Managing a wait when you have another obligation | Learn Spanish in English

Spanish lesson set in a contemporary Madrid everyday setting: While waiting in line, a person weighs whether to stay close to the queue or explain a delay to someone else..

EN → ES / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Managing a wait when you have another obligation to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Todavía parece que falta mucho para mi turno.

toh-dah-BEE-ah pah-REH-seh keh FAHL-tah MOO-choh PAH-rah mee TOOR-noh My turn still seems a long way off.
A

Dentro de poco tengo que estar en otro lugar.

DEN-troh deh POH-koh TEN-goh keh ehs-TAHR en OH-troh loo-GAHR I need to be somewhere else soon.
B

Déjame explicarte cómo avanza la fila antes de que decidas si te quedas.

DEH-hah-meh ehk-plee-KAHR-teh KOH-moh ah-BAN-sah lah FEE-lah AHN-tehs deh keh deh-SEE-dahs see teh KEH-dahs Let me explain how the queue is moving before you decide whether to stay.
A

¿Avanza a un ritmo constante?

ah-BAN-sah ah oon REET-moh kohns-TAHN-teh Is it moving at a steady pace?
B

El ritmo es irregular hoy. Algunas solicitudes están tardando más de lo esperado.

el REET-moh es ee-rreh-goo-LAHR oy. ahl-GOO-nahs soh-lee-see-TOO-dehs ehs-TAHN tahr-DAHN-doh mahs deh loh ehs-peh-RAH-doh The pace is uneven today. Some requests are taking longer than expected.
A

Si me aparto un momento, ¿puedo volver al mismo lugar?

see meh ah-PAHR-toh oon moh-MEHN-toh, PWEH-doh bohl-BEHR ahl MEES-moh loo-GAHR If I step away for a moment, can I come back to the same place?
B

Solo puedes conservar tu lugar si te mantienes cerca de la fila.

SOH-loh PWEH-dehs kohn-sehr-BAHR too loo-GAHR see teh mahn-TYEH-nehs SEHR-kah deh lah FEE-lah You can only keep your place if you stay close to the line.
A

Entonces tengo que decidir si esto puede esperar.

en-TOHN-sehs TEN-goh keh deh-see-DEER see EHS-toh PWEH-deh ehs-peh-RAHR Then I need to decide whether this can wait.
B

Si este servicio es importante hoy, quedarte cerca es la opción más segura.

see EHS-teh sehr-BEE-syoh es eem-pohr-TAHN-teh oy, keh-DAHR-teh SEHR-kah es lah ohp-SYOHN mahs seh-GOO-rah If this service is important today, staying close is the safer choice.
A

Puedo escribirle a la otra persona y explicarle el retraso.

PWEH-doh ehs-kree-BEER-leh ah lah OH-trah pehr-SOH-nah ee ehk-plee-KAHR-leh el rreh-TRAH-soh I can message the other person and explain the delay.
B

Eso debería ayudar a la otra persona a entender por qué vas a llegar tarde.

EH-soh deh-beh-REE-ah ah-yoo-DAHR ah lah OH-trah pehr-SOH-nah ah ehn-tehn-DEHR pohr KEH bahs ah yeh-GAHR TAHR-deh That should help them understand why you are running late.

