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.
foro (de discusión)
forum (discussion)
The Spanish term 'foro (de discusión)' translates to 'forum (discussion)' in English. A forum, in the context of communication, is an online discussion site where people can hold conversations in the form of posted messages. They differ from chat rooms in that messages are often longer than one line of text, and are at least temporarily archived. It is also a space for public meetings or discussions, especially ones about important issues.
fotocopiadora
photocopier
The Spanish word 'fotocopiadora' translates to 'photocopier' in English. A photocopier is a machine that makes paper copies of documents and other visual images quickly and cheaply. This machine is commonly found in offices and schools around the world. It's a useful tool for producing multiple copies of the same document, allowing for easy distribution and sharing of information. The word 'fotocopiadora' can be broken down into 'foto', which means 'photo' or 'light', and 'copiadora', which means 'copying'. So in a literal sense, a 'fotocopiadora' is a device that 'copies using light'.
fotografía
photography
The Spanish word 'fotografía' translates to 'photography' in English. It refers to the art, practice, or occupation of taking and processing photographs. This can cover a broad range of types, from portrait and landscape photography to abstract and conceptual art. The term 'fotografía' can also refer to an individual photograph or to the field in general.
Example sentences with fotografía →fotógrafo
photographer
The Spanish term 'fotógrafo' translates to 'photographer' in English. A 'fotógrafo' is a person who takes photographs, especially as a job. The word is a male noun in Spanish, and its female counterpart is 'fotógrafa'. This individual may work in many spheres such as fashion, sports, nature, or commercial photography, to capture and document moments, events or to tell stories.
Example sentences with fotógrafo →funcionario
staff
The Spanish word 'funcionario' translates to 'staff' or 'official' in English. It especially refers to someone who is employed in the public sector or a government worker. It is a noun and it is commonly used in formal or official contexts in Spanish speaking countries. Please note that the meaning can vary slightly depending on the context, but generally it denotes someone holding an official position or office in a governmental or public department.
gafas
glasses
The Spanish word 'gafas' translates to 'glasses' in English. It is a plural noun commonly used in many Spanish-speaking countries to refer to a pair of lenses set into a frame worn on the face to correct vision or protect the eyes. The term 'gafas' can refer to different types of glasses such as prescription glasses, sunglasses, or reading glasses.
galletas
cookies
The Spanish word 'galletas' translates to 'cookies' in English. It is a noun and it can be used in sentences to refer to the English snack, 'cookies'. Just like in English, 'galletas' can encompass a wide variety of sweet, baked goods. However, it's important to note that in Spain, 'galletas' generally refers to sweet biscuits, while 'cookies' is specifically used for what Americans call cookies.
Example sentences with galletas →gambas
shrimp
The term 'gambas' in Spanish refers to shrimp. Shrimp is a type of seafood that is very popular and it's common in a variety of dishes in Spanish cuisine. Such as 'gambas al ajillo' which means garlic shrimp. In English speaking countries, shrimp is often used in seafood dishes, salads, and is also cooked as shrimp cocktail. Note also, the term could refer to both the groceries, as well as the dish made out of it.
ganar dinero
earn money
The Spanish term 'ganar dinero' translates to 'earn money' in English. It consists of two verbs - 'ganar' meaning 'to win' or 'to earn' and 'dinero' meaning 'money'. Therefore, if someone says 'Yo quiero ganar dinero', they mean 'I want to earn money'. This phrase is used quite commonly in Spanish-speaking countries where it indicates the desire to work and gain financial reward. It is also used in various contexts, whether it is to express the need to work more hours to earn more money, or to achieve success in a business venture.
gato
cat
The noun 'gato' in Spanish refers to the domestic animal known for its agility and independence. They are often kept as pets and are valued for their ability to hunt mice.
Example sentences with gato →gel
gel
The Spanish word 'gel' translates to the English word 'gel'. This is a substance that has a consistency similar to jelly, elastic and often transparent. It is used in various industries including food, cosmetic, medical, and more. For instance, it is often used in hair styling products to help shape and hold hair styles, or in food products for its thickening and stabilizing properties.
Example sentences with gel →generoso
generous
The Spanish word 'generoso' translates to 'generous' in English. It is an adjective used to describe someone who is willing to give and share unstintingly, someone who shows a readiness to give more of something, especially money, than is strictly necessary or expected.
gimnasio
gym
The Spanish word 'gimnasio' translates to 'gym' in English. 'Gym' is a place where people go to exercise and stay fit. It can include areas for aerobic exercise, weightlifting, and various sports activities. In many cases, a gym is a membership-based commercial establishment, but it can also refer to a public or school facility.
ginebra
gin
The word 'ginebra' is a noun in Spanish, which translates to 'gin' in English. Gin is a spirit which derives its predominant flavor from juniper berries. It is common in a variety of cocktails, including the well-known gin and tonic. The Spanish word 'ginebra' is pronounced as [hee-ne-vra].
gobierno
government
The term 'gobierno' is used in Spanish to refer to the group of people who control and make decisions for a country, state, etc. It is used in the same way as 'government' in English. For instance, you can use it to talk about politicians, institutions, policies, and more. Moreover, it is a common term when discussing politics and societal issues.
