Choosing an Activity When the Weather May Change | Learn Spanish in English

Spanish lesson set in a contemporary Madrid everyday setting: Before meeting others, two adults choose between an outdoor market and an indoor museum in case the weather changes..

EN → ES / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Choosing an Activity When the Weather May Change to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

El tiempo puede cambiar, así que resulta difícil elegir una actividad.

ehl TYEHM-poh PWEH-deh kahm-BYAR, ah-SEE keh reh-SOOL-tah dee-FEE-seel eh-leh-HEER oo-nah ak-tee-vee-DAHD. The weather may change, so choosing an activity feels difficult.
B

Elige algo que también se pueda hacer bajo techo si llueve.

eh-LEE-heh AHL-goh keh tahm-BYEHN seh PWEH-dah ah-SEHR BAH-hoh TEH-choh see YWEH-beh. Pick something that still works indoors if it rains.
A

El mercado al aire libre parece divertido, pero la lluvia podría hacerlo incómodo.

ehl mehr-KAH-doh ahl EYE-reh LEE-breh pah-REH-seh dee-behr-TEE-doh, PEH-roh lah YOO-byah poh-DREE-ah ah-SEHR-loh een-KOH-moh-doh. The outdoor market sounds fun, but rain could make it uncomfortable.
B

Un museo sería más fácil si el tiempo empeora.

oon moo-SEH-oh seh-REE-ah mahs FAH-seel see ehl TYEHM-poh ehm-peh-OH-rah. A museum would be easier if the weather turns bad.
A

Eso nos da flexibilidad sin cancelar el día.

EH-soh nohs dah flehk-see-bee-lee-DAHD seen kahn-seh-LAHR ehl DEE-ah. That gives us flexibility without canceling the day.
B

Diles a todos el plan principal y la opción bajo techo antes de que se vayan.

DEE-lehs ah TOH-dohs ehl plahn preen-see-PAHL ee lah ohp-see-OHN BAH-hoh TEH-choh AHN-tehs deh keh seh BAH-yan. Tell everyone the main plan and the indoor option before they leave.
A

Les enviaré las dos opciones antes de que nos reunamos.

lehs ehm-byah-REH lahs dohs ohp-see-OH-nehs AHN-tehs deh keh nohs reh-oo-NAH-mohs. I will send both choices before we meet.
B

La gente acepta mejor los cambios cuando conoce pronto la alternativa.

lah HEN-teh ah-SEP-tah meh-HOR lohs KAHM-byohs KWAHN-doh koh-NOH-seh PROHN-toh lah ahl-tehr-nah-TEE-bah. People handle changes better when they know the alternative early.

