or activity.

justo In “justo a tiempo”, “justo” means exactly or right, emphasizing precise timing. The speaker may not return exactly at the expected time. Use this expression when something happens at the needed or scheduled moment.

tiempo “Tiempo” means time in “justo a tiempo”. Together, the phrase refers to returning at the correct moment. The pattern “a tiempo” is useful when talking about arriving or returning before it is too late.

podrías “Podrías” means “could you” and makes a polite request in “¿podrías anotar...?”. It asks whether the listener would be able to perform the action. Use it before an infinitive when making a courteous request.

anotar “Anotar” means to note or write down the information the speaker might miss. It follows “podrías” in “podrías anotar”. Use it when asking someone to record details, reminders, or updates.

cualquier “Cualquier” means “any” in “cualquier cosa”. It leaves the particular missed item unspecified. Use it before a singular noun when referring to any item within a possible group.

cosa “Cosa” means thing in “cualquier cosa que me pierda”. Here it refers broadly to any information or point the speaker may miss. It is useful when the exact item is not known or does not need to be specified.

me In “que me pierda”, “me” points to the speaker as the person connected with the missed item. The phrase concerns anything the speaker may miss while away from the meeting. This use is helpful when identifying the person affected by an experience.

pierda “Pierda” means miss or fail to catch in “cualquier cosa que me pierda”. It refers to information the speaker may not hear or receive during the call. Use this form in the dialogue’s context when talking about missing part of a meeting or update.

Puedo “Puedo” means “I can” or “I am able to” in “Puedo hacerlo”. It confirms that the speaker accepts the task. Use it before an action to state that you can carry it out.

hacerlo “Hacerlo” means “do it” and refers to the task just requested, keeping track of missed information. It combines the action with “lo”, which points back to that task. Use “Puedo hacerlo” to agree that you can perform an already mentioned action.

pero “Pero” means “but” and introduces a condition or contrasting request. In “pero mándame un mensaje”, the speaker agrees to help but asks for a message if the call becomes longer. Use it to connect an agreement with a limitation or additional point.

mándame “Mándame” means “send me” and gives the listener a direct instruction to send something to the speaker. The form includes “me”, identifying the recipient. Use it before the item to be sent, as in “mándame un mensaje”.

un “Un” means “a” before the masculine singular noun “mensaje” in “un mensaje”. It introduces one unspecified message. Use it with a singular masculine noun when referring to one non-specific item.

mensaje “Mensaje” means message, specifically a message to alert the speaker if the call takes longer. In “mándame un mensaje”, it is the thing the listener should send. It is useful for discussing text messages or other short communications.

dura “Dura” means lasts in “si la llamada dura más”. It describes the length of the call. Use it with an event or activity when talking about how long it continues.

más “Más” means longer or more in “dura más”. Here it indicates that the call lasts longer than expected. Use it after a verb when describing an increased amount or duration.

Lo “Lo” means “it” in “Lo haré” and refers back to the agreed action. It lets the speaker promise to do that action without repeating it. Use it to refer to a previously mentioned masculine or neutral action or matter.

haré “Haré” means “I will do” in “Lo haré”. It expresses the speaker’s commitment to carry out the earlier request. Use “Lo haré” when promising to complete an action already discussed.

debería In “Debería volver”, “debería” means “should” and expresses the speaker’s expectation that returning will be appropriate or likely. It is followed by “volver”, the expected action. Use this pattern when stating what you expect or what ought to happen.

volver “Volver” means to return in “Debería volver”. It describes the speaker’s expected return to the meeting. Use it after “debería” to state the action that should happen.

antes “Antes” means before and places the return earlier than the next agenda item. In “antes del siguiente punto”, it introduces the time limit. Use it before a following time, event, or noun phrase to express an earlier point.

del “Del” means “of the” or “before the” here and is the contracted form used in “antes del siguiente punto”. It links “antes” with the specific masculine noun “punto”. Use this form before a masculine singular noun when the phrase contains “de” and “el” together.

siguiente “Siguiente” means next and identifies the agenda item that follows the return. In “el siguiente punto”, it describes the upcoming item. Use it before a noun when referring to the one that comes after the current one.

punto “Punto” means point or item in “el siguiente punto de la agenda”. Here it refers to one item in the meeting plan, not a physical dot. This expression is useful when discussing the order of topics in an agenda.

de In “punto de la agenda”, “de” means “of” and links the item with the agenda it belongs to. It shows the relationship between the point and the meeting plan. Use it to connect a noun with another noun that identifies its type, source, or belonging.

