Addressing Missed Chores
One roommate needs to gently remind another about a chore they missed or didn't complete to the agreed standard, aiming for a polite and constructive conversation.
Un compañero de habitación necesita recordar amablemente a otro sobre una tarea doméstica que olvidó o no completó según el estándar acordado, con el objetivo de tener una conversación cortés y constructiva.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
chore chart
A list or schedule that shows who does which household tasks and when. It's useful for roommates to divide responsibilities fairly.
Una lista o horario que muestra quién hace qué tareas del hogar y cuándo. Es útil para compañeros de piso para dividir las responsabilidades de forma justa.
wiped down
To clean a surface by wiping it with a cloth to remove dirt. Commonly used for kitchen or bathroom cleaning.
Limpiar una superficie pasándola con un paño para eliminar la suciedad. Comúnmente usado para la limpieza de cocina o baño.
spaced on
Informal way to say 'forgot' or 'didn't remember' something. It's casual and shows it was an oversight, not intentional.
Forma informal de decir 'olvidé' o 'no recordé' algo. Es casual y muestra que fue un descuido, no intencional.
slipped my mind
Means something was forgotten accidentally. It's a polite way to admit a mistake without making it seem serious.
Significa que algo se olvidó accidentalmente. Es una forma educada de admitir un error sin que parezca grave.
apologies
A formal or polite way to say 'sorry.' Use it when you want to express regret sincerely.
Una forma formal o educada de decir 'lo siento'. Úsala cuando quieras expresar arrepentimiento sinceramente.
heads-up
A warning or reminder in advance. It's informal and helpful for giving notice about something without blaming.
Una advertencia o recordatorio por adelantado. Es informal y útil para dar aviso sobre algo sin culpar.
consistent
Doing something in the same way over time. In chores, it means sticking to the schedule to keep things fair.
Hacer algo de la misma manera a lo largo del tiempo. En las tareas del hogar, significa ceñirse al horario para mantener las cosas justas.
gentle reminder
A soft, polite way to remind someone without making them feel bad. Useful for maintaining good relationships.
Una forma suave y educada de recordar a alguien sin hacer que se sienta mal. Útil para mantener buenas relaciones.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey Michael, do you have a quick moment? I just wanted to chat about something.
This is a polite way to start a conversation and ask if the person is free. Use it when you need to discuss something important but not urgent. 'Quick moment' means a short time.
Esta es una forma educada de iniciar una conversación y preguntar si la persona está disponible. Úsala cuando necesites discutir algo importante pero no urgente. 'Quick moment' significa un corto tiempo.
Sure, what's up, Emily? Everything okay?
A casual response showing willingness to listen. 'What's up?' is slang for 'What's the matter?' and 'Everything okay?' checks if there's a problem. Great for friendly talks.
Una respuesta casual que muestra disposición para escuchar. 'What's up?' es jerga para '¿Qué pasa?' y 'Everything okay?' verifica si hay algún problema. Genial para charlas amigables.
I just noticed the kitchen counters haven't been wiped down yet, and it was on our chore chart for today. Did you maybe forget?
This gently points out a missed task without accusing. 'Just noticed' softens the statement, and 'Did you maybe forget?' uses 'maybe' to be polite. Useful for reminding roommates.
Esto señala suavemente una tarea perdida sin acusar. 'Acabo de notar' suaviza la declaración, y '¿Te olvidaste, quizás?' usa 'quizás' para ser educado. Útil para recordar a compañeros de piso.
Oh man, you are absolutely right! I totally spaced on that. I was so caught up with work deadlines, it completely slipped my mind. My apologies!
This admits a mistake honestly and explains why without excuses. 'Absolutely right' agrees fully, 'spaced on' and 'slipped my mind' are idioms for forgetting. Ends with apology for politeness.
Esto admite un error honestamente y explica por qué sin excusas. 'Absolutely right' acuerda completamente, 'spaced on' y 'slipped my mind' son modismos para olvidar. Termina con una disculpa por cortesía.
No worries at all! Just wanted to give you a heads-up before things got sticky.
Reassures the other person it's okay. 'No worries' means 'don't be concerned,' and 'give you a heads-up' is a reminder. 'Got sticky' here means becoming messy or problematic.
Reasegura a la otra persona de que está bien. 'No worries' significa 'no te preocupes', y 'give you a heads-up' es un recordatorio. 'Got sticky' aquí significa volverse desordenado o problemático.
Thanks for the gentle reminder, I appreciate it. I'll get to it right after I finish this email.
Shows gratitude for the reminder and promises action. 'Gentle reminder' acknowledges politeness, 'appreciate' means thankful. 'Get to it' means do the task soon. Builds positive dialogue.
Muestra gratitud por el recordatorio y promete acción. 'Gentle reminder' reconoce la cortesía, 'appreciate' significa agradecido. 'Get to it' significa hacer la tarea pronto. Construye diálogo positivo.
Perfect, thanks so much, Michael! That would be great.
Expresses approval and thanks. 'Perfect' shows satisfaction, and 'that would be great' encourages the action. Use this to end conversations positively.
Expresa aprobación y gracias. 'Perfecto' muestra satisfacción, y 'eso sería genial' anima a la acción. Úsalo para terminar conversaciones de manera positiva.