Borrowing a ladder safely | Learn Spanish in English

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Use Borrowing a ladder safely to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

¿Puedo usar tu escalera para cambiar una luz del techo?

PWEH-doh oo-SAR too es-kah-LEH-rah pah-rah kahm-BYAR OO-nah loos del TEH-choh? Can I use your ladder to change a ceiling light?

Puedes usarla, pero haz que alguien se quede cerca mientras la usas.

PWEH-dess oo-SAR-lah, PEH-roh ahs keh ahl-GYEHN seh KEH-deh SEHR-kah MYEN-trahs lah OO-sahs. You can, but have someone stay nearby while you use it.

Mi hermano puede sujetar la parte de abajo para que se mantenga estable.

Mee ehr-MAH-noh PWEH-deh soo-heh-TAR lah PAR-teh deh ah-BAH-hoh pah-rah keh seh mahn-TEHN-gah es-TAH-bleh. My brother can hold the bottom so it stays stable.

Eso debería ayudar.

EH-soh deh-beh-REE-ah ah-yoo-DAR. That should help.

La escalera es resistente, pero aun así tienes que tener cuidado.

Lah es-kah-LEH-rah ess reh-sees-TEHN-teh, PEH-roh ah-OON ah-SEE TYEH-ness keh teh-NEHR kwee-DAH-doh. The ladder is sturdy, but you still need to be careful.

Solo la necesito por poco tiempo y tendré cuidado.

SOH-loh lah neh-seh-SEE-toh por POH-koh TYEM-poh ee tehn-DREH kwee-DAH-doh. I only need it for a short time, and I'll be careful.

Tómate el tiempo que necesites.

TOH-mah-teh el TYEM-poh keh neh-seh-SEE-tess. Take the time you need.

Evita usarla afuera si el suelo está mojado.

Eh-BEE-tah oo-SAR-lah ah-FWEH-rah see el SWEH-loh es-TAH moh-HAH-doh. Avoid using it outside if the ground is wet.

La usaré dentro y la devolveré cuando termine.

Lah oo-sah-REH DEN-troh ee lah deh-bohl-beh-REH KWAHN-doh tehn-MEE-neh. I will use it indoors and bring it back when I am finished.

Si no estoy en casa, déjala junto a mi puerta.

See noh es-TOY en KAH-sah, DEH-hah-lah HOON-toh ah mee PWEHR-tah. If I am not home, leave it beside my door.

De acuerdo, la dejaré junto a tu puerta si no estás.

Deh ah-KWEHR-doh, lah deh-hah-REH HOON-toh ah too PWEHR-tah see no es-TAHS. Okay, I'll leave it beside your door if you're out.

Concéntrate en la seguridad, aunque tardes más.

Kon-sehn-TRAH-teh en lah seh-goo-ree-DAHD, OWN-keh TAR-dess mahs. Focus on safety, even if it takes longer.

Word by Word

Puedo “Puedo” means “I can” and, in “¿Puedo usar...?”, asks for permission. A useful pattern is “¿Puedo + infinitive?” when asking whether you may do something. Use it when making a polite request to another person.

usar “Usar” means “to use” the ladder in this dialogue. It follows “Puedo” in the pattern “Puedo usar + object.” Use it when asking or saying that you will use a tool or object.

tu “Tu” means “your” and identifies the ladder as belonging to the person being addressed. It comes before the noun in “tu escalera.” Use “tu + noun” when referring to something owned or associated with one person you address informally.

escalera “Escalera” means “ladder” here, the object being borrowed and used. It appears after “tu” in “tu escalera.” Use it when talking about a ladder for reaching a higher place.

para “Para” introduces the purpose of the action in “para cambiar una luz del techo,” meaning “to change a ceiling light.” A common pattern is “para + infinitive” to say what an action is for. Use it when explaining the purpose of using something.

cambiar “Cambiar” means “to change” the ceiling light. After “para,” it stays in the infinitive in “para cambiar.” Use “para cambiar + object” to describe changing or replacing something.

una “Una” means “a” or “one” before “luz,” referring to one light without identifying a specific one. It appears directly before the noun in “una luz.” Use it before a singular feminine noun when introducing one non-specific item.

luz “Luz” means “light” in “una luz del techo.” It is the object that the speaker plans to change. Use it when referring to a light or a source of illumination.

del “Del” means “of the” in “del techo,” identifying the light as connected with the ceiling. It is the contracted form of “de” and “el.” Use “del + noun” to express an “of the” relationship.

techo “Techo” means “ceiling” in “luz del techo.” It identifies where the light is located. Use it when describing something attached to or located at the top inside part of a room.

