A1 Spanish

Stories completed

20. El anillo perfecto

(The Perfect Ring)

Simón is going to propose to Yolanda on Christmas night. He asks his sister to help him choose clothing and the ring. Big mistake?

Illustration of a woman holding shopping bags and a smiling man in a casual suit

Spanish version

Simón llama a su hermana.

—Eliana, necesito ayuda. Voy a <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="to propose" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">proponer matrimonio a Yolanda en <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="Christmas" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">Navidad.

—¿De verdad? ¡Qué bien! ¿Qué necesitas?

—Ropa nueva. Y un anillo.

—Vale. Mañana vamos de compras.

Al día siguiente van al <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="the shopping mall" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">centro comercial. Simón ve <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="a suit" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">un traje <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="grey" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">gris.

—Me gusta <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="this suit" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">este traje.

—<span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="That suit" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">Ese traje es muy aburrido.

Eliana señala la ventana.

—Mira <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="that suit over there" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">aquel traje azul <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="over there" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">de allá. Es perfecto.

—Pero este gris es <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="elegant" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">elegante...

—No. Necesitas aquel azul.

—Vale. ¿Y <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="this shirt" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">esta camisa verde? Es <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="classic" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">clásica.

—Ay no. Esa es horrible. Aquella camisa <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="white" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">blanca de allá es mejor.

Ahora las corbatas.

—Mira <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="this tie" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">esta corbata azul. Muy elegante.

—No sé. Mira esta corbata amarilla. Es bonita.

—No, esa es muy <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="ugly" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">fea. Esta azul es mejor.

Simón no dice nada. Siempre <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="he accepts" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">acepta.

Después van a <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="the jewelry store" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">la joyería.

—Me gusta este anillo. Es <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="simple" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">sencillo y bonito —dice Simón.

—Ese es <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="too" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">demasiado sencillo. Yolanda es <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="special" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">especial.

—También tenemos otros anillos —dice el vendedor.

—Este es <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="beautiful" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">precioso.

—¿Estás segura? Me gusta aquel anillo de allá...

—Sí, pero este es mejor. Este es perfecto para Yolanda.

Simón mira el anillo. No es <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="his favorite" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">su favorito.

—Vale... este.

El vendedor pregunta:

—¿Cuál es <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="the size" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">la talla?

—Talla seis —dice Simón muy seguro.

Eliana duda.

—¿Talla seis? No sé... quizás talla siete...

—No, no. Talla seis. Estoy seguro.

Es <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="Christmas Eve" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">Nochebuena. Simón llega a casa. Yolanda lo ve y sonríe.

—¡Ese traje <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="it suits you well" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">te queda muy bien!

—¿Te gusta?

—¡Sí! Y esa camisa es muy elegante. Ese <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="the color" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">color azul es perfecto para ti. Tienes muy <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="good taste" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">buen gusto.

—Gracias cariño.

Después de la cena, Simón se levanta. La familia lo mira.

—Yolanda... ven aquí un momento.

Ella se acerca, <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="confused" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">confundida. Simón toma su mano.

—Eres inteligente, divertida, guapa...

Se arrodilla. Toda la familia está sorprendida.

—¿Te quieres casar conmigo?

—¡Sí! ¡Quiero!

Hay <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="applause" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">aplausos. Muchas <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="tears" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">lágrimas.

Simón le pone el anillo en <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="the finger" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">el dedo.

Pero... no entra.

—No... no puede ser... ¿No eres talla seis?

Yolanda le coge las manos.

—Simón, Simón. <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="Look at me" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">Mírame. Soy talla siete. Pero no pasa nada.

—Pero el anillo... no entra...

—Simón, la talla no importa.

—Pero...

—<span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="What matters" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">Lo que importa eres tú, y nuestro <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="love" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">amor. <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="That" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">Eso es <span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="the important thing" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">lo importante.

Simón respira. Mira a Yolanda. Ella tiene razón.

<span class="vocab-tooltip" fb-tooltip="true" fb-tooltip-message="As always" fb-tooltip-position="top" fb-tooltip-theme="dark" fb-tooltip-animation="shift-away" fb-tooltip-show-delay="100" fb-tooltip-arrow="rounded">Como siempre.

