Need to Reach Something
Someone is standing in front of an item or display you need to access (e.g., in a supermarket, museum, or shop). You need to ask them to step aside briefly.
Alguien está de pie frente a un artículo o exhibición que necesitas acceder (p. ej., en un supermercado, museo o tienda). Necesitas pedirles que se aparten brevemente.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
excuse me
A polite way to get someone's attention or interrupt them gently, often used before making a request in public places.
Una forma educada de llamar la atención de alguien o interrumpirlo suavemente, a menudo usada antes de hacer una solicitud en lugares públicos.
bother
To disturb or annoy someone slightly; here, it's used to apologize for interrupting, showing politeness.
Molestar o fastidiar a alguien ligeramente; aquí, se usa para disculparse por interrumpir, mostrando cortesía.
mind
In questions like 'Do you mind if...?', it asks if something is okay or acceptable to the other person.
En preguntas como '¿Te importa si...?', pregunta si algo está bien o es aceptable para la otra persona.
grab
An informal word meaning to take or pick up something quickly, useful for everyday actions like reaching for an item.
Una palabra informal que significa tomar o recoger algo rápidamente, útil para acciones cotidianas como alcanzar un artículo.
in the way
Means blocking someone's path or access; it's a common phrase to describe unintentionally obstructing others.
Significa bloquear el camino o el acceso de alguien; es una frase común para describir el obstruir involuntariamente a otros.
no worries
A casual way to say 'it's okay' or 'don't worry about it', used to reassure someone politely.
Una forma casual de decir 'está bien' o 'no te preocupes por eso', usada para tranquilizar a alguien cortésmente.
appreciate
To feel grateful for something; often used in 'I appreciate it' to thank someone sincerely.
Sentir gratitud por algo; a menudo usado en 'I appreciate it' para agradecer sinceramente a alguien.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm so sorry to bother you, but do you mind if I just quickly grab something right behind you?
This is a polite request to interrupt and access something; it uses 'do you mind if' for permission and 'quickly grab' to show it's brief. Useful in crowded places like stores to ask someone to move aside without being rude.
Esta es una solicitud educada para interrumpir y acceder a algo; usa 'do you mind if' para pedir permiso y 'quickly grab' para mostrar que es breve. Útil en lugares concurridos como tiendas para pedirle a alguien que se aparte sin ser grosero.
Oh, not at all! Sorry, I didn't realize I was in the way.
A friendly response agreeing to help and apologizing; 'not at all' means 'no problem at all'. Great for showing empathy and offering to move when someone asks politely.
Una respuesta amistosa que acepta ayudar y se disculpa; 'not at all' significa 'no problem at all'. Ideal para mostrar empatía y ofrecerse a moverse cuando alguien pide cortésmente.
No worries at all! Just trying to get a bottle of that olive oil on the bottom shelf there.
Reassures the other person it's fine; 'no worries' is casual for 'don't worry', and 'just trying to get' explains the simple need. Use this to respond kindly and clarify your request.
Tranquiliza a la otra persona de que está bien; 'no worries' es casual para 'don't worry', y 'just trying to get' explica la necesidad simple. Úsalo para responder amablemente y aclarar tu solicitud.
Let me just step out of your way. There you go.
'Step out of your way' means to move aside to allow access; 'there you go' signals it's done. This is practical for helping someone in tight spaces, like shops or museums.
'Apartarme de tu camino' significa moverse a un lado para permitir el acceso; 'ahí tienes' indica que está hecho. Esto es práctico para ayudar a alguien en espacios reducidos, como tiendas o museos.
Thank you so much! Really appreciate it.
A strong expression of thanks; 'so much' adds emphasis, and 'really appreciate it' shows genuine gratitude. Use after someone helps you to end interactions positively.
Una fuerte expresión de agradecimiento; 'so much' añade énfasis, y 'really appreciate it' muestra gratitud genuina. Úsalo después de que alguien te ayude para terminar las interacciones positivamente.
You're welcome! Glad I could help.
'You're welcome' is the standard reply to thanks; 'glad I could help' expresses happiness in assisting. This polite closing makes conversations feel warm and reciprocal.
'You're welcome' es la respuesta estándar a las gracias; 'glad I could help' expresa felicidad por ayudar. Este cierre educado hace que las conversaciones se sientan cálidas y recíprocas.