Word by Word

Todavía «Todavía» means “still” here: the speaker’s turn has not arrived yet. It commonly appears with a verb or phrase to show that a situation continues, as in «Todavía parece».
parece «Parece» means “seems” in «Todavía parece que falta mucho». It presents an impression rather than a definite fact, and «parece que + clause» is a reusable pattern for reporting an impression.
que «Que» introduces the clause «que falta mucho para mi turno» after «parece». The pattern «parece que + clause» is useful when saying how a situation appears.
falta «Falta» means that something remains or is still needed in «falta mucho para mi turno». The pattern «falta + amount + para + event» expresses how much time remains before something happens.
mucho «Mucho» means “a lot” in «falta mucho para mi turno», referring to a large amount of remaining time. It can be used after «falta» to describe how much remains.
para «Para» marks the point before which the remaining time is measured in «para mi turno». The pattern «falta mucho para + noun or event» is useful for saying that something is still far away in time.
mi «Mi» means “my” in «mi turno», identifying the turn that belongs to the speaker. It is used directly before a noun, as in «mi lugar» for “my place.”
turno «Turno» means “turn” in «mi turno», the point at which the speaker will be served. «Es mi turno» is a common way to say that it is my turn.
Dentro «Dentro» means “within” or “in” when used in «Dentro de poco», referring to a short time from now. The expression «dentro de + time period» places an event in the future.
de «De» is part of the time expression «Dentro de poco», which means “shortly” or “in a little while.” In this pattern, «de» connects «dentro» with the time period.
poco «Poco» means “a little” in «Dentro de poco», so the phrase refers to a short time from now. «Dentro de poco» is useful when saying that something will happen soon.
tengo «Tengo» means “I have” and contributes to the obligation in «tengo que estar en otro lugar». The pattern «tener que + infinitive» expresses something the speaker needs or has to do.
estar «Estar» means “to be” or “to be located” in «tengo que estar en otro lugar». After «tener que», the infinitive «estar» describes the required state or location.
en «En» means “in” or “at” in «estar en otro lugar», marking the location where the speaker needs to be. It commonly comes before a place, as in «en casa» or «en otro lugar».
otro «Otro» means “another” or “other” in «otro lugar», referring to a place different from the current one. It is placed before the noun in this expression.
lugar «Lugar» means “place” or “location” in «otro lugar». It is useful after location words such as «en», as in «estar en otro lugar».
Déjame «Déjame» means “let me” in «Déjame explicarte». It is used before an infinitive to ask for permission or introduce an action the speaker wants to perform, as in «Déjame ayudarte» in a new example.
explicarte «Explicarte» means “explain to you” in «Déjame explicarte cómo avanza la fila». It combines «explicar» with «te», and the pattern «explicarte + information» introduces something being explained to the listener.
cómo «Cómo» means “how” in «cómo avanza la fila», asking about the way something progresses. The pattern «explicar cómo + clause» is useful for describing how a process works.
avanza «Avanza» means “moves forward” or “progresses” in «cómo avanza la fila». It is the dialogue form of «avanzar» used for the queue, and «avanzar» can describe a process or line making progress.
la «La» is the definite article in «la fila», identifying the particular queue being discussed. It appears directly before the noun it determines.
fila «Fila» means “line” or “queue” in «la fila». «Estar en la fila» and «avanzar la fila» are useful patterns for talking about waiting in a queue.
antes «Antes» means “before” in «antes de que decidas», placing one action earlier than another. The expression «antes de que + clause» is used when the following event has its own subject or verb.
decidas «Decidas» means “you decide” in «antes de que decidas si te quedas». It is the dialogue form of «decidir» and completes the pattern «antes de que + person + verb».
si «Si» has two functions in the dialogue: «Si me aparto» means “if I step away,” while «si te quedas» means “whether you stay.” It introduces either a condition or an indirect yes-or-no question, depending on the surrounding clause.
te «Te» refers to the listener in «explicarte», and it marks the reflexive action in «te quedas», «te mantienes» and «quedarte». Its role is understood from the verb construction: it can mean “to you” or “yourself.”
quedas «Quedas» means “you stay” in «si te quedas». Together with «te», it is the dialogue form of «quedarse», and «quedarse + place» describes remaining somewhere.
a «A» marks the rate in «a un ritmo constante», and it also introduces the person or action in «ayudar a la otra persona» and «vas a llegar». Its meaning depends on the construction around it.
un «Un» means “a” in «un ritmo constante», introducing one unspecified pace. It appears directly before the masculine singular noun «ritmo».
ritmo «Ritmo» means “pace” in «a un ritmo constante». The pattern «a un ritmo + adjective» is useful for describing how steadily or quickly something progresses.
constante «Constante» means “steady” or “constant” in «un ritmo constante», describing a pace that does not vary. It can be placed after «ritmo» to characterize the rate of progress.
El «El» is the definite article in «El ritmo», identifying the particular pace already under discussion. It appears before the masculine singular noun «ritmo».
es «Es» means “is” in «El ritmo es irregular». It links the subject «El ritmo» with the description «irregular», and the same pattern can describe a current characteristic.
irregular «Irregular» means “uneven” or “irregular” in «El ritmo es irregular hoy». It describes progress that does not happen at a steady rate and follows «ser» in this sentence.
hoy «Hoy» means “today” in «El ritmo es irregular hoy», limiting the description to the current day. It can be placed at the end of a sentence to specify when something is true.
Algunas «Algunas» means “some” in «Algunas solicitudes», referring to an unspecified part of the requests. It comes before the plural noun it describes and matches «solicitudes».
solicitudes «Solicitudes» means “requests” in «Algunas solicitudes». It refers to the matters being processed in the service, and it can follow a quantity word such as «algunas».
están «Están» means “are” in «están tardando más de lo esperado». With «tardando», it helps describe an ongoing process, and «estar + gerund» is a reusable pattern for an action in progress.
tardando «Tardando» means “taking time” in «están tardando más de lo esperado». It is the gerund form of «tardar» and appears after «están» to describe requests that are currently taking longer.
más «Más» means “more” in «más de lo esperado», comparing the actual time with the expected amount. The pattern «más de + comparison point» expresses exceeding a standard or expectation.
