Spanish · 0:50 · Part 1 of 4
The Open Window: A quiet afternoon
A quiet afternoon. Listen to part 1 of The Open Window, a short Spanish story with English translations and a reply to practice.
By Fabling · A shared lesson, free to watch
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Read and understand
Spanish from the video
Read the Spanish, then check its English meaning. Listen again when you want to hear the phrasing.
Carlos está descansando en el sofá de su casa durante una tarde tranquila.
Carlos is resting on his sofa at home during a quiet afternoon.
De repente, escucha un ruido suave contra el cristal.
Suddenly, he hears a soft noise against the glass.
El agua de la lluvia está cayendo con fuerza desde el cielo gris.
The rainwater is falling hard from the gray sky.
Carlos abre los ojos con sorpresa y mira hacia la pared.
Carlos opens his eyes with surprise and looks toward the wall.
En ese momento comprende la situación.
At that moment he understands the situation.
Alguien dejó la ventana grande totalmente abierta y el aire frío está entrando a la habitación.
Someone left the big window completely open and the cold air is entering the room.
A closer look
Listen for estar followed by a gerund, such as está descansando. This combination describes an action in progress.
Listen once before reading the English. Then play the passage again and choose one sentence to say aloud.
Your turn
Try one reply.
What did someone leave open? Answer in Spanish.
Show an example
La ventana está abierta. — The window is open.
More of this story
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0:58The Open Window · Part 2 of 4
The Open Window: Rain through the window
Rain through the window. Listen to part 2 of The Open Window, a short Spanish story with English translations and a reply to practice.
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0:57The Open Window · Part 3 of 4
The Open Window: Drying the floor
Drying the floor. Listen to part 3 of The Open Window, a short Spanish story with English translations and a reply to practice.
Watch the lesson
0:52The Open Window · Part 4 of 4
The Open Window: Calm returns
Calm returns. Listen to part 4 of The Open Window, a short Spanish story with English translations and a reply to practice.
Watch the lesson