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.
clase de español
Spanish class
The Spanish phrase 'clase de español' literally translates to 'class of Spanish' in English. It is used to denote a course or lesson in which the Spanish language, literature, or both are taught. Just like any other language course, a 'clase de español' would focus on various aspects of the Spanish language including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, writing and comprehension. Culture, history, and various dialects of Spanish-speaking regions may also feature. Whether you're taking 'clase de español' in a school, college, or online, it's a great way to learn the world's second most spoken native language.
clase de historia
History class
The Spanish phrase 'clase de historia' translates to 'history class' in English. This phrase is often used in an academic context, referring to a class or course in which the subject of history is studied. It could refer to any period of history, and could be a class taken by a student at any level of education, from elementary school to university. The elements of the phrase can be broken down into 'clase', which means 'class', and 'historia', which means 'history'.
clase de matemáticas
Math class
The Spanish phrase 'clase de matemáticas' translates to 'math class' in English. This phrase is typically used in the context of education and school settings. 'Clase' means 'class', 'de' is a preposition generally meaning 'of', and 'matemáticas' means 'math'. Therefore, when combined, 'clase de matemáticas' literally translates to 'class of math' but is more naturally translated as 'math class' in English.
código postal
zip code
The term 'código postal' in Spanish translates to 'zip code' in English. A zip code is a system used by the postal services to identify specific regions or locations in a country. It is a series of digits that are used as part of an address to aid the sorting and delivery of mail. Each zip code corresponds with a specific geographic area. In Spanish, 'código' means 'code' and 'postal' means 'mail', so combined, 'código postal' refers to the numeric or alphanumeric code used in mail sorting and delivery. In many English-speaking countries, this code is referred to as 'zip code' or 'postcode'.
colegio
College
The word 'colegio' in Spanish is often used to refer both to a primary or secondary school and is typically used in many Spanish-speaking countries. However, it can also refer to a college, which is an institution of higher education or a part of a university. It's worth noting that the use of 'colegio' may change in context or region. It is important to understand the context when this word is used.
comer
to eat
'Comer' is a regular verb. This verb is used whenever one is eating or consuming food.
Example sentences with comer →compañero
companion
This is the Spanish word for 'companion'. It refers to a person or animal with whom one spends a great deal of time or with whom one travels.
Example sentences with compañero →compañero (de juego)
partner (play)
The Spanish term 'compañero (de juego)' translates to 'partner (play)' in English. It is often used to refer to a person with whom one shares a particular activity such as a game or sport. For example, it can be used in a sentence like 'He is my compañero de juego in the soccer team', meaning 'He is my play partner in the soccer team'. It emphasizes a sense of camaraderie, fellowship, and mutual cooperation in a playful context.
comprador
buyer
The Spanish word 'comprador' translates to 'buyer' in English. It is used to refer to an individual or organization that purchases goods or services. This term is frequently used in economical contexts or in the conversational business Spanish. 'Comprador' derives from the verb 'comprar', which means 'to buy' in English.
comprar un apartamento
buy an apartment
The Spanish phrase 'comprar un apartamento' translates to 'buy an apartment' in English. It is a common phrase used in property-related contexts, when someone intends to purchase residential property, such as an apartment. 'Comprar' is a verb that stands for 'buy', while 'un apartamento' is a masculine noun phrase that means 'an apartment'. It can be used in different contexts and sentences, always maintaining its literal meaning, unless idiomatic usage applies.
comprar un billete de ida
buy a one way ticket
The Spanish phrase 'comprar un billete de ida' translates to 'buy a one way ticket' in English. It's a commonly used phrase in travel and transportation, used to denote the purchase of a ticket for a journey in one direction only, without a return. It can be used in the context of buying a ticket for various modes of transportation like a bus, train, plane, etc.
Example sentences with comprar un billete de ida →comprar un billete de ida y vuelta
buy a round trip ticket
The Spanish phrase 'comprar un billete de ida y vuelta' is translated into English as 'buy a round trip ticket'. In this phrase, 'comprar' means 'to buy', 'un billete' means 'a ticket', 'de ida y vuelta' means 'round trip'. This is a common phrase used when planning travel, specifically when arranging transportation that will return to the original starting point.
Example sentences with comprar un billete de ida y vuelta →comprar un piso
buy a flat
The Spanish phrase 'comprar un piso' directly translates to 'buy a flat' in English. This is commonly used in contexts such as real estate and living arrangements. Much like in English, it could be used to express the action of purchasing a flat or apartment for residential purposes. This concept can be used in a variety of sentences, making it an important phrase to remember.
comprender
to understand
Comprender means to grasp the nature, significance, or meaning of information. In the context of studying, it usually involves understanding a concept or a subject matter.
