Borrowing a Drill Safely | Learn Spanish in English

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Use Borrowing a Drill Safely to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

¿Podría pedirte prestado el taladro para colocar una estantería pequeña?

poh-DREE-ah peh-DEER-teh prehs-TAH-doh el tah-LAH-droh PAH-rah koh-loh-KAR OO-nah es-tahn-teh-REE-ah peh-KEH-nyah Could I borrow your drill to put up a small shelf?

Puedes. ¿Has usado un taladro antes?

PWEH-des. ahs oo-SAH-doh oon tah-LAH-droh AHN-tehs You can. Have you used a drill before?

Solo una vez, así que me ayudarían unas instrucciones básicas.

SOH-loh OO-nah behs, ah-SEE keh meh ah-yoo-dah-REE-ahn OO-nahs een-strook-SYOH-nehs BAH-see-kahs Only once, so basic instructions would help.

Primero comprueba qué tipo de pared es y ponte gafas de seguridad.

pree-MEH-roh kohm-PROO-eh-bah keh TEE-poh deh pah-RED es ee POHN-teh GAH-fahs deh seh-goo-ree-DAHD Check what kind of wall it is first, and wear safety glasses.

También me preocupa golpear cables eléctricos.

tahm-BYEN meh preh-oh-KOO-pah gohl-PEAR KAH-blehs eh-lehk-TREE-kohs I'm also worried about hitting electrical wires.

Usa este detector antes de taladrar en cualquier sitio.

OO-sah EH-steh deh-tehk-TOR AHN-tehs deh tah-lah-DRAR en kwal-KYEHR SEE-tyoh Use this detector before you drill anywhere.

Escanearé el lugar antes de marcar los agujeros.

ehs-kah-neh-ah-REH el loo-GAR AHN-tehs deh mar-KAR lohs ah-goo-EH-rohs I'll scan the spot before I mark the holes.

Por favor, devuelve el taladro junto con el cargador y las brocas.

por fah-VOR deh-BWEHL-beh el tah-LAH-droh HOON-toh kohn el kar-gah-DOR ee lahs BROH-kahs Please bring the drill back with the charger and bits together.

Limpiaré el polvo antes de devolverlo.

leem-pyah-REH el POHL-boh AHN-tehs deh deh-bohl-BEHR-loh I'll clean off the dust before I return it.

Tómate tu tiempo; la seguridad importa más que la rapidez.

TOH-mah-teh too TYEHM-poh; lah seh-goo-ree-DAHD eem-POHR-tah mahs keh lah rah-pee-DEHS Take your time with it; safety matters more than speed.

Word by Word

Podría In this dialogue, “Podría” politely asks whether the speaker may borrow the drill. It is the conditional form of poder used with “pedirte prestado” to soften the request. A common reuse pattern is “Podría + infinitive” for a polite request.

pedirte In “pedirte prestado”, “pedirte” means asking you to lend something to the speaker. The form combines pedir with te, referring to the person being asked. A common reuse pattern is “pedirte + something” when making a request to tú.

prestado In “pedirte prestado”, “prestado” expresses that the object is being borrowed rather than permanently given away. It completes the borrowing expression with pedir. Use “pedir prestado” when asking to use someone else’s item temporarily.

el “El” means “the” and introduces the specific drill being discussed. It appears directly before “taladro” in “el taladro”. A common reuse pattern is “el + noun” for a known masculine singular item.

taladro “Taladro” means “drill”, the tool being borrowed and used for the shelf. In the dialogue it appears in “el taladro” and later as the item to return. A common reuse pattern is “usar un taladro” when describing use of this tool.

para “Para” introduces the purpose of borrowing the drill: “para colocar” means “in order to put up”. Before an infinitive, it commonly expresses purpose. A reliable reuse pattern is “para + infinitive” to say what an action is intended to achieve.

colocar “Colocar” means to put or place the shelf in position. Here, “para colocar” states the purpose for borrowing the drill. A common reuse pattern is “para colocar + object” when explaining what will be put in a particular place.

una “Una” means “a” or “one” and introduces a non-specific shelf in “una estantería pequeña”. It is used before the singular noun “estantería”. A common reuse pattern is “una + singular noun” when mentioning one item that has not been specified before.

estantería “Estantería” means “shelf” in this dialogue, the object that will be put up. It is described by “pequeña” in “una estantería pequeña”. A common reuse pattern is “colocar una estantería” when describing installing or positioning a shelf.

pequeña “Pequeña” means “small” and describes the shelf in “una estantería pequeña”. Its form matches the noun “estantería”. A common reuse pattern is placing an adjective after a noun to describe its size or another characteristic.

