Handling Sensitive Workplace Feedback | Learn Spanish in English

Spanish lesson set in a contemporary Madrid everyday setting: In a workplace feedback session, two adults discuss frustration during a review and how to make sensitive criticism easier to receive..

EN → ES / Level: B2

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Use Handling Sensitive Workplace Feedback to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Noté que parecías frustrado durante la revisión.

noh-TEH keh pah-reh-SEE-ahs froos-TRAH-doh doo-RAHN-teh lah reh-bee-SYOHN I noticed you seemed frustrated during the review.
B

Así fue, aunque intenté no dejar que dominara la situación.

ah-SEE fweh, AWN-keh een-ten-TEH noh deh-HAR keh doh-mee-NAH-rah lah see-too-ah-SYOHN I was, although I tried not to let it dominate.
A

Los comentarios fueron directos, pero estaban dirigidos al trabajo.

lohs koh-men-TAH-ryohs FWEH-rohn dee-REHK-tohs, PEH-roh ehs-TAH-bahn dee-ree-HEE-dohs ahl trah-BAH-hoh The comments were direct, but they were aimed at the work.
B

Ahora lo entiendo, pero el momento me tomó por sorpresa.

ah-OH-rah loh en-TYEN-doh, PEH-roh ehl moh-MEN-toh meh toh-MOH por sor-PREH-sah I understand that now, but the timing caught me off guard.
A

Podemos avisarte con más antelación cuando esperemos que haya comentarios delicados.

poh-DEH-mohs ah-bee-SAR-teh kohn mahs ahn-teh-lah-SYOHN KWAHN-doh ehs-peh-REH-mohs keh AH-yah koh-men-TAH-ryohs deh-lee-KAH-dohs We can give you more notice when we expect sensitive feedback.
B

Eso me ayudaría a responder de manera más reflexiva en ese momento.

EH-soh meh ah-yoo-dah-REE-ah ah rehs-pohn-DEHR deh mah-NEH-rah mahs reh-flehk-SEE-bah ehn eh-seh moh-MEN-toh That would help me respond more thoughtfully in the moment.
A

Tu análisis fue valioso, incluso en los aspectos que necesitaban revisiones.

too ah-NAH-lee-sees fweh bah-LYOH-soh, een-KLOO-soh ehn lohs ahs-PEHK-tohs keh neh-seh-see-TAH-bahn reh-bee-SYOH-nehs Your analysis was valuable, even where revisions were needed.
B

Aprecio esa distinción, porque cambia la forma en que interpreto las críticas.

ah-PREH-syoh EH-sah dees-teen-SYOHN, POR-keh KAHM-byah lah FOR-mah ehn keh een-tehr-PREH-toh lahs KREE-tee-kahs I appreciate that distinction, because it changes how I interpret criticism.

