A1 - Beginner Spanish
The A1 level is for students with no prior knowledge of Spanish.
Students typically complete this level when they can interact with others by asking and answering questions about yourself and where you live.
Based on the widely used Instituto Cervantes Spanish learning levels.
precio
price
The Spanish word for 'price' is 'precio'. It is used in similar contexts as in English, to denote the cost of an item or service. For instance, 'El precio de este vestido es alto' translates to 'The price of this dress is high' in English. You can also use it to ask about the price, '¿Cuál es el precio?' means 'What is the price?'.
Example sentences with precio →pregunta
question
The Spanish word 'pregunta' maps directly to the English term 'question'. It's used in the same context as its English counterpart, referring to a query or doubt intended to elicit information or an answer. Like in English, it can function as a noun, for example, 'una pregunta' means 'a question'. Furthermore, 'pregunta' can also be a call to action in conversational Spanish, for instance, 'haz una pregunta' means 'ask a question'.
Example sentences with pregunta →presidente
president
The Spanish term for 'president' is 'presidente'. It is a common noun used to refer to the head of state or leader of an organization, country, club, etc. The word is used in the same context as it is in English. For example, 'El presidente del club se reunió con los miembros esta mañana' which translates to 'The president of the club met with the members this morning'.
Example sentences with presidente →primer apellido
surname
The term 'primer apellido' in Spanish refers to the first surname. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, people often have two surnames. The 'primer apellido' is typically the father's surname, and is the equivalent of a 'surname' in English-speaking cultures. Though it is often the name used in more formal or official situations, both surnames are important in Hispanic cultures.
primer plato
First dish
The Spanish term 'primer plato' translates to 'first dish' in English. It is often used to refer to the first course or starter in a meal. In a traditional Spanish multi-course meal, 'primer plato' is typically lighter and less hearty than the main course, but more substantial than an appetizer or a tapa. It sets the tone for the rest of the meal, and can range from soups and salads to various types of pasta, rice, and vegetable dishes.
primo
cousin
The Spanish word 'primo' translates to 'cousin' in English. It is used to refer to the child of one's uncle or aunt. In Spanish speaking cultures, similar to English, this term can be used for both male and female cousins unless specified otherwise. Just like in English, Spanish also has specific terms for 'first cousin', 'second cousin', etc., which just adds more precision when describing familial relationships. 'Primo' can also sometimes be used informally among friends to mean 'buddy' or 'mate'.
Example sentences with primo →profesión
profession
The Spanish word 'profesión' translates to 'profession' in English. A profession typically refers to a type of job that requires special education, training or skill. This could include fields such as medicine, law, education, engineering, among others. Therefore, if someone in Spain asks about your 'profesión', they are interested in knowing what you do for a living.
profesor
professor
The term 'profesor' in Spanish corresponds to the English term 'professor'. It is used to refer to an teacher in a university or college or a teacher in general. Similar to English, context can influence the level of education the 'profesor' is associated with.
Example sentences with profesor →puerta
door
A door is a hinged barrier used to close off an entrance. It usually has a handle that you use to open it.
Example sentences with puerta →radio
radio
The Spanish word 'radio' translates to the English word 'radio'. Much like its English counterpart, the Spanish 'radio' can refer to either the electronic device that receives wireless communications for broadcasting sound or the medium of communication wherein audio content is transmitted via radio waves. It also refers to the concept of broadcasting or the transmission of information and entertainment through spoken word and music.
reina
Queen
The Spanish word 'reina' translates to 'queen' in English. This term represents a female monarch who is generally the sovereign ruler of a kingdom or realm. It is also used metaphorically to mean a woman perceived as the best or most important in her sphere of activity.
religión
religion
The Spanish word 'religión' translates to 'religion' in English. This word refers to the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods. The concept of 'religion' is a vast one, encompassing various global practices like Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc. It is a primary source of moral and cultural values and plays a significant role in influencing socio-cultural practices and norms in different societies.
Example sentences with religión →reloj
watch
A small timepiece intended to be carried or worn by a person, typically a wristwatch.
Example sentences with reloj →repetir
repeat
The Spanish word 'repetir' directly translates to 'repeat' in English. It is a verb that denotes the action of doing something again either once or multiple times. This could refer to a wide range of activities, such as repeating a phrase or sentence in a conversation, repeating an action, or repeating a period of time or event. The use in a sentence would depend on the context, just as with the English equivalent.
restaurante
restaurant
A 'Restaurante' is a business that serves prepared food and beverages to patrons. Food service, the experience and the location of the restaurant, can be a main selling point.
Example sentences with restaurante →rey
king
In Spanish, 'rey' is the word for 'king'. It's generally used to refer to the male ruler of a nation who usually inherits his position by virtue of birth- similar to the usage in English. It can also be used metaphorically to represent someone who is best at something, or to denote extreme importance in a specific context.
