Adjusting the shared spreadsheet for clarity | Learn Spanish in English

Spanish lesson set in a contemporary Madrid everyday setting: During a remote project meeting, two coworkers adjust a shared spreadsheet view and add context so key figures are easier to follow..

EN → ES / Level: B2

About This Lesson

Use Adjusting the shared spreadsheet for clarity to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Tu pantalla se ve, pero el texto de la hoja de cálculo parece bastante pequeño.

too pahn-TAH-yah seh beh, PEH-roh el TEKS-toh deh lah OH-hah deh KAL-koo-loh pah-REH-seh bahs-TAHN-teh peh-KEH-nyoh Your screen is visible, but the spreadsheet text looks rather small.
B

Puedo ampliar la imagen, de todos modos.

PWEH-doh ahm-plee-AR lah ee-MAH-hen, deh TOH-dohs MOH-dohs I can zoom in, though.
B

Puede que algunas columnas queden fuera de la vista.

PWEH-deh keh al-GOO-nahs koh-LOOM-nahs KEH-den FWEH-rah deh lah BEES-tah It may push a few columns out of view.
A

Está bien, siempre que las cifras clave sigan visibles.

ehs-TAH byen, SYEM-preh keh lahs SEE-frahs KLAH-beh SEE-gahn bee-SEE-bles That works as long as the key figures stay visible.
B

En ese caso, pondré primero la sección de variaciones.

en EH-seh KAH-soh, pohn-DRAY pree-MEH-roh lah sek-SYOHN deh bah-ryah-SYOH-nes In that case, I'll put the variance section first.
A

Las cifras respaldan la idea, pero la explicación necesita más contexto.

lahs SEE-frahs rehs-PAHL-dahn lah ee-DEH-ah, PEH-roh lah eks-plee-kah-SYOHN neh-seh-SEE-tah mahs kohn-TEKS-toh The figures support the point, but the explanation needs more context.
B

Mencionaré las suposiciones en las que se basa cada proyección.

men-syoh-nah-RAY lahs soo-poh-see-SYOH-nes en lahs keh seh BAH-sah KAH-dah proh-yek-SYOHN I'll mention the assumptions behind each projection.
A

Eso ayudará a quienes no estuvieron en la conversación anterior.

EH-soh ah-yoo-dah-RAH ah KYEH-nes noh ehs-too-BYEH-rohn en lah kohn-behr-sah-SYOHN ahn-teh-RYOR That will help listeners who missed the earlier discussion.
B

Una nota breve antes de las proyecciones debería ser suficiente.

OO-nah NOH-tah BREH-beh AHN-tes deh lahs proh-yek-SYOH-nes deh-beh-REE-ah sehr soo-fee-SYEN-teh A short note before the projections should cover it.

