About This Lesson
Use Dealing with a cracked phone screen to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
Se me cayó el teléfono y la pantalla está agrietada, pero todavía funciona.
seh meh kah-YOH el teh-LEH-foh-noh ee lah pahn-TAH-yah eh-STAH ah-gree-eh-TAH-dah, PEH-roh toh-dah-VEE-ah foon-SYOH-nah I dropped my phone, and the screen is cracked but still works.
B
Haz una copia de seguridad de tus datos antes de que el daño empeore.
ahz OO-nah KOH-pyah deh seh-goo-ree-DAHD deh toos DAH-tohs ahn-tehs deh keh el DAH-nyoh em-peh-OH-reh Back up your data before the damage gets worse.
A
Lo haré ahora. El vidrio roto me preocupa.
loh ah-REH ah-OH-rah. el VEE-dryoh ROH-toh meh preh-oh-KOO-pah I will do that now. The broken glass is making me nervous.
B
Ponte un protector de pantalla temporal y evita presionar la pantalla con fuerza.
POHN-teh oon proh-tehk-TOHR deh pahn-TAH-yah tehm-poh-RAHL ee eh-BEE-tah preh-syoh-NAHR lah pahn-TAH-yah kohn FWEHR-sah Put on a temporary screen protector and avoid pressing hard on it.
A
¿Debería seguir usándolo hasta que un servicio de reparación lo revise?
deh-beh-REE-ah seh-GEER oo-SAHN-doh ahs-TAH keh oon sehr-BEE-syoh deh reh-pah-rah-SYOHN loh reh-BEE-seh Should I keep using it until a repair service checks it?
B
Úsalo solo para tareas sencillas, porque el vidrio suelto puede cortarte el dedo.
OO-sah-loh SOH-loh PAH-rah tah-REH-ahs sen-SEE-yahs, POHR-keh el VEE-dryoh SWEHL-toh PWEH-deh kohr-TAHR-teh el DEH-doh Use it only for simple tasks, because loose glass can cut your finger.
A
Puedo guardarlo en una funda y llevarlo con cuidado.
PWEH-doh gwaar-DAHR-loh en OO-nah FOON-dah ee yeh-BAHR-loh kohn kwee-DAH-doh I can keep it in a case and carry it carefully.
B
Eso debería reducir el riesgo mientras coordinas la reparación.
EH-soh deh-beh-REE-ah reh-doo-SEER el REES-goh MYEN-trahs koh-or-dee-NAHS lah reh-pah-rah-SYOHN That should lower the risk while you arrange the repair.
A
Voy a reservar el servicio de reparación en vez de esperar.
boy ah reh-sehr-BAHR el sehr-BEE-syoh deh reh-pah-rah-SYOHN en behs deh eh-speh-RAHR I will book a repair instead of waiting.
B
Las grietas pequeñas pueden extenderse si sigues usando el teléfono.
lahs GREE-eh-tahs peh-KEH-nyahs PWEH-den ehk-stehn-DEHR-seh see SEE-gehs oo-SAHN-doh el teh-LEH-foh-noh Small cracks can spread if you keep using the phone.Word by Word
Se
In "Se me cayó", "Se" helps present the dropping as an accidental event. The full meaning comes from the construction with "me" and "cayó".
me
In "Se me cayó", "me" identifies the person affected by the event: the phone fell on the speaker's account or possession. A useful pattern is "me pasó" for something that happened to me.
cayó
The form "cayó" says that the phone fell. Its citation form is caer, and here it describes the event that led to the cracked screen.
el
The form "el" is the definite article before "teléfono". "El" is the same article capitalized at the beginning of "El vidrio roto".
teléfono
The form "teléfono" means phone, the object that fell and is being used carefully. A common pattern is "mi teléfono" when referring to one's phone.
y
The form "y" connects two related statements in "Se me cayó el teléfono y la pantalla está agrietada". It is used to add another fact or action.
la
The form "la" is the definite article before "pantalla". It introduces a specific screen already identified as part of the phone.
