Spanish
Grade 9
15 min
En la mesa (On the table)
Introduce 'en' (on/in).
What you'll learn
- Identify at least 4 out of 5 common table items in Spanish when shown a picture (e.g., 'la cuchara', 'el plato').
- Point to the correct picture of a table item when the teacher says its Spanish name with 80% accuracy (e.g., Teacher says 'el vaso', student points to the glass).
- Say the Spanish word for 'fork', 'spoon', and 'plate' when asked '¿Qué es esto?' while pointing to the item, with no more than one prompt per item.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify and name at least 15 common items found on a dining table in Spanish.
Correctly use the verb 'estar' with prepositions of place to describe the location of objects on a table.
Formulate complex questions using '¿Dónde está...?' and '¿Dónde están...?' to ask for the location of singular and plural items.
Differentiate between 'ser' and 'estar' when describing characteristics versus locations of table items.
Construct sentences using the present subjunctive to express doubt or hope about the location or availability of items on the table (e.g., 'Dudo que haya más pan').
Describe a complete table setting using a sequence of related sentences.
You're at a restaurant in Barcelona, ready...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Los cubiertosThe collective term for silverware or cutlery.Por favor, pon los cubiertos en la mesa: el tenedor, el cuchillo y la cuchara.
El tenedorThe fork, an item used for lifting food to the mouth.El tenedor está a la izquierda del plato.
El cuchilloThe knife, an item used for cutting food.Necesito un cuchillo para cortar la carne.
La cucharaThe spoon, an item used for eating liquids like soup.La cuchara para la sopa es más grande que la cucharita para el postre.
La servilletaThe napkin, a piece of cloth or paper used for wiping the mouth and hands.Espero que la servilleta esté limpia.
Preposiciones de lugarPrepositions of place; words that link nouns to other words to describe location.El vaso está a la derecha de (to the right of) el plato y encima de (on top o...
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Grammar Rules & Patterns
Uso de 'Estar' para la ubicación
Subject + estar (conjugated) + preposition of place + location/object.
Always use the verb 'estar' (to be) when describing the temporary location of an object. Remember to conjugate 'estar' to match the subject (está for singular, están for plural).
Formulación de preguntas con '¿Dónde?'
¿Dónde + está/están + subject?
To ask where something is, start with '¿Dónde?', followed by the correct form of 'estar' ('está' for one item, 'están' for multiple items), and then the noun(s) you are looking for.
Subjuntivo con verbos de duda o deseo
Verb of doubt/desire (e.g., dudar, no creer, esperar) + que + subject + verb in present subjunctive.
When you express doubt,...
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Challenging
The table is set for a formal dinner. The dinner fork and salad fork are to the left of the plate. The knife and soup spoon are to the right. Based on standard formal etiquette, where would you expect the dessert fork and spoon to be?
A.la izquierda de los otros tenedores.
B.Encima del plato.
C.la derecha de la cuchara de sopa.
D.Debajo de la servilleta.
Challenging
Complete the dialogue logically and grammatically:
Juan: 'No veo los saleros. Dudo que ___ en la mesa.'
Ana: 'Sí, mira. ___ al lado de la jarra de agua.'
A.están / Están
B.estén / Están
C.estén / Son
D.están / Son
Challenging
You are served soup, but you don't have a spoon. Which sentence best combines a hopeful statement using the subjunctive and a polite question to the waiter?
A.Espero que haya una cuchara. ¿Está una cuchara aquí?
B.Dudo que hay una cuchara. ¿Dónde es la cuchara?
C.Espero que haya una cuchara. Disculpe, ¿me podría traer una, por favor?
D.No creo que la cuchara está aquí. ¿Es la cuchara por allí?
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "En la mesa (On the table)"?
En la mesa (On the table) is a Grade 9 Spanish lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in En la mesa (On the table)?
You'll be able to: Identify at least 4 out of 5 common table items in Spanish when shown a picture (e.g., 'la cuchara', 'el plato'); Point to the correct picture of a table item when the teacher says its Spanish name with 80% accuracy (e.g….
Is "En la mesa (On the table)" free to practice?
Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.
How many practice questions are included with En la mesa (On the table)?
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.