How to Say 'I'll Take That On Board' in Spanish: Responding Calmly to Negative Feedback
Learn to acknowledge criticism calmly in Latin American Spanish with phrases like 'lo voy a tomar en cuenta' and 'me queda claro', plus strategies for keeping emotions in check.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
Receiving negative feedback is one thing; responding to it without getting defensive is another. In Spanish, the phrase 'I'll take that on board' has no single word-for-word equivalent, but there are several natural ways to say you have heard the criticism and will consider it. This lesson focuses on staying calm while acknowledging feedback in Latin American Spanish. You will learn phrases that buy you time, show respect, and keep the conversation from escalating. The key is not to argue, but to signal that you are listening and will reflect.
By the end, you can…
- acknowledge negative feedback calmly in Spanish without sounding defensive.
- use phrases that buy time and show I am considering the criticism.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Lo voy a tomar en cuenta.
I'll take that on board. / I'll take it into account.
loh boy ah toh-MAR en KWEN-tah
The most direct equivalent. Use it when you want to say you will consider the feedback seriously. It is neutral and professional.
Gracias por decírmelo.
Thanks for telling me.
GRAH-syahs por deh-SEE-meh-loh
A calm, appreciative response that softens the moment. It does not commit you to agreeing, but shows you are not dismissing the person.
Me queda claro.
It's clear to me. / I understand.
meh KEH-dah KLAH-roh
Use this to confirm you have understood the criticism. It is calm and avoids arguing. Common in Mexico and Colombia.
Voy a pensarlo.
I'll think about it.
boy ah pen-SAR-loh
A polite way to pause before responding. It signals you are taking the feedback seriously rather than reacting impulsively.
Entiendo tu punto.
I see your point.
en-TYEN-doh too POON-toh
Acknowledges the other person's perspective without necessarily agreeing. Useful in meetings or one-on-one conversations.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
A common pattern is 'Lo voy a + infinitive' to express a future intention calmly. For example, 'Lo voy a tomar en cuenta' (I'll take it into account) or 'Lo voy a pensar' (I'll think about it). You can also use 'Me queda claro' to confirm understanding. These structures keep the focus on your future action, not on defending yourself. Another useful frame is 'Gracias por + infinitive', as in 'Gracias por decírmelo' (Thanks for telling me), which lowers the emotional temperature.
When to use it
Use these phrases when someone gives you criticism you did not expect or do not fully agree with. For instance, if your boss says 'Tu informe llegó tarde' (Your report was late), you can reply 'Lo voy a tomar en cuenta' or 'Entiendo tu punto'. If a friend says 'No me gustó cómo hablaste conmigo' (I didn't like how you spoke to me), 'Gracias por decírmelo' works well. Avoid saying 'Sí, pero...' (Yes, but...) immediately, as it sounds defensive. Instead, pause and use one of these calm acknowledgments.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Oye, tu presentación de ayer tuvo algunos errores en los datos.
Hey, your presentation yesterday had some errors in the data.OH-yeh, too preh-sen-tah-SYON deh ah-YEHR too-BOH ahl-GOO-nohs eh-RROH-rehs en lohs DAH-tohsGracias por decírmelo. Lo voy a tomar en cuenta para la próxima.
Thanks for telling me. I'll take that on board for next time.GRAH-syahs por deh-SEE-meh-loh. loh boy ah toh-MAR en KWEN-tah PAH-rah lah PROHK-see-mahSí, solo quería que lo supieras. No es personal.
Yeah, I just wanted you to know. It's not personal.see, SOH-loh keh-REE-ah keh loh soo-PYEH-rahs. noh ehs per-so-NALEntiendo tu punto. Me queda claro.
I see your point. It's clear to me.en-TYEN-doh too POON-toh. meh KEH-dah KLAH-rohA little context goes a long way
In many Latin American workplaces, direct criticism can feel harsh, so softening phrases like 'Gracias por decírmelo' or 'Lo voy a tomar en cuenta' are valued. In Spain, you might hear 'Lo tendré en cuenta' or 'Me lo apunto', which are equally calm. Avoid over-apologizing; a simple acknowledgment is usually enough.
One thing to watch for
Saying 'Sí, pero...' right after feedback, which sounds defensive.
Try this instead: Instead, pause and say 'Lo voy a tomar en cuenta' or 'Entiendo tu punto'. For example, if someone says 'Llegaste tarde', reply 'Lo voy a tomar en cuenta' rather than 'Sí, pero había tráfico'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you calmly say 'I'll take that on board' in Spanish?
Show a sample answer
Lo voy a tomar en cuenta.
This is the most direct equivalent. 'Voy a pensarlo' is also valid if you want to emphasize thinking it over.
2What phrase can you use to thank someone for negative feedback without agreeing?
Show a sample answer
Gracias por decírmelo.
It shows appreciation and keeps the tone calm. 'Gracias por tu comentario' is another option.
3If you want to confirm you understood the criticism, what could you say?
Show a sample answer
Me queda claro.
This confirms understanding without arguing. 'Entiendo tu punto' also works and is slightly more conversational.
Stay calm and acknowledge feedback with 'Lo voy a tomar en cuenta' or 'Gracias por decírmelo'. Pause before responding, and avoid 'Sí, pero...' to keep the conversation constructive.
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