pantalla
The form "pantalla" means screen, specifically the phone screen here. A useful pattern is "pantalla de + device", such as "pantalla de teléfono".
está
In "la pantalla está agrietada", "está" presents the screen's current condition. Its citation form is estar, used here with a description of a state.
agrietada
The form "agrietada" describes the screen as cracked. It matches "pantalla" in the phrase "la pantalla está agrietada".
pero
The form "pero" introduces a contrast: the screen is cracked, but it still works. Use "pero" to connect two facts that do not have the same implication.
todavía
The form "todavía" means still and shows that the phone continues to work despite the damage. A common pattern is "todavía + verb" for an action or state that continues.
funciona
The form "funciona" says that the screen or phone works in "todavía funciona". Its citation form is funcionar, and it is useful for describing whether a device operates.
Haz
In "Haz una copia de seguridad", "Haz" gives a direct instruction to make or do something. Its citation form is hacer, and the reusable pattern is "Haz + noun" for a request or command.
una
The form "una" means a in "una copia de seguridad". It introduces one unspecified copy before the noun "copia".
copia de seguridad
The expression "copia de seguridad" means backup copy. "copia" means copy, "de" links the copy with its purpose, and "seguridad" contributes the idea of security; together they name a backup. Use "hacer una copia de seguridad de + noun" for backing up something.
de
In "copia de seguridad de tus datos", "de" links the backup with the data being backed up. A useful pattern is "copia de + noun" to specify what is copied.
tus
The form "tus" marks the data as belonging to or being associated with the listener. It comes before the noun in "tus datos"; use "tus + noun" when addressing one person about things connected with them.
datos
The form "datos" means data, the information that should be backed up. In "tus datos", it identifies the information belonging to the listener.
antes
The form "antes" means before and places one event earlier than another in time. In this dialogue it appears in "antes de que el daño empeore"; a common pattern is "antes de + noun or infinitive".
que
In "antes de que el daño empeore", "que" introduces the event that should not happen first. It connects the time expression with the clause describing the damage.
daño
The form "daño" means damage, referring here to the harm to the phone or screen. In "el daño empeore", it is the thing that may become worse.
empeore
The form "empeore" means gets worse in "antes de que el daño empeore". Its citation form is empeorar, and it is used here to describe worsening damage after "antes de que".
Lo
In "Lo haré ahora", "Lo" refers to the backup action just suggested. It lets the speaker refer to that known action without repeating the whole expression.
haré
The form "haré" says that the speaker will do the action in "Lo haré ahora". Its citation form is hacer, and with "Lo" it means carrying out the previously mentioned action.
ahora
The form "ahora" means now and places the action at the present time. A useful pattern is "hacerlo ahora" for saying that something will be done immediately.
vidrio
The form "vidrio" means glass, referring to the broken material on the screen. The dialogue uses it in "El vidrio roto".
roto
The form "roto" describes the glass as broken in "El vidrio roto". It identifies the damaged condition of the glass.
preocupa
In "El vidrio roto me preocupa", "preocupa" presents the broken glass as causing concern. Its citation form is preocupar; a reusable pattern is "X me preocupa" for something that concerns me.
Ponte
In "Ponte un protector de pantalla temporal", "Ponte" gives a direct instruction to put something on. Its related citation form is ponerse, and a useful pattern is "Ponte + object".
un
The form "un" means a in "un protector de pantalla temporal". It introduces one unspecified screen protector.
protector
The form "protector" identifies the item used to protect the screen in "protector de pantalla". A useful pattern is "protector de + noun" for something that protects a particular object.
temporal
The form "temporal" means temporary and limits the duration of the screen protector's use. It describes "protector" in "un protector de pantalla temporal".
evita
The form "evita" gives a direct instruction to avoid an action. Its citation form is evitar, and the dialogue uses the pattern "evita + infinitive" in "evita presionar".
presionar
The form "presionar" means to press, referring to pressing the screen. It follows "evita" in "evita presionar la pantalla"; use "presionar + object" to name what is pressed.
con
In "con fuerza", "con" means with and introduces the manner or quality of an action. A common pattern is "con + noun" to describe how something is done.
fuerza
The form "fuerza" means force in "presionar la pantalla con fuerza". Together with "con", the phrase describes pressing forcefully; "fuerza" names the force involved.