Word by Word

Noté “Noté” means “I noticed” in “Noté que parecías frustrado”. It is the first-person past form of notar. A reusable pattern is “Noté que...” when you want to say that you observed something.
que “que” introduces the clause “que parecías frustrado”, giving the content of what was noticed. It commonly connects a verb such as “Noté” with a complete clause.
parecías “Parecías” means “you seemed” in “parecías frustrado”. It is a form of parecer used to describe how someone appeared at that time. A reusable pattern is “Parecías + adjective” when describing someone’s apparent state.
frustrado “Frustrado” describes the person as frustrated in “parecías frustrado”. It agrees with the person being addressed in this dialogue. You can reuse “estar frustrado” or “parecer frustrado” to describe this feeling.
durante “Durante” means “during” and places the situation within “durante la revisión”. It is followed here by the event or period that provides the time frame. A reusable pattern is “durante + noun”, such as “durante la reunión” in a new example.
la “La” means “the” before the feminine singular noun “revisión” in “la revisión”. It belongs with the noun rather than standing alone. A reusable pattern is “la + feminine singular noun”.
revisión “Revisión” means “review” in “durante la revisión”, referring to the workplace review being discussed. It is the event that provides the time frame after “durante”. A reusable pattern is “una revisión” for a review in a new example.
Así “Así” means “so” or “that way” in “Así fue”, which confirms the preceding statement. It is part of the response “Así fue”, rather than describing a separate object. A common pattern is “Así es” to confirm that something is so in a new example.
fue “Fue” completes “Así fue”, meaning that the previous description was indeed how things were. Here it is part of a short confirmation about the situation. The pattern “Así fue” can be used when confirming a past event or state.
aunque “Aunque” means “although” and introduces the qualification “aunque intenté no dejar que dominara la situación”. It connects the admission that the speaker was frustrated with the effort to control it. A reusable pattern is “aunque + clause” when adding a qualification.
intenté “Intenté” means “I tried” in “intenté no dejar que dominara la situación”. It presents an effort made by the speaker. A reusable pattern is “Intenté + infinitive”, such as “Intenté explicar la situación” in a new example.
no “No” negates “dejar”, so “no dejar que dominara la situación” means not allowing the situation to take over. It appears immediately before the verb or verbal phrase being negated. A reusable pattern is “no + verb” for negation.
dejar “Dejar” means “to let” or “to allow” in “dejar que dominara la situación”. It introduces what someone is or is not allowed to do through “dejar que + clause”. A reusable pattern is “dejar que alguien haga algo” in a new example.
dominara “Dominara” describes the situation taking over in “no dejar que dominara la situación”. The form appears after “dejar que” because the speaker is describing what they tried not to allow. A reusable pattern is “dejar que algo domine la situación” in a new example.
situación “Situación” means “situation” in “dominara la situación”. It is the thing that could take over the speaker’s response. A reusable pattern is “la situación” when referring to a specific situation already understood.
Los “Los” means “the” before the masculine plural noun “comentarios” in “Los comentarios”. It marks that the speaker is referring to specific comments. A reusable pattern is “los + masculine plural noun”.
comentarios “Comentarios” means “comments” or workplace feedback in “Los comentarios fueron directos”. It is the subject being described as direct and aimed at the work. A reusable pattern is “comentarios sobre + topic” in a new example.
fueron “Fueron” means “were” in “Los comentarios fueron directos”. It links the comments with the description “directos”. A reusable pattern is “X fueron + description” when describing several past things.
directos “Directos” describes the comments as direct or straightforward in “comentarios fueron directos”. It agrees with the plural noun “comentarios”. A reusable pattern is “comentarios directos” for feedback expressed plainly.
pero “Pero” means “but” and contrasts the comments being direct with their being aimed at the work. It joins the two parts of the sentence. A reusable pattern is “..., pero ...” when adding a contrast.
estaban “Estaban” means “were” in “estaban dirigidos al trabajo”. It describes the comments’ focus or direction at that time. A reusable pattern is “estaban + adjective or participle” when describing a past state.
dirigidos “Dirigidos” means “aimed” or “directed” in “estaban dirigidos al trabajo”. It describes where the comments were focused, not who they were attacking. A reusable pattern is “estar dirigido a + noun” for something aimed at a particular target.
al “Al” means “to the” in “dirigidos al trabajo”. It combines “a” with “el” before “trabajo”. A reusable pattern is “a + el” becoming “al” before a masculine singular noun.
trabajo “Trabajo” means “work” in “dirigidos al trabajo”. It identifies the focus of the comments. A reusable pattern is “centrarse en el trabajo” or “dirigido al trabajo” when discussing work-related focus.
Ahora “Ahora” means “now” in “Ahora lo entiendo”, marking the speaker’s present understanding. It contrasts with the earlier moment when the timing was surprising. A reusable pattern is “Ahora entiendo...” when explaining a new understanding.
lo “Lo” refers to the matter being understood in “lo entiendo”, meaning “I understand it” or “I understand that”. It stands before “entiendo” as the thing understood. A reusable pattern is “lo entiendo” when acknowledging an explanation or point.
entiendo “Entiendo” means “I understand” in “Ahora lo entiendo”. It expresses the speaker’s current comprehension of the earlier point. A reusable pattern is “Entiendo que...” when stating what you understand.
el “El” means “the” before the masculine singular noun “momento” in “el momento”. It identifies the particular moment being discussed. A reusable pattern is “el + masculine singular noun”.
momento “Momento” means “moment” and refers here to the timing in “el momento me tomó por sorpresa”. It is the circumstance that caused the speaker to be caught off guard. A reusable pattern is “en ese momento” when referring to a particular time.
me “Me” means “me” in “me tomó por sorpresa”, showing who experienced the surprise. It appears before the verb “tomó”. A reusable pattern is “me + verb” when describing something that affects the speaker.
tomó “Tomó” means “took” in the expression “me tomó por sorpresa”. Together, “me tomó por sorpresa” means that something caught me off guard. A reusable pattern is “algo me tomó por sorpresa” with the thing causing the surprise in the subject position.
por “Por” is part of the expression “por sorpresa” in “me tomó por sorpresa”. It helps form the meaning “by surprise” and should be understood together with “sorpresa”. A reusable pattern is “tomar a alguien por sorpresa”.
sorpresa “Sorpresa” means “surprise” in “me tomó por sorpresa”. Together with “por”, it describes an unexpected effect on the speaker. A reusable pattern is “por sorpresa” when something happens unexpectedly.
Podemos “Podemos” means “we can” in “Podemos avisarte”, presenting an ability or offer from the people speaking. It is followed here by the infinitive “avisarte”. A reusable pattern is “Podemos + infinitive” when offering or proposing an action.
