A2 - Elementary Spanish

(Hermanos) gemelos in Spanish translates to (brothers) twins in English. This is often used to refer to a pair of brothers who are twins, meaning they were born at the same time from the same pregnancy. The word 'hermanos' specifically refers to 'brothers', and 'gemelos' to 'twins'. In a broader context outside of family, 'gemelos' can also be used to describe two things that are identical or very similar in appearance.

The Spanish phrase '(ordenador) portátil' translates to 'laptop' in English. This term generally refers to a portable computer that you can carry around with you. It has all the functionalities of a desktop computer but is compact and suitable for travel or mobile work. In some Spanish speaking regions like Spain, they use the word 'ordenador' for computer, and 'portátil' means portable. So, '(ordenador) portátil' is literally a 'portable computer' or what is known as a 'laptop' in English.

'(Primer) ministro' is a Spanish term that refers to the term '(First) Minister' in English. In political terms, it is most often used to denote the head of a cabinet, similar to Prime Minister or Premier. This public official is typically the leader of the executive branch of government in a parliamentary system. The minister leads cabinet meetings and oversees the execution of government plans and strategies. The adjective 'primer', meaning 'first', indicates the prominence or superiority of the position within a governmental structure.

(Un) musical is a Spanish term used to indicate a musical show or performance. This term often refers to a genre of drama in which singing and dancing play an essential role, often telling a story. The term is derived from the English word 'musical', and it's used almost universally across the Spanish-speaking world. However, like many cultural terms, the context and usage can vary slightly from region to region, but generally the term '(un) musical' always relates to a show or performance which incorporates music, dancing, and often singing too.

The Spanish word 'abrigo' translates to 'coat' in English. It can refer to a variety of outer garments typically worn in the cold weather to keep warm. The concept is broad and the exact type of 'abrigo' can vary from a heavy jacket to a styled overcoat. The word 'abrigo' is a masculine noun in Spanish.

The term 'academia de ballet' in Spanish translates to 'ballet academy' in English. It is a school or institution where students learn the art of ballet, a highly technical form of dance with its own vocabulary based on French. Ballet academies often offer training in technique, flexibility, strength, and performance, catering to different skill levels from beginner to professional.

The Spanish phrase 'academia de idiomas' translates to 'language academy' in English. A language academy is an educational institution where you can learn different languages. These academies typically hire professional language educators and offer courses in various languages, often across beginner, intermediate, and advanced proficiency levels. The term 'academia de idiomas' is commonly used in Spanish-speaking nations to refer to such institutions.

The Spanish phrase 'academia de música' translates to 'music academy' in English. A music academy is a type of educational institution specifically dedicated to the study and practice of music. It offers a variety of music-related courses including vocals, instrumental music, music theory, composition and much more. Teachers in music academies are often professional musicians or experienced educators in the field.

The word 'adivinar' in Spanish is analogous to the English 'guess'. It's commonly used to describe the act of predicting without sufficient information. This term often appears in casual and formal conversations. Additionally, 'adivinar' can find usage in various contexts ranging from playful guessing games to serious conjectures on significant matters.

The word 'adolescente' in Spanish is an adjective or noun that translates to 'teen' in English. It refers to an individual who is in the age range between childhood and adulthood, generally between the ages of 13 and 19. The term can be used to indicate both male and female individuals in this age group, and it's also used to describe the phenomena, changes and characteristics typical of this age stage.

The Spanish word 'afición' translates to 'hobby' in English. It is used to describe an activity done in your leisure time for pleasure whether it be reading, painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument. This word represents what you invest your free time in and what you enjoy learning or doing. Just as in English, this can refer to a broad range of activities, depending on individual preferences.

The term 'agencia de viajes' in Spanish translates to 'travel agency' in English. A travel agency is a business, either physical or online, that provides travel and tourism related services to the public on behalf of suppliers such as airlines, car rentals, cruise lines, hotels, railways, and package tours. Travel agencies can also specialize in certain types of travel such as leisure or business travel and may be located in a wide variety of settings including commercial establishments and online.

The word 'agenda' in Spanish carries the same meaning as it does in English. It refers to a list, plan, or outline of things to be done, matters to be acted or voted upon. It can also mean an appointment book or a list or program of business to be attended to. This term is commonly used across different contexts ranging from business meetings to personal planning.

The Spanish word 'agradable' equates to 'nice' in English. It is an adjective used to describe something or someone that is pleasant, satisfactory, or attractive. Like its English equivalent, 'agradable' can be used in various contexts, enhancing its versatility. For example, it may refer to a 'nice' person, place, or activity, effectively conveying a sense of appeal or enjoyment.

