Culture shock
Choque cultural
- Superando las barreras del choque cultural
Explore the key vocabulary around "el primer choque cultural" with focus on "los horarios de las tiendas" (shop opening hours) like "cerrado" (closed) and "abrir" (to open), essential for navigating everyday Spanish life at a B1 level.
Listening & reading materials
Practice vocabulary in context with real materials.
B1.41.1 Cuento corto
El primer choque cultural: los horarios de las tiendas
The first cultural shock: shop opening hours
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Understanding Culture Shock: Store Hours in Spanish-Speaking Countries
This lesson explores the common cultural experience of encountering different store opening hours, especially when visiting or living in Spanish-speaking countries. You'll learn useful vocabulary and expressions related to time schedules and business hours, helping you navigate daily activities with confidence.
What This Lesson Covers
- Vocabulary related to time and schedules like horario (schedule), cerrado (closed), and abierto (open).
- Common Spanish phrases for asking about and understanding store hours, e.g., ¿A qué hora abre la tienda? (What time does the store open?).
- Insight into traditional store hours and how they might differ from what you are used to in English-speaking countries.
- Practical examples of discussing store schedules and planning visits accordingly.
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Horario: schedule or timetable.
- Abrir: to open.
- Cerrar: to close.
- De lunes a viernes: from Monday to Friday.
- Fines de semana: weekends.
- ¿Qué hora abre/cierra?: What time does it open/close?
- De 9 de la mañana a 2 de la tarde: from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Important Notes on Language Differences
In English, time expressions often use a 12-hour clock with "a.m." and "p.m.," while Spanish typically uses the 24-hour clock or clarifies with "de la mañana" (morning), "de la tarde" (afternoon), or "de la noche" (evening). Also, the word order in questions differs; for example, Spanish places the verb before the subject in questions: ¿A qué hora abre la tienda? vs. English "What time does the store open?"
This lesson also helps you understand that Spanish-speaking countries may have different business hours, often including a midday break known as "siesta," which affects store hours and closure times.
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