Word by Word

El “El” means “the” in “El tiempo” and introduces the specific weather being discussed. It is used before a masculine singular noun. A reusable pattern is “el + noun” for a specific thing.
tiempo “Tiempo” means “weather” in “El tiempo puede cambiar.” Here it refers to the weather conditions for the planned day, not to clock time. A common pattern is “el tiempo + puede cambiar” when discussing possible weather changes.
puede “Puede” expresses possibility in “El tiempo puede cambiar”: the weather may change. It is followed here by the infinitive “cambiar.” A reusable pattern is “puede + infinitive” to say that something may happen or is possible.
cambiar “Cambiar” means “to change” after “puede.” In this dialogue, it refers to the weather becoming different. A reusable pattern is “puede cambiar” for something that may change.
así que “Así que” means “so” or “therefore” in “así que resulta difícil elegir una actividad.” “Así” contributes the idea of a resulting way or situation, and “que” completes this linking expression. Use “así que” to connect a situation with its result.
resulta “Resulta” means “turns out” or “feels” in “resulta difícil elegir una actividad.” Together with “difícil,” it presents choosing an activity as difficult in this situation. A reusable pattern is “resulta + adjective + infinitive,” such as “resulta difícil decidir.”
difícil “Difícil” means “difficult” in “resulta difícil elegir una actividad.” It describes how choosing the activity feels in the changing-weather situation. A reusable pattern is “difícil + infinitive” when an action is hard to do.
elegir “Elegir” means “to choose” in “elegir una actividad.” It names the action that is difficult. A reusable pattern is “elegir + noun” when selecting an activity, option, or plan.
una “Una” introduces one non-specific activity in “una actividad.” It has the meaning “a” here and agrees with the noun that follows. A reusable pattern is “una + noun” when mentioning one item without identifying a specific one.
actividad “Actividad” means “activity” in “elegir una actividad.” It is the thing the speakers must choose. A reusable pattern is “elegir una actividad” when deciding what to do.
Elige “Elige” tells one person to choose or pick something in “Elige algo.” It is used here as a direct suggestion about the activity. A reusable pattern is “Elige + noun” or “Elige algo” when giving someone a choice instruction.
algo “Algo” means “something” in “Elige algo que también se pueda hacer bajo techo.” It refers to an activity that has not yet been specified. A reusable pattern is “algo que + clause” to describe an unspecified thing.
que “Que” introduces the clause describing “algo” in “algo que también se pueda hacer bajo techo.” It links the unspecified activity with what must be possible about it. A reusable pattern is “algo que + verb” for “something that...”.
también “También” means “also” or “too” in “también se pueda hacer bajo techo.” It adds the indoor possibility to the activity. A reusable pattern is “también + verb” when adding another possibility or feature.
se “Se” helps form the impersonal expression “se pueda hacer,” meaning that something can be done without naming who does it. The focus is on whether the activity is possible indoors. A reusable pattern is “se puede + infinitive” for saying that something can be done generally.
pueda “Pueda” expresses that the activity may be possible in “se pueda hacer bajo techo.” It appears inside the clause describing “algo” and is followed by “hacer.” A reusable pattern is “que se pueda + infinitive” for an activity that can be done under a stated condition.
hacer “Hacer” means “to do” in “se pueda hacer bajo techo.” It refers to carrying out the activity. A reusable pattern is “hacer + activity” when talking about doing something.
bajo techo “Bajo techo” means “indoors” or “under a roof” in “se pueda hacer bajo techo.” “Bajo” contributes “under,” and “techo” means “roof”; together they describe an indoor setting. Use “bajo techo” when an activity takes place inside or is protected by a roof.
si “Si” means “if” in “si llueve.” It introduces the condition that may affect the plan. A reusable pattern is “si + clause” when stating what happens under a condition.
llueve “Llueve” means “it rains” in “si llueve.” It describes the possible weather condition without naming a person or thing as the subject. A common pattern is “si llueve” when making plans that depend on the weather.
mercado “Mercado” means “market” in “El mercado al aire libre.” It names the outdoor place being considered. A reusable pattern is “ir a un mercado” when talking about going to a market.
al aire libre “Al aire libre” means “outdoors” or “in the open air” in “El mercado al aire libre.” “Al” combines the preposition “a” with “el,” while “aire” means “air” and “libre” means “free”; together they describe an open-air setting. Use “al aire libre” for activities or places outside.
parece “Parece” means “seems” or “sounds” in “parece divertido.” It presents the market as apparently fun based on the speaker’s impression. A reusable pattern is “parece + adjective” to describe how something appears.
divertido “Divertido” means “fun” or “entertaining” in “parece divertido.” It describes the market as an enjoyable activity. A reusable pattern is “parece divertido” when an activity seems fun.
pero “Pero” means “but” in “pero la lluvia podría hacerlo incómodo.” It introduces a concern that contrasts with the market seeming fun. Use “pero” to connect a positive point with a limitation or opposing point.
la “La” means “the” before “lluvia” in “la lluvia podría hacerlo incómodo.” It introduces the specific rain being considered. A reusable pattern is “la + noun” for a specific feminine noun.
lluvia “Lluvia” means “rain” in “la lluvia podría hacerlo incómodo.” It is the weather problem that could affect the outdoor market. A common pattern is “si hay lluvia” when discussing rain as a condition for plans.
podría “Podría” expresses a possible consequence in “la lluvia podría hacerlo incómodo”: the rain might make it uncomfortable. It is followed here by the object form “hacerlo” and an adjective. A reusable pattern is “podría + infinitive” for a possible result.
hacerlo “Hacerlo” means “make it” in “podría hacerlo incómodo.” “Hacer” means “make” here, and “lo” refers to the market; the whole expression says that rain could make the market uncomfortable. A reusable pattern is “hacerlo + adjective” when something makes an already-mentioned thing become a certain way.
incómodo “Incómodo” means “uncomfortable” in “hacerlo incómodo.” It describes the possible experience of the outdoor market if it rains. A reusable pattern is “hacerlo incómodo” when a situation makes an activity or place uncomfortable.
Un “Un” means “a” or “one” in “Un museo.” It introduces a possible museum as one option. A reusable pattern is “un + noun” when mentioning one non-specific masculine noun.
museo “Museo” means “museum” in “Un museo sería más fácil.” It names the indoor alternative to the outdoor market. A reusable pattern is “ir a un museo” when talking about visiting a museum.
sería “Sería” presents the museum as a possible easier choice in “Un museo sería más fácil si el tiempo empeora.” It connects the choice with the condition that the weather gets worse. A reusable pattern is “sería + adjective” when describing a possible option or result.
