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How to have a Spanish–English conversation with live captions

Start with each person using the language they’d like to speak. Try a sentence both people can verify, then use a familiar subject like what you cook when you’re busy.

Test Spanish and English in both directions

Give both people the same way into the story

Say “I usually make soup when it rains.” The other person can answer with their own routine. If they say “tortilla,” ask what goes into it or what it looks like rather than assuming you are picturing the same dish. One detail about their version can lead to a whole conversation.

Keep names and important details clear

Type names, titles or quantities when they matter. If you decide to try a little Spanish or English halfway through, announce the switch and check your captions. If one person can’t follow the translated line, make the next sentence shorter and confirm the main idea before moving on.