Word by Word

Tu “Tu” means “your” in “Tu pantalla,” identifying the screen as belonging to the person addressed. It is used before a singular noun, as in “Tu pantalla” (your screen). In a meeting, use it when referring directly to someone’s item or setting.
pantalla “Pantalla” means “screen” in “Tu pantalla se ve.” It names the display being shared in the remote meeting. A useful pattern is “la pantalla de...” for someone’s screen; new example: “la pantalla de Ana” (Ana’s screen).
se In “se ve” and “se basa,” “se” helps form the expression rather than naming a separate object. In “se ve,” it contributes to the meaning “is visible,” while in “se basa,” it contributes to “is based.” Keep it with the verb in these expressions: “se ve” and “se basa.”
ve “Ve” in “se ve” means that something is visible or can be seen. The exact expression “se ve” describes how the screen appears to the speaker. Use “se ve” when commenting on whether something can be seen clearly; new example: “La imagen se ve bien” (The image looks good).
pero “Pero” means “but” and introduces a contrast between the screen being visible and the text being small. It commonly links two contrasting statements, as in “se ve, pero...” (is visible, but...). Use it when the second point limits or changes the first one.
el “El” means “the” before the masculine singular noun “texto” in “el texto.” It identifies a specific text already connected with the spreadsheet. A reusable pattern is “el + singular noun,” such as “el texto” in this dialogue.
texto “Texto” means “text” in “el texto de la hoja de cálculo.” It refers to the written content displayed in the spreadsheet. It can be followed by “de” to specify whose or what text it is, as in “el texto de la hoja de cálculo.”
de “De” links “texto” with “la hoja de cálculo” in “el texto de la hoja de cálculo,” meaning the text of the spreadsheet. Here it introduces the source or associated item. Use “de” in similar noun phrases such as “el título de la presentación” (new example: the title of the presentation).
la “La” means “the” before the feminine singular noun “hoja” in “la hoja de cálculo.” It identifies the particular spreadsheet being discussed. A reusable pattern is “la + singular noun,” as in “la hoja.”
hoja “Hoja” means “sheet” as part of the expression “hoja de cálculo,” which means spreadsheet. In this dialogue it refers to the shared spreadsheet rather than a general sheet of paper. Keep it with “de cálculo” when you mean a spreadsheet.
cálculo “Cálculo” means “calculation,” but in the fixed expression “hoja de cálculo” the whole phrase means “spreadsheet.” Here “cálculo” specifies the function of the sheet. Use the complete expression “hoja de cálculo” for spreadsheet software or a spreadsheet document.
parece “Parece” means “seems” or “looks” in “parece bastante pequeño.” It presents the speaker’s impression of the text’s size rather than a measured fact. A useful pattern is “parece + adjective,” as in “parece pequeño” in this dialogue.
bastante “Bastante” means “rather” or “quite” in “bastante pequeño,” strengthening the description of the text’s small size. It comes before the adjective here. Use “bastante + adjective” to express a fairly high degree; new example: “bastante claro” (quite clear).
pequeño “Pequeño” means “small” in “parece bastante pequeño,” describing the text on the screen. Its form matches the singular masculine noun “texto.” Use it after a verb such as “parece” to describe size; new example: “El botón es pequeño” (The button is small).
Puedo “Puedo” means “I can” in “Puedo ampliar la imagen,” offering a possible action. It is followed here by the infinitive “ampliar.” Use “Puedo + infinitive” to say that you are able or willing to do something; new example: “Puedo revisarlo” (I can review it).
ampliar “Ampliar” means “to enlarge” or “to zoom in” in “Puedo ampliar la imagen.” It is the action proposed for making the shared image easier to see. After “Puedo,” use the infinitive directly, as in “Puedo ampliar.”
imagen “Imagen” means “image” in “ampliar la imagen,” the visual content being enlarged. The article “la” identifies the particular image in question. Use “ampliar la imagen” when offering to make a displayed image larger.
todos “Todos” means “all” in the expression “de todos modos,” which means “anyway” or “in any case.” It contributes to the idea of considering all ways or circumstances together. Keep it with “de” and “modos” in this expression; new example: “Lo haré de todos modos” (I will do it anyway).
modos “Modos” means “ways” in “de todos modos,” but the complete expression means “anyway” in this dialogue. It is plural because the expression refers broadly to ways or circumstances. Use the full pattern “de todos modos” to add a concession or continue with a proposal.
Puede “Puede” means “may” in “Puede que algunas columnas queden fuera de la vista,” introducing a possibility. In this sentence it is followed by “que” and a clause describing the possible result. Use the pattern “Puede que + clause” when something may happen; new example: “Puede que llegue tarde” (I may arrive late).
que “Que” introduces the possible result in “Puede que algunas columnas queden fuera de la vista.” Together with “Puede,” it connects the possibility to the following clause. Keep the pattern “Puede que + clause” when stating that something may occur.
algunas “Algunas” means “some” or “a few” in “algunas columnas,” referring to an unspecified part of the columns. It comes before the plural noun “columnas.” Use “algunas + plural noun” when referring to a limited, unspecified number of items.
columnas “Columnas” means “columns” in “algunas columnas queden fuera de la vista.” It refers to spreadsheet columns that might no longer be visible after zooming. In a spreadsheet context, use it with a quantity word such as “algunas columnas.”