más “Más” means “more” in “más fácil.” Together, “más fácil” means “easier” by comparison with the other plan. A reusable pattern is “más + adjective” when comparing options.
fácil “Fácil” means “easy” in “más fácil,” which means “easier” here. It describes the museum as requiring less difficulty if the weather worsens. A reusable pattern is “sería más fácil” when one option would be easier than another.
empeora “Empeora” means “gets worse” in “si el tiempo empeora.” It describes the weather becoming less favorable. A reusable pattern is “si + subject + empeora” when discussing a worsening situation.
Eso “Eso” means “that” in “Eso nos da flexibilidad.” It refers to the plan of having an indoor alternative. A reusable pattern is “Eso + verb” when reacting to or evaluating something just mentioned.
nos “Nos” means “us” or “to us” in “Eso nos da flexibilidad.” It identifies the people who receive the benefit of the flexible plan. A reusable pattern is “darle algo a alguien,” with “nos” representing “to us” in this sentence.
da “Da” means “gives” in “Eso nos da flexibilidad.” It describes the plan providing the speakers with flexibility. A reusable pattern is “dar + person + noun” when saying that someone or something provides a benefit.
flexibilidad “Flexibilidad” means “flexibility” in “nos da flexibilidad.” It refers to being able to change the activity without canceling the day. A reusable pattern is “dar flexibilidad” when an arrangement allows changes.
sin “Sin” means “without” in “sin cancelar el día.” It introduces something that does not happen. A reusable pattern is “sin + infinitive” when saying that an action is avoided.
cancelar “Cancelar” means “to cancel” after “sin” in “sin cancelar el día.” It refers to avoiding cancellation of the day’s plan. A reusable pattern is “sin + infinitive” such as “sin cancelar...” when an action does not take place.
el día “El día” means “the day” in “sin cancelar el día.” “El” introduces the specific day, and “día” means “day”; together they refer to the planned day as a whole. A reusable pattern is “cancelar el día” when referring to canceling the day’s plan or activities.
Diles “Diles” means “tell them” in “Diles a todos el plan principal.” The ending “les” points to the people who should receive the information. A reusable pattern is “Diles + information” when instructing someone to tell other people something.
a “A” marks the people being addressed in “Diles a todos.” It introduces the group that should be told the plan. A reusable pattern is “decir algo a alguien” for saying something to someone.
todos “Todos” means “everyone” or “all” in “a todos.” It refers to all the people who are going to meet. A reusable pattern is “a todos” when addressing or informing everyone in a group.
plan “Plan” means “plan” in “el plan principal.” It names the main arrangement for the day. A reusable pattern is “tener un plan” when discussing an arrangement or intention.
principal “Principal” means “main” in “el plan principal.” It distinguishes the primary plan from the indoor alternative. A reusable pattern is “el plan principal” when contrasting the main plan with a backup option.
y “Y” means “and” in “el plan principal y la opción bajo techo.” It joins the main plan with the indoor option. Use “y” to connect two related items.
opción “Opción” means “option” in “la opción bajo techo.” It refers to the indoor choice available if the weather changes. A reusable pattern is “una opción” or “la opción” when discussing an available choice.
antes “Antes” means “before” in “antes de que se vayan.” It places the communication earlier than the others leaving. A reusable pattern is “antes de + event” or “antes de que + clause” for an earlier time.
de “De” completes the time expression “antes de que se vayan.” It links “antes” to the clause describing what happens later. A reusable pattern is “antes de que + clause” when one event must happen before another.
vayan “Vayan” means “they leave” or “they go” in “antes de que se vayan.” It describes the others departing after receiving the information. A reusable pattern is “antes de que se vayan” when something should happen before people leave.
Les “Les” means “to them” in “Les enviaré las dos opciones.” It identifies the people who will receive the two options. A reusable pattern is “enviar algo a alguien,” with “les” representing “to them.”
enviaré “Enviaré” means “I will send” in “Les enviaré las dos opciones.” It states the speaker’s plan to send the information before the meeting. A reusable pattern is “enviar + object” when saying what information or item will be sent.
las “Las” means “the” before “dos opciones” in “las dos opciones.” It refers to the specific two choices already under discussion. A reusable pattern is “las + plural noun” for specific feminine plural items.
dos “Dos” means “two” in “las dos opciones.” It specifies the number of choices that will be sent. A reusable pattern is “dos + plural noun” when identifying two items.
opciones “Opciones” means “options” or “choices” in “las dos opciones.” It refers to the outdoor market and the indoor museum. A reusable pattern is “tener dos opciones” when comparing two possible choices.
reunamos “Reunamos” means “we meet” in “antes de que nos reunamos.” Together with “nos,” it describes the speakers meeting each other. A reusable pattern is “antes de que nos reunamos” when something happens before a planned meeting.
gente “Gente” means “people” in “La gente acepta mejor los cambios.” It refers generally to the people who are informed about the plan. A common pattern is “la gente + verb” when making a general statement about people.
acepta “Acepta” means “accepts” and, in this context, “handles” in “La gente acepta mejor los cambios.” It describes how people respond to changes when they know the alternative early. A reusable pattern is “aceptar cambios” when talking about responding positively to changes.
mejor “Mejor” means “better” in “acepta mejor los cambios.” It shows that people handle the changes more positively when they receive early information. A reusable pattern is “verb + mejor” when comparing how well an action is done.
los “Los” means “the” before “cambios” in “los cambios.” It introduces the specific changes to the day’s plan. A reusable pattern is “los + plural noun” for specific masculine plural items.
cambios “Cambios” means “changes” in “acepta mejor los cambios.” It refers to adjustments between the outdoor and indoor plans. A reusable pattern is “aceptar los cambios” when talking about adapting to changes.
cuando “Cuando” means “when” in “cuando conoce pronto la alternativa.” It introduces the situation in which people handle changes better. A reusable pattern is “cuando + clause” for describing when something happens.
conoce “Conoce” means “knows” in “conoce pronto la alternativa.” Here it refers to people knowing the alternative plan in advance. A reusable pattern is “conocer + information or option” when someone is aware of a plan or choice.
pronto “Pronto” means “early” or “soon” in “conoce pronto la alternativa.” Here it emphasizes that people learn the alternative before the situation changes. A reusable pattern is “conocer algo pronto” when information is learned early.
la alternativa “La alternativa” means “the alternative” in “conoce pronto la alternativa.” “La” introduces the specific feminine noun, and “alternativa” names the other available plan; together they refer to the indoor choice. A reusable pattern is “conocer la alternativa” when someone learns the backup option.