Example sentences with gobierno →gorra
cap
The word 'gorra' in Spanish translates to 'cap' in English. A 'gorra' is an item of clothing that is typically worn on the head. It has a peak that helps to shade the eyes from the sun. Caps are wore commonly by people all around the world not only as a protective gear against weather conditions but also as a fashion accessory or parts of uniforms.
guantes
gloves
The Spanish word 'guantes' translates to 'gloves' in English. It is a noun that is used to refer to a covering for the hands, typically made from cloth, leather, or a similar material. Gloves are often worn for protection against harsh weather conditions, or for safety while doing various tasks and activities. In language usage, 'guantes' is a masculine, plural noun in Spanish.
guía turístico
tourist guide
The Spanish phrase 'guía turístico' translates to 'tourist guide' in English. This phrase is typically used to refer to an individual who provides assistance, information on cultural, historical and contemporary heritage to people on organized tours and individual clients at educational establishments, religious and historical sites, museums, and at venues of other significant interest. In professional terms, a 'guía turístico' has the role of managing and facilitating the client’s holiday through knowledge of the area and by offering insights that the guidebooks and websites do not.
Example sentences with guía turístico →guitarra
guitar
Guitarra refers to the musical instrument with typically six strings. It's one of the most popular instruments in many types of music.
Example sentences with guitarra →gusta
like
In Spanish, 'like' is translated as 'gusta'. It is primarily used in expressing likes and preferences. It is usually followed by a verb in infinitive form in expressions such as 'Me gusta correr', which translates 'I like to run'. However, it is essential to know that the Spanish verb to like 'gustar' doesn't work the same way as it does in English. Instead of 'I like', it is closer to 'it pleases me'.
Example sentences with gusta →habitante
inhabitant
The word 'habitante' in Spanish translates to 'inhabitant' in English. It is used to refer to a person who resides in a particular place. For instance, if someone lives in Madrid, they could be referred to as a 'habitante de Madrid' meaning 'inhabitant of Madrid'. Depending on the context, the word 'habitante' can also indicate plants or animals living in a particular environment.
Example sentences with habitante →hablar con clientes
talk to clients
The Spanish phrase 'hablar con clientes' translates to 'talk to clients' in English. This phrase is often used in business or professional settings where communication with clients is a crucial part of the job role. As a verb phrase, 'hablar con clientes' speaks to engaging in dialogue or conversation with clients for various purposes, such as understanding their needs, negotiating agreements, or addressing their concerns. Learning these business-related phrases is beneficial for professional settings in Spanish speaking regions.
hablar con el jefe
talk to the boss
The Spanish phrase 'hablar con el jefe' translates to 'talk to the boss' in English. The verb 'hablar' means 'to talk or to speak', 'con' is a preposition that means 'with', and 'el jefe' means 'the boss'. Combined, they form the phrase 'talk to the boss'. This could be used in a work context where an employee needs to speak with their supervisor or manager about professional matters.
hablar por teléfono
talk on the phone
The Spanish phrase 'hablar por teléfono' translates to 'talk on the phone' in English. It is a verb phrase used when someone is communicating or conversing with another person through a telephone. This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversation.
hacer de canguro
babysitting
The Spanish phrase 'hacer de canguro' translates to 'to babysit' in English. Despite its direct translation being 'to act as a kangaroo', it is typically used in Spain to refer to the action of taking care of someone else's children for a period of time. This may involve activities such as feeding, playing with them, and putting them to sleep.
hacer errores
make mistakes
The Spanish term 'hacer errores' translates to 'make mistakes' in English. This phrase is commonly used in conversational Spanish when discussing a situation or action that resulted in an undesired effect or outcome. It is usually applied in a learning or teaching context to discuss the inevitably human experience of making mistakes. In summary, 'hacer errores' symbolizes the acknowledgement of our fallibility and the opportunity it presents for learning and growth.
hacer fotocopias
make photocopies
The Spanish phrase 'hacer fotocopias' translates to 'make photocopies' in English. It is often used in a workplace or school setting where documentation needs to be duplicated. 'Hacer' is a verb that means 'to make' or 'to do', and 'fotocopias' is the plural form of 'fotocopia' which means 'photocopy'. Therefore, 'hacer fotocopias' literally means to make or do photocopies.
hacer fotos
photos
The Spanish phrase 'hacer fotos' is directly translated to English as 'make photos'. However, it is more commonly understood as 'take photos', matching the action of capturing an image with a camera.
Example sentences with hacer fotos →hacer la compra
make the purchase
The Spanish phrase 'hacer la compra' literally translates to 'make the purchase' in English. However, it is often used in everyday conversation to refer to the act of going shopping, especially for food and household items. For example, you might say 'Voy a hacer la compra' to mean 'I'm going to do the shopping'. This phrase is useful to know when talking about daily activities in Spanish.
hacer la lista de la compra
make the purchase list
The Spanish phrase 'hacer la lista de la compra' translates to 'make the purchase list' in English. This can be used in various contexts related to preparing a list of items that need to be bought from a store or market. It can involve groceries, household items, clothes, and more.