A2 - Elementary Spanish
At the A2 level, a student is considered to be at the Elementary stage.
Students at this stage can converse in simple terms about common daily situations, and understands frequently used expressions.
llevar las manos limpios
Keep your hands clean
The Spanish phrase 'llevar las manos limpios' translates to 'keep your hands clean' in English. This phrase could be used in a variety of contexts, such as hygiene promotion or moral advice. Literally, it means to 'carry your hands clean', and is a good example of how idioms may not translate directly between Spanish and English, instead conveying a message or idea.
Example sentences with llevar las manos limpios →llevar las manos sucios
have dirty hands
The Spanish phrase 'llevar las manos sucios' translates to 'to have dirty hands' in English. It can be used literally to refer to someone whose hands are physically dirty. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is involved in something dishonest or immoral, similar to the English phrase 'to have dirty hands'.''
Example sentences with llevar las manos sucios →llevar los dientes limpios
have clean teeth
The Spanish phrase 'llevar los dientes limpios' translates to 'have clean teeth' in English. This phrase is a routine hygiene reminder, implying a proactive approach towards maintaining good oral health. This phrase can be used in varied contexts but primarily in habits related to personal grooming and health. The verb 'llevar' generally means 'to carry' but in this context, it is more accurately translated as 'to have'.
Example sentences with llevar los dientes limpios →llevar los dientes sucios
have dirty teeth
The Spanish phrase 'llevar los dientes sucios' roughly translates to 'have dirty teeth' in English. This is a direct, literal translation. It is not a widely used expression or idiom, but you could use it to refer to someone who has not brushed their teeth and has noticeable dirt or food on them. Maintaining oral hygiene is an important global practice, and references to dirty teeth can be seen as insulting or embarrassing comments about personal hygiene.
Example sentences with llevar los dientes sucios →llevar salsa
carry sauce
The Spanish phrase 'llevar salsa' translates to 'carry sauce' in English. This phrase is often used in the context of food and dining where the action of carrying sauce or seasonings is involved, typically in a restaurant or similar setting. It may be used to instruct someone to bring the sauce to the table for a meal. However, it could also be used in a more metaphorical sense, referring to adding flavor or spice to a situation.
llevar un pañuelo
wearing a scarf
The Spanish phrase 'llevar un pañuelo' translates into English as 'wearing a scarf'. It consists of 'llevar' meaning 'to wear or to carry', 'un' meaning 'a', and 'pañuelo' meaning 'scarf'. Therefore, this phrase is typically used to describe the action of wearing a scarf.
llevar un sombrero
wearing a hat
The Spanish phrase 'llevar un sombrero' translates to 'wearing a hat' in English. In this context, 'llevar' means 'to wear', 'un' is an article that corresponds to 'a' and 'sombrero' is the Spanish word for 'hat'. Notice when referring to wearing something in Spanish, 'llevar' is commonly used. This phrase can be used in various situations, such as describing what someone is doing (e.g., 'El está llevando un sombrero' - 'He is wearing a hat'), asking someone to wear a hat (e.g., '¿Puedes llevar un sombrero?' - 'Can you wear a hat?') or stating a general preference (e.g., 'Me gusta llevar un sombrero' - 'I like wearing a hat').
llevar una gorra
wearing a cap
The Spanish phrase 'llevar una gorra' directly translates to 'wear a cap' in English. It is typically used to describe the action of wearing a cap or hat. In general, 'llevar' means 'to carry' or 'to wear', 'una' means 'a' and 'gorra' means 'cap' or 'hat'. Therefore, when these words are used together as 'llevar una gorra', it means 'wearing a cap'.
llevar una vida sana
to lead a healthy life
The Spanish phrase 'llevar una vida sana' translates into English as 'to lead a healthy life'. This phrase refers to the practice of maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and abstaining from harmful habits such as smoking and excessive drinking. It emphasizes on the importance of taking personal responsibility for one's own health and well-being.
Example sentences with llevar una vida sana →llover
to rain
The Spanish verb 'llover' translates to 'to rain' in English. It is representative of the natural phenomenon where drops of water fall from the clouds towards the earth. An example of this word in use could be 'Va a llover mañana', which translates to 'It is going to rain tomorrow' in English. Like many Spanish verbs, 'llover' changes form depending on the context, such as who is doing the action, when it is happening, and more.
Example sentences with llover →luna
moon
'Luna' is the Spanish noun for moon. The moon is the natural satellite of the earth, visible at night by reflected light from the sun.
Example sentences with luna →mal estado
bad.
The Spanish phrase 'mal estado' translates to 'bad state' or 'poor condition' in English. It might refer to a physical object that is damaged or not working properly, a person's bad health, or a situation that is not favorable. Although 'mal estado' can be translated as 'bad' in some contexts, it's more specific than 'bad' and often implies 'unusable' or 'unhealthy'.
maletín
briefcase
The Spanish word 'maletín' translates to 'briefcase' in English. A 'maletín' is a flat, rectangular container, often made of leather, for carrying documents or books. It typically has a handle and can be closed with a clasp. It's commonly used in a professional setting by people who need to carry important documents or work tools such as laptops. Its literal translation would be 'small suitcase' as it is derived from the Spanish word 'maleta' which means suitcase, and the suffix '-ín' in Spanish is used as a diminutive.
mamá
mom
The Spanish word 'mamá' translates to the English word 'mom'. It is a common and informal term used by people, especially children, to address or refer to their mother. It is similar in usage to other words such as 'mother' or 'mum' in English. The use of 'mamá' tends to connote a sense of warmth, familiarity, and affection. This word is part of standard Spanish vocabulary and is widely used in all Spanish speaking countries.
mandar un mensaje electrónico
send an e-mail
The Spanish phrase 'mandar un mensaje electrónico' translates to 'send an e-mail' in English. This is typically used in the context of digital communication, particularly when referring to the action of sending a digital message via an email service. To further illustrate, imagine you are instructing someone how to send a message through their email, you will tell them 'mandar un mensaje electrónico'.
mano
hand
In Spanish, 'mano' refers to the end part of a person's arm which includes the fingers and thumb. Just as in English, it can be used in various contexts and phrases e.g. 'Dame tu mano' which means 'Give me your hand'. It's a feminine noun despite ending in 'o' which is atypical as most Spanish words ending in 'o' are masculine.