Grammar Points

que se pueda hacer

Podría elegir algo que se pueda hacer bajo techo.

poh-DREE-ah eh-leh-HEER AHL-goh keh seh PWEH-dah ah-SEHR BAH-hoh TEH-choh.

I could choose something that can be done indoors.

After “algo que”, Spanish uses the subjunctive when the thing is indefinite or not yet selected.

podría + infinitivo

Podría elegir una actividad bajo techo.

poh-DREE-ah eh-leh-HEER oo-nah ak-tee-vee-DAHD BAH-hoh TEH-choh.

I could choose an indoor activity.

“Podría” expresses a tentative possibility or suggestion and is followed by the infinitive.

Spanish Vocabulary

actividad noun
ak-tee-vee-DAHD activity
algo pron
AHL-goh something
así que conj
ah-SEE keh so; therefore
cambiar verb
kahm-BYAR to change
difícil adj
dee-FEE-seel difficult
elegir verb
eh-leh-HEER to choose
Elige verb
eh-LEE-heh choose; pick
puede verb
PWEH-deh can; may
resulta verb
reh-SOOL-tah turns out; is
se pueda hacer phrase
seh PWEH-dah ah-SEHR can be done
también adv
tahm-BYEHN also; too
tiempo noun
TYEHM-poh weather

El tiempo puede cambiar.

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

activity

Show Answeractividad

to choose

Show Answerelegir

choose; pick

Show AnswerElige

to change

Show Answercambiar