Troubleshooting a Washing Machine Problem | Learn Spanish in English

About This Lesson

Use Troubleshooting a Washing Machine Problem to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

La lavadora se detuvo a mitad del ciclo.

lah lah-vah-DOH-rah seh deh-TOO-boh ah mee-TAHD dehl SEE-kloh. The washing machine stopped halfway through the cycle.

¿Hay algún aviso en la pantalla?

eye ahl-GOON ah-BEE-soh ehn lah pahn-TAH-yah? Is there a warning on the screen?

Dice que el filtro puede estar obstruido.

DEE-seh keh ehl FEEL-troh PWEH-deh ehs-TAHR ohbs-troo-EE-doh. It says the filter may be blocked.

Consulta el manual antes de pulsar botones al azar.

kohn-SOOL-tah ehl mah-noo-AHL AHN-tehs deh pool-SAHR boh-TOH-nehs ahl ah-SAHR. Check the manual before trying random buttons.

El manual dice que debo limpiar el filtro con cuidado.

ehl mah-noo-AHL DEE-seh keh DEH-boh leem-PYAHR ehl FEEL-troh kohn koo-ee-DAH-doh. The manual says I should clean the filter carefully.

Después, desenchufa la máquina antes de tocar nada.

dehs-PWEHS deh-sehn-CHOO-fah lah mah-KEE-nah AHN-tehs deh toh-KAHR NAH-dah. Then unplug the machine before you touch anything.

Después de eso, ¿debería reiniciar el ciclo?

dehs-PWEHS deh EH-soh, deh-beh-REE-ah reh-ee-nee-SYAHR ehl SEE-kloh? After that, should I restart the cycle?

Reinícialo una vez, pero ponte en contacto con mantenimiento si vuelve a aparecer el aviso.

reh-ee-NEE-syah-loh OO-nah BEHS, PEH-roh POHN-teh ehn kohn-TAHK-toh kohn mahn-teh-nee-MYEN-toh see BWEHL-beh ah ah-pah-reh-SEHR ehl ah-BEE-soh. Restart it once, but contact maintenance if the warning returns.

Primero seguiré los pasos seguros.

pree-MEH-roh seh-ghee-REH lohs PAH-sohs seh-GOO-rohs. I will follow the safe steps first.

Resolver problemas sencillos es útil, pero no te arriesgues a dañar la máquina.

reh-sohl-BEHR proh-BLEH-mahs sehn-SEE-yohs ehs oo-TEEL, PEH-roh noh teh ah-RYES-ghehs ah dah-NYAHR lah mah-KEE-nah. Simple troubleshooting is useful, but do not risk damaging the machine.

Word by Word

La “La” means “the” in “La lavadora,” identifying the washing machine being discussed. It is used before the noun in this equipment description.

lavadora “Lavadora” means “washing machine,” the appliance whose cycle has stopped. It can be used to identify the appliance when describing a problem or asking for help with it.

se In “se detuvo,” “se” is part of the verb expression describing the washing machine coming to a stop. The expression is used when describing what happened to the machine during its cycle.

detuvo “Detuvo” means “stopped” in this dialogue, as in “La lavadora se detuvo.” Its citation form is “detener,” and this form reports that the machine came to a stop. It is useful for describing an interruption during a process.

a In “a mitad del ciclo,” “a” helps place the event at a point within the cycle. The expression is useful for saying that something happened halfway through an activity or period.

mitad “Mitad” means “half” or “middle” in “a mitad del ciclo.” It identifies the central point of the washing cycle, and the expression can describe when an ongoing process is interrupted.

del “Del” means “of the” in “del ciclo,” linking the middle point to the cycle. It is used here as part of the time expression “a mitad del ciclo.”

ciclo “Ciclo” means “cycle,” referring here to the washing program. It is useful when discussing how far a machine program has progressed or when it stopped.

Hay “Hay” means “there is” or “there are” in the question “¿Hay algún aviso en la pantalla?”. It asks whether something exists or is present, which is useful when checking a display for an alert.

algún “Algún” introduces an unspecified possible item in “algún aviso,” meaning “any” in this question. It is useful when asking whether at least one relevant notice or message is present.

aviso “Aviso” means “warning” or “notice” in “algún aviso en la pantalla.” It refers to information that alerts the user to a machine problem, so it is useful when checking an appliance display.

en “En” means “on” in “en la pantalla,” locating the warning on the screen. It is useful for indicating where a message, symbol, or warning can be seen.

pantalla “Pantalla” means “screen,” the place where the machine displays the warning. It is useful when directing someone to read information shown by a device.