Puedes “Puedes” means “you can” and gives permission to borrow the drill. It is the form used with tú in the short reply “Puedes”. A common reuse pattern is “Puedes + infinitive” when allowing someone to do something.

Has In “Has usado”, “Has” helps ask whether tú have used a drill before. It works together with “usado” to refer to a past experience. A common reuse pattern is “Has + participle” when asking whether someone has done something.

usado In “Has usado”, “usado” means “used” and refers to previous use of a drill. It combines with “Has” in the question about past experience. A common reuse pattern is “has usado + object” when asking about someone’s experience with an item.

un “Un” means “a” or “one” and introduces a drill as one example of the tool. It appears before “taladro” in “un taladro”. A common reuse pattern is “un + singular noun” when referring to one non-specific masculine item.

antes “Antes” means “before” or “previously”; here it asks whether the person has ever used a drill. It appears at the end of “Has usado un taladro antes”. A common reuse pattern is placing “antes” after an action when asking whether it has happened previously.

Solo “Solo” means “only” and limits the speaker’s experience to one occasion. In “Solo una vez”, it emphasizes that the drill was used just once. A common reuse pattern is “solo + quantity or time expression” to limit how much or how often something happened.

vez “Vez” means an occasion or instance, so “una vez” means “once”. It counts how many times the speaker has used a drill. A common reuse pattern is “una vez” for one occurrence of an action.

así In “así que”, “así” contributes the idea of a resulting situation, leading into the consequence that follows. The whole expression connects the limited experience with the request for instructions. A common reuse pattern is “así que + consequence” when explaining what follows from a previous fact.

que In “así que”, “que” completes the connector that introduces the consequence. It links “Solo una vez” with the statement about instructions helping. A common reuse pattern is using “así que” between a reason or situation and its result.

me In “me ayudarían”, “me” identifies the speaker as the person who would receive help. It means “to me” in the request for instructions. A common reuse pattern is “me + verb” when an action affects or benefits the speaker.

ayudarían “Ayudarían” means “would help” and describes the possible benefit of receiving basic instructions. The thing that would help is “unas instrucciones básicas”. A common reuse pattern is “would help me” followed by the thing that provides the help.

unas “Unas” means “some” and introduces several unspecified instructions in “unas instrucciones básicas”. It appears before the plural noun “instrucciones”. A common reuse pattern is “unas + plural noun” when referring to an unspecified set of feminine items.

instrucciones “Instrucciones” means “instructions”, specifically the basic guidance the speaker needs to use the drill. It is modified by “básicas”. A common reuse pattern is “seguir instrucciones” when talking about following guidance.

básicas “Básicas” means “basic” and describes the instructions as introductory rather than detailed. Its form matches the plural noun “instrucciones”. A common reuse pattern is placing an adjective after a noun to describe the level or character of the information.

Primero “Primero” means “first” and tells the listener which safety step should happen before the others. It introduces the instruction to check the wall. A common reuse pattern is putting “Primero” at the beginning of a sequence of instructions.

comprueba “Comprueba” means “check” and directly instructs tú to verify the type of wall. It is used as the command in “comprueba qué tipo de pared es”. A common reuse pattern is “comprueba + information or object” when telling someone to verify something.

qué In “qué tipo de pared es”, “qué” asks which kind or type is involved. The accent marks it as an interrogative word inside the embedded question. A common reuse pattern is “qué + noun” when asking for identification or selection.

tipo “Tipo” means “type” or “kind” in the question about the wall. It appears in the pattern “qué tipo de + noun”. A common reuse pattern is “qué tipo de” when asking what category something belongs to.

de In “tipo de pared”, “de” links the category “tipo” with the thing being categorized, the wall. It corresponds to “of” in this noun phrase. A common reuse pattern is “tipo de + noun” for asking or describing a kind of thing.

pared “Pared” means “wall”, the surface that will be drilled. In “qué tipo de pared es”, it is the noun whose kind must be checked first. A common reuse pattern is “taladrar una pared” when describing drilling into a wall.

es In “qué tipo de pared es”, “es” identifies the type of wall being checked. It links the wall with the information about what kind it is. A common reuse pattern is “qué tipo de ... es” when asking someone to identify a type.

y “Y” means “and” and connects the wall check with the instruction to put on safety glasses. It joins two actions in the same sequence. A common reuse pattern is using “y” between two coordinated instructions or actions.

ponte “Ponte” means “put on” in the instruction to wear the safety glasses. The form addresses tú and includes the reflexive element referring to the person putting them on. A common reuse pattern is “ponte + clothing or protective item” when giving a direct instruction.

gafas “Gafas” means “glasses”; here it refers to the protective glasses used for safety. It appears in “gafas de seguridad”. A common reuse pattern is “ponerse gafas” when telling someone to put on glasses.

seguridad In “gafas de seguridad”, “seguridad” means “safety” and specifies the purpose of the glasses. The phrase refers to protective glasses for working safely. A common reuse pattern is “de seguridad” after an object to identify it as safety equipment.

