Rescheduling Because of Icy Roads | Learn Spanish in English

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Dialogue

Las carreteras están heladas y hay poca visibilidad esta mañana.

Lahs kah-rreh-TEH-rahs ehs-TAHN eh-LAH-dahs ee eye POH-kah bee-see-bee-lee-DAHD EH-stah mah-NYAH-nah. The roads are icy, and visibility is poor this morning.

Parece arriesgado conducir hasta la reunión.

Pah-REH-seh ah-RRYEHS-gah-doh kohn-doo-SEER AHS-tah lah reh-oo-NYOHN. Driving to the meeting sounds risky.

No me gusta cambiar los planes, pero la seguridad debe ser lo primero.

Noh meh GOOS-tah kahm-BYAR lohs PLAH-nehs, PEH-roh lah seh-goo-ree-DAHD DEH-beh sehr loh pree-MEH-roh. I hate to reschedule, but safety should come first.

Escríbeles ahora y explícales claramente cómo están las carreteras.

Ehs-KREE-beh-lehs ah-OH-rah ee ehk-SPLEE-kah-lehs klah-rah-MEN-teh KOH-moh ehs-TAHN lahs kah-rreh-TEH-rahs. Message them now and explain the road conditions clearly.

¿Debería sugerir que nos reunamos en línea en vez de cancelar por completo?

Deh-beh-REE-ah soo-heh-REER keh nohs reh-oo-NAH-mohs en LEE-nyah en behs deh kahn-seh-LAHR por kohm-PLEH-toh? Should I suggest meeting online instead of canceling completely?

Así el trabajo podría continuar sin que nadie tuviera que viajar.

Ah-SEE el trah-BAH-hoh poh-DREE-ah kohn-tee-noo-AHR seen keh NAH-dyeh too-BYEH-rah keh byah-HAR. That would keep the work moving without anyone traveling.

Puedo preguntarles si les serviría participar por videollamada.

PWEH-doh preh-goon-TAR-lehs see lehs sehr-bee-REE-ah par-tee-see-PAR por bee-deh-oh-yah-MAH-dah. I can ask whether joining by video would work for them.

Ofréceles reunirse en persona cuando las carreteras sean más seguras también.

Oh-FREH-seh-lehs reh-oo-NEER-seh en pehr-SOH-nah KWAHN-doh lahs kah-rreh-TEH-rahs SEH-ahn mahs seh-GOO-rahs tahm-BYEHN. Offer to meet in person once the roads are safer, too.

Si prefieren esperar, mañana también me viene bien.

See preh-FYEH-rehn ehs-peh-RAR, mah-NYAH-nah tahm-BYEHN meh BYEH-neh BYEHN. If they would rather wait, tomorrow also works for me.

Unas opciones claras deberían hacer que acepten el cambio más fácilmente.

OO-nahs ohp-SYOH-nehs KLAH-rahs deh-beh-REE-ahn ah-SEHR keh ah-SEHP-tehn el KAHM-byoh mahs fah-seel-MEN-teh. Clear options should make the change easier to accept.

Word by Word

Las “Las” means “the” in “Las carreteras” and introduces the plural noun “carreteras.” It is reused before a specific feminine plural noun, as in “Las carreteras están heladas.”

carreteras “Carreteras” means “roads” in “Las carreteras están heladas.” It is useful for describing road conditions, as in “cómo están las carreteras.”

están “Están” says that the roads are currently in a particular state in “Las carreteras están heladas.” The form is used with a plural subject to describe a temporary condition.

heladas “Heladas” means “icy” or “frozen” and describes the roads in “Las carreteras están heladas.” It is used after “están” to describe the current condition of plural roads.

y “Y” connects two pieces of information: “Las carreteras están heladas” and “hay poca visibilidad.” It is the common way to join related statements.

hay “Hay” introduces the existence of something in “hay poca visibilidad,” meaning that there is little visibility. It is commonly followed by a noun phrase describing what exists or is present.

poca “Poca” means “little” or “a low amount of” in “poca visibilidad.” It describes a small amount of a feminine singular noun.

visibilidad “Visibilidad” means “visibility,” the amount that can be seen clearly. In “hay poca visibilidad,” it describes the poor viewing conditions this morning.

esta “Esta” means “this” in “esta mañana,” referring to the morning happening now. It is used before a feminine singular noun to identify a specific nearby time or thing.

mañana In “esta mañana,” “mañana” means “morning”; later, in “mañana también me viene bien,” it means “tomorrow.” The surrounding words determine which time meaning is intended.

