Buscando un departamento
Looking for an apartment
1 · Spanish Story
La historia
Valentina necesita un departamento nuevo en Santiago. Su contrato termina este mes. Ella busca algo cerca del metro y del supermercado. Hoy va a ver un lugar en un barrio tranquilo.
Toma la micro con su carpeta y su celular. En el camino, revisa el aviso otra vez. El anuncio dice un precio bueno. Ella piensa que incluye los gastos básicos. Eso la hace sentir tranquila.
La dueña la espera en la puerta. Le muestra la cocina, el baño y el living. El departamento es pequeño, pero está limpio. Valentina dice: "Está bacán".
Después, la dueña habla de los gastos comunes. Valentina se sorprende. El precio no incluye la luz ni el agua. Tampoco incluye el internet. Ella pregunta cuánto paga al mes en total.
La dueña responde con calma. Valentina mira su libreta y hace cuentas. El lugar le gusta, pero queda más caro de lo que pensaba. Ella dice que necesita pensarlo y hablar con su hermana.
Antes de irse, pregunta por otro horario para volver. La dueña sonríe y dice: "Claro, al tiro". Valentina sale con una idea más clara. Tal vez ese departamento sí sirve, pero primero quiere comparar otras opciones.
2 · Key Phrases
Language to keep
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busca algo cerca del metro
looks for something near the subwayUse this phrase for a practical search for a place near public transport.
Busco algo cerca del metro para llegar rápido al trabajo.
I am looking for something near the subway to get to work quickly.
Toma la micro
She takes the busThis is a common Chilean way to talk about taking the bus.
Toma la micro temprano para evitar el tráfico.
She takes the bus early to avoid traffic.
revisa el aviso otra vez
checks the listing againThis phrase works well when someone looks at an ad or notice for more details.
Revisa el aviso otra vez antes de llamar.
He checks the listing again before calling.
incluye los gastos básicos
includes the basic expensesUse this phrase when a price covers some common costs.
El arriendo incluye los gastos básicos y el agua.
The rent includes the basic expenses and water.
El departamento es pequeño
The apartment is smallThis phrase is useful for describing size in a simple way.
El departamento es pequeño, pero tiene buena luz.
The apartment is small, but it has good light.
queda más caro de lo que pensaba
turns out more expensive than she thoughtUse this when the final cost is higher than expected.
La cuenta quedó más cara de lo que pensaba.
The bill turned out more expensive than I thought.
3 · English Translation
The full story in English
Valentina needs a new apartment in Santiago. Her contract ends this month. She looks for something near the subway and the supermarket. Today she is going to see a place in a quiet neighborhood.
She takes the bus with her folder and her cellphone. On the way, she checks the listing again. The ad says a good price. She thinks it includes the basic expenses. That makes her feel calm.
The owner waits for her at the door. She shows her the kitchen, the bathroom, and the living room. The apartment is small, but it is clean. Valentina says, "It's great."
After that, the owner talks about the common expenses. Valentina is surprised. The price does not include electricity or water. It also does not include internet. She asks how much she pays in total each month.
The owner answers calmly. Valentina looks at her notebook and does some calculations. She likes the place, but it is more expensive than she thought. She says she needs to think about it and talk with her sister.
Before leaving, she asks for another time to come back. The owner smiles and says, "Of course, right away." Valentina leaves with a clearer idea. Maybe that apartment works, but first she wants to compare other options.