Example sentences with rey →saber
to know
'Saber' is used when you know a fact or piece of information or if you are familiar with a skill.
Example sentences with saber →salón
Living room
The Spanish word 'salón' is translated to 'living room' in English. This term primarily refers to a room in a house where people can relax, socialize, and engage in recreational activities. It is often designed in a way that offers a comfortable and entertaining atmosphere. 'Salón' is a fairly common term in Spanish speaking households.
segundo apellido
second surname
The term 'segundo apellido' in Spanish refers to the concept of a second surname. In various cultures, specifically in most of the Spanish-speaking world, it is common for individuals to carry two last names or surnames. The first surname typically comes from the father (apellido paterno), and the second surname, known as 'segundo apellido', typically comes from the mother (apellido materno). This is usually used for both formal and legal cases. This concept is different from the customary practice in English-speaking cultures, where a person traditionally has only one last name, often inherited from the father's side of the family.
segundo plato
Second dish
The Spanish phrase 'segundo plato' translates to 'second dish' in English. It is typically used to refer to the main course or entree in a meal, following the first course or 'primer plato'. This term is common in food and dining situations, particularly in a restaurant setting or during a formal meal. It can encompass a wide variety of dishes, depending on the specific cuisine or culinary tradition.
sello
stamp
The Spanish word 'sello' translates to 'stamp' in English. It can refer to both a postage stamp used for mailing letters or a decorative stamp used in arts and crafts. Additionally, 'sello' can also mean a seal or mark of authenticity, similar to how a stamp works as an official seal on a document.
señora
madam
The Spanish word 'señora' is a polite term used to address or refer to a woman, usually married or middle-aged and above in English-speaking cultures. This term is equivalent to the English term 'madam' or 'Mrs.', demonstrating a level of respect when addressing someone. It's addition to a name (e.g., Señora Rodriguez) confers an honorific status to the person referred to, similar to how 'Mrs.' is used in English.
señores
gentlemen
The word 'señores' is a plural noun in Spanish, which translates to 'gentlemen' in English. It is a formal way to address more than one man. The singular form of 'señores' is 'señor', which means 'sir' or 'mister'. 'Señores' is often used in formal settings or when showing respect towards multiple men.
ser alto
to be tall
The Spanish phrase 'ser alto' translates to 'to be tall' in English. This is typically used to describe oneself or another person as having a great vertical extent, height or stature. This phrase is a permanent condition or characteristic feature of a person or object in a state of being. 'Ser' is a verb that means 'to be' which is known as 'linking verb' in English grammar, and 'alto' is an adjective that describes a noun to mean 'tall'.
ser bonito
be nice
'Ser bonito' in Spanish is translated as 'be nice' in English. This phrase is a combination of the verb 'ser' meaning 'to be', and the adjective 'bonito' meaning 'nice' or 'pretty'. The Spanish language often uses 'ser' with adjectives to describe inherent or lasting traits. So, 'ser bonito' would be used to describe someone or something that is inherently or generally nice or pleasant.
Example sentences with ser bonito →ser camarero
to be a waiter
The term 'ser camarero' in Spanish translates to 'to be a waiter' in English. This refers to the job or profession of serving customers in restaurants, bars, cafes, and other dining or refreshment establishments. As a commonly used term across Spanish-speaking countries, 'ser camarero' could be seen in job descriptions, articles, or casual conversation related to this profession.
ser de Bali
being from Bali
The Spanish phrase 'ser de Bali' translates to 'being from Bali' in English. This phrase is commonly used to denote someone's origin or where they come from. In this particular case, if someone says 'Yo soy de Bali' in Spanish, they are identifying themselves as a person from Bali. The verb 'ser' is used in Spanish to indicate origin.
ser de Laos
being from Laos
The Spanish phrase 'ser de Laos' translates to 'Being from Laos' in English. This phrase is used to express nationalities, suggesting that the person is originally from the Southeast Asian country of Laos. In Spanish, nationality and origin are commonly expressed with the verb 'ser', followed by 'de' and then the country name.
ser de Mozambique
being from Mozambique
The Spanish phrase 'ser de Mozambique' translates to 'being from Mozambique' in English. This phrase indicates a person's origin or nationality, specifically relating to the southeastern African country of Mozambique. This is often used to express someone's identity or cultural background in the Spanish-speaking context.
ser delgado
be thin
'Ser delgado' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'be thin' in English. It can be used to describe a person, object or situation that has a slim, slender or lean appearance or constitution. The phrase utilises the verb 'ser' which indicates a permanent or long-term state, implying that the thinness is not a temporary condition or subject to change. Please note, Spanish is a contextual language, the meaning can slightly vary based on the context where it is used.