Parece “Parece” means “seems” in “Parece arriesgado conducir hasta la reunión.” It presents an impression or judgment and is commonly followed by an adjective or a clause.

arriesgado “Arriesgado” means “risky” in “Parece arriesgado conducir hasta la reunión,” describing the proposed driving as unsafe. It can follow “parece” to give an assessment of an action.

conducir “Conducir” means “to drive” in “conducir hasta la reunión.” This infinitive names the action being judged and can follow an expression such as “Parece arriesgado.”

hasta “Hasta” marks the destination in “conducir hasta la reunión,” meaning “drive to the meeting.” It is commonly placed before a destination or endpoint.

la “La” means “the” in “la reunión” and introduces a specific feminine singular noun. It is used before a known event or thing.

reunión “Reunión” means “meeting” in “conducir hasta la reunión.” It is useful for discussing a scheduled gathering, as in “reunirse en persona.”

No “No” marks negation in “No me gusta cambiar los planes,” meaning that the speaker does not like changing the plans. It normally appears before the verb or verb phrase being negated.

me “Me” identifies the person affected by the expression “No me gusta,” here the speaker. In this pattern, it marks whose reaction or preference is being described.

gusta “Gusta” contributes the idea of being pleasing in “No me gusta cambiar los planes,” meaning “I do not like changing the plans.” The reusable pattern is “me gusta” followed by a noun or an infinitive.

cambiar “Cambiar” means “to change” in “cambiar los planes.” The infinitive is used after “me gusta” to name the action the speaker likes or dislikes.

los “Los” means “the” in “los planes” and introduces a specific plural noun. It appears before the plans that the speakers are considering changing.

planes “Planes” means “plans” in “cambiar los planes.” It refers to the arrangements for the meeting and can be used when discussing whether those arrangements should change.

pero “Pero” means “but” and contrasts disliking the change with putting safety first. It commonly joins two statements with opposing or different considerations.

seguridad “Seguridad” means “safety” in “la seguridad debe ser lo primero.” It names the concern that takes priority when the roads are dangerous.

debe “Debe” expresses what should or must happen in “la seguridad debe ser lo primero.” It is commonly followed by an infinitive, as in “debe ser.”

ser “Ser” means “to be” in “debe ser lo primero.” It follows “debe” to state what safety should be.

lo “Lo” helps turn “primero” into the idea of “the first thing” or “the priority” in “ser lo primero.” In this expression, it refers to the matter being treated as a general thing rather than a named noun.

primero “Primero” means “first” in “la seguridad debe ser lo primero,” where it describes the priority. The expression “lo primero” is used for the first or most important consideration.

Escríbeles “Escríbeles” means “write to them” in the instruction “Escríbeles ahora.” It combines the command to write with “les,” which identifies the people receiving the message.

ahora “Ahora” means “now” in “Escríbeles ahora,” specifying that the message should be sent immediately. It is commonly placed with an instruction to indicate timing.

explícales “Explícales” means “explain to them” in “explícales claramente cómo están las carreteras.” It combines the command to explain with “les,” identifying the people who should receive the explanation.

claramente “Claramente” means “clearly” and describes how to explain “cómo están las carreteras.” Adverbs like this can modify the manner of an action.

cómo “Cómo” means “how” in “cómo están las carreteras,” introducing a description of their condition. The accent appears in this question-like or indirect-question use.

