Initial Problem Description
A customer describes their computer's main problem (e.g., won't turn on, freezes, slow performance) to the technician.
Un cliente describe al técnico el principal problema de su computadora (por ejemplo, no enciende, se congela, rendimiento lento).
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
trouble
Means a problem or difficulty. In this context, it's used to politely describe an issue with the laptop, like 'I'm having some trouble with my laptop.' This is common when seeking help for devices.
Significa un problema o dificultad. En este contexto, se usa para describir cortésmente un problema con la laptop, como 'Estoy teniendo un problema con mi laptop.' Esto es común al buscar ayuda para dispositivos.
issue
Refers to a problem or concern. The technician asks 'What seems to be the issue?' to understand the main problem. It's a professional way to inquire about difficulties.
Se refiere a un problema o preocupación. El técnico pregunta '¿Cuál parece ser el problema?' para entender el problema principal. Es una forma profesional de indagar sobre dificultades.
freezes
Means the computer stops working and becomes unresponsive. Lisa says 'it just freezes completely.' This is a common term for computer glitches in everyday tech conversations.
Significa que la computadora deja de funcionar y se vuelve no receptiva. Lisa dice 'simplemente se congela por completo.' Este es un término común para fallos informáticos en conversaciones cotidianas sobre tecnología.
diagnostics
Tests or checks to identify problems. Michael says 'run some diagnostics' to find the computer's issue. It's useful in repair scenarios to show you're taking steps to investigate.
Pruebas o verificaciones para identificar problemas. Michael dice 'ejecuta algunos diagnósticos' para encontrar el problema de la computadora. Es útil en escenarios de reparación para mostrar que estás tomando pasos para investigar.
pinpoint
Means to identify exactly. In 'pinpoint the exact issue,' it describes finding the precise cause of a problem. This word helps in technical discussions to sound precise.
Medio para identificar exactamente. En 'pinpoint the exact issue', describe encontrar la causa precisa de un problema. Esta palabra ayuda en discusiones técnicas para sonar preciso.
failing
Means not working properly or breaking down. Like 'failing hard drive,' it describes hardware that's deteriorating. Common in explaining tech repairs to customers.
Significa no funcionar correctamente o averiarse. Como 'failing hard drive' (disco duro fallando), describe hardware que se está deteriorando. Común al explicar reparaciones técnicas a clientes.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hi, I'm having some trouble with my laptop and was hoping you could take a look.
This is a polite way to start a conversation about a problem. It uses 'having some trouble' for mild issues and 'was hoping' to express a request softly. Useful when seeking help from a service provider; the grammar is present continuous for ongoing problems.
Esta es una forma educada de iniciar una conversación sobre un problema. Usa 'having some trouble' para cuestiones leves y 'was hoping' para expresar una solicitud de manera suave. Útil al buscar ayuda de un proveedor de servicios; la gramática es presente continuo para problemas en curso.
What seems to be the issue?
A professional question to ask for details about a problem. 'Seems to be' softens the inquiry, making it less direct. Great for customer service roles; it's a simple present tense question pattern for gathering information.
Una pregunta profesional para pedir detalles sobre un problema. 'Parece ser' suaviza la indagación, haciéndola menos directa. Genial para roles de servicio al cliente; es un patrón de pregunta en presente simple para recopilar información.
Well, it's been running incredibly slow lately.
Describes a recent ongoing problem. 'It's been running' uses present perfect continuous tense to show something started in the past and continues. 'Incredibly slow' adds emphasis. Useful for explaining tech symptoms over time.
Describe un problema reciente en curso. 'It's been running' usa el present perfect continuous para mostrar que algo empezó en el pasado y continúa. 'Incredibly slow' añade énfasis. Útil para explicar síntomas técnicos a lo largo del tiempo.
It just started getting progressively worse over the last few weeks.
Explains a problem worsening gradually. 'Progressively worse' means step by step getting bad; 'over the last few weeks' specifies time. Present perfect 'has started' (implied) for recent changes. Helpful in describing how issues develop.
Explica un problema que empeora gradualmente. 'Progressively worse' significa empeorar paso a paso; 'over the last few weeks' especifica el tiempo. Presente perfecto 'has started' (implícito) para cambios recientes. Útil para describir cómo se desarrollan los problemas.
I'll need to run some diagnostics to pinpoint the exact issue.
States a plan to investigate. Future 'I'll need to' expresses necessity, and infinitive 'to pinpoint' shows purpose. This is practical for technicians explaining next steps; teaches how to outline actions in service talks.
Expone un plan para investigar. El futuro 'I'll need to' expresa necesidad, y el infinitivo 'to pinpoint' muestra propósito. Esto es práctico para técnicos que explican los próximos pasos; enseña cómo delinear acciones en charlas de servicio.
It could be anything from a failing hard drive to a software conflict or even just needing a good cleaning.
Lists possible causes using 'could be' for possibilities and 'from...to...or even' for range of options. Useful to show uncertainty in diagnoses; the structure helps in giving balanced explanations without committing to one answer.
Lista posibles causas usando 'could be' para posibilidades y 'from...to...or even' para rango de opciones. Útil para mostrar incertidumbre en diagnósticos; la estructura ayuda a dar explicaciones equilibradas sin comprometerse con una respuesta.