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.
oír
hear
The word 'oír' is a verb in Spanish that is equivalent to 'hear' in English. It is used to refer to the act of perceiving sounds through the ear. For instance, you might use it in a sentence like 'Puedo oír el sonido de la lluvia', meaning 'I can hear the sound of the rain'.
Example sentences with oír →olivo
olive
The Spanish word 'olivo' translates to 'olive' in English. This can refer to the small oval fruit of the olive tree, which is typically green or black, commonly used as food when processed. It can also denote the olive tree itself, which is native to the Mediterranean region and is known for its fruit and the oil produced from it. Not only is it a main component of the region's cuisine, but olives have also had significant symbolic and religious uses throughout history.
Example sentences with olivo →optimista
optimistic
The Spanish word 'optimista' translates to 'optimistic' in English. The term refers to the tendency or inclination to look at the positive side of things or expect the best possible outcome. It is used to describe people who have a positive outlook on life and believe that good things will happen. Much like in English, 'optimista' can be used in various contexts -- for example, to describe a person's general demeanor or attitude in life, or their perspective on a particular situation.
pagar en efectivo
pay in cash
The Spanish term 'pagar en efectivo' translates to 'pay in cash' in English. This expression is used in situations where a payment is required, particularly in contexts such as shops, markets or restaurants. When you 'pagar en efectivo', you make a monetary transaction using physical currency, such as coins and notes, as opposed to digital or card payments. This phrase is very common in Spanish-speaking countries, and knowing it can be particularly useful for travelers.
Example sentences with pagar en efectivo →pagar la matrícula
pay the tuition
The phrase 'pagar la matrícula' in Spanish translates to 'pay the tuition' in English. It's used in the context of making a payment for educational instruction, particularly in a school or university. This cost is generally paid per term and is typically considered a hefty expense necessary for accessing structured higher-level education.
palacete
palace
The term 'palacete' in Spanish refers to a small palace or a very luxurious house, often in reference to a large, impressive, grandeur residential home that can be quite ornate and aesthetically pleasing. While it literally translates to 'little palace' in English, it doesn't necessarily denote a royal or imperial residence but rather a very opulent house often associated with wealth and extravagance.
panadería
bakery
The word 'panadería' is a Spanish noun which comes from 'pan', meaning 'bread', and the suffix '-ería', indicating a place where something is sold. Thus, 'panadería' directly translates to 'place where bread is sold', or in other words, a 'bakery' in English. A panadería in Spanish-speaking cultures is not only a place to purchase bread, but also other baked goods like pastries, making it an often central and bustling hub in many communities.
pañuelo
scarf
The word 'pañuelo' is a common term in Spanish which translates to 'scarf' in English. It refers to a piece of fabric, often rectangular in shape, that is worn around the neck for warmth, sun protection, cleanliness, fashion, or religious reasons. In colder climates, it is typically made of wool or heavy cloth to provide warmth, whereas in warmer climates, it may be made of lighter materials such as silk or cotton. The term 'pañuelo' can also refer to a smaller piece of cloth used as a handkerchief.
papá
dad
The word 'papá' in Spanish translates commonly to 'dad' in English. It's used in informal communication and is quite universal, being utilized in many Spanish-speaking regions. It denotes a familial relationship, specifically a paternal figure or father. Similar to 'dad' in English, 'papá' is typically less formal than 'padre', which also means father. It's an easy-to-remember and often taught early on in Spanish language education.
papelería
stationery
The Spanish word 'papelería' translates to 'stationery' in English. The term 'stationery' refers to all items needed for written communication, including papers, envelopes, writing instruments like pens and pencils, and other office supplies. It is a noun and is pronounced 'pap-e-ler-ia' in Spanish with stress on the second last syllable. This word is commonly used in both the commercial and personal context.
paquete de arroz
rice package
The Spanish term 'paquete de arroz' translates to 'rice package' in English. It signifies a unit or package containing rice, typically used for selling or transporting the product. The term is widely used in Spanish-speaking grocery stores or markets when referring to packaged commodities such as rice.
paquete de harina
flour package
The Spanish term 'paquete de harina' directly translates to 'flour package' in English. This refers to a packaged quantity of flour, as found in shops or supermarkets. This is often used in contexts of baking or cooking, where the flour is a necessary ingredient. Understanding both words separately, 'paquete' means 'package' and 'harina' means 'flour', thus when put together it forms 'flour package'
pared
wall
The Spanish word for 'wall', 'pared', is used in a same way as in English. It refers to a vertical structure, often made of stone or brick, that divides or surrounds an area. However, it's important to note that 'pared' is generally used for interior walls. For referring to an exterior wall or a wall of a building, you'd often use the word 'muro'.
Example sentences with pared →parque de atracciones
amusement park
The Spanish word 'parque de atracciones' translates to 'amusement park' in English. An amusement park is a type of outdoor area that hosts various entertainment attractions like roller coasters, rides, games, and shows. The term 'parque de atracciones' is often associated with fun and leisure activities shared among friends, families, or individuals seeking enjoyment and thrill.
parque zoológico
zoological park
The term 'parque zoológico' in Spanish translates to 'zoological park' in English. A zoological park is a facility where animals are housed within enclosures, displayed to the public, and where they may also breed. Zoological parks are primarily designed for conservation and educational purposes. Different animals from various geographical locations are kept here for people to observe and learn about.
partido político
political party
The Spanish phrase 'partido político' translates to 'political party' in English. A political party is an organised group of people who share similar political views and work together to influence public policy and government actions. They do this typically by participating in elections, with the intent to get their candidates elected to various government offices. Political parties play a crucial role in a democratic system, encouraging citizen participation and representing a diversity of opinion within a political system.
