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.
hacer las maletas
(from) packing
The Spanish phrase 'hacer las maletas' is translated as 'packing' in English. It is often used when someone is preparing their luggage for a trip or for moving. In this context, 'hacer' translates as 'to do' or 'to make', and 'las maletas' translates as 'the suitcases'. Thus, a more literal translation might be 'to make the suitcases', but in practice it refers to packing things into your luggage or baggage.
Example sentences with hacer las maletas →hacer un cuadro
make a picture
The Spanish phrase 'hacer un cuadro' translates to 'make a picture' in English. This can refer to the action of creating a visual piece of art such as a painting or a drawing. It can imply the use of different materials, for instance, paint, charcoal, or pencil. Generally, it is used to indicate the process of crafting a visual representation on a surface.
hacer un curso
make a course
The Spanish phrase 'hacer un curso' translates to 'make a course' in English. It signifies the action of creating, participating or enrolling in a course, class or study program. Primarily, it is employed in educational contexts. The verb 'hacer' means 'to make' while 'un curso' means 'a course'. However, within differing contexts, 'hacer un curso' could be interpreted as a variety of actions related to courses - from developing and preparing a new course as an educator, to simply participating in a course as a student.
hacer un dibujo
make a drawing
The Spanish phrase 'hacer un dibujo' translates to 'make a drawing' in English. This is a common term used in Spanish language instruction, often in art or creative context. One could use it when instructing someone to create a sketch, image, or any other form of drawn artwork.
hacer una fiesta (de cumpleaños
party (birthday)
The term 'hacer una fiesta (de cumpleaños)' in Spanish translates to 'throw a party (birthday)' in English. It's used when one is planning or organizing a party, especially a birthday party. 'Hacer' means 'to do' or 'to make', 'una fiesta' means 'a party', and 'de cumpleaños' means 'of birthday' or 'birthday'. All together, it represents the idea of preparing or holding a party to celebrate someone's birthday.
hacer una reserva
make a reservation
The Spanish phrase 'hacer una reserva' translates to 'make a reservation' in English. It is often used in contexts related to booking or reserving something such as a hotel room, a table at a restaurant, tickets for an event, etc. It is a quite useful phrase for travellers or those who are dealing with arrangements for accommodation, food establishments, and event tickets.
Example sentences with hacer una reserva →helado de chocolate
chocolate ice cream
The phrase 'helado de chocolate' in Spanish can be translated to English as 'chocolate ice cream'. Ice cream, known as 'helado' in Spanish, is a popular dessert enjoyed all around the world, and chocolate, or 'chocolate' in Spanish, is one of the most beloved flavors. Therefore, 'helado de chocolate' refers specifically to ice cream that has been flavored with chocolate or includes chocolate components.
helado de fresa
strawberry ice cream
The Spanish phrase 'helado de fresa' translates to 'strawberry ice cream' in English. This is a common dessert item enjoyed worldwide. 'Helado' is the general Spanish term for 'ice cream', and 'fresa' stands for 'strawberry'. This term can be seen in many Spanish-speaking regions on menus at ice cream shops, in supermarkets, and at restaurants.
helado de vainilla
vanilla ice cream
The Spanish phrase 'helado de vainilla' translates to 'vanilla ice cream' in English. It is a popular dessert made from cream, sugar and vanilla beans, that is often served cold. This flavor is appreciated for its characteristics sweet and delicate taste that perfectly pairs with other desserts like cakes or fruits.
hijo único
only child
The Spanish phrase 'hijo único' directly translates to 'only child' in English. It is used for describing a person who has no siblings. In this phrase, 'hijo' means 'son' or 'child' and 'único' means 'only' or 'unique'. So, 'hijo único' can also refer to 'unique child', but it is commonly understood as 'only child'.
historia
story
The Spanish word for 'story' is 'historia'. It can be used in a variety of contexts, just like in English. For instance, it can refer to a narrative or tale, as in a book, movie or anecdote. Additionally, it can also refer to history in a general context. For example, 'la historia del mundo' would be translated to 'the history of the world'. Thus, context is important to discern the intended meaning.
Example sentences with historia →iglesia
church
The Spanish word for church is 'iglesia'. Just like in English, 'iglesia' is used to refer to a physical place of worship for Christians. It is a common noun that can be used in a variety of contexts, such as 'Vamos a la iglesia' which means 'We are going to the church'. It can also be used symbolically to refer to the organization or institution of a religious group.
Example sentences with iglesia →impresora
printer
The Spanish word 'impresora' translates to 'printer' in English. A 'printer' is a device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and transfers the information to paper. Similarly, in Spanish, an 'impresora' does the same thing. It is commonly used in both business and home environments to print documents. The term 'impresora' can also refer to software that produces a file or data in print format.
informática
Computers
The Spanish word 'informática' corresponds with 'computers' in English. It is a term derived from 'information' and 'automatic', indicating the automatic processing of information. In many contexts, it is used to refer not only to computers themselves, but also to the broad field of computing and computer technology.
