Dialogue

Vocabulary

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Lesson Transcript

INTRODUCTION
In today’s lesson, we’ll introduce you a phrase that will help you track down that specific something you’re looking for.
GRAMMAR POINT
Today’s phrase is where can I get or buy something?
First, we need (something), so let’s use the word pilas which means “batteries.”
Let’s break down this word: pi-las.
And now, let’s hear it once again, pilas.
In Spanish, “Where can I buy batteries?” is ¿Dónde puedo comprar pilas?
¿Dónde puedo comprar pilas?
Let’s break it down by syllable: ¿Dón-de pue-do com-prar pi-las?
And now, let’s hear it once again, ¿Dónde puedo comprar pilas?
The first word, dónde, means “where.”
Let’s break down this word and hear it one more time: dón-de.
And dónde.
This is followed by puedo, which in Spanish is “I can.”
puedo
One more time, puedo.
Then we have comprar, which means “to buy.”
Let’s break it down by syllable: com-prar.
And once again, comprar.
So, to recap here, we have, Dónde puedo comprar…
Literally, this means “Where can I buy…”
Let’s take a look at the next word, pilas, which, as we’ve previously covered means “batteries.
pilas
And pilas.
So, all together, we have, ¿Dónde puedo comprar pilas?
Literally, this means, “Where can I buy batteries?”
Now, to ask for a different item, we can just replace the word for “batteries” with any other word and the phrase works just fine. Let’s try “power converter.”
In Spanish, “Where can I get a power converter?” is ¿Dónde puedo conseguir un transformador?
¿Dónde puedo conseguir un transformador?
The only thing that changes is the thing you’re looking for. In this case, it’s un transformador.
Let’s break down this word and hear it one more time: trans-for-ma-dor.
And transformador.
Talking about power converters, I think this is a good opportunity for giving you some practical information about voltages, clocks, and DVD systems in Spain, just to help out with the arrangements for your trip. The voltage in Spain is 220V at a frequency of 50Hz. Be careful if any of your electronic devices relies on another frequency, like 60Hz in the US. Clocks for domestic appliances usually have two rounded prongs, so in cases of power devices, there are three prongs. Since this is quite hard to describe, you will find a picture of the clock found in Spain in the accompanying PDF.
About DVDs, remember that spain belongs to the DVD Region 2, while for instance, the US belongs to Region 1 and Australia to Region 4. So, unless you have a DVD players that plays all regions or Region 2, you won’t be able to watch any Region 2 DVD that you may buy in Spain on your DVD player at home.
Okay. Today’s phrases will come in handy before leaving the hotel, talking with taxi drivers or other people trying to help you get a desired item. Now that you’re able to ask, you’re going to get an answer. As we’re running out of time, we’re going to have it covered that in the next lesson.

Outro

Okay. To close out today’s lesson, we'd like for you to practice what you've just learned. I'll provide you with the English equivalent of the phrase and you are responsible for saying it aloud. You’ll have a few seconds before I give you the answer, so buena suerte, that means “good luck” in Spanish.
Okay, here we go!
“Where can I buy batteries?” - ¿Dónde puedo comprar pilas?
¿Dónde puedo comprar pilas?
¿Dónde puedo comprar pilas?
“Where can I get a power converter?” - ¿Dónde puedo conseguir un transformador?
¿Dónde puedo conseguir un transformador?
¿Dónde puedo conseguir un transformador?

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