About This Lesson
Use Renewing a library book when the online account fails to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
Intenté renovar el préstamo de mi libro en línea, pero mi cuenta no cargaba.
een-ten-TEH reh-noh-VAR ehl PREHS-tah-moh deh mee LEE-broh en LEE-nyah, PEH-roh mee KWEHN-tah noh kar-GAH-bah I tried to renew my book online, but my account wouldn't load.
B
Llama a la biblioteca antes de que pase la fecha de devolución.
YAH-mah ah lah bee-blee-oh-TEH-kah AHN-tehs deh keh PAH-seh lah FEH-chah deh deh-boh-loo-SYOHN Call the library before the due date passes.
A
Me preocupa que el libro tenga que devolverse hoy.
meh preh-oh-KOO-pah keh ehl LEE-broh TEHN-gah keh deh-bohl-VEHR-seh oy I'm worried because the book is due today.
B
Puede que lo prorroguen si pueden ver que hubo un problema para iniciar sesión.
PWEH-deh keh loh proh-ROH-gehn see PWEH-dehn behr keh OO-boh oon proh-BLEH-mah PAH-rah ee-nee-SYAR seh-SYOHN They may extend it if they can see there was a login problem.
A
¿Y si alguien lo ha reservado?
ee see AHL-gyen loh ah reh-sehr-BAH-doh What if someone has reserved it?
B
Entonces probablemente no podrán renovarlo, ni siquiera por teléfono.
ehn-TOHN-sehs proh-bah-bleh-MEHN-teh noh poh-DRAHN reh-noh-BAR-loh, nee see-KYEH-rah por teh-LEH-foh-noh Then they probably won't be able to renew it, even by phone.
A
Preguntaré por las reservas antes de dar por hecho que puedo quedármelo.
preh-goon-tah-REH por lahs reh-SEHR-bahs AHN-tehs deh dahr por EH-choh keh PWEH-doh keh-DAHR-meh-loh I'll ask about holds before I assume I can keep it.
B
Si hay una reserva, devuélvelo hoy y vuelve a pedirlo prestado más adelante.
see eye OO-nah reh-SEHR-bah, deh-BWEHL-beh-loh oy ee BWEHL-beh ah peh-DEER-loh prehs-TAH-doh mahs ah-deh-LAHN-teh If there is a hold, return it today and borrow it again later.
A
También restableceré mi contraseña mientras esté allí.
tahm-BYEN rehs-tah-bleh-seh-REH mee kohn-trah-SEH-nyah MYEHN-trahs ehs-TEH ah-YEE I'll reset my password while I'm there too.
B
Eso debería hacer que la próxima renovación sea menos estresante.
EH-soh deh-beh-REE-ah ah-SEHR keh lah PROHK-see-mah reh-noh-bah-SYOHN seh-ah MEH-nohs ehs-treh-SAHN-teh That should make the next renewal less stressful.Word by Word
Intenté
In “Intenté renovar el préstamo de mi libro”, this exact form means “I tried” and reports the speaker’s attempt. It is used with an infinitive such as “renovar” to say what the speaker tried to do. You would use this when describing an earlier attempt to complete an action.
renovar
In “Intenté renovar el préstamo de mi libro”, “renovar” means to renew the library loan. It is the infinitive used after “Intenté” and names the action the speaker attempted. The pattern “renovar” plus the thing being renewed is useful for library services.
el
In “el préstamo”, “el” means “the” and identifies the following masculine singular noun. It is placed directly before “préstamo”. The pattern “el” plus a noun is used when referring to a specific item.
préstamo
In “el préstamo de mi libro”, “préstamo” means the loan of the book from the library. It identifies the borrowing arrangement rather than the physical book itself. The pattern “préstamo de” connects the loan with the item involved.
de
In “el préstamo de mi libro”, “de” links “préstamo” with “mi libro” and means “of” in this context. It shows what the loan concerns. The pattern “noun de noun” is used to connect related things.
mi
In “mi libro”, “mi” means “my” and shows that the book belongs to or is associated with the speaker. It comes directly before “libro”. The pattern “mi” plus a singular noun identifies something connected to the speaker.
