Spanish for Accepting Criticism: 'Gracias, voy a trabajar en eso'
Learn to accept criticism in Spanish by saying 'Thanks, I'll work on that' and asking follow-up questions to improve.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
When someone gives you criticism in Spanish, a simple 'gracias' is polite, but to show you're committed to improving, you can say 'Gracias, voy a trabajar en eso' (Thanks, I'll work on that). This lesson teaches you that phrase and how to ask questions to get more details, so you can turn feedback into action. You'll practice a short conversation and learn to avoid common mistakes.
By the end, you can…
- accept criticism in Spanish by saying 'Gracias, voy a trabajar en eso'.
- ask follow-up questions to understand the criticism better.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Gracias, voy a trabajar en eso.
Thanks, I'll work on that.
GRAH-syahs, boy ah trah-bah-HAHR ehn EH-soh
Use this to accept criticism politely and show willingness to improve. 'Voy a' is the near future, common in Latin America.
¿Puedes darme un ejemplo?
Can you give me an example?
PWEH-dehs DAHR-meh oon eh-HEHM-ploh
Ask for a specific example to understand the criticism better. Use 'puedes' with friends; 'puede' with formal.
¿Qué puedo hacer para mejorar?
What can I do to improve?
keh PWEH-doh ah-SEHR pah-rah meh-hoh-RAHR
Ask for suggestions on how to improve. This shows you're proactive.
Entiendo, lo tomaré en cuenta.
I understand, I'll take it into account.
ehn-TYEHN-doh, loh toh-mah-REH ehn KWEHN-tah
Acknowledge the criticism and say you'll consider it. 'Lo' refers to the criticism (masculine).
¿Algo más que deba saber?
Anything else I should know?
AHL-goh MAHS keh DEH-bah sah-BEHR
Ask if there's more feedback. 'Deba' is subjunctive, used after 'que' to express obligation.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To accept criticism and commit to improvement, use: 'Gracias, voy a trabajar en eso.' You can replace 'eso' with a specific area: 'Gracias, voy a trabajar en mi pronunciación.' (Thanks, I'll work on my pronunciation.) To ask for details, use '¿Puedes darme un ejemplo?' or '¿Qué puedo hacer para mejorar?' These questions keep the conversation constructive. Note that 'trabajar en' means 'to work on' and is followed by a noun or infinitive: 'Voy a trabajar en ser más puntual.' (I'll work on being more punctual.)
When to use it
Use these phrases when someone gives you feedback that you want to accept and act on. For example, if your boss says 'Llegas tarde a las reuniones' (You arrive late to meetings), you can respond 'Gracias, voy a trabajar en eso. ¿Puedes darme un ejemplo?' This shows you're listening and want to improve. Avoid using these phrases sarcastically; in Spanish-speaking cultures, sincerity is valued. If the criticism is unfair, you can still say 'Gracias, lo tomaré en cuenta' and then decide later. This differs from accepting an apology, where you might say 'No te preocupes' (Don't worry); here, the focus is on future improvement.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Oye, tu presentación de ayer estuvo un poco desorganizada.
Hey, your presentation yesterday was a bit disorganized.OH-yeh, too preh-sehn-tah-SYOHN deh ah-YEHR ehs-TOO-voh oon POH-koh deh-sohr-gah-nee-SAH-dahGracias por decírmelo. Voy a trabajar en eso. ¿Puedes darme un ejemplo?
Thanks for telling me. I'll work on that. Can you give me an example?GRAH-syahs pohr deh-SEER-meh-loh. boy ah trah-bah-HAHR ehn EH-soh. PWEH-dehs DAHR-meh oon eh-HEHM-plohClaro. Las diapositivas tenían mucha información y no quedó claro el mensaje principal.
Sure. The slides had too much information and the main message wasn't clear.KLAH-roh. lahs dyah-poh-see-TEE-bahs teh-NEE-ahn MOO-chah een-fohr-mah-SYOHN ee noh keh-DOH KLAH-roh ehl mehn-SAH-heh preen-see-PAHLEntiendo. ¿Qué puedo hacer para mejorar la próxima vez?
I understand. What can I do to improve next time?ehn-TYEHN-doh. keh PWEH-doh ah-SEHR pah-rah meh-hoh-RAHR lah PROHK-see-mah behsA little context goes a long way
In many Latin American contexts, accepting criticism with a positive attitude and asking for specifics shows professionalism and respect. Direct criticism is often softened with phrases like 'un poco' (a bit) or 'tal vez' (maybe). Responding with 'gracias' and a commitment to improve is seen as mature. In more formal situations, use 'usted' forms: 'Gracias, voy a trabajar en eso. ¿Puede darme un ejemplo?'
One thing to watch for
Responding with 'No importa' (It doesn't matter) when receiving criticism, which can sound dismissive.
Try this instead: Instead, say 'Gracias, voy a trabajar en eso' to show you take it seriously. For example, if someone says 'Llegas tarde', don't say 'No importa'; say 'Gracias, voy a trabajar en eso'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'Thanks, I'll work on that' in Spanish?
Show a sample answer
Gracias, voy a trabajar en eso.
This phrase directly accepts criticism and commits to improvement. You can also say 'Gracias, lo voy a trabajar,' but 'Gracias, voy a trabajar en eso' is more common.
2What question can you ask to get a specific example of the criticism?
Show a sample answer
¿Puedes darme un ejemplo?
This asks for an example. In formal situations, use '¿Puede darme un ejemplo?' Other options: '¿Me puedes dar un ejemplo?'
3Translate: 'I understand, I'll take it into account.'
Show a sample answer
Entiendo, lo tomaré en cuenta.
This acknowledges the feedback and says you'll consider it. 'Lo' refers to the criticism. You could also say 'Entiendo, lo tendré en cuenta.'
When you receive criticism in Spanish, respond with 'Gracias, voy a trabajar en eso' and ask '¿Puedes darme un ejemplo?' or '¿Qué puedo hacer para mejorar?' to show you're committed to improving.
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