Debería “Debería” means “should I” in “¿Debería sugerir...?”, asking whether a proposed action would be advisable. It is useful for making a polite suggestion or asking for advice.

sugerir “Sugerir” means “to suggest” in “Debería sugerir que nos reunamos en línea.” It is followed here by “que” and the proposed action.

que “Que” introduces the action being suggested in “sugerir que nos reunamos en línea.” It connects the verb of suggestion with the proposed clause.

nos “Nos” refers to the people who would meet in “que nos reunamos en línea,” meaning that we meet online. It appears with “reunamos” to identify the participants in the meeting.

reunamos “Reunamos” supplies the action “meet” in the suggested clause “que nos reunamos en línea.” After “sugerir que,” this form presents the proposed action rather than a stated fact.

en “En” means “in” or “on” in “en línea,” the expression used for meeting online. It combines with a noun or fixed expression to indicate a medium or setting.

línea “Línea” means “line,” but in “en línea” the whole expression means “online.” It is used here to describe the setting or medium for the meeting.

vez “Vez” means “time” or “occasion” in the expression “en vez de cancelar,” which means “instead of canceling.” The full pattern “en vez de” introduces an alternative action.

de “De” completes the expression “en vez de cancelar,” meaning “instead of canceling.” In this pattern, it is followed by an infinitive naming the alternative action.

cancelar “Cancelar” means “to cancel” in “cancelar por completo.” It is an infinitive used after “en vez de” to name the option being avoided.

por “Por” is part of the fixed expression “por completo,” which means “completely” in “cancelar por completo.” The meaning here comes from the whole expression.

completo “Completo” completes “por completo,” meaning “completely” or “entirely.” Together, “cancelar por completo” means to cancel the meeting entirely.

Así “Así” means “that way” or “so” in “Así el trabajo podría continuar.” It introduces the result of choosing an online meeting.

el “El” means “the” in “el trabajo” and introduces a specific masculine singular noun. It identifies the work that can continue.

trabajo “Trabajo” means “work” in “el trabajo podría continuar.” It refers to the activity that should keep moving despite the travel problem.

podría “Podría” means “could” in “el trabajo podría continuar,” presenting a possible result. It is commonly followed by an infinitive, here “continuar.”

continuar “Continuar” means “to continue” in “podría continuar.” It names the activity that could keep going if the meeting moves online.

sin “Sin” means “without” in “sin que nadie tuviera que viajar.” It introduces something that does not happen or is avoided.

nadie “Nadie” means “anyone” in the negative idea “sin que nadie tuviera que viajar,” meaning that no one would have to travel. It refers to no person in this context.

tuviera “Tuviera” contributes the idea of “had to” in “nadie tuviera que viajar.” The pattern “tener que” expresses obligation, and here it appears inside the clause introduced by “sin que.”

viajar “Viajar” means “to travel” in “tuviera que viajar.” It follows “tener que” to name the action that nobody would need to do.

Puedo “Puedo” means “I can” in “Puedo preguntarles,” expressing the speaker’s ability or willingness to ask them. It is followed by an infinitive naming the possible action.

preguntarles “Preguntarles” means “to ask them” in “Puedo preguntarles si...”. It combines the infinitive “preguntar” with “les,” identifying the people being asked.

si “Si” means “whether” in “preguntarles si les serviría participar por videollamada.” It introduces the question or uncertainty about whether the option would work for them.

les “Les” refers to the people for whom the video option might work in “si les serviría participar por videollamada.” It marks the people whose suitability or benefit is being considered.

serviría “Serviría” means “would work” or “would be suitable” in “si les serviría participar por videollamada.” The pattern “servirle a alguien” describes whether an option suits or works for someone.

participar “Participar” means “to participate” or “to join” in “participar por videollamada.” It names the action that might work for the other people.

videollamada “Videollamada” means “video call” in “participar por videollamada.” It identifies the communication method proposed as an alternative to traveling.