queden “Queden” means “remain” or “be left” in “queden fuera de la vista,” describing the possible resulting position of the columns. Here it completes the clause introduced by “Puede que.” Use “quedar + place or state” to describe where something ends up; new example: “quedar fuera del marco” (to remain outside the frame).
fuera “Fuera” means “outside” or “out” in “fuera de la vista,” indicating that the columns would no longer be visible in the current view. It is followed by “de” in this expression. Use “fuera de + noun” for something outside a place, range, or view.
vista “Vista” means “view” in “fuera de la vista,” referring to what can currently be seen on the screen. The full expression means “out of view.” Use “fuera de la vista” when an item is not visible in the current display.
Está “Está” means “is” in “Está bien,” an expression used here to approve the proposed adjustment. In this expression it evaluates the suggestion as acceptable. Use “Está bien” to say that something is okay or acceptable; new example: “Está bien así” (It is fine like this).
bien “Bien” means “okay” in “Está bien,” expressing approval rather than describing how an action is performed. It completes the fixed expression “Está bien.” Use it to accept a suggestion or indicate that a situation is acceptable.
siempre In “siempre que las cifras clave sigan visibles,” “siempre” contributes to the condition expressed by “siempre que,” meaning “as long as.” It does not mean simple habitual “always” here. Keep it with “que” when setting an acceptable condition.
las “Las” means “the” before the plural feminine noun “cifras” in “las cifras clave.” It identifies the specific figures considered important in the meeting. A reusable pattern is “las + plural noun,” as in “las cifras.”
cifras “Cifras” means “figures” or “numbers” in “las cifras clave.” It refers to the important numerical results in the spreadsheet. Use it in a work or reporting context for numerical data, as in “las cifras de la hoja de cálculo” (new example: the spreadsheet figures).
clave “Clave” means “key” or “important” in “las cifras clave,” identifying the figures that must remain visible. It follows the noun here and describes its importance. Use “clave” after a noun to mark something as essential; new example: “un dato clave” (a key piece of data).
sigan “Sigan” means “continue to be” or “remain” in “sigan visibles,” expressing the requirement that the figures remain visible. It appears in the condition introduced by “siempre que.” Use “seguir + adjective” to describe a state that continues; new example: “sigan disponibles” (continue to be available).
visibles “Visibles” means “visible” in “las cifras clave sigan visibles,” describing the state that must continue. Its plural form matches “las cifras clave.” Use “seguir visibles” when items need to remain easy to see.
En “En” means “in” in “En ese caso,” an expression meaning “in that case.” It introduces the situation on which the next decision depends. Use “En ese caso” when responding to a condition or newly stated circumstance.
ese “Ese” means “that” in “En ese caso,” referring back to the condition just discussed. It helps identify the relevant case rather than introducing a new one. Keep it with “En” and “caso” in the reusable expression “En ese caso.”
caso “Caso” means “case” in “En ese caso,” referring to the situation created by the preceding condition. The complete expression means “in that case.” Use it to announce a decision or response based on what was just said.
pondré “Pondré” means “I will put” in “pondré primero la sección de variaciones,” announcing a planned arrangement. It is followed by the item being placed and “primero,” which gives its order. Use “pondré + item + place or order” when explaining how you will arrange something; new example: “Pondré el título arriba” (I will put the title at the top).
primero “Primero” means “first” in “pondré primero la sección de variaciones,” specifying the order of the section. It appears after the verb and before the item being arranged. Use it to state which item will come before the others.
sección “Sección” means “section” in “la sección de variaciones,” referring to one organized part of the spreadsheet. It is specified by the following phrase “de variaciones.” Use “sección de + topic” to identify a section by its content; new example: “la sección de resultados” (the results section).
variaciones “Variaciones” means “variances” or “variations” in “la sección de variaciones.” Here it identifies the spreadsheet section dealing with differences or changes in figures. Use it after “sección de” to name the topic of a report section.
respaldan “Respaldan” means “support” in “Las cifras respaldan la idea,” stating that the figures provide support for the point. It is followed by the thing supported, “la idea.” Use “respaldar + noun” in analytical or professional explanations; new example: “Los datos respaldan la decisión” (The data support the decision).
idea “Idea” means “idea” or “point” in “Las cifras respaldan la idea.” It is the conclusion or point that the figures support in the explanation. Use “la idea” when referring to a specific point already under discussion.
explicación “Explicación” means “explanation” in “la explicación necesita más contexto.” It refers to the verbal or written account accompanying the figures. Use “la explicación necesita...” to say what an explanation still requires; new example: “La explicación necesita un ejemplo” (The explanation needs an example).
necesita “Necesita” means “needs” in “la explicación necesita más contexto,” identifying something required for the explanation to be clearer. It is followed by the needed item, “más contexto.” Use “necesita + noun” to state a requirement; new example: “El informe necesita detalles” (The report needs details).
más “Más” means “more” in “más contexto,” indicating an additional amount of context is needed. It comes before the noun it modifies here. Use “más + noun” when requesting or describing an increased amount; new example: “más información” (more information).
