New here? This is lesson 73 of a free 238-lesson Spanish course.
Free Spanish CourseLesson 73 of 238
What's the word in Spanish
Justin remembers something from the pocket, but the Spanish word refuses to appear.
This lesson gives you several natural ways to pause, ask for time, describe an idea, and show uncertainty while you search.
By the end, you can keep speaking instead of going silent when a word disappears.
By the end of this lesson
Hesitate naturally, search for a word, and say you're not sure.
- Eh, déjame pensarUm, let me think
- Dame un momentoGive me a moment
- Es como ___It's kind of like ___
- Creo que tal vez ___I think maybe ___
- ¿Cómo te digo?How do I say it?
- Estoy tratando de acordarmeI'm trying to remember
Scene — the missing word
Justin and Megan are at Café Laurel, looking at the small object they found in a pocket at a quiet table near the café window.
Justin knows what he wants to explain, but the Spanish word is hiding. Megan waits while he searches.
Learn — thinking out loud
These chunks help you hold the floor while your memory catches up.
Learn them as useful pieces, not as a speech you must build word by word.
Eh, déjame pensar
Um, let me think
When to use it: Use this to pause briefly while you search for an answer.
Déjame pensar is one piece meaning let me think.
Dame un momento
Give me a moment
When to use it: Say this when you need a little more time before answering.
Dame means give me; momento is masculine, so use un.
Es como ___
It's kind of like ___
When to use it: Use this to describe something by comparing it with a familiar thing.
Fill the blank with a noun or description.
Creo que tal vez ___
I think maybe ___
When to use it: Say this when you have a possible answer but aren't certain.
Tal vez introduces a possibility, so the statement stays cautious.
¿Cómo te digo?
How do I say it?
When to use it: Use this when you are searching for the best way to express something.
This asks how to put your thought into words, not how to pronounce one word.
Estoy tratando de acordarme
I'm trying to remember
When to use it: Say this when you are actively trying to bring a forgotten detail back.
Acordarme means to remember, with me included in the action.
Story — a patient wait
Justin is trying to explain what was in the pocket, but the key word will not come.
Notice how he keeps the conversation moving while Megan waits. Turn on Show English if you need it.
- Megan points to the small object from the pocket and waits for Justin's explanation.
- Megan¿Sabes qué es? ¿Cuál es la palabra?Do you know what it is? What's the word?
JustinEh, déjame pensar. Dame un momento.Um, let me think. Give me a moment.- MeganClaro, no hay prisa.Sure, there's no rush.
- JustinEs como una tarjeta, ¿cómo te digo?It's kind of like a card; how do I say it?
- Megan¿Una tarjeta de qué?A card for what?
- JustinCreo que tal vez es un boleto.I think maybe it's a ticket.
- MeganA ver, piensa un poquito.Let's see, think a little.
- JustinEstoy tratando de acordarme.I'm trying to remember.
- Justin¿Es un boleto para el metro?Is it a ticket for the subway?
- MeganTal vez, pero podemos revisarlo después.Maybe, but we can check it later.
Practice — search for the phrase
Practice mixes listening, matching, choices, and a small substitution.
Use the skip button when you need another hearing, then try the phrase again.
0 of 9 done
What did you hear?
What did you hear?
Match the pairs
Spanish
Es como ___Drop the English hereCreo que tal vez ___Drop the English here¿Cómo te digo?Drop the English hereA ver, ___Drop the English hereEnglish
What do you say?
What do you say?
Megan is waiting; ask her for a moment because you need more than a quick pause.
Fill the gap
Fill the gap
It's kind of like ___
Es ____ ___
Swap the word
Swap the word
You compare the pocket object with something familiar, but you leave the comparison open.
Es ____ ___
What do you say?
What do you say?
You want to ask how to say the Spanish word for “ticket.”
What does it mean?
What does it mean?
Estoy tratando de acordarme
What do you say?
What do you say?
Megan guesses what the object is; you half-agree but leave the answer open for later.
Build the line
Build the line
I'm trying to remember
Tap the words in order.
Say it — keep the conversation going
Now you are Justin, and Megan will wait while you search for the missing word.
Tap ▶ to hear each model line, then tap the microphone when it is your turn. Your recording stays on your device.
- Megan¿Sabes qué es? ¿Cuál es la palabra?Do you know what it is? What's the word?
- Justin (you)Pause and say you're thinking.
Pause and say you're thinking.
Eh, déjame pensar
Um, let me think
0 of 6 said
Recap — what you can say now
| Spanish | English | Play |
|---|---|---|
| Eh, déjame pensar | Um, let me think | |
| Dame un momento | Give me a moment | |
| Es como ___ | It's kind of like ___ | |
| Creo que tal vez ___ | I think maybe ___ | |
| ¿Cómo te digo? | How do I say it? | |
| Estoy tratando de acordarme | I'm trying to remember |
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Keep practicing with Yak Cards
Want these thinking and searching chunks handy? Grab the Yak Cards for this lesson and review them anywhere.
Review these cards when a Spanish word disappears; a pause can keep the conversation moving.
Open Yak Cards