Locating a Specific Title
A customer is looking for a book with a known title but can't find it on the shelves and approaches a staff member for assistance.
Un cliente está buscando un libro con un título conocido, pero no lo encuentra en los estantes y se acerca a un miembro del personal para pedir ayuda.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
excuse me
A polite phrase used to get someone's attention or interrupt them gently, like starting a conversation in a store.
Una frase educada usada para llamar la atención de alguien o interrumpirlo suavemente, como al iniciar una conversación en una tienda.
specific
Means particular or exact, not general. Use it when you want something very precise, like a specific book title.
Significa particular o exacto, no general. Úsalo cuando quieras algo muy preciso, como un título de libro específico.
title
The name of a book, movie, or song. In bookstores, ask for the title to find what you're looking for.
El nombre de un libro, película o canción. En las librerías, pide el título para encontrar lo que estás buscando.
fiction
A type of book that tells made-up stories, not real events. Many bookstores have a fiction section for novels.
Un tipo de libro que cuenta historias inventadas, no eventos reales. Muchas librerías tienen una sección de ficción para novelas.
out of stock
Means something is sold out and not available right now. Common in shopping when items are temporarily unavailable.
Significa que algo se ha agotado y no está disponible en este momento. Común en compras cuando los artículos están temporalmente no disponibles.
copies
Multiple versions of the same book or item. Use it to talk about how many are available, like 'a few copies in stock'.
Múltiples versiones del mismo libro o artículo. Úsalo para hablar de cuántos están disponibles, como 'unas pocas copias en stock'.
shelf
A flat surface in a store or library where books are placed and displayed for customers to see.
Una superficie plana en una tienda o biblioteca donde se colocan y exhiben libros para que los clientes los vean.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm looking for a specific book but I can't seem to find it. Would you be able to help?
This is a polite way to ask for help in a store. 'Can't seem to find it' softens the statement to sound less direct. Use it when you need assistance locating something. The question 'Would you be able to help?' is a conditional polite request.
Esta es una forma educada de pedir ayuda en una tienda. 'No logro encontrarlo' suaviza la afirmación para sonar menos directa. Úsala cuando necesites asistencia para localizar algo. La pregunta '¿Podría ayudarme?' es una solicitud educada condicional.
Certainly! What's the title you're looking for?
A helpful response offering assistance. 'Certainly' means 'of course' and shows eagerness. 'What's the title you're looking for?' uses a contraction and focuses on key information. Useful for service workers to gather details quickly.
Una respuesta útil que ofrece asistencia. 'Certainly' significa 'por supuesto' y muestra entusiasmo. 'What's the title you're looking for?' usa una contracción y se centra en la información clave. Útil para trabajadores de servicios para recopilar detalles rápidamente.
It's called 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig.
This introduces a book by its title and author. 'It's called' is a common way to name something. Include the author for clarity. Practice this pattern for recommending or asking about books: 'It's called [title] by [author]'.
Esto introduce un libro por su título y autor. 'Se llama' es una forma común de nombrar algo. Incluye al autor para mayor claridad. Practica este patrón para recomendar o preguntar sobre libros: 'Se llama [título] de [autor]'.
We usually keep that in the fiction section, near the front of the store. Have you checked there?
Gives location details using 'usually keep' for habitual placement. 'Have you checked there?' is a present perfect question to confirm actions. Useful for directing customers and politely asking about their efforts.
Proporciona detalles de ubicación usando 'usually keep' para colocación habitual. 'Have you checked there?' es una pregunta en presente perfecto para confirmar acciones. Útil para dirigir a los clientes y preguntar cortésmente sobre sus esfuerzos.
Yes, I did, but I couldn't spot it. Maybe it's out of stock?
Responds to a question with 'Yes, I did' (past tense confirmation) and contrasts with 'but'. 'Couldn't spot it' means couldn't see it. 'Maybe it's out of stock?' suggests a possibility. Use this to explain problems and guess reasons.
Responde a una pregunta con 'Yes, I did' (confirmación en pasado) y contrasta con 'but'. 'Couldn't spot it' significa no pudo verlo. 'Maybe it's out of stock?' sugiere una posibilidad. Úsalo para explicar problemas y adivinar razones.
Let me check our system for you.
Offers to look something up politely with 'Let me' (permission to act). 'Our system' refers to a computer database. This is practical for customer service when verifying availability.
Ofrece educadamente buscar algo con 'Let me' (permiso para actuar). 'Our system' se refiere a una base de datos de computadora. Esto es práctico para el servicio al cliente al verificar la disponibilidad.
It looks like we have a few copies in stock. Let me walk you over to the exact spot.
Reports information with 'It looks like' for tentative statements. 'A few copies in stock' means some available. 'Let me walk you over' offers personal guidance. Useful for reassuring customers and providing help.
Reporta información con 'It looks like' para declaraciones tentativas. 'A few copies in stock' significa algunas disponibles. 'Let me walk you over' ofrece guía personal. Útil para tranquilizar a los clientes y proporcionar ayuda.
Oh, that would be wonderful! Thank you so much!
Expresses gratitude enthusiastically. 'That would be wonderful' is conditional for future help. 'Thank you so much' emphasizes thanks. Use this to show appreciation in service situations.
Expresa gratitud entusiastamente. 'Eso sería maravilloso' es condicional para ayuda futura. 'Muchas gracias' enfatiza los agradecimientos. Úsalo para mostrar aprecio en situaciones de servicio.