Frases de emergencia en Extranjería: copias y papelerías (A2)

In an administrative context in Spain it’s better to address staff with usted and soften your requests with the conditional: "¿Podría…?". This is polite and what they expect at the service window (ventanilla).

You’re asking "where" → "¿Dónde…?". A similar template at a reception desk: "¿Dónde se paga la tasa?" — a model of a polite question at an office counter.

Both sentences are natural. Often there’s no photocopier inside the office, and copies are made in a "papelería/copistería", which can be very busy — so it’s important to be able to ask for directions quickly.

Typical opening hours for public offices are around 09:00–14:00. So the phrase "antes de las tres" sounds realistic and emphasizes urgency: today, before closing time.

A typical line from a clerk is "Le falta fotocopia". Answer politely and to the point: ask where to make copies. "¿Dónde puedo hacer copias, por favor?" with formal usted-distance is appropriate here.

"¿Podría…?" is a classic formula for making a polite request in Spanish administration; it sounds softer than "¿Me puede…?" and much softer than imperative forms.

Near these offices there is often no photocopier; instead, copies are made in a "papelería/copistería" (stationery/print and copy shop).

It’s better to use the polite conditional with usted: "¿Podría…?" — the standard formula in an official situation at the entrance or with security.