avisarte “Avisarte” means “to notify you” in “Podemos avisarte con más antelación”. It combines the infinitive “avisar” with “te”, referring to the person who will receive the notice. A reusable pattern is “avisar a alguien” or “avisarte cuando...” when saying when someone will be notified.
con “Con” means “with” in “con más antelación”, forming an expression about giving more advance notice. It links the action of notifying with the amount of advance time. A reusable pattern is “con + noun” to describe the circumstances or manner of an action.
más “Más” means “more” in “más antelación”, increasing the amount of advance notice. It appears before the noun it modifies here. A reusable pattern is “más + noun” when referring to a greater amount.
antelación “Antelación” means “advance notice” in “con más antelación”. It refers to notifying someone earlier than the moment of the event. A reusable pattern is “con antelación” when arranging or announcing something beforehand.
cuando “Cuando” means “when” and introduces the condition or time “cuando esperemos que haya comentarios delicados”. It connects the planned notification with the expected feedback. A reusable pattern is “cuando + clause” for a time or condition.
esperemos “Esperemos” means “we expect” in “cuando esperemos que haya comentarios delicados”. It expresses what the speakers anticipate about a future situation. A reusable pattern is “esperar que + clause” when saying what you expect to happen.
haya “Haya” means “there is” or “there may be” in “que haya comentarios delicados”. It presents the possible existence of sensitive comments. A reusable pattern is “que haya + noun” when referring to something that may be present.
delicados “Delicados” describes the comments as sensitive or delicate in “comentarios delicados”. It agrees with the plural noun “comentarios”. A reusable pattern is “un tema delicado” or “comentarios delicados” when discussing something requiring care.
Eso “Eso” means “that” in “Eso me ayudaría”, referring to the offer of giving more advance notice. It serves as the thing that would help the speaker. A reusable pattern is “Eso me ayuda” or “Eso ayudaría” when referring back to a previous suggestion.
ayudaría “Ayudaría” means “would help” in “Eso me ayudaría a responder”. It describes the expected benefit of the proposed advance notice. A reusable pattern is “ayudaría a + infinitive” when explaining what would become easier.
a “A” links “ayudaría” with the infinitive “responder” in “me ayudaría a responder”. It introduces the action that would be helped. A reusable pattern is “ayudar a alguien a + infinitive”.
responder “Responder” means “to respond” in “ayudaría a responder de manera más reflexiva”. It names the action the speaker would perform more thoughtfully. A reusable pattern is “responder a + noun” when specifying what someone responds to.
de “De” is part of the manner expression “de manera más reflexiva”. It links “manera” with the description of how the response would be made. A reusable pattern is “de manera + adjective” for describing the manner of an action.
manera “Manera” means “way” or “manner” in “de manera más reflexiva”. The full expression describes how the speaker would respond. A reusable pattern is “de manera + adjective”, such as “de manera clara” in a new example.
reflexiva “Reflexiva” describes the manner of responding in “de manera más reflexiva”, meaning with more thought and consideration. It agrees with “manera”. A reusable pattern is “responder de manera reflexiva” when describing a considered response.
en “En” means “in” in “en ese momento”, locating the response within a particular moment. It introduces the time expression that follows. A reusable pattern is “en + time expression” when saying when something happens.
ese “Ese” means “that” in “ese momento”, pointing to the particular moment under discussion. It agrees with the masculine singular noun “momento”. A reusable pattern is “ese + masculine singular noun” when referring to a specific thing or time.
Tu “Tu” means “your” in “Tu análisis”. It identifies the analysis as belonging to or being produced by the person addressed. It is written without an accent here because it is a possessive word. A reusable pattern is “tu + singular noun”.
análisis “Análisis” means “analysis” in “Tu análisis fue valioso”. It is the work that is being praised despite the need for revisions. A reusable pattern is “hacer un análisis” when referring to carrying out an analysis.
valioso “Valioso” means “valuable” in “Tu análisis fue valioso”. It evaluates the analysis positively. It agrees with the masculine singular noun “análisis”. A reusable pattern is “ser valioso para + person or purpose” in a new example.
incluso “Incluso” means “even” in “incluso en los aspectos que necesitaban revisiones”. It emphasizes that the analysis remained valuable in areas needing changes. A reusable pattern is “incluso + phrase” when highlighting an unexpected or notable case.
aspectos “Aspectos” means “aspects” in “los aspectos que necesitaban revisiones”. It refers to particular parts of the analysis. A reusable pattern is “aspectos de + noun” when identifying parts of something.
necesitaban “Necesitaban” means “needed” in “los aspectos que necesitaban revisiones”. It describes what those aspects required at that time. A reusable pattern is “necesitar + noun” when saying what something requires.
revisiones “Revisiones” means “revisions” in “necesitaban revisiones”. It refers to changes or further checking needed in some aspects of the analysis. A reusable pattern is “necesitar revisiones” when work requires further improvement.
Aprecio “Aprecio” means “I appreciate” in “Aprecio esa distinción”. It expresses that the speaker values the distinction being made. A reusable pattern is “Aprecio + noun” when acknowledging someone’s point or effort.
esa “Esa” means “that” in “esa distinción”, referring to the distinction just mentioned. It agrees with the feminine singular noun “distinción”. A reusable pattern is “esa + feminine singular noun” when pointing back to a specific idea.
distinción “Distinción” means “distinction” in “Aprecio esa distinción”. It refers to separating the value of the analysis from the need for revisions. A reusable pattern is “hacer una distinción entre + ideas” when explaining a difference.
porque “Porque” means “because” and introduces the reason “porque cambia la forma en que interpreto las críticas”. It explains why the speaker appreciates the distinction. A reusable pattern is “..., porque ...” when giving a reason.
cambia “Cambia” means “changes” in “cambia la forma en que interpreto las críticas”. The subject is the distinction, which changes the speaker’s way of interpreting criticism. A reusable pattern is “algo cambia la forma en que...” when explaining an effect.
forma “Forma” means “way” in “la forma en que interpreto las críticas”. The full construction refers to the way the speaker interprets criticism. A reusable pattern is “la forma en que + clause” for describing how something is done or understood.
interpreto “Interpreto” means “I interpret” in “interpreto las críticas”. It describes how the speaker understands or gives meaning to the criticism. A reusable pattern is “interpretar + noun” when explaining how someone understands something.
las “Las” means “the” before the feminine plural noun “críticas” in “las críticas”. It marks the criticisms as specific ones being discussed. A reusable pattern is “las + feminine plural noun”.
críticas “Críticas” means “criticisms” in “interpreto las críticas”. It refers to the feedback or critical comments discussed in the workplace review. A reusable pattern is “recibir críticas” when talking about receiving criticism.

