Improving office recycling practices | Learn Spanish in English

Spanish lesson set in a contemporary Madrid everyday setting: At work, two adults discuss clearer recycling labels, visible sorting examples, and reducing disposable supplies through practical procurement changes..

EN → ES / Level: B2

About This Lesson

Use Improving office recycling practices to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Tenemos contenedores de reciclaje en la oficina, pero la gente parece confundida.

te-NEH-mos kon-teh-neh-DOH-res deh ree-see-KLAH-heh ehn lah oh-fee-SEE-nah, PEH-roh lah HEN-teh pah-REH-seh kon-foon-DEE-dah. We have recycling bins in the office, but people seem confused.
B

Las etiquetas probablemente son demasiado ambiguas para el uso diario.

lahs eh-tee-KEH-tahs proh-bah-bleh-MEHN-teh sohn deh-mah-see-AH-doh ahm-BEE-gwahs pah-rah ehl OO-soh dee-AH-ryoh. The labels are probably too vague for daily use.
A

Deberíamos hacer que las normas de clasificación sean más sencillas y visibles.

deh-beh-ree-AH-mos ah-SEHR keh lahs NOR-mahs deh klah-see-fee-kah-SEE-ohn seh-AHN mahs sehn-SEE-yahs ee bee-SEE-bles. We should make sorting rules simpler and more visible.
B

Los ejemplos visuales cerca de los contenedores reducirían los errores.

lohs eh-HEHM-plohs bee-soo-AH-les SEHR-kah deh lohs kon-teh-neh-DOH-res reh-doo-see-REE-ahn lohs eh-RROH-res. Visual examples near the bins would reduce mistakes.
A

También creo que deberíamos encargar menos suministros desechables.

tahm-BYEHN KREH-oh keh deh-beh-ree-AH-mos ehn-kahr-GAHR MEH-nohs soo-mee-NEES-trohs deh-seh-CHAH-bles. I also think fewer disposable supplies should be ordered.
B

Eso requiere cambios en las compras, no solo recordatorios.

EH-soh reh-KEE-eh-reh KAHM-byohs ehn lahs KOHM-prahs noh SOH-loh reh-kor-dah-TOH-ryohs. That requires procurement changes, not just reminders.
A

¿Podríamos empezar con artículos que tengan alternativas sencillas?

poh-dree-AH-mos ehm-peh-SAHR kohn ahr-TEE-koo-lohs keh TEHN-gahn ahl-tehr-nah-TEE-bahs sehn-SEE-yahs. Could we start with items that have easy alternatives?
B

Eso haría que el cambio fuera menos brusco.

EH-soh ah-REE-ah keh ehl KAHM-byoh FWEH-rah MEH-nohs BROOS-koh. That would make the change less disruptive.

