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.
ser feo
to be ugly
The Spanish phrase 'ser feo' translates to 'to be ugly' in English. It is often used to describe someone's unpleasant or unattractive appearance. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe undesirable or unappealing situations or things. It should be noted that, as in English, the usage of the phrase can be seen as rude or harsh and should be used with discretion.
ser gordo
fat
The Spanish term 'ser gordo' translates to 'be fat' in English. It's an expression that refers to an individual's physical appearance, specifically indicating that a person has excess weight or body fat. This term carries a similar connotation as it would in English-speaking cultures, often used in a derogatory or negative manner. However, it is essential to be respectful and mindful of cultural norms and individual sensitivities when using this phrase or similar expressions.
ser guapo
to be handsome
'Ser guapo' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'to be handsome' in English. It is commonly used to compliment someone on their physical appearance. The verb 'ser' is a form of 'to be' used for permanent or long-lasting characteristics, indicating that the beauty is seen as inherent and long-lasting. The adjective 'guapo' directly translates to 'handsome' however it can also mean 'good-looking' or 'attractive' depending on the context. Despite referring often to physical beauty, 'ser guapo' can also describe someone's pleasing or attractive personality traits, not only their looks.
ser ingeniero
being an engineer
The term 'ser ingeniero' translates directly to 'to be an engineer' in English. The phrase 'ser' means 'to be', indicating a state, profession, or characteristic, and 'ingeniero' is a noun meaning 'engineer'. So 'ser ingeniero' essentially refers to the profession or state of being an engineer. It could be used in various contexts such as expressing one's profession (Soy ingeniero - I am an engineer), expressing a desire, a goal (Quiero ser ingeniero - I want to be an engineer) or even in a hypothetical situation (Si fuera ingeniero - If I were an engineer).
ser moreno
to be dark
The Spanish phrase 'ser moreno' is generally used to describe someone with dark skin colour or to be dark in complexion. It can also be utilized for referring to someone with brown or dark-coloured hair. It's mainly about physical characteristics, highlighting the darker shades of skin, hair or eyes. For instance, 'Ella es morena' in English translates to 'She is dark-skinned' or 'She has dark hair'. Remember, 'ser moreno' pertains to a constant or unchangeable characteristic.
ser rubio
being blond
The Spanish phrase 'ser rubio' translates to 'being blond' in English. This is most commonly used to describe an individual's hair color, indicating that they have light, almost yellow-colored hair. However, it can also be used more broadly to describe anyone or anything that is light or pale in color. This term is widely used in various Spanish-speaking countries and communities.
serio
serious
The word 'serio' in Spanish translates as 'serious' in English. It is commonly used to describe a situation, person, or an issue that is of significant importance or gravity. Additionally, it can also describe a person's demeanor or character. It is an adjective and should match in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
Example sentences with serio →silla
chair
'Silla' is the Spanish noun for chair. Chairs are pieces of furniture designed to accommodate one person, typically having four legs and a back.
Example sentences with silla →simpático
nice
Simpático means 'nice'. It is used to describe a person who is friendly and pleasant. An example would be 'El niño es simpático' which translates to 'The child is nice'.
Example sentences with simpático →sobre
over
The Spanish word 'sobre' is used in many contexts like 'over', particularly in phrases related to spatial location, or to describe the end of a period or event. However, it's important to note that due to the complexity and subtleties of both languages, it may not always directly translate to 'over' in every context. Always consider the intended usage before translating.
Example sentences with sobre →sobrino
nephew
The Spanish word 'sobrino' translates to 'nephew' in English. In Spanish, familial terms are specifically gendered, hence 'sobrino' specifically refers to a sibling's male child. The female counterpart of 'sobrino' is 'sobrina', which translates to 'niece' in English. As is common in Spanish, the final 'o' or 'a' denotes the gender of the person in question, with 'o' typically designating males and 'a' designating females.
sociable
sociable
The Spanish word 'sociable' translates to 'sociable' in English. It is typically used as an adjective to describe someone who acts in a friendly, outgoing, and engaging manner towards others. This term also implies that the person enjoys being around people and knows how to interact well in social settings.
sofá
sofa
A sofa is a piece of furniture for seating two or more people in the form of a bench, with armrests, which is partially or entirely upholstered, often fitted with springs and tailored cushions.
Example sentences with sofá →sol
Sun
The Spanish word 'sol' translates to 'sun' in English. It is a masculine noun frequently used in various contexts. Some examples include 'el sol brilla' which means 'the sun is shining', and 'el sol está muy caliente hoy' which means 'the sun is very hot today'. The word 'sol' is also used in idiomatic expressions such as 'hace sol' which means 'it's sunny'. Another important thing to notice is that in Spanish, 'el sol' is used more frequently than just 'sol', which is equivalent to 'the sun' in English as opposed to just 'sun'. It is one of the basic terms in Spanish vocabulary, making it essential for any beginner.
Example sentences with sol →soltero
single
The Spanish translation for 'single' is 'soltero'. It is used in the context of describing one's marital status, indicating that the individual is not married. The use of 'soltero' is common in both spoken and written Spanish. For instance, one might say 'Soy soltero', which translates to 'I am single'. It is also used in the context of describing single items or units.
