Chapter 7 — Coworking & Bookstores

Coworking spaces and bookstores are quiet environments. People are focused. Be respectful of their work, but if there's a natural opening—a shared interest, a question about the space, or a moment of eye contact—use it. Keep your voice low. Be genuine.

Bookstore — What She's Looking At

Spanish: Disculpa, ¿has leído ese libro? Estoy buscando algo nuevo.

Word-by-word: Excuse-me, have-you read that book? I-am looking-for something new.

Natural English: Excuse me, have you read that book? I'm looking for something new.

When to use: When she's looking at or holding a book you can see.

Her possible replies:

"Sí, está muy bien" (Yes, it's very good) → You: "¿De qué trata?" (What's it about?)
"No, pero me llama la atención" (No, but it catches my attention) → You: "A mí también. ¿Qué tipo de libros te gustan?" (Me too. What kind of books do you like?)
"No lo sé" (I don't know) → You: "Vale, sin problema. ¿Eres de aquí?" (Okay, no problem. Are you from here?)

Bookstore — Section Question

Spanish: Disculpa, ¿sabes dónde está la sección de [género]?

Word-by-word: Excuse-me, do-you-know where is the section of [genre]?

Natural English: Excuse me, do you know where the [genre] section is?

When to use: Natural question that can lead to conversation.

Her possible replies:

"Sí, está por allí" (Yes, it's over there) → You: "Gracias. ¿Te gusta ese género?" (Thanks. Do you like that genre?)
"No lo sé" (I don't know) → You: "Vale, sin problema. ¿Eres cliente habitual?" (Okay, no problem. Are you a regular customer?)
"Pregunta en caja" (Ask at the counter) → You: "Vale, gracias. ¿Eres de aquí?" (Okay, thanks. Are you from here?)

Coworking — Laptop or Work Question

Spanish: Disculpa, ¿sabes si hay WiFi aquí?

Word-by-word: Excuse-me, do-you-know if there-is WiFi here?

Natural English: Excuse me, do you know if there's WiFi here?

When to use: When you're both working and it's a natural question.

Her possible replies:

"Sí, la contraseña está en la pared" (Yes, the password is on the wall) → You: "Gracias. ¿Vienes aquí a menudo?" (Thanks. Do you come here often?)
"No lo sé" (I don't know) → You: "Vale, sin problema. ¿Eres miembro?" (Okay, no problem. Are you a member?)
"Sí, pero no sé la contraseña" (Yes, but I don't know the password) → You: "Vale, gracias. ¿Eres de aquí?" (Okay, thanks. Are you from here?)

Coworking — Coffee Break

Spanish: ¿Vienes aquí a menudo? Es mi primera vez.

Word-by-word: Do-you-come here often? It-is my first time.

Natural English: Do you come here often? It's my first time.

When to use: When you're both at the coffee area or taking a break.

Her possible replies:

"Sí, vengo casi todos los días" (Yes, I come almost every day) → You: "¿Te gusta el ambiente?" (Do you like the atmosphere?)
"No, también es mi primera vez" (No, it's also my first time) → You: "Ah, perfecto. ¿Eres de aquí?" (Ah, perfect. Are you from here?)
"A veces" (Sometimes) → You: "¿Qué te parece?" (What do you think of it?)

Coworking — Shared Interest

Spanish: Disculpa, vi que trabajas en [algo visible en pantalla o contexto]. ¿A qué te dedicas?

Word-by-word: Excuse-me, I-saw that you-work in [something visible]. To what yourself you-dedicate?

Natural English: Excuse me, I saw you work in [something]. What do you do?

When to use: Only if you can genuinely see what she's working on and it's not intrusive.

Her possible replies:

"Soy [profesión]" (I'm a [profession]) → You: "Interesante. ¿Te gusta?" (Interesting. Do you like it?)
"Trabajo en [campo]" (I work in [field]) → You: "¿Desde hace cuánto?" (For how long?)
"No quiero hablar de trabajo" (I don't want to talk about work) → You: "Vale, sin problema. ¿Eres de aquí?" (Okay, no problem. Are you from here?)

Key Points

Keep your voice low—these are quiet spaces
Don't interrupt if she's clearly focused
Wait for natural pauses or moments when she looks up
If she has headphones, make eye contact first
Be genuine—these environments attract people who value authenticity
If she's working, keep the conversation brief unless she engages more