Puedes “Puedes” means “you can” and gives permission in “Puedes usarla.” It is used with an infinitive in the pattern “Puedes + infinitive.” Use it when allowing or telling someone that they are able to do something.

usarla “Usarla” means “to use it,” with “it” referring to the ladder. The object pronoun is attached to the infinitive in “usarla.” Use “usar + la” when the thing being used is the feminine object already known from the context.

pero “Pero” means “but” and introduces a condition or warning after permission is given. In “Puedes usarla, pero...,” it connects permission with a safety instruction. Use it to contrast what is allowed with an important limitation or additional point.

haz “Haz” tells the listener to arrange for someone to stay nearby in “haz que alguien se quede cerca.” It contributes the instruction to make or have this happen. Use “haz que + person + verb” when telling someone to cause or arrange an action.

que “Que” links the instruction “haz” with the action carried out by “alguien” in “haz que alguien se quede cerca.” It introduces the linked clause. Use “que” in “haz que + person + verb” to connect an instruction with the action someone should perform.

alguien “Alguien” means “someone” in “alguien se quede cerca,” without naming the person. It is the person who should stay nearby. Use it when an unspecified person can carry out an action.

se “Se” appears with “quede” in “se quede cerca” to express that someone remains or stays nearby. Together, “se quede cerca” describes the person staying close while the ladder is used. Use this expression when asking someone to remain in a place.

quede “Quede” means “stay” or “remain” in “se quede cerca.” It describes someone remaining nearby during the use of the ladder. Use “se quede + place or distance” when saying where someone should remain.

cerca “Cerca” means “nearby” in “se quede cerca.” It specifies that the person should remain close to the ladder. Use it after a verb of staying or being to describe a short distance.

mientras “Mientras” means “while” and introduces the time relationship in “mientras la usas.” It shows that the person should stay nearby during the ladder’s use. Use “mientras + clause” for two actions happening at the same time.

la “La” has two roles in the dialogue: in “La escalera” it means “the,” while in “la usas” and similar phrases it means “it,” referring to the ladder. Its position before a noun or verb shows which role it has. Use it before a feminine singular noun as “the,” or before a verb as a feminine object pronoun.

usas “Usas” means “you use” in “mientras la usas.” The pronoun “la” before it identifies the ladder as what is being used. Use “la usas” when telling someone that they use a known feminine object.

Mi “Mi” means “my” in “Mi hermano” and “mi puerta.” It comes before the noun that belongs or relates to the speaker. Use “mi + noun” when referring to something connected with yourself.

hermano “Hermano” means “brother” in “Mi hermano.” He is the person who can hold the bottom of the ladder. Use it when referring to a male sibling.

puede “Puede” means “can” or “is able to” in “puede sujetar,” referring to what the speaker’s brother is able to do. It is followed by the infinitive “sujetar.” Use “puede + infinitive” to describe another person’s ability or possibility.

sujetar “Sujetar” means “to hold” or “to support” the bottom of the ladder. It follows “puede” in “puede sujetar.” Use “sujetar + object” when holding something in place or supporting it.

parte “Parte” means “part” in “la parte de abajo,” identifying one section of the ladder. The phrase specifies which section is held. Use “la parte de + description” to identify a particular part of something.

de “De” means “of” in “la parte de abajo,” linking “parte” with the description “abajo.” It helps specify which part is meant. Use “de + description” to identify or characterize a part of something.

abajo “Abajo” means “below” or “at the bottom” in “la parte de abajo.” It identifies the lower section of the ladder. Use it after a noun such as “parte” to describe the lower part of something.

mantenga “Mantenga” means “stay” or “remain” in “para que se mantenga estable,” describing the ladder remaining stable. It appears after “para que” because the desired result is being expressed. Use “para que + clause” to describe the result you want an action to produce.

estable “Estable” means “stable” in “se mantenga estable.” It describes the condition the ladder should maintain. Use “mantenerse estable” when talking about something remaining firmly balanced or steady.

Eso “Eso” means “that” and refers to the brother holding the bottom of the ladder. In “Eso debería ayudar,” it points back to the previously mentioned idea. Use it to refer to an action, fact, or suggestion already understood from the conversation.

debería “Debería” means “should” in “Eso debería ayudar,” expressing an expected or likely result rather than a certainty. It is followed by the infinitive “ayudar.” Use “debería + infinitive” when saying what is expected to happen or what would be advisable.

ayudar “Ayudar” means “to help” in “debería ayudar,” referring to the safety measure being useful. It follows “debería” in the infinitive. Use “ayudar + person” or “ayudar a + person” when describing assistance, depending on the construction.

es “Es” means “is” in “La escalera es resistente,” describing a quality of the ladder. It connects the subject with the description “resistente.” Use it to identify a characteristic of something.

resistente “Resistente” means “sturdy” or “durable” in “La escalera es resistente.” It describes the ladder as able to withstand use. Use “ser resistente” when describing a strong object or material.