Example sentences with soltero →sopa
soup
The Spanish word 'sopa' translates to 'soup' in English. It refers to a liquid dish, typically made by boiling meat, fish, or vegetables, etc., in water, often eaten as the first course of a meal. 'Sopa' can also describe a range of dishes with a broth base, and can be enhanced with various ingredients like noodles, rice, vegetables or chunks of meat. In Spanish-speaking cuisines, 'sopa' may take on many forms and flavors.
tacaño
cheap
The Spanish word 'tacaño' translates to 'cheap' in English. Being 'tacaño' doesn't only refer to the price or value of something being low but is most commonly used to describe a person who doesn't like to spend money. It may hold a negative connotation, indicating that the person is stingy or frugal to an extreme extent. It is an adjective and like other Spanish adjectives, may change in form depending on the gender and number of the noun it modifies.
tarjeta
card
The Spanish word for 'card' is 'tarjeta'. It can refer to a credit card, business card, postcard, or any general card. Similar to English, it is context dependent. For example, 'tarjeta de crédito' means 'credit card', while 'tarjeta de visita' is 'business card'. Therefore, you can use 'tarjeta' in various situations just like the use of 'card' in English.
Example sentences with tarjeta →tarjeta de crédito
credit card
The Spanish phrase 'tarjeta de crédito' translates to 'credit card' in English. It is commonly used in financial contexts, businesses, and daily life. A 'tarjeta de crédito' allows you to borrow money against a line of credit, known as the card's credit limit, before paying it back later. Much like in English speaking cultures, it is an important concept in banking and commerce in Spanish speaking societies.
taxi
taxi
The Spanish word 'taxi' is directly equivalent to the English word 'taxi'. It refers to a type of vehicle typically licensed to transport passengers in return for payment of a fare and is commonly yellow or has a light on top. It can be hailed on the street, ordered by phone, or through an app, and offers a private transport service. 'Taxi' is a universally recognized term seen in many languages and countries worldwide.
Example sentences with taxi →taxista
taxi driver
The Spanish word 'taxista' directly translates to 'taxi driver' in English. It refers to a person who drives a taxi for a living, which is a type of vehicle that provides public transportation for one passenger, or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. Similar to English, this term is used universally within Spanish-speaking countries and its understanding is integral for general comprehension and communication.
té
tea
The Spanish word 'té' translates to 'tea' in English. The term is used to refer to a popular hot or cold beverage that is usually made by steeping the leaves of a particular plant in boiling water. This drink comes in several different varieties, including green tea, black tea, and herbal tea. 'Té' can also refer to the plant itself. The use of the word 'té' varies depending on the context of a sentence in Spanish.
teatro
Theatre
The word 'teatro' in Spanish translates to 'theatre' in English. As in English, it refers to a place where performances such as plays, musical performances, or films are presented. It comes from the Latin 'theatrum' which meant 'play or show'. Similar to the English usage, it can also mean the art form of writing and producing plays.
Example sentences with teatro →teléfono fijo
landline
The Spanish term 'teléfono fijo' translates to 'landline' in English. This term is commonly used to refer to a phone that is connected to the network via a physical cable, rather than a mobile device that uses cellular networks. These are often found in homes, businesses, and other permanent structures where a consistent and reliable connection is crucial. Despite the rapid shift towards mobile communication in many parts of the world, landlines continue to play an integral role in many contexts, such as in certain professional settings and for certain demographic groups who find the technology to be more user-friendly and reliable.
televisión
Television
The Spanish word 'televisión' translates to 'television' in English. It refers to the electronic system of transmitting transient images of fixed or moving objects together with sound over a wire or through space by apparatus that converts light and sound into electrical waves and reconverts them into visible light rays and audible sound.
televisión (TV)
television (TV)
Televisión, often abbreviated as TV, is a Spanish word which translates to television in English. The term television, in both languages, refers to a system or a device that receives broadcast signals and transforms them into visual images and sound. These signals can be delivered via various mediums such as over-the-air, via satellite, or through cable.
tener [número cardinal] años
be [cardinal number] years old
The Spanish phrase 'tener [número cardinal] años' translates to 'be [cardinal number] years old' in English. This phrase is commonly used to express someone's age. For instance, 'tener veinte años' means 'be twenty years old'. In Spanish, the verb 'tener' is used to express age, unlike in English where the verb 'be' is utilized.
tener aire acondicionado
Air conditioning
The Spanish phrase 'tener aire acondicionado' translates to 'have air conditioning' in English. In Spanish, the verb 'tener' means 'to have', 'aire' means 'air', and 'acondicionado' means 'conditioned'. Therefore, when combined, they represent the concept of possessing or having an air conditioning system.
tener ascensor
Have an elevator
The Spanish phrase 'tener ascensor' translates to 'have an elevator' in English. This is commonly used in the contexts of buildings or establishments, indicating whether they have the convenience of an elevator present or not. It can be used in both questions and statements. For instance, 'Tiene ascensor' asks 'Does it have an elevator?', while 'No tiene ascensor' states 'It does not have an elevator'.
tener barba
Have a beard
The Spanish phrase 'tener barba' translates to 'have a beard' in English. This phrase is used when describing whether someone has facial hair on their chin, cheeks, and neck. It is a common phrase often used in descriptions or conversations about appearance in Spanish.