La fila en la farmacia
In Seville's pharmacy queue, Elena buys nasal spray while her mother on speaker and a stranger warn about the midday sun.
- Length
- 182 words
- Reading time
- ~2 min
- Vocabulary
- 10 terms
- Comprehension
- 3 questions
Pre-Reading Vocabulary
Review these key words and phrasing examples before you begin reading.
Your Spanish story — tap highlighted words when you need help
A las nueve, Elena entra en la de la Plaza del Salvador; el aire acondicionado con el que entra cada vez que alguien abre la puerta de cristal. Coge el número 27 y mira la pantalla: de ella todavía hay seis , una señora que precios con calma infinita y un olor a mentol que llena el pasillo. Necesita un porque el de la ciudad le la garganta antes del viaje a Córdoba. Su madre, al , habla del domingo en el : « fruta, hija, que tu padre no compra nada». La mujer de delante y : «Mi nieta hace lo mismo; siempre y nunca llama». Elena baja un poco el , ríe con y explica que el calor le da en los oídos. «Beba más agua y no salga al sol del », la desconocida, mientras la avanza un paso. Cuando su turno, el spray, paga con el móvil y le dice a su madre: «Ya voy, mamá; guarda la para mí».
Show full English translation
At nine, Elena walks into the pharmacy on Plaza del Salvador; the air conditioning fights the heat that slips in whenever the door opens. She takes number 27 and watches the screen: six people still ahead of her, plus a woman comparing prices with endless calm. She needs a nasal spray because city dust dries her throat before the trip to Córdoba. Her mother, on speakerphone, talks about Sunday in the village: “Bring fruit, love—your father never buys anything.” The woman ahead smiles and says, “My granddaughter does the same—she always promises and never calls.” Elena lowers the volume a little, laughs in embarrassment, and explains that the heat gives her ear strain. “Drink more water and stay out of the midday sun,” the stranger advises, as the queue moves one step forward. When her turn comes, she asks for the spray, pays by phone, and tells her mother, “I’m on my way, Mum—save some shade for me.”
Vocabulary recap
Reading Comprehension Exercise
B1 Spanish Reading Comprehension Exercises
1. Why is Elena at the pharmacy?
Correct: She needs a nasal spray before visiting her parents
She asks for «un spray nasal» because the dry heat bothers her before the trip to see her parents in Córdoba.
2. What is happening on Elena’s phone during the wait?
Correct: Her mother is on speaker discussing weekend plans
«Su madre, al altavoz, hablaba del domingo en el pueblo»—her mother on speakerphone talks about Sunday in the village.
3. What does the woman in line recommend?
Correct: Drinking more water and avoiding the sun at midday
The stranger says «beba más agua y no salga al sol del mediodía»—classic Andalusian practical advice during a heatwave.
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Patterns to reuse
How to indicate your place in a line
Cuando llega su turno
When her turn comes
In Spanish, 'su turno' means 'your turn' or 'one's turn' in a queue or process.
llega su turno
- llega mi turno
- llega tu turno
- llega nuestro turno
This phrase helps you talk about whose turn it is in a queue or group situation.
Giving friendly advice with commands
Beba más agua y no salga al sol del mediodía
Drink more water and stay out of the midday sun
Spanish uses imperatives (command forms) for giving advice, especially with usted (formal you).
[verb (formal imperative)] + [advice]
- Beba más agua
- No salga al sol
- Coma algo ligero
Use this pattern to politely advise someone—perfect for health, food, or everyday tips.
Explaining why with 'porque'
Necesita un spray nasal porque el polvo de la ciudad le seca la garganta
She needs a nasal spray because city dust dries her throat
[acción] porque [razón]
- Voy a la farmacia porque estoy resfriado
- Bajo el volumen porque hay ruido
- Compro fruta porque mi madre lo pide
Use 'porque' to connect what you do to the reason—very common in everyday Spanish.
Translator's Note
"Pharmacy queues in southern Spain are social spaces: you compare remedies, complain about the heat, and still follow the numbered turno system. Notice how Elena balances two conversations—her mother’s village plans and a neighbour’s advice—without switching to formal usted until the counter. That rhythm is what B1 learners can reuse this week."
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