B1 - Intermediate Spanish
At the B1 Intermediate level, students can understand and express themselves in higher level discussions.
Example situations might include expressing your opinion, asking for clarification, and understanding longer texts about familiar topics.
escaleras mecánicas
Escalators
The Spanish phrase 'escaleras mecánicas' translates to 'escalators' in English. An escalator is a moving staircase, a conveyor transport device for carrying people between floors of a building. The device consists of a motor-driven chain of individual, linked steps that move up or down on tracks, allowing the step treads to remain horizontal.
escenario
stage
The Spanish word 'escenario' is equivalent to the English word 'stage'. This term is commonly used in theater or performance settings where actors, singers, or other performers present their work. The usage is almost the same as in English, often referring to a specific platform or area designed for performances. However, it can also refer to the backdrop or setting of a particular situation or event.
Example sentences with escenario →escoger un compañero
choose a partner
The Spanish phrase 'escoger un compañero' translates to 'choose a partner' in English. This phrase might be commonly used in a wide range of contexts, from school settings where students are asked to partner up for assignments or activities, to social scenarios where someone might need to select a dance or business partner. Note, 'escoger' means 'choose', 'un' translates to 'a', and 'compañero' can mean a companion, partner, or mate.
escoger un libro
choose a book
The Spanish phrase 'escoger un libro' translates to 'choose a book' in English. This phrase is often used in libraries, bookshops, or any context where one needs to make a selection of a book from many available options. Escoger is an infinitive form of the verb in Spanish that indicates the action of selecting or picking something, and 'un libro' means a book. Therefore, 'escoger un libro' implies the action of choosing or picking a book.
escoger un tema
choosing a theme
The Spanish phrase 'escoger un tema' translates to 'choosing a theme' in English. It is used in contexts where you need to select a specific subject or motif, like in choosing a theme for a party, a piece of writing, a discussion, etc. Like English, the verb 'escoger' can imply careful thought, though not always. The noun 'tema' can refer to various types of 'themes', from a thematic topic in a meeting, to a musical theme, and even the central idea of a literary work.
escribir una carta de presentación
write a presentation letter
The Spanish phrase 'escribir una carta de presentación' translates to 'write a presentation letter' in English. This phrase is often used in professional environments where introductions are necessary. It could be applied when one is applying for a job, introducing a proposal, or presenting oneself to a new group or organization. Mastery of this phrase can be highly beneficial in business or formal correspondences.
escultor
sculptor
The Spanish word 'escultor' translates to 'sculptor' in English. A sculptor is an artist who shapes materials such as wood, stone, or metal into a particular form. They use various methods including carving, chiselling, moulding, casting, and welding to create their artworks. Similarly, an 'escultor' in Spanish-speaking cultures would perform these same tasks, creating intricate works of art from raw materials.
Example sentences with escultor →espacio
space
In Spanish, 'espacio' translates to 'space'. This could refer to physical space in a room or in the universe, the space between objects, or metaphorical space. Just as in English, it is used in a variety of contexts and can also refer to a blank part in a document, a period of time, or the capacity of a place.
Example sentences with espacio →especias
spices
The word 'especias' in Spanish can be translated to 'spices' in English. This noun is often used in Spanish-speaking countries to refer to various kinds of aromatic substances, such as pepper, cinnamon, oregano, and nutmeg, which are used in cooking to enhance the flavor, color, or aroma of certain dishes. Much like in English, 'especias' can also be metaphorically used to describe additions of variety or interest.
espectador
spectator
The Spanish word 'espectador' translates to 'spectator' in English. It is usually used to refer to a person who watches an event, show, game, action, or others without directly participating. The person observes the event from a distance. It might also refer to someone in the audience of a theater, movie, or a similar context where there are performers and viewers.
espejo
mirror
A mirror is an object that reflects an image. In the household context, people often use it to observe their own appearance, for grooming or admiring oneself.
Example sentences with espejo →esperar un hijo
expecting a child
The Spanish phrase 'esperar un hijo' directly translates to 'expect a child' in English. It is commonly used to describe a situation where a person (or couple) is anticipating the birth of a child. For example, a pregnant woman or man whose partner is pregnant would use this phrase. It conveys not just the action of waiting, but also the excitement, hope, and preparation that come with the anticipation of a new baby.
espinacas
spinach
The Spanish word 'espinacas' translates to 'spinach' in English. It is used to refer to a particular type of leafy green vegetable that is highly nutritious and can be cooked or eaten raw. It is included in both hot dishes such as soup, sautéed as a side dish, or part of a main dish, and in fresh dishes such as salads or sandwiches.
espuma de afeitar
shaving foam
Espuma de afeitar is a Spanish term that translates to 'shaving foam' in English. This substance, often presented in an aerosol can, is commonly used in the process of shaving. Its main purpose is to soften up the hair and skin, making it easier for the razor to glide across the skin and trim the hair without causing damage or discomfort. Additionally, the foam typically contains moisturizing and soothing elements that leave the skin smooth and hydrated after the process.
Example sentences with espuma de afeitar →esquíes
skis
The Spanish word 'esquíes' translates to 'skis' in English. 'Esquíes' is a noun, pronounced 'es-KEE-es', and it's typically used in the context of snow activities, winter sports or skiing equipment. As Spanish nouns are gendered, 'esquíes' is masculine and plural. For example, in a sentence, it could be used as 'Los esquíes están en el garaje', which means 'The skis are in the garage'.
estabilidad laboral
Labour stability
The Spanish term 'estabilidad laboral' translates to 'labour stability' in English. It generally refers to the assurance or the state of having a secure employment that is less likely to be terminated or laid off suddenly without any valid and legal cause. This term is often used in discussions related to labour rights, employees' well-being, and job security scenarios. It is considered as an important factor for employees to have a steady income, improve their work performance and contribute positively to the company or organization they are part of.
estación
station
An 'Estación' can refer to a bus or train station. It's a designated place where buses or trains stop to pick up or drop off passengers.
