Calm communication in a shared kitchen | Learn Spanish in English

Spanish lesson set in a contemporary Madrid everyday setting: In a shared kitchen, two adults plan a calm message about cleaning dishes, counters, and trash without blaming anyone..

EN → ES / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Calm communication in a shared kitchen to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

La cocina compartida volvió a quedar desordenada después de la cena.

lah koh-SEE-nah kom-pahr-TEE-dah vol-VYOH ah keh-DAHR deh-sohr-deh-NAH-dah dehs-PWES deh lah SEH-nah The shared kitchen was left messy again after dinner.
B

Deberíamos mencionarlo sin culpar a una sola persona.

deh-beh-ree-AH-mohs men-syoh-NAHR-loh seen kool-PAHR ah OO-nah SOH-lah pehr-SOH-nah We should bring it up without blaming one person.
A

Quizá ayudaría recordar las responsabilidades de limpieza.

kee-SAH ah-yoo-dah-REE-ah reh-kor-DAHR lahs rehs-pon-sah-bee-lee-DAH-dehs deh leem-PYEH-sah Maybe a reminder about cleaning responsibilities would help.
B

Hazlo específico mencionando los platos, las encimeras y la basura.

AH-sloh ehs-peh-SEE-fee-koh men-syoh-NAHN-doh lohs PLAH-tohs lahs en-see-MEH-rahs ee lah bah-SOO-rah Make it specific by mentioning dishes, counters, and trash.
A

¿Deberíamos publicar un horario o hablar primero en el chat del grupo?

deh-beh-ree-AH-mohs poo-blee-KAHR ooh ah-BLAHR pree-MEH-roh en ehl CHAHT dehl GROO-poh Should we post a schedule or talk in the group chat first?
B

Empieza con un mensaje tranquilo para que no parezca agresivo.

em-PYEH-sah kohn oon men-SAH-heh trahn-KEE-loh PAH-rah keh noh pah-REHS-kah ah-greh-SEE-boh Start with a calm message so it does not feel aggressive.
A

El mensaje puede pedirle a todo el mundo que respete el espacio compartido.

ehl men-SAH-heh PWEH-deh peh-DEER-leh ah TOH-doh ehl MOON-doh keh rehs-PEH-teh ehl ehs-PAH-syoh kom-pahr-TEE-doh The message can ask everyone to respect the shared space.
B

Usa un lenguaje tranquilo y evita palabras como «siempre» y «nunca».

OO-sah oon len-GWAH-heh trahn-KEE-loh ee eh-BEE-tah pah-LAH-brahs KOH-moh SYEM-preh ee NOON-kah Use calm wording and avoid words like always and never.
A

Eso evita que el mensaje suene como un ataque.

EH-soh eh-BEE-tah keh ehl men-SAH-heh SOO-eh-neh KOH-moh oon ah-TAH-keh That keeps the message from sounding like an attack.
B

Las reglas claras de la cocina funcionan mejor cuando el tono sigue siendo respetuoso.

lahs REH-glahs KLAH-rahs deh lah koh-SEE-nah foon-SYOH-nahn meh-HOHR KWAHN-doh ehl TOH-noh SEE-geh SYEHN-doh rehs-peh-TOH-soh Clear kitchen rules work better when the tone stays respectful.