También “También” means “also” and adds another concern to the earlier safety advice. It introduces the speaker’s worry about hitting electrical wires. A common reuse pattern is placing “también” before the added statement or action.

preocupa In “me preocupa golpear cables eléctricos”, “preocupa” means “worries” or “concerns”. The action of hitting electrical wires is what causes concern, while “me” identifies the worried person. A common reuse pattern is “me preocupa + infinitive” to state what worries the speaker.

golpear “Golpear” means “to hit”; here it refers to accidentally hitting electrical wires with the drill. It follows “me preocupa” as the action causing concern. A common reuse pattern is “preocupa + infinitive” for an action that may cause worry.

cables “Cables” means “wires” or “cables”, the electrical lines the speaker wants to avoid hitting. It is the object of “golpear”. A common reuse pattern is “cables eléctricos” when referring to electrical wires.

eléctricos “Eléctricos” means “electrical” and specifies that the cables carry or relate to electricity. Its form describes the plural noun “cables”. A common reuse pattern is placing an adjective after a noun to identify its type or function.

Usa “Usa” means “use” and directly instructs tú to use the detector. It is the command in “Usa este detector”. A common reuse pattern is “usa + object” when telling someone to use a tool or resource.

este “Este” means “this” and points to the detector available to the listener. It appears directly before “detector” in “este detector”. A common reuse pattern is “este + singular noun” when indicating a nearby or specifically selected item.

detector “Detector” means “detector”, the device used before drilling to check the area. It is introduced as the object of “Usa”. A common reuse pattern is “usar un detector” when describing the use of a device that checks for something.

taladrar “Taladrar” means “to drill” and names the action that must be preceded by using the detector. In “antes de taladrar”, it follows a preposition as an infinitive. A common reuse pattern is “antes de + infinitive” for an action that should happen earlier.

en In “en cualquier sitio”, “en” means “in” and indicates the place where drilling might occur. It introduces the location phrase. A common reuse pattern is “en + place” when stating where an action happens.

cualquier “Cualquier” means “any” and makes the instruction apply to every possible drilling location. It appears before the singular noun “sitio”. A common reuse pattern is “cualquier + singular noun” when referring broadly to any member of a category.

sitio “Sitio” means “place” or “spot”; here it refers to any location where the person might drill. It appears in “en cualquier sitio”. A common reuse pattern is “en cualquier sitio” when saying that a rule applies regardless of location.

Escanearé “Escanearé” means “I will scan” and states the speaker’s planned safety action. It is used before marking the holes. A common reuse pattern is a future-form verb such as “Escanearé” to state a commitment or planned action.

lugar “Lugar” means “place” or “spot”; here it is the area that will be scanned before the holes are marked. It appears in “el lugar”. A common reuse pattern is “marcar el lugar” when identifying a spot for a later action.

marcar “Marcar” means “to mark” and refers to marking the positions of the holes. In “antes de marcar los agujeros”, it names the action that comes after scanning. A common reuse pattern is “marcar + object” when indicating a position or location.

los “Los” means “the” and introduces the specific holes that will be marked. It appears before “agujeros” in “los agujeros”. A common reuse pattern is “los + plural noun” for known masculine plural items.

agujeros “Agujeros” means “holes”, specifically the holes to be made or marked for the shelf. It is the object of “marcar”. A common reuse pattern is “marcar los agujeros” when preparing drilling points.

Por favor “Por favor” is the complete polite expression “please” and softens the request to return the drill. In this fixed expression, “por” contributes the preposition and “favor” names the favor being requested; together they function as a polite request marker. A common reuse pattern is placing “Por favor” before an instruction or request.

devuelve “Devuelve” means “return” or “give back” and instructs tú to bring the borrowed drill back. It is the command in “devuelve el taladro”. A common reuse pattern is “devuelve + object” when asking someone to return something.

junto In “junto con el cargador y las brocas”, “junto” contributes the idea that the items should be together with the drill. The complete phrase requests that everything be returned as one set. A common reuse pattern is “junto con + noun” when adding something that accompanies another item.

con In “junto con el cargador y las brocas”, “con” means “with” and links the drill to the charger and bits that must accompany it. It forms the phrase “junto con”. A common reuse pattern is “con + noun” to state what is included or accompanying something.

cargador “Cargador” means “charger”, one of the items that should be returned with the drill. It appears after “con” in the return request. A common reuse pattern is “el cargador” when referring to the charger belonging to a device.

las “Las” means “the” and introduces the specific drill bits mentioned in the return instruction. It appears before the feminine plural noun “brocas”. A common reuse pattern is “las + plural noun” for known feminine plural items.

brocas “Brocas” means “drill bits”, the interchangeable parts that should be returned with the drill and charger. It appears in “las brocas”. A common reuse pattern is “brocas para taladro” when identifying drill bits by their use.