Dice “Dice” means “says” in “Dice que el filtro puede estar obstruido.” Its citation form is “decir,” and here it introduces information shown or stated by the machine. It is useful for reporting what a display, manual, or person communicates.

que “Que” means “that” in “Dice que el filtro puede estar obstruido,” connecting the statement “Dice” with its content. It is useful for introducing what a source says or indicates.

el “El” means “the” before “filtro” in “el filtro.” It identifies the specific filter mentioned in the warning, and it is used before the noun being discussed.

filtro “Filtro” means “filter,” the machine part that may be blocked. It is useful when describing a component that needs to be checked or cleaned.

puede “Puede” expresses possibility in “puede estar obstruido,” meaning that the filter may be blocked. Its citation form is “poder,” and the pattern “puede” followed by an infinitive is useful for stating what may be happening.

estar “Estar” means “be” in “puede estar obstruido,” completing the description of the filter’s possible state. It is the infinitive used after “puede” and is useful for describing a condition that may apply.

obstruido “Obstruido” means “blocked” in “estar obstruido,” describing the possible condition of the filter. It is useful when explaining that an opening or passage is not clear.

Consulta “Consulta” means “check” or “consult” in the instruction “Consulta el manual.” Its citation form is “consultar,” and this exact form tells the person addressed to look at a source for guidance. It is useful when giving advice before taking action.

manual “Manual” means “manual” or “guide” in “el manual.” Here it is the document that provides instructions for handling the machine safely, so it is useful when troubleshooting equipment.

antes “Antes” means “before” in “antes de pulsar botones al azar.” It places one action earlier than another and is useful for setting a precaution before an action.

de “De” connects “antes” with the infinitive “pulsar” in “antes de pulsar.” Together, the phrase means “before pressing,” and this pattern is useful for saying what should happen before an action.

pulsar “Pulsar” means “press” in “pulsar botones al azar.” It is an infinitive after “antes de” and is useful for describing the action of pressing a button or control.

botones “Botones” means “buttons” in “botones al azar,” referring to the machine controls that someone might press. It is useful when discussing which controls to use or avoid.

al “Al” is part of the expression “al azar,” which means “at random.” In this dialogue it describes pressing buttons without a planned choice, and the expression is useful for warning against unguided actions.

azar “Azar” refers to chance or randomness in “al azar.” The full expression describes actions carried out without knowing which choice is correct, such as pressing buttons without checking the manual.

debo “Debo” means “I should” or “I must” in “debo limpiar el filtro,” expressing the speaker’s obligation according to the manual. Its citation form is “deber,” and it is useful for stating what the speaker needs to do.

limpiar “Limpiar” means “clean” in “debo limpiar el filtro.” It is the action required for the filter, and it is useful when describing maintenance or removing dirt from an object.

con “Con” means “with” in “con cuidado,” indicating the manner in which the filter should be cleaned. This preposition is useful for describing the care or method used while doing an action.

cuidado “Cuidado” means “care” or “caution” in “con cuidado,” so the cleaning should be done carefully. The expression is useful when giving safety advice for handling a machine or delicate part.

Después “Después” means “then” or “afterward,” marking the next step in the instructions. It is useful for ordering an action after an earlier step has been completed.

desenchufa “Desenchufa” means “unplug” in “desenchufa la máquina.” Its citation form is “desenchufar,” and this exact form gives a direct instruction to disconnect the machine before touching it. It is useful as a safety instruction before handling electrical equipment.

máquina “Máquina” means “machine” in “desenchufa la máquina.” Here it refers to the washing machine, and it is useful when giving instructions about the equipment itself.

tocar “Tocar” means “touch” in “antes de tocar nada.” It is an infinitive after “antes de” and identifies the action that must wait until the machine has been unplugged.

nada “Nada” means “anything” in “antes de tocar nada,” referring to any part or control of the machine. It is useful for making the instruction broad rather than naming only one object.

eso “Eso” means “that” in “Después de eso,” referring to the preceding safety steps. The expression is useful for referring back to an action or situation that has just been mentioned.

debería “Debería” means “should” in the question “¿debería reiniciar el ciclo?”, asking whether restarting is advisable. Its citation form is “deber,” and it is useful when asking for guidance about a possible next action.

reiniciar “Reiniciar” means “restart” in “reiniciar el ciclo,” referring to starting the washing cycle again. It is useful for describing a device or process being started again after an interruption.

Reinícialo “Reinícialo” means “restart it,” referring to the cycle mentioned in the previous question. Its citation form is “reiniciar,” and the attached “lo” points to that cycle. It is useful as a direct instruction to restart a previously identified process.

una “Una” means “one” in “una vez,” where it helps express the instruction “once.” This phrase is useful for limiting an action to a single attempt.

vez “Vez” means “time” in “una vez,” and the full expression means “once.” It is useful for specifying how many times an action should be performed.

pero “Pero” means “but,” linking the permission to restart with the warning to contact maintenance if the problem returns. It is useful for introducing an exception, limitation, or contrasting instruction.

ponte “Ponte” contributes the instruction to put yourself into contact in “ponte en contacto con mantenimiento.” Its citation form is “ponerse,” and the whole expression means “get in contact” or “contact.” It is useful when telling someone to reach a person or service for help.

contacto “Contacto” means “contact” in “ponte en contacto con mantenimiento.” It is part of the expression used for communicating with a service, and it is useful when arranging assistance or reporting a recurring problem.

mantenimiento “Mantenimiento” means “maintenance,” referring to the service or staff responsible for handling machine problems. It is useful when a problem continues and needs professional attention.

si “Si” means “if” in “si vuelve a aparecer el aviso,” introducing the condition for contacting maintenance. It is useful for connecting a possible future event with the action that should follow.

vuelve “Vuelve” signals that something happens again in “vuelve a aparecer el aviso.” Its citation form is “volver,” and the pattern “vuelve a aparecer” is useful for describing a warning or problem returning.

aparecer “Aparecer” means “appear” in “vuelve a aparecer el aviso,” describing the warning showing up again. It is useful for talking about a message, sign, or problem becoming visible.