Spanish story with English translation

Simón llama a su hermana.

Simón calls his sister.

—Eliana, necesito ayuda. Voy a proponer matrimonio a Yolanda en Navidad.

"Eliana, I need help. I'm going to propose to Yolanda at Christmas."

—¿De verdad? ¡Qué bien! ¿Qué necesitas?

"Really? How wonderful! What do you need?"

—Ropa nueva. Y un anillo.

"New clothes. And a ring."

—Vale. Mañana vamos de compras.

"Okay. Tomorrow we're going shopping."

Al día siguiente van al centro comercial. Simón ve un traje gris.

The next day they go to the shopping center. Simón sees a gray suit.

—Me gusta este traje.

"I like this suit."

—Ese traje es muy aburrido.

"That suit is very boring."

Eliana señala la ventana.

Eliana points to the window.

—Mira aquel traje azul de allá. Es perfecto.

"Look at that blue suit over there. It's perfect."

—Pero este gris es elegante...

"But this gray one is elegant..."

—No. Necesitas aquel azul.

"No. You need that blue one."

—Vale. ¿Y esta camisa verde? Es clásica.

"Okay. And this green shirt? It's classic."

—Ay no. Esa es horrible. Aquella camisa blanca de allá es mejor.

"Oh no. That one is horrible. That white shirt over there is better."

Ahora las corbatas.

Now the ties.

—Mira esta corbata azul. Muy elegante.

"Look at this blue tie. Very elegant."

—No sé. Mira esta corbata amarilla. Es bonita.

"I don't know. Look at this yellow tie. It's pretty."

—No, esa es muy fea. Esta azul es mejor.

"No, that one is very ugly. This blue one is better."

Simón no dice nada. Siempre acepta.

Simón says nothing. He always accepts.

Después van a la joyería.

Afterwards they go to the jewelry store.

—Me gusta este anillo. Es sencillo y bonito —dice Simón.

"I like this ring. It's simple and pretty," says Simón.

—Ese es demasiado sencillo. Yolanda es especial.

"That one is too simple. Yolanda is special."

—También tenemos otros anillos —dice el vendedor.

"We also have other rings," says the salesman.

—Este es precioso.

"This one is gorgeous."

—¿Estás segura? Me gusta aquel anillo de allá...

"Are you sure? I like that ring over there..."

—Sí, pero este es mejor. Este es perfecto para Yolanda.

"Yes, but this one is better. This one is perfect for Yolanda."

Simón mira el anillo. No es su favorito.

Simón looks at the ring. It is not his favorite.

—Vale... este.

"Okay... this one."

El vendedor pregunta:

The salesman asks:

—¿Cuál es la talla?

"What is the size?"

—Talla seis —dice Simón muy seguro.

"Size six," says Simón very confidently.

Eliana duda.

Eliana hesitates.

—¿Talla seis? No sé... quizás talla siete...

"Size six? I don't know... maybe size seven..."

—No, no. Talla seis. Estoy seguro.

"No, no. Size six. I'm sure."

Es Nochebuena. Simón llega a casa. Yolanda lo ve y sonríe.

It is Christmas Eve. Simón arrives home. Yolanda sees him and smiles.

—¡Ese traje te queda muy bien!

"That suit looks great on you!"

—¿Te gusta?

"Do you like it?"

—¡Sí! Y esa camisa es muy elegante. Ese color azul es perfecto para ti. Tienes muy buen gusto.

"Yes! And that shirt is very elegant. That blue color is perfect for you. You have very good taste."

—Gracias cariño.

"Thank you, sweetheart."

Después de la cena, Simón se levanta. La familia lo mira.

After dinner, Simón stands up. The family looks at him.

—Yolanda... ven aquí un momento.

"Yolanda... come here for a moment."

Ella se acerca, confundida. Simón toma su mano.

She approaches, confused. Simón takes her hand.

—Eres inteligente, divertida, guapa...

"You are intelligent, fun, beautiful..."

Se arrodilla. Toda la familia está sorprendida.

He kneels down. The whole family is surprised.

