Written by Gabriela Estrada

If you feel like your brain "shuts down" when you hear a Canadian accent, or that the conversation doesn't flow as smoothly as it does with other colleagues, it's because you're not yet familiar with certain phrases used in the local corporate environment.

For a Spanish speaker in Canada, communicating in English at work is a huge challenge. Some people get the hang of it quickly, while others struggle a bit more.

The key is to understanding how native speakers interpret language. What words do they typically use to close deals, what are the most common idioms, and what short phrases convey a complete idea?

Today I'll give you practical tips and tools for handling real-life situations in English during a typical workday.

Common Phrases in Different Situations

When speaking English, you'll notice that some words you've always used to communicate with others are different from the ones Canadians use. Consider these scenarios:

• Brief Check-In (“Touch Base”) in the Office and Remote Work Environments

If a coworker stops by and says or messages you on Teams or Slack: "Let's touch base later" (Let's catch up later), don't be surprised. 

The expression "Touch Base" is a corporate idiom that means contacting someone briefly to catch up on a topic, and it’s strange to a newcomer because it’s a sports metaphor that does not exist in academic English or in the logic of other languages. 

It usually means: "I'll message you privately" or "Let's make a quick call." 

Instead of hesitating, respond confidently: "Sounds good, let's sync up after lunch" or "Let's hop on a quick call", which shows that you can keep up with the company’s fast-paced rhythm no matter the format.

• Confirm the key points ("Takeaways") in meetings

A lot of information gets lost during meetings or conference calls. Make sure to confirm the “takeaways” means identifying and summarizing the key points, decisions, and assigned tasks at the end of a meeting, which ensures that everyone knows exactly what the next steps are. 

To make sure you understood the message, when you're done, use this simple phrase: "Great, so our next steps starting Monday are..." (Great, so our next steps starting Monday are...).

This allows you to confirm your responsibility in simple terms and gives you the assurance that there were no misunderstandings amid the flood of information.

• Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Clarification During Interviews

If a question is very long or complex, don't try to guess the answer. And don't just use the typical: “repeat, please.”  

The key word here is the verb "rephrase" (to put it another way). For example: 

• "Could you rephrase that?"

If you only use the verb “repeat”, the person might say exactly the same thing at the same speed, and you still won’t understand it the second time.

Instead, "rephrase" encourages the other person to use simpler words or a different structure, which makes it easier for your brain to process the new information.

Recommendations for Reinforcing Understanding

If you're given a complex instruction, ask them to write it down as well. The important thing is to adapt to the linguistic environment at a steady pace and understanding the guidelines so you can complete the tasks correctly. 

Say: "Could you send me a quick Slack message or email about that? I want to make sure I don't miss any technical details." (Could you send me a quick Slack message or email about that? I want to make sure I don't miss any technical details.) 

This is a great way to see the words in writing.

It also works to repeat the last three words that the other person said, in a questioning tone. 

For example:

If they say: "We need to overhaul the database" (We need to completely restructure the database), you say: "Overhaul the database?" (Restructure the database?). 

This will encourage your coworkers to explain things in more detail and provide you with additional definitions.

If you follow these tips, you'll find that it's easier to integrate your language into your surroundings.

Would you like to go from “nodding along without understanding” to actively participating in your meetings? At Planeta Immiland Education , we can help you. 

Improve your language skills with us

At Planeta Immiland Education, we focus on real-life language. That’s why our teachers use mock interviews, phone calls, and everyday office conversations, along with strategies tailored to real-world situations.

Our English and French courses are certified by Languages Canada, the country's leading authority on language education quality.

For us, learning a language is much more than just studying grammar.

It means preparing yourself to communicate with confidence, connect with people from different cultures, and take advantage of the opportunities that arise in an increasingly globalized world.

That's why we offer programs designed to support you at every stage of your journey:

🍁 English and French courses.

📚 Preparation for international exams.

🎓 Programs focused on academic and immigration goals.

🌎 Conversation activities to build your confidence in real-life situations.

Visit our online academy and discover which program is right for you: https://www.planeta-immiland-education.com/

If you found this article interesting, share it with anyone who dreams of traveling, studying, working, or simply connecting with people from Canada and anywhere else in the world.

Remember: To fit in with workplace English in Canada, the key is understanding how your coworkers use the language. Using the common phrases they employ in various work situations will make you sound like a true local.

See you in the next blog post, where we'll continue to explore how languages can open the door to new international experiences and opportunities!

With love, 

Planeta Immiland Education