Primero “Primero” means “first” or “first of all,” marking the safest priority in the speaker’s plan. It is useful for ordering steps and emphasizing what should be done before later actions.

seguiré “Seguiré” means “I will follow” in “seguiré los pasos seguros.” Its citation form is “seguir,” and this form states the speaker’s intention to follow the recommended steps. It is useful for confirming a planned course of action.

los “Los” means “the” in “los pasos seguros,” identifying the particular steps being recommended. It is used before the plural noun phrase that the speaker plans to follow.

pasos “Pasos” means “steps” in “los pasos seguros,” referring to the sequence of actions for handling the problem. It is useful when explaining a procedure or a safe order of actions.

seguros “Seguros” means “safe” in “los pasos seguros,” describing steps that reduce the risk of harm to the machine. It is useful when distinguishing recommended actions from risky ones.

Resolver “Resolver” means “solve” or “troubleshoot” in “Resolver problemas sencillos.” Its citation form is “resolver,” and here the infinitive names the activity being evaluated as useful. It is useful for discussing the handling of straightforward problems.

problemas “Problemas” means “problems” in “Resolver problemas sencillos,” referring to faults or difficulties with the machine. It is useful when describing issues that need investigation or a solution.

sencillos “Sencillos” means “simple” in “problemas sencillos,” describing problems that can be handled with basic steps. It is useful for indicating that an issue is not necessarily complex.

es “Es” means “is” in “es útil,” linking troubleshooting with the quality of being useful. Its citation form is “ser,” and it is useful for stating a general evaluation or description.

útil “Útil” means “useful” in “Resolver problemas sencillos es útil.” It evaluates basic troubleshooting positively, while the rest of the sentence adds a safety limit. It is useful when describing an action that provides practical help.

no “No” makes “no te arriesgues” a prohibition, meaning “do not take the risk.” It is useful for warning someone not to perform an unsafe action.

te In “te arriesgues a dañar,” “te” marks the person addressed as the one taking the risk. It belongs with “arriesgues” in the warning and helps direct the safety instruction to that person.

arriesgues “Arriesgues” means “risk” or “take a risk” in “no te arriesgues a dañar la máquina.” Its citation form is “arriesgarse,” and with “no te” it gives a prohibition against risking damage. It is useful for warning someone when an action could have harmful results.

dañar “Dañar” means “damage” in “dañar la máquina,” naming the possible harmful result of taking the risk. It is useful when warning that an action could harm equipment or another object.

Grammar Points

Imperativo afirmativo de tú

Consulta el manual y desenchufa la máquina.

kohn-SOOL-tah ehl mah-noo-AHL ee deh-sehn-CHOO-fah lah mah-KEE-nah.

Check the manual and unplug the machine.

Spanish affirmative tú commands use the verb form without the subject: consulta, desenchufa.

Imperativo negativo con verbo pronominal

No te arriesgues a dañar la máquina.

noh teh ah-RYES-ghehs ah dah-NYAHR lah mah-KEE-nah.

Don't risk damaging the machine.

Negative tú commands use the subjunctive, and the reflexive pronoun comes before the verb: no te arriesgues.

Spanish Vocabulary

a mitad de phrase

ah mee-TAHD deh halfway through

La lavadora se detuvo a mitad del ciclo.

aviso noun

ah-BEE-soh warning

¿Hay algún aviso en la pantalla?

botón noun

boh-TOHN button botones

Consulta el manual antes de pulsar botones al azar.

ciclo noun

SEE-kloh cycle

La lavadora se detuvo a mitad del ciclo.

consultar verb

kohn-sool-TAHR to check; to consult consulta

Consulta el manual antes de pulsar botones al azar.

detenerse verb

deh-teh-NEHR-seh to stop se detuvo

La lavadora se detuvo a mitad del ciclo.

filtro noun

FEEL-troh filter

Dice que el filtro puede estar obstruido.

lavadora noun

lah-vah-DOH-rah washing machine

La lavadora se detuvo a mitad del ciclo.

manual noun

mah-noo-AHL manual

Consulta el manual antes de pulsar botones al azar.

obstruido adj

ohbs-troo-EE-doh blocked

El filtro puede estar obstruido.

pantalla noun

pahn-TAH-yah screen

¿Hay algún aviso en la pantalla?

pulsar verb

pool-SAHR to press

Consulta el manual antes de pulsar botones al azar.

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Is there a warning on the screen?

Show Answer

¿Hay algún aviso en la pantalla?

I will follow the safe steps first.

Show Answer

Primero seguiré los pasos seguros.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to check; to consult

Show Answer

consulta

warning

Show Answer

aviso

washing machine

Show Answer

lavadora

screen

Show Answer

pantalla