lo «Lo» makes «lo esperado» mean “what was expected” or “the expected amount.” In this expression, it turns the description «esperado» into a general reference rather than identifying a specific noun.
esperado «Esperado» means “expected” in «lo esperado», referring to the amount of time people thought would be normal. It is the dialogue form related to «esperar» and works with «lo» in this expression.
me «Me» marks the speaker’s reflexive action in «me aparto», meaning that I move myself away. The pattern «me + verb» can describe an action the speaker performs on or for themself.
aparto «Aparto» means “I step away” in «Si me aparto un momento». With «me», it is the dialogue form of «apartarse», and «apartarse un momento» is useful when temporarily leaving a position.
momento «Momento» means “moment” in «un momento», referring to a short period. The expression «por un momento» is also a common way to describe a brief time in a new example.
puedo «Puedo» means “I can” in «¿puedo volver al mismo lugar?», asking whether returning is possible or permitted. It is the dialogue form of «poder» followed by an infinitive such as «volver».
volver «Volver» means “to return” or “come back” in «volver al mismo lugar». After «puedo», it remains in the infinitive, and the pattern «volver a + place» describes returning to a location.
al «Al» means “to the” in «volver al mismo lugar». It is the contraction of «a» and «el», used before the masculine singular noun phrase «mismo lugar».
mismo «Mismo» means “same” in «el mismo lugar», emphasizing that the place is identical to the one occupied before. It appears before the noun «lugar» in this expression.
Solo «Solo» means “only” in «Solo puedes conservar tu lugar si te mantienes cerca de la fila». It restricts the condition under which keeping the place is possible.
puedes «Puedes» means “you can” in «puedes conservar tu lugar». It is the dialogue form of «poder» and is followed by an infinitive to express ability or permission.
conservar «Conservar» means “keep” or “retain” in «conservar tu lugar». The pattern «conservar + possession or position» is useful when someone wants to maintain something they already have.
tu «Tu» means “your” in «tu lugar», identifying the place belonging to the listener. It is placed directly before the noun it describes.
mantienes «Mantienes» contributes the meaning “stay” or “keep yourself” in «te mantienes cerca de la fila». With «te», it is the dialogue form of «mantenerse», used to describe remaining in a position.
cerca «Cerca» means “close” or “nearby” in «cerca de la fila». The pattern «cerca de + place or thing» specifies what someone or something is near.
Entonces «Entonces» means “then” in «Entonces tengo que decidir», introducing a decision that follows from the previous information. It is useful for connecting a consequence to what was just said.
decidir «Decidir» means “to decide” in «tengo que decidir si esto puede esperar». The pattern «decidir si + clause» is useful when choosing between whether something is possible or appropriate.
esto «Esto» means “this” in «si esto puede esperar», pointing to the current matter or situation. It can refer to an idea or situation without naming it again.
puede «Puede» means “can” in «esto puede esperar», expressing that the matter is able to wait. It is the dialogue form of «poder» followed by the infinitive «esperar».
esperar «Esperar» means “to wait” in «esto puede esperar», where the question is whether the matter can be postponed. After «puede», the infinitive states the action that is possible.
este «Este» means “this” in «este servicio», identifying the service currently being discussed. It comes before the masculine singular noun «servicio».
servicio «Servicio» means “service” in «este servicio». It refers to the service the speaker is waiting to receive and can follow a demonstrative such as «este».
importante «Importante» means “important” in «este servicio es importante hoy». It describes the value or priority of the service and follows «ser» in this sentence.
quedarte «Quedarte» means “to stay” in «quedarte cerca», with «te» attached to the infinitive «quedar». The phrase «quedarte cerca» functions as the choice being evaluated in the sentence.
opción «Opción» means “option” or “choice” in «la opción más segura». It names one possible course of action and is commonly followed by a description of that choice.
segura «Segura» means “safe” in «la opción más segura», describing the option as the safer choice in this situation. It matches the feminine noun «opción» and appears in the comparison «más segura».
otra «Otra» means “other” or “another” in «la otra persona», referring to a person different from the speaker. It appears before the feminine noun «persona».
persona «Persona» means “person” in «la otra persona». Here it identifies the individual who needs to receive the message and explanation.
y «Y» means “and” in «escribirle ... y explicarle», joining two actions directed toward the same person. It is useful for linking coordinated verbs or ideas.
escribirle «Escribirle» means “write or message to that person” in «escribirle a la otra persona». It combines «escribir» with «le», and the pattern «escribirle a alguien» identifies the recipient.
explicarle «Explicarle» means “explain to that person” in «explicarle el retraso». It combines «explicar» with «le», and the pattern «explicarle + information» identifies what is explained to the recipient.
retraso «Retraso» means “delay” in «explicarle el retraso». It names the reason for arriving late or taking longer, and «explicar el retraso» is a useful expression when informing someone about a delay.
Eso «Eso» means “that” in «Eso debería ayudar», referring to the suggested act of messaging and explaining the delay. It can point back to an action or idea already mentioned.
debería «Debería» means “should” in «Eso debería ayudar», expressing an expectation that the action will be helpful. The pattern «debería + infinitive» is useful for describing an expected or advisable result.
ayudar «Ayudar» means “to help” in «debería ayudar a la otra persona a entender». The pattern «ayudar a alguien a + infinitive» identifies both the person helped and the action they can perform.
entender «Entender» means “to understand” in «ayudar a la otra persona a entender». It remains in the infinitive after «ayudar a» and names what the other person is expected to understand.
por qué «Por qué» means “why” in «por qué vas a llegar tarde», asking for the reason. The two components work together: «por» combines with «qué» to form this question expression.
vas «Vas» contributes “you are going” in «vas a llegar tarde», where «ir a + infinitive» expresses an anticipated event. It is the dialogue form of «ir» used with «llegar».
llegar «Llegar» means “to arrive” in «vas a llegar tarde». It follows «vas a» in the pattern «ir a + infinitive», which describes an expected future action.
tarde «Tarde» means “late” in «llegar tarde», describing an arrival that happens later than intended or expected. The expression «llegar tarde» is useful when explaining a delay to another person.