libro
In “mi libro”, “libro” means “book”. Here it is the item whose library loan the speaker wants to renew. You would use this word when talking about a book in a library or another reading context.
en
In “en línea”, “en” contributes the meaning “in” and forms the expression for doing something online. It is used together with “línea”, not as a separate description of a physical location here. The pattern “en línea” describes an online service or action.
línea
In “en línea”, “línea” is part of the expression meaning “online”, so it does not refer to a physical line in this dialogue. Together with “en”, it describes how the speaker tried to renew the loan. You would use “en línea” when referring to an internet-based process.
pero
“Pero” connects the attempted online renewal with the contrasting problem that the account would not load. It means “but” in “Intenté renovar el préstamo de mi libro en línea, pero mi cuenta no cargaba.” You use it to contrast two parts of a statement.
cuenta
In “mi cuenta”, “cuenta” means the user account needed to access the library service. The possessive “mi” specifies whose account it is. The pattern “cuenta” with a possessive is useful when discussing access to an online service.
no
In “mi cuenta no cargaba”, “no” negates the verb and shows that the account was not loading. It is placed before “cargaba”. The pattern “no” plus a verb is the basic way to express negation.
cargaba
In “mi cuenta no cargaba”, “cargaba” describes the account failing to load at that time. The form comes from “cargar” and is used here for the account’s loading process. You would use this kind of statement when explaining why a webpage or account could not be accessed.
Llama
In “Llama a la biblioteca”, “Llama” tells the other person to call the library. It is a direct instruction from one speaker to the other. The pattern “Llama a” introduces the person or organization being called.
a
In “Llama a la biblioteca”, “a” links the verb “Llama” to the organization receiving the call. It contributes the direction or recipient of the call. The pattern “llamar a” is used when naming whom or what to call.
la
In “la biblioteca”, “la” means “the” and identifies the following feminine singular noun. It appears directly before “biblioteca”. The pattern “la” plus a noun is used for a specific feminine noun.
biblioteca
In “la biblioteca”, “biblioteca” means “library”. It is the place the speaker should contact before the return date passes. You would use this word when discussing library services, books, or the library building.
antes
In “antes de que pase la fecha de devolución”, “antes” means “before” and places the call earlier than the return date. It is part of the time expression “antes de que”. You would use this expression to warn someone to act before a later event.
que
In “antes de que pase la fecha de devolución”, “que” introduces the clause describing what must happen later. It connects “antes de” with “pase la fecha de devolución”. The pattern “antes de que” is used before a clause about an event.
pase
In “antes de que pase la fecha de devolución”, “pase” describes the return date passing. It is the verb form used inside the clause introduced by “antes de que”. You would use this construction when setting a deadline for an action.
fecha
In “la fecha de devolución”, “fecha” means “date”. It identifies the calendar point connected with returning the book. The pattern “fecha de” specifies what an important date concerns.
devolución
In “la fecha de devolución”, “devolución” means the return of the book. It specifies that the date is the book’s return date. You would use this noun when discussing when a library item must be returned.
Me
In “Me preocupa que el libro tenga que devolverse hoy”, “Me” shows that the concern affects the speaker and means “to me”. It appears before “preocupa”. The pattern “Me preocupa” introduces something that worries the speaker.
preocupa
In “Me preocupa que el libro tenga que devolverse hoy”, “preocupa” expresses that the situation causes worry. Together with “Me”, it means that the speaker is worried about the book’s required return. The pattern “Me preocupa que” introduces a worrying situation.
tenga
In “tenga que devolverse”, “tenga” contributes the idea that the book has to be returned. It is used with “que” and the infinitive “devolverse” to express a requirement. The pattern “tener que” is used to say that something must happen.
devolverse
In “el libro tenga que devolverse hoy”, “devolverse” means “be returned”, with the book as the item that must go back. It follows “tenga que” and describes the required action. You would use this form when focusing on an item that needs to be returned.
hoy
In “devolverse hoy”, “hoy” means “today” and sets the return deadline as the current day. It specifies when the book must be returned. You would use it to refer to the day of speaking.