agenda “Agenda” means agenda, the plan or list of topics for the meeting. In “el siguiente punto de la agenda”, it identifies where the item appears. It is useful when discussing meeting order, topics, or scheduled items.

primera “Primera” means first and identifies the part that comes immediately after the break. It agrees with “parte” in “La primera parte”. Use it to identify the earliest item or section in an ordered sequence.

parte “Parte” means part or section in “La primera parte después del descanso”. Here it refers to the first section of the meeting after the break. It is useful for dividing a meeting, presentation, or activity into sections.

después “Después” means after and places the first part later than the break. In “después del descanso”, it introduces the event that comes before that part. Use it to describe the order of events.

es “Es” means “is” and identifies the first part as a brief update. In “La primera parte ... es solo una actualización breve”, it links the subject with its description. Use it to state what something is or what it consists of.

solo “Solo” means just or only and limits the description of the first part to a brief update. It reassures the speaker that the first section will not be extensive. Use it to emphasize that something is limited or simple.

actualización “Actualización” means update, referring to a short report on current information in the meeting. In “una actualización breve”, it names the content of the first part. It is useful for work conversations about new information or progress.

Eso “Eso” means “that” and refers to the information just given about the meeting. In “Eso ayuda”, it is the thing that is helpful. Use it to refer back to an idea, statement, or situation already mentioned.

ayuda “Ayuda” means helps in “Eso ayuda”. The speaker says that the information makes the situation easier or less concerning. Use it to say that information, advice, or an action is useful.

voy “Voy” means “I go” or “I am going” in “Voy a salir”. Together with “a salir”, it announces the speaker’s immediate next action. Use “Voy a” before an infinitive to state what you are going to do.

salir “Salir” means to go out or leave in “Voy a salir ahora”. It describes the speaker leaving the meeting area to make the call. Use it after “Voy a” when announcing that you are going out or leaving.

ahora “Ahora” means now and shows that the speaker will leave immediately. In “Voy a salir ahora”, it places the action at the present moment. Use it to specify that something is happening or will happen without delay.

Tómate “Tómate” gives the listener permission or advice to take the needed amount of time for themselves. In “Tómate el tiempo que necesites”, it is part of the expression meaning to take as much time as needed. Use it when telling someone not to rush.

necesites In “el tiempo que necesites”, “necesites” means need and identifies the amount of time the listener requires. It explains which time the speaker is referring to. This pattern is useful when allowing someone to take the amount of time required for a task.

pierdas In “no pierdas de vista”, “pierdas” contributes to the expression meaning do not lose sight of or keep watching. Here the listener should continue checking the clock. Use this expression when telling someone to keep something under observation.

vista “Vista” means sight or view in “no pierdas de vista el reloj”. The full expression means to keep the clock in sight and continue paying attention to it. Use “no pierdas de vista” before something that must be monitored.

reloj “Reloj” means clock, the object the listener should watch to manage the remaining time. In “no pierdas de vista el reloj”, it represents the schedule that must be monitored. It is useful when discussing time, punctuality, or deadlines.

Grammar Points

debería + infinitivo

Debería ser breve.

deh-beh-REE-ah sehr BREH-veh

I should be brief.

Use debería + infinitive to express advice or what is advisable.

poder + infinitivo

Puedes mandar un mensaje.

PWEH-dehs mahn-DAR oon men-SAH-heh

You can send a message.

Use puedes + infinitive to express ability or permission.

Spanish Vocabulary

descanso noun

dehs-KAHN-soh break

durante prep

doo-RAHN-teh during

hacer una llamada privada phrase

ah-SAIR OO-nah yah-MAH-dah pree-VAH-dah to make a private call

interrumpir verb

een-teh-room-PEER to interrupt

llamada noun

yah-MAH-dah call

necesitar verb

neh-seh-see-TAR to need necesito

pasillo tranquilo phrase

pah-SEE-yoh trahn-KEE-loh quiet hallway

persona noun

pehr-SOH-nah person personas

privado adj

pree-VAH-doh private privada

querer verb

keh-REHR to want quiero

tema delicado phrase

TEH-mah deh-lee-KAH-doh sensitive topic

usar verb

oo-SAR to use usa

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

That helps. I'll step outside now.

Show Answer

Eso ayuda. Voy a salir ahora.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

call

Show Answer

llamada

private

Show Answer

privada

break

Show Answer

descanso

to need

Show Answer

necesito