Example sentences with estación →estación (del año)
season (year)
The Spanish term 'estación (del año)' can be translated to 'season (of the year)' in English. It refers to the division of the year into four distinct periods, namely, spring, summer, autumn, and winter, each having its unique weather conditions and day lengths. This term captures the rotational pattern of the Earth around the sun and the subsequent change in our environment. 'Estación del año' is used in various contexts in Spanish-speaking countries including weather forecasts, agriculturality, festivities, and fashion.
Example sentences with estación (del año) →estado
state
The word 'estado' in Spanish translates to 'state' in English. It's used in a similar context, such as when referring to the condition of someone or something, a state in a country, or expressing a particular condition that something is in. An example phrase would be 'El estado de la habitación' which translates to 'The state of the room.'
Example sentences with estado →estado gaseoso
Gaseous state
The term 'estado gaseoso' in Spanish translates to 'gaseous state' in English. It is one of the three fundamental states of matter, alongside 'estado sólido' (solid state) and 'estado líquido' (liquid state). In the gaseous state, particles move around freely, subjected to very little force of attraction, causing them to occupy the entire available space.
Example sentences with estado gaseoso →estado líquido
Liquid state
The term 'estado líquido' in Spanish translates to 'liquid state' in English. It's a phrase associated with the state of matter in science where a material is in a state that's free-flowing but doesn't expand indefinitely, like water or oil. It's one of the basic states of matter, alongside solid and gas. This term is commonly used in physical and chemical education or conversations about nature and substances.
Example sentences with estado líquido →estado sólido
solid state
The term 'estado sólido' in Spanish is translated as 'solid state' in English. In the field of physics, 'estado sólido' refers to one of the four fundamental states of matter where particles are closely packed together, resulting in a shape that is resistant to deformation or change unlike other states such as liquid or gas. It also refers to a state in electronics, particularly in semiconductors, where devices operate without moving parts, making them more efficient and hard-wearing.
Example sentences with estado sólido →estar aburrido
Being bored
The term 'estar aburrido' in Spanish translates to 'being bored' in English. This phrase is composed of the verb 'estar', which stands for 'to be' in a temporal or changing state, and the adjective 'aburrido', which means 'bored'. You would use 'estar aburrido' to express that you are currently feeling bored. This phrase is a good example of the use of 'estar' for temporary states unlike 'ser' which is used for permanent or long-term ones.
estar agotado
to be exhausted
The Spanish phrase 'estar agotado' translates to 'to be exhausted' in English. It is often used to express extreme tiredness, both physical and mental. The phrase literal conjunction is 'estar' which means 'to be' in a situational context and 'agotado', an adjective that means 'exhausted' or 'drained'. In use, for example: 'Estoy agotado' would mean 'I am exhausted'.
estar asustado
be scared.
The Spanish phrase 'estar asustado' translates to 'be scared' in English. It is typically used to express fear or fright as a result of a particular environment or situation. It is an emotional state verb characterized by concerns, worries, or nervousness. The direct interpretation of 'estar' is 'to be' while 'asustado' means 'scared'. It's a state of being that could change depending on the situation at hand.
estar bien
to be okay.
The Spanish phrase 'estar bien' translates to 'to be okay' in English. It's a common phrase used to express the state of feeling well, either emotionally or physically, or to express acceptance or satisfaction with a situation or condition. Depending on the context, it can also be used to imply general well-being, normality, or correctness.
estar bien informado
be well informed
The Spanish phrase 'estar bien informado' translates to 'be well informed' in English. This is typically used when referring to someone who has a rich understanding or comprehensive knowledge about a particular subject, often acquired through extensive reading, research, or being updated with the latest news and information. Consider the phrase as the Spanish equivalent of the English expression 'knowledge is power'.
estar caducado
to be expired
The Spanish phrase 'estar caducado' translates to 'to be expired' in English. This term is widely used in reference to products or items that have exceeded their shelf-life or usability period. For example, if a food product has passed its expiry date, one could say that the food 'esta caducado' meaning the food is expired. Just like in English, 'estar caducado' can be used metaphorically in Spanish to refer to ideas or practices that are outdated or no longer applicable.
estar completo
to be complete
The Spanish term 'estar completo' translates to 'to be complete' in English. In Spanish, verbs often express a state or change of state. 'Estar' is a verb that generally indicates a temporary state or location. 'Completo' means complete, full, or whole. Thus, 'estar completo' means to be in the state of being whole or complete. This phrase could refer to a variety of situations, from a completed task, a full complement of items, to a feeling of personal fulfillment.
Example sentences with estar completo →estar comunicando
communicating
The phrase 'estar comunicando' in Spanish translates to 'communicating' in English. In Spanish, the verb 'estar' is used in conjunction with the present participle of another verb to create the progressive aspect. 'Estar' translates to 'to be' and 'comunicando' translates to 'communicating'. So, 'estar comunicando' represents an ongoing action, much like how 'communicating' is used in English. This phrase portrays a clear transfer or sharing of information from one person to another, or from one source to another, in an ongoing sense, which is suitable in various contexts depending on the situation or the subject in conversation.