Example sentences with partido político →pasta
pasta
Pasta is a type of Italian dish typically made from an unleavened dough of wheat flour mixed with water or eggs, and formed into sheets or various shapes.
Example sentences with pasta →pasta de dientes
toothpaste
The Spanish term 'pasta de dientes' translates to 'toothpaste' in English. It is a paste or gel dentifrice used with a toothbrush to clean and maintain the health of teeth. Toothpaste is used to promote oral hygiene, serving as an abrasive that aids in removing dental plaque, and food from the teeth. These usages control halitosis and deliver active ingredients such as fluoride to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Example sentences with pasta de dientes →patata
potato
The word 'patata' in Spanish translates to 'potato' in English. It refers to the starchy tuber of a plant that belongs to the nightshade family, which is widely used in cooking in many different ways. This word may also refer to the plant itself. The term 'patata' is used in Spain, whereas 'papa' is more commonly used in Latin America.
paz
peace
The Spanish word 'paz' is used nearly identically to how 'peace' is used in English. It can refer to a state of tranquility or quiet, but is often used in political and social contexts to refer to the absence of war or conflict. Like in English, 'paz' is a common word used in wishes and greetings, especially during holiday seasons and in religious contexts.
Example sentences with paz →pedir algo
Ask for something.
The Spanish phrase 'pedir algo' translates to 'ask for something' in English. It is often used in the context of requesting an item or a service from someone. For example, in a restaurant, you might 'pedir algo' from the menu. Its usage is quite widespread in everyday conversations since the act of asking for something is common.
pedir el menú
order the menu
The phrase 'pedir el menú' in Spanish translates to 'order the menu' in English. It is commonly used in restaurants when you want to ask for the list of food and drinks that are available. 'Pedir' translates to 'order' or 'ask for', 'el' is used for the English 'the', and 'menú' translates directly to 'menu'. Therefore, the combined phrase used in context would be similar to saying 'can I have the menu please' in English.
pedir el menú (del día)
order the menu (of the day)
The Spanish phrase 'pedir el menú (del día)' directly translates to 'order the menu (of the day)' in English. This is often used in restaurants where the patron would like to see the selections of meals offered for that day, or to place an order for the day's menu.
pedir el plato del día
order the dish of the day
The Spanish phrase 'pedir el plato del día' translates to 'order the dish of the day' in English. It is used primarily in restaurants or food-related settings to indicate the desire to order the special dish that is specifically prepared for that particular day. Each day might have a different special dish, and the phrase allows you to indicate your request for that meal without needing to know its specific name.
pedir la carta
ask for the menu
The Spanish phrase 'pedir la carta' translates to 'ask for the menu' in English. This is often used in restaurants when you want to see what food and drink options are available before you place your order. The verb 'pedir' means 'to ask for' or 'to request', and 'la carta' refers to 'the menu'. Therefore, when combined, 'pedir la carta' means that you are requesting to see the menu. This phrase can be used in any dining situation, whether that be in a more casual cafe setting or a formal restaurant.
pedir la cuenta
ask for the bill
The Spanish phrase 'pedir la cuenta' translates to 'ask for the bill' in English. This is often used in the context of dining at a restaurant. At the end of the meal, when you are ready to leave, you would tell the server that you're ready to 'pedir la cuenta'. Consequently, they would then bring you the bill. It's an essential phrase to know for dining etiquette in Spanish-speaking countries.
pedir una sopa
order a soup
The Spanish phrase 'pedir una sopa' translates to 'order a soup' in English. This phrase is commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries in restaurants or wherever food is served. 'Pedir' is the Spanish verb for 'to ask' or 'to order', 'una' is an indefinite article which translates to 'a', and 'sopa' simply means 'soup'. Thus, when combined, 'pedir una sopa' means asking or ordering a soup.
peluquería
hairdresser
The Spanish word 'peluquería' translates to 'hairdresser' in English. It is commonly used to refer to a person who cuts or styles hair as a profession in a salon or a barber shop. Apart from cutting and styling, hairdressers often also offer other services such as hair coloring and treatments. The term can also refer to the salon or shop where these professionals work. 'Peluquería' is a feminine noun in Spanish.
pensión completa
full board
The Spanish term 'pensión completa' translates to 'full board' in English. This is often used in reference to hospitality services, like hotels or bed and breakfasts, where the cost of the room also includes all three daily meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's a term often seen in travel and accommodation packages. Hence, if you see 'pensión completa' while booking your stay, you can expect your meals to be covered in the overall price.
Example sentences with pensión completa →perejil
parsley
The word 'perejil' is a Spanish term that translates to 'parsley' in English. It's a type of herb that's commonly used in various dishes and cuisines around the world. In Spanish-speaking countries, it's often found in recipes, particularly in sauces, salads, and as a garnish. Not only is 'perejil' a culinary delight enhancing the taste of food, but it is also recognized for its health benefits.