Grammar Points

antes de que + subjuntivo

Antes de que decidas, déjame explicarte cómo avanzar.

AHN-tehs deh keh deh-SEE-dahs, DEH-hah-meh ehk-plee-KAHR-teh KOH-moh ah-ban-SAHR

Before you decide, let me explain how to move forward.

Después de «antes de que», se usa el subjuntivo: «decidas».

déjame + infinitivo

Déjame explicarte cómo avanzar.

DEH-hah-meh ehk-plee-KAHR-teh KOH-moh ah-ban-SAHR

Let me explain to you how to move forward.

«Déjame» combina el imperativo de «dejar» con «me»; le sigue un infinitivo.

Spanish Vocabulary

cómo adv
KOH-moh how

explicarte cómo avanza la fila

dejar verb
deh-HAHR to let; to leave déjame

Déjame explicarte

dentro de poco phrase
DEN-troh deh POH-koh soon

Dentro de poco tengo que estar en otro lugar.

estar verb
ehs-TAHR to be

tengo que estar en otro lugar

explicar verb
ehk-plee-KAHR to explain explicarte

Déjame explicarte cómo avanza la fila

faltar mucho para phrase
fahl-TAHR MOO-choh PAH-rah to be a long way off; to have a long time left before falta mucho para

Todavía parece que falta mucho para mi turno.

lugar noun
loo-GAHR place

otro lugar

otro det
OH-troh other; another

otro lugar

parecer verb
pah-reh-SEHR to seem parece

Todavía parece que falta mucho para mi turno.

tener que phrase
teh-NEHR keh to have to; must tengo que

Dentro de poco tengo que estar en otro lugar.

todavía adv
toh-dah-BEE-ah still

Todavía parece que falta mucho para mi turno.

turno noun
TOOR-noh turn; one's turn

mi turno

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Is it moving at a steady pace?

Show Answer¿Avanza a un ritmo constante?

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to be

Show Answerestar

other; another

Show Answerotro

place

Show Answerlugar

still

Show Answertodavía