Limpiaré “Limpiaré” means “I will clean” and states the speaker’s plan to remove the dust before returning the drill. It describes a future action connected to the return. A common reuse pattern is a future-form verb such as “Limpiaré” to promise or state a planned task.

polvo “Polvo” means “dust”, the residue the speaker plans to clean from the drill. It is the object of “limpiaré”. A common reuse pattern is “limpiar el polvo” when removing dust from a surface or object.

devolverlo “Devolverlo” means “to return it”; the attached “lo” refers back to the drill. It follows “antes de” and expresses the action that will happen after cleaning. A common reuse pattern is “devolver + lo” when returning a previously mentioned masculine singular object.

Tómate In “Tómate tu tiempo”, “Tómate” contributes the idea of taking something for yourself and gives friendly advice to tú. The complete expression advises the person not to hurry. A common reuse pattern is “tómate + noun” when encouraging someone to allow themselves time or a short break.

tu “Tu” means “your” and identifies the time as belonging to the person being addressed. It appears in “tu tiempo”. A common reuse pattern is “tu + singular noun” when referring to something associated with tú.

tiempo In “Tómate tu tiempo”, “tiempo” means “time” and refers to allowing enough time to work carefully. The expression is advice not to rush. A common reuse pattern is “tomarse tiempo” when saying that someone should work without unnecessary haste.

la “La” means “the” and introduces the specific idea of safety in “la seguridad”. It appears before the feminine singular noun “seguridad”. A common reuse pattern is “la + singular noun” for a known feminine singular idea or thing.

importa In “la seguridad importa”, “importa” means “matters” or “is important”. It states that safety has greater importance than speed in this advice. A common reuse pattern is “X importa” when emphasizing that something is important.

más “Más” means “more” and forms the comparison in “importa más que”. It says that safety matters to a greater degree than speed. A common reuse pattern is “más ... que” when comparing two things.

rapidez “Rapidez” means “speed”, the quality being compared with safety. In “más que la rapidez”, it is presented as less important than working safely. A common reuse pattern is “la rapidez” when discussing how quickly an action is done.

Grammar Points

Futuro simple en primera persona: -aré

Escanearé el lugar y limpiaré el polvo.

ehs-kah-neh-ah-REH el loo-GAR ee leem-pyah-REH el POHL-boh

I will scan the spot and clean the dust.

Los verbos terminados en -ar forman el futuro con la terminación -aré añadida al infinitivo.

Imperativo afirmativo informal: ponte, comprueba, devuelve

Ponte las gafas de seguridad y comprueba la pared.

POHN-teh lahs GAH-fahs deh seh-goo-ree-DAHD ee kohm-PROO-eh-bah lah pah-RED

Put on the safety glasses and check the wall.

Para dar instrucciones informales, el imperativo usa formas especiales; los pronombres pueden unirse al verbo.

Spanish Vocabulary

ayudar verb

ah-yoo-DAR to help ayudarían

colocar verb

koh-loh-KAR to put up; to place

comprobar verb

kohm-proo-BAR to check comprueba

estantería noun

es-tahn-teh-REE-ah shelf

gafas de seguridad phrase

GAH-fahs deh seh-goo-ree-DAHD safety glasses

instrucciones noun

een-strook-SYOH-nehs instructions

pared noun

pah-RED wall

pedir prestado phrase

peh-DEER prehs-TAH-doh to borrow pedirte prestado

ponerse verb

poh-NEHR-seh to put on ponte

preocupar verb

preh-oh-koo-PAR to worry; to concern preocupa

taladro noun

tah-LAH-droh drill

usar verb

oo-SAR to use usado

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

You can. Have you used a drill before?

Show Answer

Puedes. ¿Has usado un taladro antes?

I'm also worried about hitting electrical wires.

Show Answer

También me preocupa golpear cables eléctricos.

I'll clean off the dust before I return it.

Show Answer

Limpiaré el polvo antes de devolverlo.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

drill

Show Answer

taladro

to use

Show Answer

usado

to help

Show Answer

ayudarían

to check

Show Answer

comprueba