Muletillas en ventanilla

Muletillas que suavizan explicaciones y negativas en ventanilla.

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Dannis

2 min reading time

Conjunctions Idioms

Keywords:

Es que...Pues nada A ver si...Hombre,...

En la ventanilla, completa para suavizar la negativa: “____ no puedo tramitarlo sin la fotocopia.”

Correct: 0/7

Hints for this Quiz

Think of the introductory phrase “the thing is that…” — that corresponds to “es que.”

Correct: "Es que…" introduces an explanation or reason and softens a refusal: "Es que no puedo…" The other options do not give a reason. In the lesson for this topic, "es que" is highlighted as a key marker for justification/explanation.

It’s an interjection before the phrase, like saying “oh come on…” in a warm, not aggressive way.

"Hombre," often expresses mild surprise or sympathy and brings the other person into the conversation in everyday Spanish. At the counter it’s better not to sound harsh: we keep a polite, humane tone, which is appreciated in administrative settings in Spain.

It’s like saying “alright then…” in English when it’s time to end the conversation.

"Pues nada," is a handy little “lid” to close a conversation: roughly “well then / alright then,” a signal that things are wrapping up. It works well for a neutral‑friendly way of ending a dialogue.

Think: “let’s see, maybe…” — that’s “A ver si…”

"A ver si…" expresses hope: “Let’s see if… / Hopefully…” So: “A ver si me dan la TIE…”

At the counter, use usted. Questions with “¿me podría…?” sound soft and appropriate.

In Spanish public offices, a polite, formal register (usted) is expected: "Perdone, ¿me podría…?" is neutral and courteous. The others are too familiar or too blunt for a service counter. For more detail, see the notes in the course on formal politeness (cortesía formal), using usted, and keeping a respectful tone.

Add a reason after an introductory phrase — that’s what makes the refusal sound softer.

"Es que…" + a reason = a softer way to say no: "Es que mañana tengo examen." The other options are either off topic or sound abrupt/too colloquial. In the course materials, "es que" is explicitly recommended as a way to soften refusals and explanations.

Use the expression that shows hope: “A ver si…”

"A ver si…" = we’re hoping for luck or an improvement: "A ver si hay suerte…" This formula sounds friendly and doesn’t put pressure on the other person, which fits the norms of polite interaction in public offices.