The word 'agricultor' is a Spanish word which directly translates to 'farmer' in English. It is used to refer to individuals who cultivate land or crops, and/or raise animals for food or other products. These individuals are a vital part of the economy, providing much of the food consumed. There is often a deep sense of respect for 'agricultores', for their hard work and for their essential role in society.

The Spanish word 'aire' translates to 'air' in English. It can be used in various contexts, but mostly in reference to the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth, a mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen.

The Spanish word 'ajo' translates to 'garlic' in English. This word is commonly used in conversational and written Spanish, and it refers to a popular ingredient in a wide variety of traditional Spanish dishes. Garlic, or 'ajo' in Spanish, is not just a food item, but also considered to be of medicinal value, often used in natural remedies. It is important to add to your vocabulary when learning Spanish, especially if you plan to interact in environments such as the supermarket or when discussing food.

The Spanish term 'alojamiento y desayuno' directly translates to 'lodging and breakfast' in English. However, it is commonly understood as 'bed and breakfast', a hospitality service that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast the following morning, often in a small, cozy, and home-like setting. This type of accommodation is popular among travelers seeking a more personalized and local experience compared to traditional hotels.

The term 'alumno de la escuela' in Spanish translates to 'school student' in English. It generally refers to an individual who is enrolled in an educational institution or school. This person is usually part of a systematic instruction or educational training conducted under the supervision of teachers or instructors. The term is commonly used in the educational context to refer to individuals who are acquiring knowledge or learning concepts in a school setting.

The term 'alumno del instituto' is composed of two parts. 'Alumno' is a Spanish term that translates to 'student' in English. On the other hand, 'instituto' refers to an educational institution that is often used to refer to a high school in English context. Therefore, when combined, 'alumno del instituto' translates to 'high school student' in English.

The Spanish word 'amable' translates to 'kind' in English. It's used to describe someone who is friendly and considerate. For example, when referring to a person who behaves nicely you might say 'Él es muy amable', which translates to 'He is very kind'.

The Spanish word 'ambulancia' translates to 'ambulance' in English. An ambulance is a specially equipped vehicle that is used to transport sick or injured individuals to, from, or between places of treatment such as hospitals and clinics. The word 'ambulancia' in Spanish and 'ambulance' in English originated from the same root, namely the Latin word 'ambulare', meaning 'to walk or move about', which is a reference to early medical care where patients were moved by lifting or wheeling.

The Spanish word 'amueblado' translates to 'furnished' in English. It is mainly used to describe a property, usually a room or a house, that comes with furniture. For example, if a house is rented 'amueblado', that means it is equipped with necessary furniture like chairs, tables, beds etc. This term is commonly seen in real estate and rental contexts.

The Spanish word 'anuncios' translates to 'ads' in English. It is used to refer to advertisements that are designed to encourage the purchase of a product or service. These can appear in various formats and through different channels, including newspapers, television, radio, websites, and public spaces. The concept of 'anuncios' is a fundamental part of the marketing and communication strategy for many businesses, helping them to promote their offerings and reach their target audience.

The term 'aperitivo' refers to a small dish usually consumed prior to the main meal to stimulate or enhance one's appetites. In English, it can be roughly translated as a 'snack' or 'appetizer'. This is typically a light fare and can encompass various types of foods, from simple finger foods to complex culinary creations. It is a common part of meal tradition in several Spanish and Latin cultures.

The Spanish phrase 'aprender una fórmula' translates to 'learn a formula' in English. It is a verb phrase commonly used in academic and professional settings, especially in the fields of mathematics, physics and chemistry. The word 'aprender' means 'to learn', and 'una fórmula' is translated as 'a formula'. Together, they are used to express the acquisition of knowledge or understanding of a specific formula.

The Spanish phrase 'aprender una regla' translates to 'learn a rule' in English. It refers to the process of acquiring knowledge about a principle or guidelines that dictate what actions should be taken or avoided in certain circumstances. Like in English, this phrase can be used in different contexts in Spanish, including sports, academics, or societal norms. 'Aprender' means 'learn', 'una' means 'a', and 'regla' means 'rule'.

The Spanish verb 'aprobar' generally means 'to pass', as in passing a test or approving something, like a law. Though it can be translated to 'adopt' in certain contexts, most often, it is used refer to passing or approving something. For instance, in a legislative context, when a law is approved, it may be translated as 'adopted'. However, caution should be used when translating, as context significantly impacts the meaning of this verb.

The Spanish word 'arquitecto' translates to 'architect' in English. An architect is a person who designs buildings and prepares plans to construct them. The same duties apply to an 'arquitecto' in Spanish-speaking contexts. The profession involves practical, technological, and aesthetic knowledge to create spaces that meet various needs and impacts both the users and the environment positively.

The Spanish word 'arte' is equivalent to 'art' in English. It refers to the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. 'Arte' can also denote other endeavors or activities considered as requiring skill and creativity.