—¿Te quieres casar conmigo?

"Do you want to marry me?"

—¡Sí! ¡Quiero!

"Yes! I do!"

Hay aplausos. Muchas lágrimas.

There is applause. Many tears.

Simón le pone el anillo en el dedo.

Simón puts the ring on her finger.

Pero... no entra.

But... it doesn't fit.

—No... no puede ser... ¿No eres talla seis?

"No... it can't be... Aren't you size six?"

Yolanda le coge las manos.

Yolanda takes his hands.

—Simón, Simón. Mírame. Soy talla siete. Pero no pasa nada.

"Simón, Simón. Look at me. I'm size seven. But it's okay."

—Pero el anillo... no entra...

"But the ring... it doesn't fit..."

—Simón, la talla no importa.

"Simón, the size doesn't matter."

—Pero...

"But..."

—Lo que importa eres tú, y nuestro amor. Eso es lo importante.

"What matters is you, and our love. That is what's important."

Simón respira. Mira a Yolanda. Ella tiene razón.

Simón breathes. He looks at Yolanda. She is right.

Como siempre.

As always.

Part 2

Vocabulary Flashcards

Part 3

Story Challenge

Part 4

Patterns Challenge

Part 5

Listening Challenge

Part 6

Writing Challenge

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Question 1

Your friend asks about Simón and Eliana at the store. Reply in Spanish: Eliana does not like this gray suit. She likes that blue suit (hint: over there) more.

Example: A Eliana no le gusta este traje gris. Le gusta más aquel traje azul.

Notes:

"Este" = this (right here, touching distance). "Aquel" = that over there (far away, across the store). Two ends of the distance scale.
The demonstrative just replaces the article: "el traje" becomes "este traje," "la camisa" becomes "esa camisa." Everything else in the sentence stays the same.
"Aquel traje azul" works on its own. You can add "de allá" for emphasis ("aquel traje azul de allá") but it's optional.

Question 2

You are at the clothing store with Simón. Ask him in Spanish: Do you like this blue suit? Is that shirt (hint: nearby) elegant? How much does that tie (hint: over there) cost?

Example 1: ¿Te gusta este traje azul? ¿Esa camisa es elegante? ¿Cuánto cuesta aquella corbata?

Example 2: ¿Te gusta este traje azul? ¿Es elegante esa camisa? ¿Cuánto cuesta aquella corbata?

Notes:

Three distances: este (here with me), esa (there near you), aquella (over there, far from both of us). Think of it as: I can touch it → este. You can touch it → ese. Neither of us can → aquel.
"Esa camisa" but "este traje" → the demonstrative matches the noun's gender. Camisa is feminine → esa. Traje is masculine → este. Same rule as articles.
"¿Esa camisa es elegante?" and "¿Es elegante esa camisa?" both work. Spanish is flexible with word order in questions.

Question 3

Simón asks for your help at the store. Answer in Spanish: This gray suit is not pretty. That blue tie (hint: nearby) is elegant. I like that white shirt over there more.

Example: Este traje gris no es bonito. Esa corbata azul es elegante. Me gusta más aquella camisa blanca de allá.

Notes:

Each sentence uses a different distance: este (here), esa (middle), aquella (far).
"Me gusta más" = I like more. You already know GUSTAR. Just add "más" after.

Question 4

Translate to Spanish: This suit is blue. That shirt (hint: nearby) is white. That tie over there is ugly. These shoes are expensive. Those rings (hint: nearby) are beautiful.

Example: Este traje es azul. Esa camisa es blanca. Aquella corbata de allá es fea. Estos zapatos son caros. Esos anillos son bonitos.

Notes:

Plural just adds -os/-as: este → estos, ese → esos. Same gender matching: estos zapatos (masculine), esas camisas (feminine).
Five demonstratives in five sentences. If you got all five right you have the full system: singular, plural & all three distances.

Question 5

Translate to Spanish: Simón likes this gray suit. It is elegant. Eliana likes that blue suit over there more. This green shirt is horrible. She wants that white shirt (hint: nearby).