contexto “Contexto” means “context” in “la explicación necesita más contexto.” It refers to background information that helps listeners understand the figures and point. Use “dar más contexto” when adding background; new example: “Voy a dar más contexto” (I am going to provide more context).
Mencionaré “Mencionaré” means “I will mention” in “Mencionaré las suposiciones,” announcing a future act of referring to specific assumptions. It is followed directly by the information to be mentioned. Use “Mencionaré + noun” when outlining what you will include in a presentation; new example: “Mencionaré ese detalle” (I will mention that detail).
suposiciones “Suposiciones” means “assumptions” in “las suposiciones en las que se basa cada proyección.” It refers to the premises underlying the projections. Use “las suposiciones en las que se basa...” to identify the assumptions on which something is based.
basa “Basa” contributes to the meaning “is based” in “en las que se basa cada proyección.” The complete expression “se basa en” identifies the foundation of something, here each projection. Use “se basa en + noun or idea” to state what supports a plan or conclusion; new example: “El informe se basa en datos” (The report is based on data).
cada “Cada” means “each” in “cada proyección,” referring to the projections one by one. It comes before the singular noun “proyección.” Use “cada + singular noun” when considering members of a group individually.
proyección “Proyección” means “projection” in “cada proyección,” referring to an anticipated figure or outcome in the discussion. It is modified by “cada,” so the projections are considered individually. Use “proyección” in planning or forecasting contexts; new example: “una proyección financiera” (a financial projection).
Eso “Eso” means “that” in “Eso ayudará,” referring to the planned explanation or added context from the previous line. It functions as the subject of the next statement. Use “Eso ayudará...” to explain the benefit of an action or piece of information just mentioned.
ayudará “Ayudará” means “will help” in “Eso ayudará a quienes no estuvieron...” It states a future benefit for the people who missed the earlier discussion. Use “ayudará a + person or group” to say whom an action will benefit; new example: “Esto ayudará al equipo” (This will help the team).
a “A” introduces the people who will benefit in “ayudará a quienes no estuvieron.” After “ayudar,” it marks the person or group helped. Use “ayudar a + person” with this verb; new example: “Ayuda a los estudiantes” (It helps the students).
quienes “Quienes” means “those who” or “people who” in “a quienes no estuvieron,” referring to people defined by the following clause. It introduces a relative description without naming the people. Use “quienes + clause” when referring to people who meet a stated condition.
no “No” means “not” in “no estuvieron,” negating the statement that those people were present. It comes directly before the verb here. Use “no + verb” to form a negative statement; new example: “No participaron” (They did not participate).
estuvieron “Estuvieron” means “were present” or “attended” in “quienes no estuvieron en la conversación anterior.” It describes people who were not present in the earlier discussion. Use “estar en + event or conversation” to say that someone was present; new example: “Estuvieron en la reunión” (They were in the meeting).
conversación “Conversación” means “conversation” or “discussion” in “la conversación anterior.” It refers to the earlier exchange that some listeners missed. Use “en la conversación” when referring to participation in a discussion.
anterior “Anterior” means “earlier” or “previous” in “la conversación anterior,” identifying the conversation that happened before the current meeting point. It follows the noun here. Use “anterior” after a noun to refer back to an earlier item or event; new example: “la página anterior” (the previous page).
Una “Una” means “a” in “Una nota breve,” introducing one unspecified note. It comes before the feminine singular noun “nota.” Use “una + singular feminine noun” when introducing one item, as in “una nota.”
nota “Nota” means “note” in “Una nota breve,” referring to a short piece of written or spoken information. It is described by “breve.” Use “una nota sobre + topic” to introduce a note about something; new example: “una nota sobre los resultados” (a note about the results).
breve “Breve” means “short” or “brief” in “Una nota breve,” describing the note as limited in length. It follows the noun here. Use “nota breve” when proposing a concise explanation or reminder.
antes “Antes” means “before” in “antes de las proyecciones,” placing the note earlier than the projections. It is followed by “de” and the item that comes later. Use “antes de + noun” to indicate sequence; new example: “antes de la reunión” (before the meeting).
proyecciones “Proyecciones” means “projections” in “antes de las proyecciones,” referring to the forecast figures that will be explained afterward. The plural form indicates more than one projection. Use “las proyecciones” when discussing a set of forecast figures.
debería “Debería” means “should” in “debería ser suficiente,” expressing an expectation that the short note will be enough. It is followed by the infinitive “ser.” Use “debería + infinitive” to state a reasonable expectation or recommendation; new example: “Debería funcionar” (It should work).
ser “Ser” means “to be” in “debería ser suficiente,” completing the expression about the note’s expected adequacy. It follows the modal form “debería.” Use “debería ser + adjective” to express what something is expected to be; new example: “Debería ser claro” (It should be clear).
suficiente “Suficiente” means “enough” or “sufficient” in “debería ser suficiente,” saying that the short note should meet the need for context. It follows “ser” in this evaluation. Use “ser suficiente” to say that an amount or action meets a requirement; new example: “Esto es suficiente” (This is enough).