Debería
In "¿Debería seguir usándolo?", "Debería" asks whether continuing would be advisable. Its citation form is deber, and a useful question pattern is "¿Debería + infinitive...?".
seguir
The form "seguir" means continue in "seguir usándolo". Its citation form is seguir, and "seguir + gerund" is a reusable pattern for continuing an activity.
usándolo
In "seguir usándolo", "usándolo" means using it, with "lo" referring to the phone. It keeps the object attached to the form while naming the continuing action.
hasta
The form "hasta" means until and marks the point up to which the phone might be used. In this dialogue it appears in "hasta que un servicio de reparación lo revise".
servicio
The form "servicio" means service, referring here to the repair service that will inspect the phone. It appears in the reusable expression "servicio de reparación".
reparación
The form "reparación" means repair, the service needed for the damaged phone. In "servicio de reparación", it specifies what kind of service is involved.
revise
In "lo revise", "revise" means checks or inspects the phone. Its citation form is revisar, and the pattern "revisar + object" is useful when describing an inspection.
Úsalo
The form "Úsalo" gives the instruction use it, with "lo" referring to the phone. A useful pattern is "Úsalo para + purpose", as in "Úsalo solo para tareas sencillas".
solo
The form "solo" means only and restricts how the phone should be used. In "Úsalo solo para tareas sencillas", it limits the permitted purpose.
para
In "para tareas sencillas", "para" means for and introduces the purpose of using the phone. A common pattern is "para + noun" or "para + infinitive" to express purpose.
tareas
The form "tareas" means tasks, referring to the limited activities suitable for the damaged phone. It appears in "tareas sencillas".
sencillas
The form "sencillas" means simple and describes the tasks as uncomplicated. It modifies "tareas" in "tareas sencillas".
porque
The form "porque" means because and introduces the reason for using the phone only for simple tasks. Use "porque + clause" to explain a reason.
suelto
The form "suelto" means loose, describing glass that is no longer firmly attached. In "el vidrio suelto", it identifies the dangerous condition of the glass.
puede
The form "puede" means can or may and expresses a possible result in "puede cortarte". Its citation form is poder; a useful pattern is "puede + infinitive" for possibility.
cortarte
The form "cortarte" means cut you, with "te" referring to the listener. Its citation form is cortar, and in "puede cortarte" it describes a possible effect on the listener.
dedo
The form "dedo" means finger, the body part that loose glass could cut. It appears in "cortarte el dedo", a pattern for naming the affected body part.
Puedo
The form "Puedo" means I can and expresses the speaker's ability or option in "Puedo guardarlo". Its citation form is poder, and the pattern is "Puedo + infinitive".
guardarlo
In "guardarlo en una funda", "guardarlo" means keep or store it, with "lo" referring to the phone. Its citation form is guardar, and a useful pattern is "guardar + object + en + place".
en
In "en una funda", "en" means in and introduces the place or container where the phone can be kept. A common pattern is "guardar algo en + container".
funda
The form "funda" means case, referring to the protective case for the phone. It appears in "guardarlo en una funda".
llevarlo
In "llevarlo con cuidado", "llevarlo" means carry it, with "lo" referring to the phone. Its citation form is llevar, and the object pronoun stays attached to this form.
cuidado
In "con cuidado", "cuidado" means care and contributes to the meaning carefully. The full expression describes the manner of carrying the phone; use "con cuidado" for careful actions.
Eso
The form "Eso" means that and refers to the protective actions just mentioned. In "Eso debería reducir el riesgo", it makes those actions the subject of the next statement.
reducir
The form "reducir" means lower or reduce, referring to lowering the risk. It follows "debería" in "debería reducir el riesgo".
riesgo
The form "riesgo" means risk, referring to the danger caused by the cracked or loose glass. A useful pattern is "reducir el riesgo" for making a danger smaller.
mientras
The form "mientras" means while and introduces an action happening during the same period as another action. In this dialogue it appears in "mientras coordinas la reparación".
coordinas
The form "coordinas" means you arrange or coordinate, referring to arranging the repair. Its citation form is coordinar, and a useful pattern is "coordinar + noun" for organizing a service or activity.