Word by Word

La "La" means “the” before "cocina" in this dialogue. It is the feminine singular article used with that noun. Reuse it before a specific feminine singular noun when referring to something known.
cocina "cocina" means “kitchen,” the shared room being discussed. It appears with "La" as "La cocina". Use it when talking about a kitchen or kitchen-related responsibilities.
compartida "compartida" means “shared” and describes the kitchen as used by more than one person. Its form matches "cocina" in "La cocina compartida". Use it after a noun when describing something held or used jointly.
volvió "volvió" signals that the situation happened again in "volvió a quedar desordenada". Together with "a quedar", it marks a repeated result, while "a quedar" supplies the resulting state. Use this form when reporting that something happened again.
a Here "a" is the link in the pattern "volvió a quedar", which expresses doing or becoming something again. It is not the ordinary direction meaning of “to” in this sentence. Reuse it between a form of volver and an infinitive for a repeated action.
quedar "quedar" means “remain” or “end up” in "volvió a quedar desordenada". It describes the kitchen’s resulting condition after dinner. Use it with a describing word when focusing on the state something ends up in.
desordenada "desordenada" means “messy” and describes the kitchen’s condition. Its form matches the feminine singular noun "cocina". Use it to describe a feminine singular space or thing that is not tidy.
después "después" means “after” in "después de la cena", locating the mess later than dinner. The phrase is completed by "de" and the following event. Reuse "después de" before a noun or event.
de In "después de la cena", "de" completes the expression meaning “after dinner.” It connects "después" with the event that follows. Use it in the common pattern "después de" plus a noun or action.
cena "cena" means “dinner,” the event used as the time reference in "después de la cena". It follows the article "la". Use it when referring to the evening meal.
Deberíamos "Deberíamos" means “we should” and introduces a suggestion in "Deberíamos mencionarlo". It presents bringing up the issue as a recommendation rather than a command. Use it before an infinitive to suggest an action for “we.”
mencionarlo "mencionarlo" means “mention it,” referring to the kitchen problem. The form combines the action of mentioning with "lo", which refers to the issue already under discussion. In this dialogue it follows "Deberíamos" in "Deberíamos mencionarlo".
sin "sin" means “without” and introduces what should be avoided in "sin culpar a una sola persona". It is followed here by the infinitive "culpar". Use it before a noun or infinitive to express absence or avoidance.
culpar "culpar" means “blame” in "sin culpar a una sola persona". After "sin", it describes an action that the speakers want to avoid. Use it with a person introduced by "a" when assigning blame to someone.
una "una" means “a” or “one” before "sola persona". It identifies one person without naming that person. Use it before a feminine singular noun.
sola "sola" means “only” or “single” in "una sola persona", emphasizing that the blame should not fall on one individual alone. Its form matches "persona". Use it before a noun when emphasizing that there is just one.
persona "persona" means “person” in "una sola persona". It identifies the individual who should not be singled out for blame. Use it when referring to a human being without specifying gender.
Quizá "Quizá" means “maybe” and introduces a possible helpful idea. Here it begins "Quizá ayudaría recordar...". Use it at the start of a suggestion when the idea is presented as a possibility.
ayudaría "ayudaría" means “would help” in "Quizá ayudaría recordar...". It presents the proposed reminder as potentially useful rather than guaranteed to work. Use it to describe a possible helpful effect.
recordar "recordar" means “remind” in "ayudaría recordar las responsabilidades de limpieza". Here it introduces the action of bringing those responsibilities back to people’s attention. Use it before the information or responsibility someone should remember.
las "las" means “the” before the plural feminine noun "responsabilidades". It refers to specific responsibilities known from the shared-kitchen situation. Use it before a specific feminine plural noun.
responsabilidades "responsabilidades" means “responsibilities,” specifically the cleaning duties under discussion. It is completed by "de limpieza" in "las responsabilidades de limpieza". Use it for duties that someone is expected to handle.
limpieza "limpieza" means “cleaning” in "responsabilidades de limpieza". It specifies the area of responsibility: keeping the shared space clean. Use it after "de" to describe duties or activities connected with cleaning.
Hazlo "Hazlo" means “make it” or “do it,” referring to the message being discussed. The form addresses one person directly and includes "lo" for the thing to be made specific. In this dialogue it is followed by "específico" in "Hazlo específico".
específico "específico" means “specific” and describes the message in "Hazlo específico". It asks for concrete details rather than a vague reminder. Use it after a verb such as "Hazlo" when describing the desired quality of something.
mencionando "mencionando" means “mentioning” and explains how to make the message specific. It introduces the concrete items named afterward: dishes, counters, and trash. Use this form to describe an action carried out as a means of achieving something.
los "los" means “the” before the masculine plural noun "platos". It introduces the specific dishes being included in the message. Use it before a specific masculine plural noun.
platos "platos" means “dishes” or “plates” in the list "los platos, las encimeras y la basura". Here it refers to kitchen items that need attention. Use it when discussing dishes or plates in a kitchen context.
encimeras "encimeras" means “counters” in the list of cleaning responsibilities. It names the kitchen surfaces that should be included in the message. Use it for kitchen worktops or counters.
y "y" means “and” and links the items in the list "los platos, las encimeras y la basura". It joins the final item to the preceding items. Use it to connect words or phrases that belong to the same list.
basura "basura" means “trash” in the list of kitchen-cleaning tasks. It names another shared responsibility alongside dishes and counters. Use it when referring to waste that needs to be removed or handled.
publicar "publicar" means “post” in "publicar un horario", referring to putting a schedule where the group can see it. It is one of the two actions considered after "Deberíamos". Use it before something that will be posted or published.
un "un" means “a” or “one” before "horario". It introduces a schedule that has not been specified yet. Use it before a masculine singular noun.
horario "horario" means “schedule” in "publicar un horario". It refers to a timetable for organizing shared responsibilities. Use it when arranging times or duties.
o "o" means “or” and presents an alternative between posting a schedule and talking in the group chat. It links the two options in the question. Use it to offer a choice between alternatives.
hablar "hablar" means “talk” in "hablar primero en el chat del grupo". It is the second option being considered for addressing the issue. Use it before a place or group when specifying where or with whom to talk.
primero "primero" means “first” and marks the order of the proposed conversation. In "hablar primero", it says that talking should happen before posting a schedule. Use it to identify the first action in a sequence.
en "en" means “in” in "en el chat del grupo", identifying the place or channel for the conversation. It is followed by the article and noun "el chat". Use it before a physical or digital place where an action occurs.