Example: A Simón le gusta este traje gris. Es elegante. A Eliana le gusta más aquel traje azul de allá. Esta camisa verde es horrible. Quiere esa camisa blanca.

Notes:

"Esta camisa verde" (this one, right here) vs "esa camisa blanca" (that one, nearby) → two shirts at different distances. The demonstrative does the pointing for you.

Question 6

Translate to Spanish: It is Christmas Eve. This ring is for Yolanda. Simón is very nervous. The ring is size six and Yolanda is size seven. The ring does not enter.

Example: Es Nochebuena. Este anillo es para Yolanda. Simón está muy nervioso. El anillo es talla seis y Yolanda es talla siete. El anillo no entra.

Notes:

"Este anillo" → Simón is holding the ring in his hand. Right here, touching it → este. That's the most natural use.
"Talla" for clothing and rings. "Número" for shoes. Both use SER because it's a fixed measurement: "es talla seis," "soy talla siete," "mis zapatos son número cuarenta."

Reply in Spanish and join the discussion!

Simón lets his sister choose everything except the ring for Yolanda. What about you?

Are you like Simón (flexible, everything is fine) or like Eliana (you know exactly what you want)?
Do you like surprises?
Do you like to give gifts or receive gifts?

Part 7

Speaking Challenge

From the shopping mall to the jewelry store to the big night itself… you're stepping into Simón's world. Pick outfits, recommend rings, plan a proposal, shop for your family and tell everyone the whole proposal story at Christmas dinner.

Shopping with Eliana

You're Simón at the shopping mall. Eliana holds up different items, asking which ones you like. She has strong opinions... but first, she wants to hear yours.

Your task - tell Eliana which items you prefer:

Say you like this grey suit; say it's elegant
Say you like those black pants (hint: nearby); say they're classic
Say that green shirt (hint: nearby) is horrible; say you prefer that white shirt (hint: over there)
Say you like this blue tie and this brown belt; say you need both
Say you want that hoodie (hint: over there) (sudadera); ask Eliana if she likes it

Speak for 35-50 seconds

Reveal sample answer

Me gusta este traje gris. Es elegante.
1. I like this grey suit. It's elegant.
Me gustan esos pantalones negros. Son clásicos.
1. I like those black pants. They're classic.
Esa camisa verde es horrible. Me gusta más aquella camisa blanca.
1. That green shirt is horrible. I like that white shirt (over there) more.
Me gustan esta corbata azul y este cinturón marrón. Necesito los dos.
1. I like this blue tie and this brown belt. I need both.
Quiero aquella sudadera. Eliana, ¿te gusta?
1. I want that hoodie (over there). Eliana, do you like it?

At the Jewelry Counter

You're the vendedor at the jewelry store. A customer walks in looking for gifts. Time to show them what you've got.

Your task - help the customer:

Greet the customer and ask what they're looking for
Say this gold ring right here is simple and elegant; say the price (350 euros)
Point to that silver watch (hint: over there) (reloj); say the price (8.000 euros)
Say this yellow necklace (collar) right here is very elegant; say the price (230 euros)
Point to those earrings (hint: over there) (pendientes); say the price (120 euros)
The customer wants the ring and the necklace; ask what his girlfriend's size is
Say the total (580 euros) and ask if they want to pay with card or cash (efectivo)

Speak for 45 seconds - 1 minute

Reveal sample answer

¡Hola, buenas tardes! ¿Qué busca? / ¡Bienvenido! ¿Qué necesita?
1. Hi, good afternoon! What are you looking for? / Welcome! What do you need?
Este anillo de oro es sencillo y elegante. Cuesta trescientos cincuenta euros.
1. This gold ring is simple and elegant. It costs three hundred and fifty euros.
Aquel reloj de plata cuesta ocho mil euros.
1. That silver watch (over there) costs eight thousand euros.
Este collar amarillo es muy elegante. Cuesta doscientos treinta euros.
1. This yellow necklace is very elegant. It costs two hundred and thirty euros.
Aquellos pendientes cuestan ciento veinte euros.
1. Those earrings (over there) cost one hundred and twenty euros.
¿Cuál es la talla de su novia?
1. What is your girlfriend's size?
El total es quinientos ochenta euros. ¿Quiere pagar con tarjeta o en efectivo?
1. The total is five hundred and eighty euros. Do you want to pay with card or in cash?