Word by Word

Tenemos “Tenemos” means “we have” in the statement about the office’s recycling bins. It is a form of “tener” used for possession or availability, with “contenedores de reciclaje” as what is available. New example: “Tenemos tiempo” means “We have time.”
contenedores “Contenedores” means “bins” or “containers” here, specifically the recycling bins in the office. It is the plural form of “contenedor” and is followed by “de reciclaje” to specify the type. New example: “contenedores de vidrio” means “glass containers.”
de “De” links “contenedores” with “reciclaje” and indicates what kind or purpose of containers they are. The pattern “noun de noun” commonly identifies a type, category, or relation. New example: “una bolsa de papel” means “a paper bag.”
reciclaje “Reciclaje” means “recycling” and identifies the purpose of the containers. It is a noun used after “de” to form “contenedores de reciclaje.” New example: “El reciclaje es importante” means “Recycling is important.”
en “En” means “in” here and places the containers in the office. It commonly introduces a location. New example: “en la cocina” means “in the kitchen.”
la “La” means “the” before the singular feminine noun “oficina.” It marks a specific feminine singular noun and agrees with that noun. New example: “la puerta” means “the door.”
oficina “Oficina” means “office,” the place where the recycling bins are located. It is used after “en la” to name the location. New example: “Trabajo en una oficina” means “I work in an office.”
pero “Pero” means “but” and introduces the contrast between having recycling bins and people being confused. It connects two ideas that do not fully match. New example: “Es sencillo, pero útil” means “It is simple but useful.”
gente “Gente” means “people” in the general sense of the people using the office bins. It is a collective noun commonly used with a singular verb form. New example: “La gente espera” means “People are waiting.”
parece “Parece” means “seems” and presents confusion as an appearance or impression rather than a direct statement of fact. It is a form of “parecer” and is followed here by “confundida.” New example: “Parece difícil” means “It seems difficult.”
confundida “Confundida” describes the people as confused in this dialogue. It is the feminine singular form of “confundido,” agreeing with the collective noun “gente.” New example: “La persona está confundida” means “The person is confused.”
Las “Las” means “the” before the plural feminine noun “etiquetas.” It marks a specific feminine plural noun and agrees with it. New example: “Las reglas” means “the rules.”
etiquetas “Etiquetas” means “labels,” referring to the labels on the recycling bins. It is the plural form of “etiqueta” and can be used for labels attached to objects or packages. New example: “etiquetas claras” means “clear labels.”
probablemente “Probablemente” means “probably” and marks the speaker’s explanation as likely rather than certain. It commonly modifies the statement that follows or comes before it. New example: “Probablemente llegará tarde” means “He or she will probably arrive late.”
son “Son” means “are” in the description of the labels. It is a form of “ser” used to identify or characterize “las etiquetas,” followed here by “demasiado ambiguas.” New example: “Son importantes” means “They are important.”
demasiado “Demasiado” means “too” or “excessively” and shows that the labels have an excessive degree of ambiguity for daily use. It commonly appears before an adjective. New example: “demasiado caro” means “too expensive.”
ambiguas “Ambiguas” means “vague” or “ambiguous,” describing the labels as insufficiently clear. It is the feminine plural form of “ambiguo,” agreeing with “las etiquetas.” New example: “instrucciones ambiguas” means “ambiguous instructions.”
para “Para” means “for” and marks daily use as the purpose or situation for which the labels need to be clear. It commonly introduces a purpose or intended use. New example: “para estudiantes” means “for students.”
el “El” means “the” before the masculine singular noun “uso.” It marks a specific masculine singular noun and agrees with it. New example: “el trabajo” means “the work.”
uso “Uso” means “use” in the phrase referring to everyday use of the labels. It is a noun used after “para el” to describe the intended practical context. New example: “uso diario” means “daily use.”
diario “Diario” means “daily” and describes use that happens every day. It is the masculine singular form of “diario,” agreeing with “uso.” New example: “una reunión diaria” means “a daily meeting.”
Deberíamos “Deberíamos” means “we should” and presents a recommendation to make the sorting rules simpler and more visible. It is a conditional form of “deber” used to express advice or a proposed action. New example: “Deberíamos esperar” means “We should wait.”
hacer “Hacer” means “to make” here, as in causing the sorting rules to become simpler and more visible. It appears in the construction “hacer que” followed by a clause describing the resulting state. New example: “hacer que el proceso sea fácil” means “to make the process easy.”
que “Que” introduces the clause describing the result intended after “hacer.” In “hacer que,” it connects the act of making with the state or action that follows. New example: “Quiero que vengas” means “I want you to come.”
normas “Normas” means “rules” or “standards” for sorting materials. It is the plural form of “norma” and is specified by “de clasificación.” New example: “normas de seguridad” means “safety rules.”
clasificación “Clasificación” means “sorting” in the context of deciding which materials belong in which bins. It is used after “de” to specify the subject of the rules. New example: “la clasificación de residuos” means “waste sorting.”
sean “Sean” means “be” in the clause describing what the sorting rules should be like. It is a form of “ser” used after the recommendation and agrees with the plural subject “las normas.” New example: “Espero que sean claras” means “I hope they are clear.”
más “Más” means “more” and forms the comparison in “más sencillas y visibles.” It increases the degree of the following descriptions. New example: “más claro” means “clearer” or “more clear.”
sencillas “Sencillas” means “simple” or “straightforward,” describing rules that are easier to follow. It is the feminine plural form of “sencillo,” agreeing with “las normas.” New example: “instrucciones sencillas” means “simple instructions.”
y “Y” means “and” and joins the two desired qualities of the rules: being simpler and being more visible. It links words or phrases of equal function. New example: “claro y práctico” means “clear and practical.”
visibles “Visibles” means “visible,” describing rules that can be easily seen. It is the plural form of “visible” and agrees with “las normas.” New example: “carteles visibles” means “visible signs.”
Los “Los” means “the” before the masculine plural noun “ejemplos.” It marks a specific masculine plural noun and agrees with it. New example: “Los documentos” means “the documents.”