Example sentences with informática →ingrediente
ingredient
The Spanish word 'ingrediente' translates to 'ingredient' in English. It refers to any of the foods or substances that are combined to make a particular dish or meal. For instance, an important ingrediente in a pizza could be cheese, and in a sandwich, it could be bread or ham. The use of this word is widespread in cooking and culinary activities where different substances are combined to create various dishes.
invitación
invitation
The Spanish word 'invitación' translates to 'invitation' in English. It is a noun and is most commonly used to request the presence or participation of someone in an event such as a party, wedding, meeting or ceremony. Similar to its English counterpart, 'invitación' can be used both in a formal and informal context.
invitar
invite
The Spanish word 'invitar' translates to 'invite' in English. It is a verb that is used in the context of asking someone to attend an event, participate in an activity, or to join in something. Example usages include 'invitar a un amigo a una fiesta' which translates to 'invite a friend to a party', or 'voy a invitar a mis padres a cenar' meaning 'I am going to invite my parents to dinner'. The word 'invitar' is also used in certain phrases or expressions, like 'te invito a pensar' which in English becomes 'I invite you to think'.
ir de compras
go shopping
The Spanish term 'ir de compras' directly translates to 'go shopping' in English. It is a common phrase used in Spanish-speaking regions to signify the act of visiting stores and purchasing goods or services. This can refer to any form of shopping, including grocery shopping, clothes shopping, or simply browsing through products at different stores. Just like in English, it can also be used in various contexts, such as planning to shop ('Vamos a ir de compras') or being currently at the shopping mall ('Estoy yendo de compras').
ir de excursión
go hiking
The phrase 'ir de excursión' is a Spanish term which translates to 'go hiking' in English. It involves activities like walking or climbing mountains, hills, or any similar outdoor environments. This phrase is often used when planning or referring to outdoor activities or trips in Spanish-speaking regions.
ir de tiendas
go shops
The phrase 'ir de tiendas' in Spanish directly translates to 'go shops' in English. However, its more accurate translation and intended meaning is 'go shopping'. It's a common phrase used to express the action of visiting several stores or shops, usually for purchasing goods or commodities. The verb 'ir' means 'to go', and 'tiendas' refers to 'shops' or 'stores'. So when you say 'ir de tiendas', it implies that you are going out to visit stores, most probably with the intention to buy something.
ir de vacaciones
go on vacation
The Spanish phrase 'ir de vacaciones' translates to 'go on vacation' in English. This is often used to express the action of leaving regular duties behind for a period of relaxation, travel, or recreation. In Spanish-speaking cultures, going on vacation can be a common way to spend holidays or special occasions. It is noteworthy to remember that 'ir', the first word in the phrase means 'to go', 'de' indicates 'on' and 'vacaciones' means 'vacation'.
Example sentences with ir de vacaciones →ir de viaje
go travel
The Spanish phrase 'ir de viaje' translates to 'go travel' in English. This expression is typically used to reference going on a trip, a journey, or a vacation. It could also be used in various contexts depending on additional words that accompany it. It is an action phrase, often included in planning or discussing future travelling activities or aspirations. As with most expressions, context is key to fully understand the nuances in meaning.
Example sentences with ir de viaje →isla
island
The Spanish word for island is 'isla'. It's used much in the same way as it is in English. For example, 'Vivo en una isla' means 'I live on an island'. Like in English, 'isla' can be used metaphorically to describe isolation or remoteness as well.
Example sentences with isla →jamón serrano
Serbian ham
The Spanish term 'jamón serrano' actually translates to 'mountain ham' in English, not 'serbian ham'. This refers a type of dry-cured ham from the Sierra mountains in Spain. It is a term that covers all Spanish ham which is served raw and cured for around a year. The flavor is rich, salty and deeply satisfying, typically sliced thin for appetizers or incorporated into a variety of Spanish dishes.
jamón York
York ham
The term 'jamón York' refers to a specific type of ham that is commonly consumed in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. It is known as 'York ham' in English. From a culinary standpoint, this type of ham is mild in flavor and is often used in sandwiches, tapas, and other dishes. Despite its Spanish name, York ham originates from England, specifically the historic town of York, where this style of curing ham was first implemented. This has led to its unique taste and texture which is appreciated by many food enthusiasts around the world.
jardín
garden
The Spanish word 'jardín' translates to 'garden' in English. It's a noun used to describe an area of ground, typically in a residential property, where flowers and plants are grown. A 'jardín' can also refer to a public park or a green space in a city. It's commonly used in various contexts, such as in 'jardín botánico' meaning 'botanic garden', or 'jardín de niños' meaning 'kindergarten'.
jazz
jazz
The word 'jazz' in Spanish has the same meaning as it does in English. It refers to a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Jazz can express many different emotions, from pain to pure joy. In jazz, the sounds of brass and woodwind instruments and pianos are often overlaid with breakbeat and high hat cymbals.
Example sentences with jazz →juez
Judge
The Spanish word 'juez' translates to 'judge' in English. In the context of a legal system, a judge is a public official appointed or elected to hear and decide legal matters in court. The word can also be used metaphorically to refer to anyone who makes important decisions or judgments. Similarly, 'juez' in Spanish can refer to an official in sports or other competitive activities who determines the outcome based on rules and performance. The word 'juez' is a common term in both legal and everyday contexts, and knowing its meaning can significantly enhance your understanding of Spanish conversations or texts.
Example sentences with juez →jugar
play
This verb is commonly used in the context of children, games, and sports. It's an irregular verb, so it doesn't follow the standard conjugation pattern.
Example sentences with jugar →jugar a las cartas
play cards
The Spanish phrase 'jugar a las cartas' translates to 'play cards' in English. It is a verb phrase used to describe the activity of playing any card game, similar to poker, blackjack, or solitaire. It is commonly used in informal contexts and can be found in many Spanish-speaking areas.