Grammar Points

siempre que + subjuntivo

Siempre que sigan fuera de la vista.

SYEM-preh keh SEE-gahn FWEH-rah deh lah BEES-tah

As long as they remain out of view.

“Siempre que” introduces a condition and is followed by the subjunctive when the situation is uncertain or conditional.

futuro simple para acciones futuras

En ese caso, mencionaré la explicación.

en EH-seh KAH-soh, men-syoh-nah-RAY lah eks-plee-kah-SYOHN

In that case, I will mention the explanation.

The future form “mencionaré” expresses an action the speaker plans or expects to carry out later.

Spanish Vocabulary

ampliar verb
ahm-plee-AR to zoom in; to enlarge
cifra noun
SEE-frah figure; number cifras
clave adj
KLAH-beh key; important
columna noun
koh-LOOM-nah column columnas
de todos modos phrase
deh TOH-dohs MOH-dohs though; anyway
fuera de la vista phrase
FWEH-rah deh lah BEES-tah out of view
hoja de cálculo phrase
OH-hah deh KAL-koo-loh spreadsheet
pantalla noun
pahn-TAH-yah screen

Tu pantalla se ve

parecer verb
pah-reh-SER to seem parece
pequeño adj
peh-KEH-nyoh small
seguir verb
seh-GEER to remain; to continue sigan
siempre que conj
SYEM-preh keh as long as; provided that

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

small

Show Answerpequeño

to seem

Show Answerparece

column

Show Answercolumnas

to zoom in; to enlarge

Show Answerampliar