ejemplos “Ejemplos” means “examples,” referring to visual demonstrations placed near the recycling bins. It is the plural form of “ejemplo” and is modified here by “visuales.” New example: “ejemplos prácticos” means “practical examples.”
visuales “Visuales” means “visual,” describing examples that communicate through what people can see. It is the plural form of “visual” and agrees with “ejemplos.” New example: “materiales visuales” means “visual materials.”
cerca “Cerca” means “near” and places the examples close to the containers. It commonly appears in the location pattern “cerca de” followed by the place or object. New example: “cerca de la entrada” means “near the entrance.”
reducirían “Reducirían” means “would reduce” and describes the expected effect of placing visual examples near the bins. It is a form of “reducir” used for a possible or predicted result. New example: “Estas medidas reducirían los costes” means “These measures would reduce costs.”
errores “Errores” means “mistakes” or “errors,” specifically incorrect sorting decisions. It is the plural form of “error” and functions as what the visual examples would reduce. New example: “evitar errores” means “to avoid mistakes.”
También “También” means “also” and adds another proposal to the earlier discussion about clearer recycling rules. It commonly introduces an additional idea or agrees with a previous point. New example: “También puedo ayudar” means “I can also help.”
creo “Creo” means “I think” and introduces the speaker’s opinion about ordering fewer disposable supplies. It is a form of “creer” used before a statement expressing a belief or judgment. New example: “Creo que es útil” means “I think it is useful.”
encargar “Encargar” means “to order” in the proposal to order fewer disposable supplies. It is an infinitive used after “deberíamos” to name the recommended action. New example: “encargar materiales” means “to order materials.”
menos “Menos” means “fewer” here because it modifies the plural noun “suministros.” It expresses a smaller quantity and commonly appears before a noun. New example: “menos residuos” means “less waste” or “fewer waste items,” depending on context.
suministros “Suministros” means “supplies,” referring to materials ordered for office use. It is the plural form of “suministro” and is modified here by “desechables.” New example: “suministros de oficina” means “office supplies.”
desechables “Desechables” means “disposable,” describing supplies intended to be thrown away after use. It is the plural form of “desechable” and agrees with “suministros.” New example: “productos desechables” means “disposable products.”
Eso “Eso” means “that” and refers to the proposal just mentioned about ordering fewer disposable supplies. It is a demonstrative pronoun used to point back to a previously stated idea. New example: “Eso es importante” means “That is important.”
requiere “Requiere” means “requires” and states that the proposal needs procurement changes. It is a form of “requerir” with the proposal as the subject. New example: “El proyecto requiere tiempo” means “The project requires time.”
cambios “Cambios” means “changes,” specifically changes to how purchases are made. It is the plural form of “cambio” and is specified by “en las compras.” New example: “hacer cambios” means “to make changes.”
compras “Compras” means “purchases” or “procurement” in the context of ordering office supplies. It is the plural form of “compra” and identifies the area in which changes are needed. New example: “departamento de compras” means “procurement department.”
no “No” means “not” and begins the contrast in “no solo recordatorios,” showing that reminders alone are insufficient. It normally comes before the word or phrase being negated. New example: “No es suficiente” means “It is not enough.”
solo “Solo” means “only” or “just” and limits the proposed solution to reminders in the phrase “no solo recordatorios.” Together with “no,” it means that more than reminders are needed. New example: “no solo hoy” means “not only today.”
recordatorios “Recordatorios” means “reminders,” referring to messages that remind people how to sort materials. It is the plural form of “recordatorio” and is contrasted with procurement changes as a solution. New example: “enviar recordatorios” means “to send reminders.”
Podríamos “Podríamos” means “could we” and makes a polite suggestion about where to begin. It is a conditional form of “poder,” used here to ask whether an action is feasible. New example: “¿Podríamos hablar mañana?” means “Could we talk tomorrow?”
empezar “Empezar” means “to start” and names the proposed first step in the procurement changes. It is an infinitive used after “podríamos.” New example: “empezar con lo más fácil” means “to start with the easiest thing.”
con “Con” means “with” and introduces the items selected as the starting point. The pattern “empezar con” is used to say what an activity or change begins with. New example: “empezar con una prueba” means “to start with a test.”
artículos “Artículos” means “items” here, referring to supplies or products that could be replaced. It is the plural form of “artículo” and is followed by a clause describing those items. New example: “artículos de oficina” means “office items.”
tengan “Tengan” means “have” in the clause describing items with simple alternatives. It is a form of “tener” used after “artículos que” to describe the relevant items. New example: “productos que tengan garantía” means “products that have a warranty.”
alternativas “Alternativas” means “alternatives,” referring to other options that are easy to adopt instead of the disposable items. It is the plural form of “alternativa” and is used as what the items have. New example: “buscar alternativas” means “to look for alternatives.”
haría “Haría” means “would make” and describes the expected effect of starting with items that have easy alternatives. It is a conditional form of “hacer” in the construction “hacer que” followed by a description of the change. New example: “Eso haría el trabajo más fácil” means “That would make the work easier.”
cambio “Cambio” means “change,” referring to the broader shift away from disposable supplies. It is a singular noun used as the subject of the description introduced by “haría que.” New example: “un cambio importante” means “an important change.”
fuera “Fuera” means “were” in the clause describing the change as less disruptive. It is a form of “ser” used after “haría que” to express the resulting characterization of “el cambio.” New example: “Sería mejor que fuera gradual” means “It would be better if it were gradual.”
brusco “Brusco” means “abrupt” or “disruptive,” describing a change that happens too suddenly or causes too much disturbance. It is the masculine singular form of “brusco,” agreeing with “el cambio.” New example: “un cambio brusco” means “an abrupt change.”