el "el" means “the” before "chat" in "el chat del grupo". It refers to a specific group chat known to the speakers. Use it before a masculine singular noun.
chat "chat" means “chat” and refers here to the group’s messaging channel. The phrase "el chat del grupo" identifies which chat is meant. Use it for an online conversation or messaging space.
del "del" means “of the” in "el chat del grupo". It is the contracted form used to connect "chat" with "grupo". Use it to express a relationship or belonging before a masculine singular noun.
grupo "grupo" means “group” in "el chat del grupo". It identifies the people who share the chat and the kitchen context. Use it for a collection of people considered together.
Empieza "Empieza" means “start” and gives a direct instruction to begin with a calm message. It addresses one person directly. Use it at the beginning of an instruction when telling someone to start an action.
con "con" means “with” in "con un mensaje tranquilo", identifying what the action should begin with. It introduces the message used as the starting point. Use it before a noun to express the accompanying thing or means.
mensaje "mensaje" means “message” in "un mensaje tranquilo". It refers to the wording the speakers plan to send about the kitchen. Use it for a written or spoken communication intended for someone.
tranquilo "tranquilo" means “calm” and describes the message in "un mensaje tranquilo". It expresses the desired non-aggressive tone. Its form matches the masculine singular noun "mensaje".
para "para" introduces the purpose of the calm message in "para que no parezca agresivo". It connects the suggested action with the result the speakers want. Use "para que" when stating a purpose or intended result.
que In "para que no parezca agresivo", "que" completes the purpose expression introduced by "para". It introduces the clause describing the intended result. Reuse it in the pattern "para que" before a purpose clause.
no "no" negates the clause "parezca agresivo". Here it expresses that the message should not seem aggressive. Place it before the verb or verb phrase being negated.
parezca "parezca" means “seem” or “appear” in "no parezca agresivo". It describes how the message may be perceived, specifically that it should not be perceived as aggressive. In this dialogue it follows "para que no" to express the intended result.
agresivo "agresivo" means “aggressive” and describes the impression the message should avoid giving. It appears after "parezca" in "no parezca agresivo". Use it to describe a tone, message, or behavior that feels hostile or forceful.
puede "puede" means “can” in "El mensaje puede pedirle...". It presents asking everyone to respect the space as something the message is able to do. Use it before an infinitive to describe a possible action or function.
pedirle "pedirle" means “ask someone” in "puede pedirle a todo el mundo...". The form combines the action of asking with "le", referring to the people being asked. In this dialogue, the requested action follows in "que respete".
todo "todo" contributes the meaning “all” in the expression "todo el mundo". Together with "mundo", the phrase means “everyone” here. Use it before "el mundo" when referring to all the people in a group or situation.
mundo "mundo" literally means “world,” but in "todo el mundo" the whole expression means “everyone.” It identifies all the people who should respect the shared space. Reuse it in this common expression when addressing people generally.
respete "respete" means “respect” in the request "que respete el espacio compartido". It names the action being requested from everyone. In this dialogue it follows "pedirle ... que" to express the requested behavior.
espacio "espacio" means “space” in "el espacio compartido", referring to the shared kitchen area. It is the object of the requested respect. Use it for a physical or shared area, depending on context.
compartido "compartido" means “shared” and describes the space used by everyone. It appears in "el espacio compartido". Its form matches the masculine singular noun "espacio".
Usa "Usa" means “use” and gives a direct instruction about the wording of the message. It is followed by "un lenguaje tranquilo". Use it at the beginning of an instruction when telling one person to use something.
lenguaje "lenguaje" means “language” or “wording” in "un lenguaje tranquilo". Here it refers to the choice of words and style used in the message. Use it when discussing how something is expressed.
evita "evita" means “avoid” and instructs the listener not to use certain words. It is followed by "palabras como «siempre» y «nunca»". Use it before an unwanted action, object, or expression.
palabras "palabras" means “words” and refers to expressions that may make the message sound accusatory. The examples follow after "como". Use it when discussing individual words or wording choices.
como "como" means “like” or “such as” in "palabras como «siempre» y «nunca»". It introduces examples of the words to avoid. Use it before examples that illustrate a category.
siempre "siempre" means “always” and is one of the absolute-sounding words the speakers recommend avoiding. It appears as an example after "palabras como". Use it when describing something that happens at all times.
nunca "nunca" means “never” and is paired with "siempre" as another absolute-sounding word to avoid. It appears in the quoted list "«siempre» y «nunca»". Use it when saying that something does not happen at any time.
Eso "Eso" means “that” and refers to the preceding advice about calm wording and avoiding absolute words. It introduces the effect of that advice in "Eso evita...". Use it to point back to an idea or action just mentioned.
suene "suene" means “sound” in "evita que el mensaje suene como un ataque". It describes how the message may be perceived. In this dialogue it follows "evita que" and refers to the message’s impression.
ataque "ataque" means “attack” in "como un ataque". It describes the hostile impression the message should not create. Use it after "como" when comparing a message or action to an attack.
reglas "reglas" means “rules” in "Las reglas claras de la cocina". It refers to agreed guidance for using and cleaning the kitchen. Use it for instructions or standards that guide behavior.
claras "claras" means “clear” and describes the kitchen rules. Its form matches the feminine plural noun "reglas". Use it to describe instructions that are easy to understand.
funcionan "funcionan" means “work” in "Las reglas claras ... funcionan mejor". It says that the rules are effective when the tone remains respectful. Use it to describe whether a method, rule, or plan is effective.
mejor "mejor" means “better” and compares the effectiveness of clear rules under a respectful tone. It appears after "funcionan" in "funcionan mejor". Use it to express improved results or effectiveness.
cuando "cuando" means “when” and introduces the condition "el tono sigue siendo respetuoso". It connects the effectiveness of the rules with the situation in which the tone remains respectful. Use it before a clause describing a time or condition.
tono "tono" means “tone” in "el tono sigue siendo respetuoso". It refers to the attitude conveyed by the wording of the message. Use it when discussing whether communication sounds calm, aggressive, or respectful.
sigue "sigue" means “stays” or “continues” in "sigue siendo respetuoso". It shows that the tone remains in the same respectful state. Use it with a following description when emphasizing that a quality continues.
siendo "siendo" means “being” in "sigue siendo respetuoso". Together with "sigue", it expresses continuing to have the quality described by "respetuoso". Use it after a form of seguir when describing a continuing state.
respetuoso "respetuoso" means “respectful” and describes the tone in "el tono sigue siendo respetuoso". It identifies the communication quality that helps the rules work better. Its form matches the masculine singular noun "tono".