Simón's Nerves

It's the morning of Nochebuena. You're Simón and your best friend comes to your apartment because you're very nervous. He doesn't know about the proposal.

Your task - talk to your friend:

Say you're very nervous and a little worried
Say you have to shower, shave and get dressed
Show your friend this blue suit, this white shirt and this blue tie right here in your closet
Show your friend this ring right here in your pocket - say it's beautiful and perfect for Yolanda
Say dinner is at nine tonight and Yolanda and her family are going to the dinner
Say you're going to ask Yolanda to marry you (proponer matrimonio) after dinner

Speak for 45 seconds - 1 minute

Reveal sample answer

Estoy muy nervioso y un poco preocupado.
1. I'm very nervous and a little worried.
Tengo que ducharme, afeitarme y vestirme.
1. I have to shower, shave and get dressed.
Mira, en el armario tengo este traje azul, esta camisa blanca y esta corbata azul.
1. Look, in the closet I have this blue suit, this white shirt and this blue tie.
Mira este anillo. Es bonito y perfecto para Yolanda.
1. Look at this ring. It's beautiful and perfect for Yolanda.
La cena es a las nueve esta noche. Yolanda y su familia van a la cena.
1. Dinner is at nine tonight. Yolanda and her family are going to the dinner.
Voy a proponer matrimonio a Yolanda después de la cena.
1. I'm going to propose to Yolanda after dinner.

Shopping List

It's the day after Christmas and there are big sales at the mall. You're shopping with a friend, buying gifts for your mom, your brother and your little sister.

Your task - describe what you want to buy:

Say your mom likes perfume - point to this perfume right here and say it's good and perfect for her (45 euros)
Say your brother likes books - say you don't like this book right here; say that book (hint: over there) on the shelf is better (22 euros)
Say your little sister is eight years old and likes toys - say that toy (hint: nearby) (juguete) is too small; tell him that that toy (hint: over there) is better (35 euros)
Say the total (102 euros) and say you're going to pay with card

Speak for 45 seconds - 1 minute

Reveal sample answer

A mi madre le gusta el perfume. Este perfume es bueno y perfecto para ella. Cuesta cuarenta y cinco euros.
1. My mom likes perfume. This perfume is good and perfect for her. It costs forty-five euros.
A mi hermano le gustan los libros. No me gusta este libro. Aquel libro es mejor. Cuesta veintidós euros.
1. My brother likes books. I don't like this book. That book (over there) is better. It costs twenty-two euros.
Mi hermana pequeña tiene ocho años y le gustan los juguetes. Ese juguete es demasiado pequeño. Aquel juguete es mejor. Cuesta treinta y cinco euros.
1. My little sister is eight years old and she likes toys. That toy (nearby) is too small. That toy (over there) is better. It costs thirty-five euros.
El total es ciento dos euros. Voy a pagar con tarjeta.
1. The total is one hundred and two euros. I'm going to pay with card.

Christmas Stories

It's Christmas with your family. Everyone is telling stories around the table. Your mom says: "Your turn!" and everyone looks at you.

Your task - tell the story in your own words:

Say the story is about Simón - he wants to propose to his girlfriend Yolanda on Christmas
Explain why he calls his sister Eliana (what does he need?)
Say where they go together the next day
Say what Simón likes at the store (what color suit? what color shirt?)
Say what Eliana chooses for him instead (what color suit? what color shirt? why?)
Say where they go next and describe what happens with the rings (which one does Simón like? which one does Eliana choose?)
What does the vendedor ask? What size does Simón say? What size does Eliana say?
Describe Nochebuena - what does Yolanda say when she sees Simón?
Describe the proposal - what does Simón say? What does Yolanda say?
What goes wrong with the ring? What does Yolanda say about what's really important?
Now as yourself - what do you think about this story and why? (Esta historia es...)
Do you like shopping with your family? Who do you go shopping with?
Do you think Eliana has good taste? Should Simón listen to his sister? Why?
Yolanda says Simón has good taste - but Simón doesn't say anything. Is that funny? Why?
Do you think men can buy good clothes alone or do they need help? Why?