Grammar Points

condicional: reducirían / haría

Las etiquetas visibles reducirían errores.

lahs eh-tee-KEH-tahs bee-SEE-bles reh-doo-see-REE-ahn eh-RROH-res.

Visible labels would reduce mistakes.

The conditional expresses a possible result or consequence, similar to “would” in English.

requerir que + subjuntivo: tengan

La clasificación requiere que los artículos tengan alternativas.

lah klah-see-fee-kah-SEE-ohn reh-KYEH-reh keh lohs ahr-TEE-koo-lohs TEHN-gahn ahl-tehr-nah-TEE-bahs.

Sorting requires items to have alternatives.

After “requiere que,” Spanish uses the subjunctive to express a requirement or desired condition.

Spanish Vocabulary

ambiguas adj
ahm-BEE-gwahs vague
clasificación noun
klah-see-fee-kah-SEE-ohn sorting
confundida adj
kon-foon-DEE-dah confused
contenedores noun
kon-teh-neh-DOH-res bins

contenedores de reciclaje

etiquetas noun
eh-tee-KEH-tahs labels
gente noun
HEN-teh people
normas noun
NOR-mahs rules
oficina noun
oh-fee-SEE-nah office
probablemente adv
proh-bah-bleh-MEHN-teh probably
reciclaje noun
ree-see-KLAH-heh recycling
sencillas adj
sehn-SEE-yahs simple
uso diario phrase
OO-soh dee-AH-ryoh daily use

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

recycling

Show Answerreciclaje

vague

Show Answerambiguas

people

Show Answergente

labels

Show Answeretiquetas