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.
lana
wool
The Spanish word 'lana' translates to the English word 'wool'. Wool is a natural textile fibre obtained from sheep and some other animals, including goats, llamas, and certain species of rabbits. It is used in various forms of clothing and textiles due to its various benefits, such as its ability to retain heat, its durability, and its natural resistance to moisture and dirt.
leche descremada
dairy milk
The Spanish term 'leche descremada' refers to a type of milk that has had the majority of its fat content removed. In English, this is usually referred to as 'skim milk' or 'non-fat milk'. It is a common choice among individuals who are seeking to limit their intake of fat and calories, or who simply prefer the taste and texture of non-fat milk. Besides, it is used in the same way as whole milk in cooking and baking, and can even be used to lighten coffee or tea.
leche desnatada
skim milk
The term 'leche desnatada' is a Spanish term that translates to 'skim milk' in English. It refers to milk from which the cream or fat has been removed. Skim milk is often used in diets as a low-calorie substitute for whole milk. It provides almost all of the same nutrients as whole milk but with significantly fewer calories and less fat. 'Leche desnatada' is often found in recipes, supermarkets, and on menus in Spanish-speaking regions.
leche entera
whole milk
The Spanish term 'leche entera' translates to 'whole milk' in English. This is a type of milk from which no constituent (such as fat) has been removed, and is generally rich and creamy. This is contrasted to other types of milk such as skimmed milk or semi-skimmed milk, where some or all of the fat content has been removed. 'Leche entera' is commonly found in supermarkets and is used in a variety of dishes due to its full-bodied flavor and nutrient-rich content.
lentejas
lentils
The Spanish word 'lentejas' refers to a kind of legume that is often used in various dishes. This legume is known as 'lentils' in English. Lentils are small, flat and usually have a green or brown color. They are high in protein and fiber, making them a staple in many diets around the world, including Spain. Lentils are used in a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and side dishes.
león
lion
The lion is a species in the family Felidae and a member of the genus Panthera. It is most recognisable for its muscular, deep-chested body, short, rounded head, round ears, and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail.
Example sentences with león →letra (de una canción)
lyrics (of a song)
The word 'letra (de una canción)' in Spanish refers to the written words or text that make up a song, which is typically made up of verses and choruses. In English, we use the term 'lyrics' for this concept. Lyrics in a song may be either sung or spoken and can convey a wide range of emotions and storytelling elements. This is an important part of any song as it often sets the tone, theme, and overall narrative of the musical piece.
Example sentences with letra (de una canción) →levantar la cabeza
raise your head
The phrase 'levantar la cabeza' is a commonly used expression in Spanish. It directly translates to 'raise your head' in English. This phrase can be used both in a literal physical sense, such as when someone is asked to look up from what they are doing, and metaphorically, such as when urging someone to overcome adversity and maintain their dignity.
levantar la mano
raise your hand
The phrase 'levantar la mano' is Spanish translates to 'raise your hand' in English. It is typically used in educational settings such as classrooms where a teacher might instruct students to 'levantar la mano' if they have a question or wish to contribute to a discussion. However, it can also be used in any environment where such a gesture is fitting, such as in meetings or group gatherings for taking votes.
levantar las manos
raise your hands
The Spanish phrase 'levantar las manos' directly translates in English to 'raise your hands'. This phrase is a verb phrase commonly used in scenarios where someone is asked or instructed to lift their hands upwards, such as in a classroom setting, during exercise, or when surrendering.
levantar los brazos
raise your arms
The Spanish phrase 'levantar los brazos' translates to 'raise your arms' in English. It's a command or instruction often used in various contexts such as in exercises, games or other physical activities. Specifically, 'levantar' means 'to lift or raise', 'los' is a plural article that translates as 'the', and 'brazos' means 'arms'. Combined, they form the phrase 'raise your arms'. The phrase can also be used metaphorically in situations such as encouraging someone to not give up ('levantar los brazos' as in 'surrender').
liberal
liberal
The Spanish word 'liberal' translates to 'liberal' in English, retaining the same meaning. It is used to describe someone who is open to new behavior or opinions and is willing to discard traditional values. Liberals aim for equality, where the freedom of the individual is usually emphasized over the authority of the state or the requirements of religion.
Example sentences with liberal →licenciado
licensed
The Spanish word 'licenciado' translates to 'licensed' in English. It refers to a person who has obtained a university degree, similar to Bachelor's degree, or who has received official authorization to do certain work or activity, depending on the context. In some Spanish-speaking countries, it can also mean professional, indicating the completion of studies and possession of a degree that allows you to exercise a profession.
ligar
flirt
The Spanish word 'ligar' translates to 'flirt' in English. It is a verb often used to describe the playful behavior people demonstrate to show fondness or romantic interest towards one another. It could range from playful banter, flattering compliments, to body language often with a lighter and endearing tone. It's a common term in the context of romance and dating in Spanish conversation.
línea (ocupada)
line (occupied)
The Spanish term 'línea (ocupada)' translates to 'line (occupied)' in English. It is commonly used in telecommunications to indicate that a phone line is in use, or 'busy', by another party. Additionally, it can be used more generically to specify that a physical or metaphorical line or route is currently being utilized or occupied, preventing its immediate use by others.