Example sentences with mano →mantequilla
butter
The Spanish word 'mantequilla' translates to 'butter' in English. This is a noun typically used to refer to a yellowish or whitish emulsion of butterfat, water, and air, churned from milk or cream and used in cooking or as a spread or topping. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it's frequently used in various recipes or served with bread.
margarita
daisy
The Spanish word 'margarita' translates to 'daisy' in English. The term is commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries to refer to the daisy flower, known for its white petals and prominent yellow center. The word 'margarita' plays a crucial role in gardening terminology and flower classification in Spanish language, and it is also a popular female name. Interestingly, 'Margarita' also refers to a well-known cocktail made primarily of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, served with salt on the rim of the glass.
Example sentences with margarita →matemáticas
mathematics
Mathematics is a field of study that involves shapes, quantities, arrangements, and their relationships. It is a fundamental discipline that is essential to many areas, including the natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and the social sciences.
Example sentences with matemáticas →mayonesa
mayonnaise
The Spanish word 'mayonesa' translates to 'mayonnaise' in English. Mayonnaise is a thick, creamy dressing often used in salads and sandwiches, and as a condiment. It is typically made from oil, egg yolks, and either vinegar or lemon juice, with other seasonings added according to taste.
mecánico
mechanical
The Spanish word 'mecánico' translates to 'mechanical' in English. It can be used in different contexts, but primarily refers to something relating to machinery or engines. For instance, in the case of a 'mecánico de automóviles', it would mean 'car mechanic', indicating a person who fixes cars. Similarly, it could also indicate a scientific concept like 'energía mecánica', translating to 'mechanical energy'. It is therefore important to understand the context in which 'mecánico' is being used.
Example sentences with mecánico →media pensión
half board
The Spanish term 'media pensión' translates to 'half board' in English. In travel and tourism context, half board means that your accommodation comes with two meals usually breakfast and either lunch or dinner. This is a common option in hotels and other forms of accommodation, particularly in Europe. For those who want some meals included but also want to explore the local cuisine outside of their guesthouse, this is an ideal option.
Example sentences with media pensión →medias
socks
The Spanish word 'medias' translates to 'socks' in English. It is a feminine, plural noun that pertains to the clothing item worn on the feet, before shoes. The singular form is 'media'. Typically, 'medias' can be of various types, including, but not limited to, sports socks, woolen socks, summer socks, winter socks, ankle socks, etc.
Medicina
Medicine
The Spanish word 'Medicina' translates to 'Medicine' in English. It is used in the same context as it is in English, referring to the science and practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. It can also be used to reference drugs or medication used in the treatment and prevention of illnesses. Additionally, 'Medicina' can refer to a course of study at universities, similar to 'medical school' in English.
medio kilo
half a kilo
The Spanish term 'medio kilo' translates to 'half a kilo' in English. It is a unit of measure used in Spanish-speaking countries to weight and is especially prevalent in markets and stores. Kilo is short for kilogram, a metric unit of weight, and medio signifies half. Therefore, 'medio kilo' is the equivalent of 500 grams in English.
memorizar una fórmula
memorize a formula
The Spanish phrase 'memorizar una fórmula' translates to 'memorize a formula' in English. It consists of the verb 'memorizar' which means to commit something to memory or to learn something by heart, and 'una fórmula', which refers to a method, principle, or procedure for achieving something, often in mathematics or science. So, if you're studying for a math or science test, your teacher might advise you to 'memorizar una fórmula'.
memorizar una regla
memorize a rule
The Spanish phrase 'memorizar una regla' translates to 'memorize a rule' in English. It is often used in educational contexts, where students are asked to remember specific rules or procedures. The verb 'memorizar' indicates the action of committing something to memory, while 'una regla' refers to a rule or guideline that should be remembered. This phrase can also be used metaphorically in various social and professional settings, indicating the importance of understanding and adhering to certain rules or principles.
microondas
microwave
The Spanish word 'microondas' translates to 'microwave' in English. A microwave is an appliance used for heating food quickly by exposing it to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range. This induces polar molecules in the food to rotate and produce thermal energy in a process known as dielectric heating. In Spanish-speaking countries, 'microondas' is commonly used in households and restaurants for rapid heating of food.
mirar
look
The Spanish equivalent for the word 'look' is 'mirar'. 'Mirar' is commonly used in everyday Spanish language. It is a regular verb and conjugates according to the subject and tense. For example, 'Yo miro' means 'I look'. It is often used in a range of contexts, such as asking someone to look at something, stating that one is looking at something, or discussing looking in the general sense.
Example sentences with mirar →mirar un mapa
look at a map
The Spanish phrase 'mirar un mapa' translates to 'look at a map' in English. It is a common phrase used in travel or navigation situations suggesting someone to view or consult a map for direction. The verb 'mirar' means 'to look', 'un' is an indefinite article equating to 'a' and 'mapa' means 'map'. Thus when you hear or see the phrase 'mirar un mapa', you are being advised to look at a map.
Example sentences with mirar un mapa →