aun “Aun” means “even so” or “still” in the expression “aun así.” It introduces a point that remains true despite the ladder being sturdy. Use “aun así” to say that a conclusion or action still applies.

así “Así” means “so” or “that way” in “aun así,” which means “even so.” Together with “aun,” it refers back to the situation just mentioned. Use “así” to refer to a manner or situation already understood.

tienes “Tienes” means “you have” in the obligation pattern “tienes que tener cuidado,” which expresses “you need to be careful.” It is followed by “que” and an infinitive. Use “tener que + infinitive” to say that someone needs to do something.

tener “Tener” means “to have” in the expression “tener cuidado,” but the whole expression means “to be careful.” It appears after “tienes que” in “tienes que tener cuidado.” Use “tener que + infinitive” for an obligation, including “tener que tener cuidado” for a safety warning.

cuidado “Cuidado” means “care” or “caution” in “tener cuidado,” an expression meaning “to be careful.” The noun combines with “tener” to give the full warning. Use “tener cuidado” when advising someone to act cautiously.

Solo “Solo” means “only” in “Solo la necesito,” limiting how much the speaker needs the ladder. It comes before the clause being limited. Use it to emphasize that the amount, time, or requirement is limited.

necesito “Necesito” means “I need” in “Solo la necesito por poco tiempo,” referring to the ladder. It is followed by the object pronoun “la” and a time expression. Use “necesito + object” to say what you require.

por “Por” expresses duration in “por poco tiempo,” meaning “for a short time.” It introduces the period during which the ladder is needed. Use “por + time expression” to say how long something lasts or is needed.

poco “Poco” means “little” or “a small amount” in “por poco tiempo,” describing a short duration. It comes before “tiempo.” Use “poco + noun” when referring to a small amount of something.

tiempo “Tiempo” means “time” in “por poco tiempo.” The phrase describes the short period for which the ladder is needed. Use it with a duration expression such as “por poco tiempo.”

y “Y” means “and” and connects the speaker’s short need with the promise to be careful. It joins two related statements in the same sentence. Use it to add one action, fact, or promise to another.

tendré “Tendré” means “I will have” in “tendré cuidado,” an expression meaning “I will be careful.” The future form presents the speaker’s promise about later behavior. Use “tendré cuidado” when promising to act cautiously.

Tómate “Tómate” means “take for yourself” in “Tómate el tiempo que necesites,” telling the listener not to rush. With “el tiempo,” the whole expression means “take the time you need.” Use it when giving someone permission or advice to allow enough time.

el “El” means “the” in “el tiempo,” referring to the time needed for the task. It comes directly before the noun. Use it before a known masculine singular noun.

necesites “Necesites” means “you need” in “el tiempo que necesites,” identifying the amount of time required by the listener. It appears in the clause describing the time. Use “el tiempo que necesites” when referring to whatever amount of time someone requires.

Evita “Evita” means “avoid” and gives a direct safety instruction in “Evita usarla afuera.” It is followed by the infinitive “usar.” Use “evita + infinitive” to tell someone not to do a potentially unsuitable action.

afuera “Afuera” means “outside” in “usar la afuera,” referring to using the ladder outdoors. It contrasts with using it indoors later in the dialogue. Use it to describe a location outside a building or enclosed space.

si “Si” means “if” in “si el suelo está mojado,” introducing the condition for avoiding outdoor use. It connects a possible condition with the recommended action. Use “si + clause” to state what should happen under a condition.

suelo “Suelo” means “ground” in “el suelo está mojado.” It is the surface whose condition affects whether the ladder should be used outside. Use it for the ground or floor surface under or inside a place, depending on context.

está “Está” means “is” in “el suelo está mojado,” describing the current condition of the ground. It links the ground with the condition “mojado.” Use it with a condition or location that can change.

mojado “Mojado” means “wet” in “el suelo está mojado.” It describes the ground as covered with or affected by water. Use “estar mojado” to describe something that is wet.

usaré “Usaré” means “I will use” in “La usaré dentro,” referring to the ladder. The future form states the speaker’s planned action. Use it when making a plan or promise to use something later.

dentro “Dentro” means “inside” or “indoors” in “La usaré dentro.” It specifies that the ladder will be used inside rather than outside. Use it to describe an action or object located within a building or space.

devolveré “Devolveré” means “I will return” or “I will give back” the ladder. In “la devolveré,” the pronoun “la” identifies the object being returned. Use “devolver + object” when promising to give a borrowed item back.

cuando “Cuando” means “when” in “cuando termine,” introducing the time at which the ladder will be returned. It connects the return with the completion of the task. Use “cuando + clause” to say when an action will happen.

termine “Termine” means “I finish” in “cuando termine,” referring to finishing the task. It completes the time expression that tells when the ladder will be returned. Use “cuando termine” to say “when I finish” an activity.