Grammar Points

aunque + imperfecto de subjuntivo (-ra)

aunque dominara la situación

AWN-keh doh-mee-NAH-rah lah see-too-ah-SYOHN

although [someone] dominated the situation

After aunque, the -ra form can present a hypothetical or uncertain situation.

me + verbo en tercera persona

me tomó por sorpresa

meh toh-MOH por sor-PREH-sah

it caught me off guard

Me marks the affected person; tomó agrees with the singular event, not with me.

Spanish Vocabulary

aunque conj
AWN-keh although
comentario noun
koh-men-TAH-ryoh comment comentarios
dejar que phrase
deh-HAR keh let; allow
directo adj
dee-REHK-toh direct directos
dominar verb
doh-mee-NAR dominate dominara
estar dirigido a phrase
ehs-TAR dee-ree-HEE-doh ah be aimed at; be directed at estaban dirigidos al
frustrado adj
froos-TRAH-doh frustrated
intentar verb
een-ten-TAR try intenté
notar verb
noh-TAR notice Noté
parecer verb
pah-reh-SEHR seem parecías
revisión noun
reh-bee-SYOHN review
situación noun
see-too-ah-SYOHN situation

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

dominate

Show Answerdominara

situation

Show Answersituación

notice

Show AnswerNoté

seem

Show Answerparecías