Speak for 1.5-2 minutes

Reveal sample answer

La historia es sobre Simón. Quiere proponer matrimonio a su novia Yolanda en Navidad.
1. The story is about Simón. He wants to propose to his girlfriend Yolanda at Christmas.
Simón llama a su hermana Eliana. Necesita ayuda. Necesita ropa nueva y un anillo.
1. Simón calls his sister Eliana. He needs help. He needs new clothes and a ring.
Al día siguiente van al centro comercial.
1. The next day they go to the shopping mall.
A Simón le gusta un traje gris y una camisa verde.
1. Simón likes a grey suit and a green shirt.
Eliana dice que el traje gris es aburrido. El traje azul es mejor. Y la camisa verde es horrible. La camisa blanca es mejor.
1. Eliana says that the grey suit is boring. The blue suit is better. And the green shirt is horrible. The white shirt is better.
Después van a la joyería. A Simón le gusta un anillo sencillo, pero Eliana dice que es demasiado sencillo para Yolanda. Eliana dice que otro anillo es mejor. Es precioso y perfecto para Yolanda.
1. Then they go to the jewelry store. Simón likes a simple ring, but Eliana says that it's too simple for Yolanda. Eliana says that another ring is better. It's beautiful and perfect for Yolanda.
El vendedor pregunta la talla. Simón dice talla seis. Eliana dice talla siete.
1. The seller asks the size. Simón says size six. Eliana says size seven.
Es Nochebuena. Yolanda ve a Simón y dice que el traje es muy bonito. Dice que el color azul es perfecto para él. Dice que Simón tiene muy buen gusto.
1. It's Christmas Eve. Yolanda sees Simón and says that the suit is very nice. She says that the blue color is perfect for him. She says that Simón has very good taste.
Después de la cena, Simón se levanta. Dice que Yolanda es inteligente, divertida y guapa. Se arrodilla y pregunta: "¿Te quieres casar conmigo?" Yolanda dice que sí.
1. After dinner, Simón stands up. He says that Yolanda is intelligent, fun and beautiful. He kneels and asks: "Do you want to marry me?" Yolanda says yes.
Simón pone el anillo en el dedo de Yolanda, pero no entra. El anillo es talla seis, pero Yolanda es talla siete. Yolanda dice que la talla no importa. Lo importante es el amor.
1. Simón puts the ring on Yolanda's finger, but it doesn't fit. The ring is size six, but Yolanda is size seven. Yolanda says that the size doesn't matter. What's important is love.
Esta historia es muy divertida y bonita. Me gusta mucho porque es una historia de amor.
1. This story is very funny and beautiful. I like it a lot because it's a love story.
Sí, me gusta ir de compras con mi familia. Voy de compras con mi [madre / hermana].
1. Yes, I like going shopping with my family. I go shopping with my [mom / sister].
Sí, Eliana tiene buen gusto. Simón debe escuchar a su hermana porque a Yolanda le gusta la ropa.
1. Yes, Eliana has good taste. Simón should listen to his sister because Yolanda likes the clothes.
Sí, es muy divertido. Yolanda dice que Simón tiene buen gusto, pero es Eliana quién elige toda la ropa. Simón no dice nada.
1. Yes, it's very funny. Yolanda says that Simón has good taste, but it's Eliana who chooses all the clothes. Simón doesn't say anything.
No, los hombres necesitan ayuda. / Sí, los hombres pueden comprar ropa solos, pero es mejor ir con alguien.
1. No, men need help. / Yes, men can buy clothes alone, but it's better to go with someone.

Part 8

Culture

1. Why Simón Proposed on Nochebuena

Simón doesn't just propose to Yolanda. He does it on Nochebuena… in front of the entire family… after dinner… with a ring his sister picked out.

Bold move. Let's talk about why that night matters so much.

The night that matters most

In most of the world, Christmas Day is the big one.

December 25. The morning. The presents. The main event.

In Spain… that's not how it works.