Puede
In “Puede que lo prorroguen”, “Puede” expresses possibility and means “it may be that” in this context. It introduces the possibility that the library will extend the loan. The pattern “Puede que” is useful when discussing a possible result.
lo
In “lo prorroguen”, “lo” refers to the library loan or book being discussed and means “it”. It appears before the verb and marks the thing that may be extended. The pattern places “lo” before a conjugated verb such as “prorroguen”.
prorroguen
In “Puede que lo prorroguen”, “prorroguen” means “extend” in relation to the loan. Together with “lo”, it says that the library may extend it if the problem can be verified. You would use this verb when discussing an extension of a deadline or loan.
si
In “si pueden ver que hubo un problema” and “Si hay una reserva”, “si” means “if” and introduces a condition. It connects a possible circumstance with its result. The pattern “si” plus a clause is used when explaining what happens under a particular condition.
pueden
In “si pueden ver que hubo un problema”, “pueden” means “can” or “are able to”. It describes whether the library staff are able to see the login problem. The pattern “poder” plus an infinitive, as in “pueden ver”, expresses ability.
ver
In “pueden ver que hubo un problema”, “ver” means “see” or recognize the problem. It is the infinitive after “pueden” and is followed by the information being verified. The pattern “ver que” introduces what someone can see or confirm.
hubo
In “hubo un problema para iniciar sesión”, “hubo” means “there was” and reports the existence of a past problem. It is followed by “un problema”. You would use this pattern to state that a particular problem occurred.
un
In “un problema”, “un” means “a” or “an” and introduces one nonspecific masculine singular problem. It comes directly before “problema”. The pattern “un” plus a noun introduces a new item or situation.
problema
In “un problema para iniciar sesión”, “problema” means “problem”. Here it identifies the difficulty that prevented or interfered with logging in. The pattern “problema para” introduces the action affected by the problem.
para
In “un problema para iniciar sesión”, “para” connects the problem with the action of logging in. It introduces the purpose or action involved. The pattern “para” plus an infinitive is used to describe what an issue affects or what something is for.
iniciar sesión
In “un problema para iniciar sesión”, “iniciar sesión” as a whole means “to log in”. “Iniciar” contributes the idea of starting, and “sesión” names the session being started. You would use this expression when accessing an online account.
Y
In “¿Y si alguien lo ha reservado?”, “Y” means “and” and introduces another possibility to consider. It also appears as “y” in “y vuelve a pedirlo prestado”, where it joins two instructions. The pattern “Y si” is useful for raising a possible situation.
alguien
In “alguien lo ha reservado”, “alguien” means “someone” and refers to an unspecified person who may have reserved the book. It functions as the person responsible for the reservation. You would use it when the person is unknown or not important to identify.
ha
In “ha reservado”, “ha” works with “reservado” to say that someone has reserved the book. It places the completed reservation in relation to the current situation. The pattern “ha” plus a completed action form describes something that has happened.
reservado
In “alguien lo ha reservado”, “reservado” means “reserved” and identifies the action that someone may already have completed. Together with “ha”, it says that the book has been reserved. You would use it when checking whether another person has claimed an item.
Entonces
In “Entonces probablemente no podrán renovarlo”, “Entonces” means “then” or “in that case” and introduces the consequence of a reservation. It links the possible hold with the likely inability to renew the loan. You would use it to respond to a condition or conclusion.
probablemente
In “probablemente no podrán renovarlo”, “probablemente” means “probably” and makes the statement less than certain. It qualifies the prediction about renewing the book. You would use it when something is likely but not confirmed.
podrán
In “no podrán renovarlo”, “podrán” means “will be able to” and places the ability to renew in the future situation being discussed. Together with “no”, it says renewal will probably not be possible. The pattern “podrán” plus an infinitive expresses future ability.
renovarlo
In “no podrán renovarlo”, “renovarlo” means “renew it”. It combines the action of renewing with “lo”, which refers to the book or its loan. The pattern “poder” plus “renovarlo” describes whether someone can renew a specific item.