línea ADSL
ADSL line
The term 'línea ADSL' in Spanish translates to 'ADSL line' in English. ADSL is an abbreviation for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, which is a type of internet connection that uses the existing telephone lines to deliver high-speed internet service. This phrase is commonly used in telecommunications to denote a specific type of internet connectivity.
lino
linen
The Spanish word 'lino' corresponds to 'linen' in English. Linen is a type of textile made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is known for its strength, absorbency, and breathability. 'Lino', or linen, is often used for clothing, bed linens, tablecloths, and more. The production of linen is labor-intensive, making it more expensive than other materials.
liso
smooth
The Spanish word 'liso' translates to 'smooth' in English. It can be used to describe various types of surfaces that are free from bumps or roughness. For example, in context, 'un papel liso' means 'a smooth paper'. Its usage is not just confined to physical objects but can also extend to abstract notions like smooth transitions or operations.
literatura clásica
Classical literature
The Spanish term 'literatura clásica' translates to 'classical literature' in English. Classical literature traditionally refers to literature created by ancient civilizations, such as Rome and Greece, and is considered timeless and universally significant. It might also be used more broadly to refer to any highly esteemed works of literature that have stood the test of time. The term can further be extended to include canonical works of literature from various time periods and cultures.
Example sentences with literatura clásica →literatura moderna
Modern literature
The term 'literatura moderna' translates to 'modern literature' in English. It typically refers to the literary works produced from the late 19th century until the present day. The works of modern literature are often characterized by a deep sense of reality, self-consciousness, and exploring inner emotions. They tend to reject traditions and conventional norms, depicting the world as it is. The periods of modern literature usually include Realism, Naturalism, Symbolism, and Existentialism among others.
Example sentences with literatura moderna →llamarse
call
The Spanish verb 'llamarse' is reflexive and directly translates to 'call oneself' in English. It is commonly used to tell or to ask someone's name. For instance, 'Me llamo John' means 'My name is John', which is literally 'I call myself John'. So, while it has the literal meaning of 'call oneself', in practical usage, it is used to signify someone's name.
llevar [número cardinal] años (viviendo en pareja
[ cardinal number] years (living as a couple
[ cardinal number] years (living as a couple. 'Llevar [número cardinal] años (viviendo en pareja' is a phrase used in Spanish to denote the amount of time a couple has been living together. The cardinal number is placed in the brackets to specify the duration in years. It is a way of expressing the longevity of a couple's cohabitation.
llevar [número cardinal] años (viviendo juntos
to carry [ cardinal number] years (living together
The Spanish phrase 'llevar [número cardinal] años (viviendo juntos)' directly translates to 'to carry [cardinal number] years (living together).' It's commonly used to express the length of time a couple (or any group of people) have been living together. In practical use, the cardinal number is replaced with the number of years. For example, 'llevar tres años viviendo juntos' means 'to have been living together for three years.'
llevar [número cardinal] años conviviendo) en pareja
[ cardinal number] years living together) as a couple
[cardinal number] years living together) as a couple
llevar [número cardinal] años conviviendo) juntos
[ cardinal number] years living together
[Cardinal number] years living together
llevar cambio
bring change
The Spanish phrase 'llevar cambio' translates to 'bring change' in English. This could be used in scenarios such as financial transactions or general discussions where someone needs to bring change or coins. It's also an essential phrase to know when dealing with purchases or expenses in everyday Spanish communication.
llevar suelto
Get loose.
The Spanish phrase 'llevar suelto' translates to 'get loose' in English. This could be used to refer to something that was once tightly bound or held together, but is now becoming freed or detached. It might refer to a literal physical object, as in a button that is about to fall off a shirt, or used figuratively in the context of a person or situation that is becoming less restrained or more relaxed.
Example sentences with llevar suelto →llevarse bien
get along.
The Spanish phrase 'llevarse bien' translates to 'get along' in English. It's often used to describe relationships between people. For example, if two people 'se llevan bien', it means they get along well together. The verb 'llevarse' indicates the action of carrying or taking, and 'bien' translates to well. Hence, 'llevarse bien' metaphorically means carrying or taking things well with someone, which equates to having a good relationship or getting along in English.
llevarse el primer plato
take the first dish
In Spanish, 'llevarse el primer plato' directly translates to 'take the first dish' in English. However, in context, it often has the metaphoric meaning of securing an initial advantage or victory, comparable to the English idiom 'taking the lead'. It is a verb phrase and is composed of the verb 'llevarse' which means 'to take' and the noun phrase 'el primer plato' which means 'the first dish'.
llevarse el segundo plato
take the second dish
The Spanish phrase 'llevarse el segundo plato' translates to 'take the second dish' in English. This could mean literally taking a second serving of food on a plate, in a buffet style meal for example. Or it could be used metaphorically to describe taking or accepting a secondary or lesser role, option or opportunity, after the primary or preferred one has been taken or accepted by someone else.