Nochebuena (literally "the good night") is Christmas Eve, December 24.

And it's the emotional centre of the entire holiday season.

This is when the whole family comes together. Grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles… everyone.

The dinner starts late. Around 9 or 10 PM because… Spain.

A Spanish Christmas dinner table with plates of octopus, prawns, canapés with caviar, bread and a glass of red wine.

This is probably what Simón's table looked like. And these are just the starters

And it goes for hours. Multiple courses.

Jamón and charcuterie to start while everyone catches up
Seafood (prawns, clams, lobster depending on the region)
Roast lamb or fish as a main course
Turrón (almond nougat), polvorones (crumbly almond shortbread) and cava (Spanish sparkling wine) to finish

The table is the event. Not the tree. Not the presents. The table.

Some families go to midnight mass afterward, called Misa del Gallo (literally "Mass of the Rooster").

Others stay home and keep talking until 2 AM because the food is still on the table and nobody wants to be the first to leave.

So when the story says "después de la cena, Simón se levanta"… picture this.

The whole family is still at the table. The plates are mostly empty. Everyone's full and happy and warm from cava.

And Simón stands up.

In front of everyone.

No wonder the ring not fitting was such a disaster. Every aunt in that room saw it happen.

Christmas in Spain doesn't end on December 25

One of the biggest differences between Christmas in Spain and Christmas in most other countries?

In Spain… it keeps going. For almost two and a half weeks.

December 22 - El Gordo (remember the Christmas lottery we talked about?). The whole country stops to watch children sing out the winning numbers on live TV.
December 24 - Nochebuena. The family dinner. The emotional peak. This is where Simón proposed
December 25 - Navidad. A quiet day. Leftovers. Visiting more family. Some kids get small gifts from Papá Noel but it's not the main event
December 31 - Nochevieja. You already know this one. The 12 grapes, the clock, the chaos. The big difference is this one's mostly with friends rather than family
January 5 - Cabalgata de Reyes. Massive parades in every city. The Three Kings ride through on floats throwing sweets to the crowds. Kids go wild

Madrid's 2025 Cabalgata de Reyes. This is what January 5 looks like in Spain. Every city. Every year.

January 6 - Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day). THIS is the big gift-giving day. Not December 25. Spanish kids traditionally get their main presents from the Three Kings, not from Santa. The night before they leave their shoes on the windowsill and put out food for the Kings' camels

So in Spain, if you're a kid… you wait until January 6.

That's almost two more weeks of waiting after most of the world has already opened their presents.

Two weeks.

Can you imagine being six years old and watching kids in other countries open presents on December 25 while yours are still two weeks away?

Simón actually did something very right

Let's give Simón some credit.

Eliana picked his suit. Eliana picked his shirt. Eliana picked the ring.

Simón basically showed up to his own proposal wearing someone else's choices.

But proposing on Nochebuena? In front of the whole family?

That was his call.

And in Spain… that's exactly where you'd want to do it.

The night when everyone who matters is already in the room. The night when the emotion is already there.

He got the when right. He got the where right.

He just got the ring size wrong.

Did You Know?

🍰 The Roscón de Reyes (a ring-shaped cake eaten on January 6) has a tiny figurine and a dried bean hidden inside. Find the figurine and you're king or queen for the day. Find the bean… you pay for the cake

A Roscón de Reyes filled with whipped cream, topped with sliced almonds and candied fruit, with a Christmas tree and gift box in the background.

Roscón de Reyes filled with whipped cream. Every Spanish bakery sells hundreds of these in the first week of January.

🎄 Spain didn't really have a Christmas tree tradition until the last few decades. Most families set up a belén (nativity scene) instead. Some are tiny. Some take up half the living room
⛰️ In the Basque Country, presents aren't brought by Santa or the Three Kings. They're brought by Olentzero, a coal-maker from the mountains who comes down on Christmas Eve
🎭 December 28 in Spain is basically April Fools' Day. It's called Día de los Santos Inocentes and people play pranks all day. TV stations even run fake news stories
🐪 On the night of January 5, Spanish kids leave food out for the Three Kings' camels. If they've been bad all year… they get coal instead of presents

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