ni siquiera
In “ni siquiera por teléfono”, “ni siquiera” means “not even” and emphasizes that a phone call will not provide an exception. “Ni” supplies the negative linking element, while “siquiera” adds the idea of “even”; together they form one expression. You would use “ni siquiera” to stress that an unlikely or last possible option also does not work.
por
In “por teléfono”, “por” means “by” or “via” and identifies the communication method. It connects the action of renewing with the phone as the means. The pattern “por” plus a communication method describes how contact is made.
teléfono
In “por teléfono”, “teléfono” means “phone”. It names the communication method that is considered but probably will not allow renewal. You would use it when discussing calls or communication by phone.
Preguntaré
In “Preguntaré por las reservas”, “Preguntaré” means “I will ask” and states the speaker’s planned action. It is used with “por” to introduce the topic of the question. You would use this form when telling someone what you intend to ask about.
las
In “las reservas”, “las” means “the” and identifies a feminine plural noun. It appears directly before “reservas”. The pattern “las” plus a plural noun refers to specific items or matters.
reservas
In “Preguntaré por las reservas”, “reservas” means the holds or reservations placed on library items. Here the speaker wants to check whether another reader is waiting for the book. You would use this word when asking about reservations in a library context.
dar por hecho
In “antes de dar por hecho que puedo quedármelo”, “dar por hecho” as a whole means “assume” or “take for granted”. “Dar” means give, “por” marks something as, and “hecho” means done or established; together they form the fixed expression. The pattern “dar por hecho que” is used before something a person might assume without confirmation.
puedo
In “puedo quedármelo”, “puedo” means “I can” and expresses the speaker’s possible ability or permission to keep the book. It is followed by the infinitive “quedármelo”. The pattern “puedo” plus an infinitive describes what the speaker can do.
quedármelo
In “puedo quedármelo”, “quedármelo” means “keep it” for oneself. The form includes “me”, which connects the action to the speaker, and “lo”, which refers to the book or loan. You would use this expression when deciding whether you may continue keeping an item.
hay
In “Si hay una reserva”, “hay” means “there is” and introduces the possible existence of a hold. It is followed by “una reserva”, the thing whose existence is being checked. The pattern “hay” plus a noun is used to say that something exists or is present.
una
In “una reserva”, “una” means “a” or “an” and introduces one possible feminine singular hold. It comes directly before “reserva”. The pattern “una” plus a noun introduces a nonspecific item or situation.
reserva
In “Si hay una reserva”, “reserva” means a hold placed on the library book for another reader. It is the condition that prevents the current loan from being renewed. You would use this word when discussing a reserved library item.
devuélvelo
In “devuélvelo hoy”, “devuélvelo” tells the listener to return it today. The form combines the instruction to return with “lo”, referring to the book or loan. You would use it when giving a direct instruction to return a specific item.
vuelve
In “vuelve a pedirlo prestado”, “vuelve” contributes the idea of doing the action again. Together with “a pedirlo prestado”, it tells the listener to borrow the item again later. The pattern “volver a” plus an infinitive is used for repeating an action.
pedirlo
In “vuelve a pedirlo prestado”, “pedirlo” means “request it” and, with “prestado”, refers to borrowing the book again. The “lo” attached to the infinitive refers to the book. You would use this expression when asking to borrow a specific item.
prestado
In “pedirlo prestado”, “prestado” shows that the item is being requested as a loan rather than kept permanently. It completes the meaning of borrowing the book. You would use it when describing something obtained to use and later return.
más
In “más adelante”, “más” contributes the idea of further or a later point in time. Together with “adelante”, the expression means “later”. You would use this expression when postponing an action.
adelante
In “más adelante”, “adelante” contributes the idea of ahead or further on, and the whole expression means “later”. It places borrowing the book at a time after the current return. You would use it to refer to a later moment without specifying an exact date.