no “No” means “not” in “no estoy en casa,” making the statement negative. It comes before the verb “estoy.” Use it before a verb to negate a statement.

estoy “Estoy” means “I am” in “no estoy en casa,” describing the speaker’s location at home or absence from it. It is used with “en casa” here. Use it to state where you are or what temporary condition you are in.

en “En” means “in” or “at” in the expression “en casa,” meaning “at home.” It links the speaker with the location. Use “en + place” to say where someone or something is.

casa “Casa” means “home” or “house” in “en casa.” The expression refers to being at home rather than simply naming a building. Use “en casa” when talking about someone’s presence at home.

déjala “Déjala” means “leave it,” with “it” referring to the ladder. The pronoun is attached to the instruction, so the whole form tells someone to leave the ladder in a specified place. Use “dejar + la” when telling someone to leave a known feminine object somewhere.

junto “Junto” means “next to” or “beside” in “junto a mi puerta.” It identifies the place where the ladder should be left. Use the pattern “junto a + place or object” to say that something is beside it.

a “A” is part of the location expression “junto a mi puerta,” meaning “beside my door.” It connects “junto” with the object that marks the reference point. Use “junto a + noun” for a position next to something.

puerta “Puerta” means “door” in “junto a mi puerta.” It is the reference point beside which the ladder should be left. Use it when referring to a door of a home, room, or building.

De acuerdo “De acuerdo” means “Okay” or “Agreed” here, accepting the arrangement. It is a set expression in which “de” links the expression and “acuerdo” supplies the idea of agreement. Use it to accept a suggestion, instruction, or plan.

dejaré “Dejaré” means “I will leave” in “la dejaré junto a tu puerta,” referring to the ladder. The future form states what the speaker promises to do if the other person is away. Use it with an object and location when promising to leave something somewhere.

estás “Estás” means “you are” in “si no estás,” referring to the other person’s presence or absence. It appears after “si” in the condition. Use it with a place or condition to ask or state where someone is.

Concéntrate “Concéntrate” means “focus” or “concentrate,” giving the listener a direct safety instruction. It tells the listener to direct attention to safety in “Concéntrate en la seguridad.” Use “concentrarse en + topic” when telling someone what to focus on.

seguridad “Seguridad” means “safety” in “Concéntrate en la seguridad.” It is the subject that should receive the listener’s attention. Use “seguridad” when discussing avoiding danger or using something safely.

aunque “Aunque” means “even if” or “although” in “aunque tardes más.” It introduces a condition that does not change the advice to focus on safety. Use “aunque + clause” to acknowledge a possible difficulty or contrast.

tardes “Tardes” means “you take longer” in “aunque tardes más.” It refers to the task requiring more time. Use it with “más” when saying that someone takes longer than expected or than another option.

más “Más” means “more” and, in “tardes más,” means “longer” in terms of time. It modifies the idea of taking time. Use “más” with a verb or time expression to indicate a greater amount or duration.

Grammar Points

Poder + infinitivo

Puedo usar la escalera.

PWEH-doh oo-SAR lah es-kah-LEH-rah.

I can use the ladder.

Use poder conjugated before an infinitive to express ability or permission. The second verb stays in the infinitive.

Imperativo + pronombre reflexivo

Tómate el tiempo.

TOH-mah-teh el TYEM-poh.

Take the time.

In a positive command, the reflexive pronoun attaches to the end of the verb: toma + te = tómate.

Spanish Vocabulary

alguien pron

ahl-GYEHN someone

haz que alguien se quede cerca

cambiar verb

kahm-BYAR to change

para cambiar una luz del techo

cerca adv

SEHR-kah nearby; close

se quede cerca

escalera noun

es-kah-LEH-rah ladder

¿Puedo usar tu escalera para cambiar una luz del techo?

luz noun

loos light

una luz del techo

mantenerse verb

mahn-teh-NEHR-seh to remain; to stay se mantenga

para que se mantenga estable

parte de abajo phrase

PAR-teh deh ah-BAH-hoh bottom part

sujetar la parte de abajo

poder verb

poh-DEHR can; to be able to Puedo

¿Puedo usar tu escalera?

quedarse verb

keh-DAHR-seh to stay se quede

haz que alguien se quede cerca

sujetar verb

soo-heh-TAR to hold; to support

Mi hermano puede sujetar la parte de abajo.

techo noun

TEH-choh ceiling

una luz del techo

usar verb

oo-SAR to use

Puedo usar tu escalera para cambiar una luz del techo.

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

That should help.

Show Answer

Eso debería ayudar.

Take the time you need.

Show Answer

Tómate el tiempo que necesites.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to change

Show Answer

cambiar

to use

Show Answer

usar

ladder

Show Answer

escalera

ceiling

Show Answer

techo