Ofréceles “Ofréceles” means “offer them” in “Ofréceles reunirse en persona.” It combines the command to offer with “les,” identifying the people receiving the offer.

reunirse “Reunirse” means “to meet” in “reunirse en persona.” It is used as an infinitive after the offer to name the proposed meeting.

persona “Persona” means “person,” but in the expression “en persona” it means “in person.” The full expression describes meeting face to face rather than online.

cuando “Cuando” means “when” or “once” in “cuando las carreteras sean más seguras.” It introduces the future time or condition for meeting in person.

sean “Sean” means “are” in “cuando las carreteras sean más seguras,” describing the roads once they have become safer. It appears in the clause introduced by “cuando” for a future condition.

más “Más” means “more” in “más seguras,” forming the comparison “safer.” It is placed before an adjective when expressing a higher degree.

seguras “Seguras” means “safer” in “las carreteras sean más seguras.” It describes the roads after conditions improve and is used with “más” for comparison.

también “También” means “also” or “too” in “Ofréceles reunirse en persona cuando las carreteras sean más seguras también.” It adds this in-person option to the online option already discussed.

prefieren “Prefieren” means “prefer” in “Si prefieren esperar.” It describes the other people’s choice and is commonly followed by an infinitive, here “esperar.”

esperar “Esperar” means “to wait” in “prefieren esperar.” It names the option the other people might choose instead of meeting immediately.

viene “Viene” is part of “me viene bien,” which means “suits me” or “works for me” in “mañana también me viene bien.” The pattern is useful for saying that a time or arrangement is convenient.

bien “Bien” completes “me viene bien,” meaning that something suits the speaker or is convenient. In this dialogue, “mañana también me viene bien” says that tomorrow works for the speaker.

Unas “Unas” means “some” in “Unas opciones claras.” It introduces unspecified feminine plural options being offered for consideration.

opciones “Opciones” means “options” in “Unas opciones claras.” It refers to the possible arrangements, such as meeting online or waiting until tomorrow.

claras “Claras” means “clear” in “Unas opciones claras,” describing options that are easy to understand. It is useful when presenting alternatives in a straightforward way.

deberían “Deberían” means “should” in “Unas opciones claras deberían hacer...,” expressing an expected result. It is followed here by the infinitive “hacer.”

hacer “Hacer” means “to make” in “deberían hacer que acepten el cambio.” The pattern “hacer que” introduces the result caused by something.

acepten “Acepten” means “accept” in “hacer que acepten el cambio,” describing the response the clear options are expected to produce. It appears in the clause introduced by “hacer que.”

cambio “Cambio” means “change” in “acepten el cambio,” referring to the revised meeting arrangement. It is useful when discussing a change to an existing plan.

fácilmente “Fácilmente” means “easily” in “acepten el cambio más fácilmente,” describing how readily the change may be accepted. It modifies the action “acepten.”

Grammar Points

parece + adjetivo + infinitivo

Parece arriesgado conducir.

Pah-REH-seh ah-RRYEHS-gah-doh kohn-doo-SEER.

It seems risky to drive.

Use parece + adjective + infinitive to express an evaluation of an action.

en vez de + infinitivo

En vez de viajar, participar en una videollamada.

En behs deh byah-HAR, par-tee-see-PAR en OO-nah bee-deh-oh-yah-MAH-dah.

Instead of traveling, join a video call.

Use en vez de + infinitive to contrast an alternative action.

Spanish Vocabulary

ahora adv

ah-OH-rah now

arriesgado adj

ah-RRYEHS-gah-doh risky

cambiar los planes phrase

kahm-BYAR lohs PLAH-nehs to reschedule / change the plans

carreteras noun

kah-rreh-TEH-rahs roads

conducir verb

kohn-doo-SEER to drive

esta mañana phrase

EH-stah mah-NYAH-nah this morning

heladas adj

eh-LAH-dahs icy

lo primero phrase

loh pree-MEH-roh the first priority

parece verb

pah-REH-seh seems

reunión noun

reh-oo-NYOHN meeting

seguridad noun

seh-goo-ree-DAHD safety

visibilidad noun

bee-see-bee-lee-DAHD visibility

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Driving to the meeting sounds risky.

Show Answer

Parece arriesgado conducir hasta la reunión.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

risky

Show Answer

arriesgado

visibility

Show Answer

visibilidad

meeting

Show Answer

reunión

seems

Show Answer

parece