También
In “También restableceré mi contraseña”, “También” means “also” and adds another planned action to the call or library visit. It appears before the verb “restableceré”. You would use it when adding one more action or piece of information.
restableceré
In “restableceré mi contraseña”, “restableceré” means “I will reset” and states the speaker’s future plan. It is followed by the thing being reset, “mi contraseña”. You would use this form when describing a planned password reset.
contraseña
In “mi contraseña”, “contraseña” means “password”. It is the access information the speaker plans to reset. You would use this word when discussing login or account security.
mientras
In “mientras esté allí”, “mientras” means “while” and links the password reset with the time the speaker is at the library. It introduces the situation during which the action will happen. The pattern “mientras” plus a clause describes overlapping actions or times.
esté
In “mientras esté allí”, “esté” expresses being present at the library during the planned action. Together with “allí”, it means “am there”. You would use this form in a clause describing the time or situation in which something happens.
allí
In “mientras esté allí”, “allí” means “there” and refers to the library location already being discussed. It completes the expression describing where the speaker will be. You would use it to point to a place known from the conversation.
Eso
In “Eso debería hacer que la próxima renovación sea menos estresante”, “Eso” means “that” and refers back to resetting the password. It presents that previous action as the cause of an expected improvement. The pattern “Eso debería” introduces an expected result of something just mentioned.
debería
In “Eso debería hacer que la próxima renovación sea menos estresante”, “debería” means “should” and expresses an expected result rather than a certainty. It is followed by “hacer”. You would use it when predicting what an action is likely to achieve.
hacer
In “debería hacer que la próxima renovación sea menos estresante”, “hacer” means “make” or “cause”. Together with “que”, it introduces the result that the password reset is expected to produce. The pattern “hacer que” is used to describe something causing a result.
próxima
In “la próxima renovación”, “próxima” means “next” or “upcoming” and identifies the renewal that will happen after the current situation. It modifies “renovación”. You would use it to refer to the next occurrence of an event.
renovación
In “la próxima renovación”, “renovación” means “renewal”, specifically the next attempt to renew the library loan. It names the process that should become easier. You would use this noun when discussing the renewal of a loan or service.
sea
In “sea menos estresante”, “sea” links the next renewal with the quality described by “menos estresante”. It completes the result clause after “hacer que”. The pattern “sea” plus an adjective describes what something is expected to be like.
menos
In “menos estresante”, “menos” means “less” and reduces the degree of stress associated with the next renewal. It comes directly before “estresante”. The pattern “menos” plus an adjective compares a lower degree of a quality.
estresante
In “la próxima renovación sea menos estresante”, “estresante” means “stressful” and describes the experience of renewing the loan. With “menos”, it means that the next renewal should cause less stress. You would use this adjective to describe an experience that creates stress.
Grammar Points
ni siquiera + verbo
ni siquiera iniciar sesión
nee see-KYEH-rah ee-nee-SYAR seh-SYOHNnot even log in
“Ni siquiera” means “not even” and emphasizes that an expected or basic action does not happen.
dar por hecho que + oración
dar por hecho
dahr por EH-chohto assume or take for granted
This fixed expression means assuming something is true without checking or proving it.
Spanish Vocabulary
biblioteca
noun
bee-blee-oh-TEH-kah
library
cargar
verb
kar-GAR
to load
cargaba
en línea
phrase
en LEE-nyah
online
fecha de devolución
phrase
FEH-chah deh deh-boh-loo-SYOHN
due date
iniciar sesión
phrase
ee-nee-SYAR seh-SYOHN
to log in
preocupar
verb
preh-oh-koo-PAR
to worry or concern
preocupa
préstamo
noun
PREHS-tah-moh
loan
probablemente
adv
proh-bah-bleh-MEHN-teh
probably
problema
noun
proh-BLEH-mah
problem
prorrogar
verb
proh-roh-GAR
to extend
prorroguen
renovar
verb
reh-noh-BAR
to renew
reservar
verb
reh-sehr-BAR
to reserve
reservado
Quiz
Word Order
Arrange the words in the correct order.
What if someone has reserved it?
Show Answer
¿Y si alguien lo ha reservado?Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
loan
Show Answer
préstamoto renew
Show Answer
renovarproblem
Show Answer
problemato extend