Example sentences with comprender →concierto
concert
A Concierto or Concert is a performance given by a musician or group of musicians before a live audience.
Example sentences with concierto →conductor
driver
The Spanish word 'conductor' translates to 'driver' in English. It is used to refer to someone who operates and controls a vehicle such as a car, bus, or train. It holds the same connotations of responsibility and control as it does in English. In Spanish, it can also specifically refer to someone who conducts an orchestra or the person leading a choir.
Example sentences with conductor →correo electrónico
e-mail
The Spanish term 'correo electrónico' translates to 'e-mail' in English. This term is used to refer to the system for sending messages over a computer network, especially the internet. Similar to English, 'correo electrónico' can also be used not only on the system itself but also on the messages sent.
correr
to run
'Correr' corresponds to the act of running, hurrying or moving swiftly.
Example sentences with correr →deporte
sport
The word 'deporte' in Spanish translates to 'sport' in English. Its usage is similar to English, being used to talk about physical activities in which individuals or teams compete against each other. For example, 'Futbol es un deporte popular en España' translates to 'Football is a popular sport in Spain'. Like in English, the noun 'deporte' can also be used in general to discuss the concept of physical exercise and activity.
Example sentences with deporte →desayuno
breakfast
The Spanish word 'desayuno' translates to 'breakfast' in English. This word is used to refer to the first meal of the day, typically consumed in the morning. It can include a range of foods, such as bread, fruit, eggs, and coffee in many cultures.
diccionario
dictionary
The word 'diccionario' in Spanish translates to 'dictionary' in English. A 'diccionario' is a reference resource containing a list of words, usually with their meanings in another language. It is essential in language learning as it allows learners to understand, translate, and use foreign words correctly. The word 'diccionario' is a Spanish cognate with English, meaning the words look, sound, and mean the same thing across both languages.
dinero
money
The Spanish word for 'money' is 'dinero'. It is used in many of the same contexts as the word 'money' in English. For example, in Spanish, you might say 'No tengo dinero' which translates to 'I have no money' in English. Like English, 'dinero' is an uncountable noun in Spanish, so it does not have a plural form.
Example sentences with dinero →divorciado
divorced
The Spanish word 'divorciado' translates to 'divorced' in English. It is used to describe a person who has legally ended their marriage. Like in English, it can be used as both a noun and an adjective. For instance, a man who is divorced can be described as a 'hombre divorciado', and a divorced woman as a 'mujer divorciada'. The word ‘divorciado’ derives from the verb 'divorciar', which simply means 'to divorce'.
dormitorio
Bedroom
The Spanish word 'dormitorio' translates to 'bedroom' in English. It is a noun often used to refer to a room within a home, apartment, or other dwelling that is primarily used for sleeping. This word can be used in various contexts such as house selling, interior design, and daily conversations. So, the next time you are talking about your home in Spanish, remember that the room you sleep in is called a 'dormitorio'.
el menú
menu
The Spanish word 'el menú' translates to 'menu' in English. It is often used in the context of food, for instance in a restaurant, to mean a list of food and beverages offered to customers. For example, 'Lea el menú y elija su comida' translates to 'Read the menu and choose your food.' However, 'menu' could also refer to a list of options or commands on a computer interface.
en grupos
groups
The Spanish phrase 'en grupos' translates to 'in groups' in English. It is often used to indicate a division or organization in multiple smaller units or teams. For example, if you were splitting up a class or team into smaller teams or groups, you would use the phrase 'en grupos'.
en parejas
couples
The Spanish phrase 'en parejas' translates to 'in couples' in English. It is often used to denote a pair or a duo engaged in an activity together or to refer to romantic couples. In many educational and team settings, when tasks are assigned 'en parejas', this means they are meant to be done in pairs or groups of two. Similarly, in a social context, 'en parejas' may imply a gathering or event where guests are expected to attend as pairs or couples.
enfermera
nurse
The Spanish word 'enfermera' translates to 'nurse' in English. A 'nurse' is a trained health professional who is skilled in promoting and supporting a person's health and well-being. Nurses are usually part of the healthcare team and they provide various services, depending on their training and their jurisdictions.
enfermero
nurse
'Enfermero' refers to a person who is trained to care for sick or injured people. This term typically refers to a male nurse.
Example sentences with enfermero →ensalada
salad
The Spanish word 'ensalada' translates to 'salad' in English. It can refer to a dish that usually consists of a mixture of small pieces of food, typically vegetables or fruits. However, the term 'ensalada' also conveys much of the variety that English speaking people attribute to the dish: salads can include a variety of ingredients such as grains, proteins, and cheeses, dressed with a dressing of some kind or not. This term is widely used in many Spanish-speaking countries and it is a common item found in many meals.