Grammar Points

deberíamos + infinitivo

Deberíamos hablar primero.

deh-beh-ree-AH-mohs ah-BLAHR pree-MEH-roh

We should talk first.

Deberíamos + infinitive expresses a recommendation or what is advisable.

que + subjuntivo

Evita lenguaje que suene agresivo.

eh-BEE-tah len-GWAH-heh keh SOO-eh-neh ah-greh-SEE-boh

Avoid language that sounds aggressive.

After que, the subjunctive suene describes a possible quality rather than a confirmed fact.

Spanish Vocabulary

cena noun
SEH-nah dinner
cocina noun
koh-SEE-nah kitchen
compartida adj
kom-pahr-TEE-dah shared
culpar verb
kool-PAHR to blame
deberíamos verb
deh-beh-ree-AH-mohs we should
desordenada adj
deh-sohr-deh-NAH-dah messy
después adv
dehs-PWES after; afterward
mencionarlo verb
men-syoh-NAHR-loh to mention it
persona noun
pehr-SOH-nah person
quedar verb
keh-DAHR to be left; to remain
sola adj
SOH-lah single; only
volvió verb
vol-VYOH returned; happened again

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to mention it

Show Answermencionarlo

to be left; to remain

Show Answerquedar

we should

Show Answerdeberíamos

dinner

Show Answercena