Voy
In "Voy a reservar", "Voy" begins a construction expressing what the speaker is going to do. Its citation form is ir, and the reusable pattern is "ir a + infinitive" for a planned action.
a
In "Voy a reservar", "a" links "Voy" with the planned action "reservar". Together, "Voy a + infinitive" expresses what the speaker is going to do.
reservar
The form "reservar" means book or reserve, referring to arranging the repair service. In "reservar el servicio de reparación", it names the action of booking that service.
en vez de
The expression "en vez de" means instead of. "en" contributes the relation, "vez" presents an alternative or option, and "de" links that expression to what follows; together they contrast booking with waiting. Use "en vez de + infinitive or noun" to choose one option rather than another.
esperar
The form "esperar" means wait in "en vez de esperar". It follows "en vez de"; use the pattern "esperar + event or person" when naming what or whom you are waiting for.
Las
The form "Las" is the definite article before "grietas". It introduces the specific cracks being discussed at the end of the dialogue.
grietas
The form "grietas" means cracks, referring to the cracks in the phone screen. It appears in "Las grietas pequeñas".
pequeñas
The form "pequeñas" means small and describes the cracks in "Las grietas pequeñas". It modifies "grietas".
pueden
The form "pueden" means can and expresses the possibility that the cracks will spread. Its citation form is poder, and the pattern is "pueden + infinitive".
extenderse
In "pueden extenderse", "extenderse" means spread or extend, describing what the cracks may do. The "se" is part of this exact form; a useful pattern is "las grietas pueden extenderse".
si
The form "si" means if and introduces the condition under which the cracks may spread. In "si sigues usando el teléfono", it connects the condition with the possible result.
sigues
The form "sigues" means you keep or continue in "sigues usando el teléfono". Its citation form is seguir, and the pattern "seguir + gerund" describes continuing an activity.
usando
The form "usando" means using and names the activity that continues in "sigues usando el teléfono". Its citation form is usar; with "sigues", it describes continued use.
Grammar Points
en vez de + infinitivo
En vez de presionar con fuerza, evita el daño.
en behs deh preh-syoh-NAHR kohn FWEHR-sah, eh-BEE-tah el DAH-nyohInstead of pressing hard, avoid the damage.
Use en vez de before an infinitive to express an alternative action: “instead of doing.”
seguir + gerundio
seguir usando el teléfono
seh-GEER oo-SAHN-doh el teh-LEH-foh-nohto keep using the phone
seguir + gerundio expresses continuing an action; the gerund usually ends in -ando or -iendo.
Spanish Vocabulary
agrietada
adj
ah-gree-eh-TAH-dah
cracked
la pantalla está agrietada
caer
verb
kah-EHR
to fall; to drop
cayó
Se me cayó el teléfono.
copia de seguridad
phrase
KOH-pyah deh seh-goo-ree-DAHD
backup
Haz una copia de seguridad de tus datos.
daño
noun
DAH-nyoh
damage
el daño
datos
noun
DAH-tohs
data
tus datos
empeorar
verb
em-peh-oh-RAHR
to get worse
empeore
antes de que el daño empeore
funcionar
verb
foon-syoh-NAHR
to work; to function
funciona
todavía funciona
pantalla
noun
pahn-TAH-yah
screen
la pantalla
preocupar
verb
preh-oh-koo-PAHR
to worry; to concern
preocupa
El vidrio roto me preocupa.
roto
adj
ROH-toh
broken
el vidrio roto
teléfono
noun
teh-LEH-foh-noh
phone
el teléfono
vidrio
noun
VEE-dryoh
glass
El vidrio roto me preocupa.
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
screen
Show Answer
pantallato work; to function
Show Answer
funcionaphone
Show Answer
teléfonodamage