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.
llevarse mal
get hurt.
The Spanish phrase 'llevarse mal' does not mean 'get hurt' in English. In fact, this phrase is better translated as 'to get along poorly'. It is often used to describe social relationships, particularly when there are disagreements or conflicts. For example, you may use 'llevarse mal' to describe two friends who are constantly arguing and have a strained relationship.
llorar
cry
The Spanish verb 'llorar' translates to 'cry' in English. It is a regular verb nearly always used to express the act of crying, either in the physical sense of shedding tears due to sadness, pain, or strong emotion, or in a symbolic sense to indicate a deep level of sadness or hurt feelings. Examples of its use in Spanish sentences could be 'No quiero llorar' which means 'I don't want to cry' or 'El bebe esta llorando' which translates to 'The baby is crying'.
locutor
announcer
The Spanish word 'locutor' translates to 'announcer' in English. It generally refers to a person who communicates information to an audience on a medium, such as radio or television. This term is often used in the context of broadcasting, where the announcer could be responsible for reading news, advertisements, sports updates, or other types of material.
lomo
loin
The Spanish word 'lomo' directly translates to 'loin' in English. It is primarily used in a culinary context and refers to a cut of meat from the area alongside the backbone of an animal. By understanding 'lomo', you will be better equipped to handle food-related conversations and understand menus in Spanish. Remember, Spanish pronunciation emphasizes vowels, so 'lo-mo' is pronounced with strong 'o' sounds.
loncha de jamón
ham slice
The term 'loncha de jamón' in Spanish translates to 'ham slice' in English. It refers to a thin piece of ham which is typically used in various dishes, sandwiches or for direct consumption. This is a common term used in Spanish-speaking countries and one will often find it in supermarkets, delis, or on menus in these regions.
loncha de queso
cheese slice
The Spanish phrase 'loncha de queso' directly translates to 'slice of cheese' in English. This phrase is typically used in the context of food and cuisine. It would often be used when discussing ingredients, or in situations like ordering a sandwich in a Spanish-speaking place.
madre soltera
single mother
The Spanish phrase 'madre soltera' translates to 'single mother' in English. It's used to describe a woman who has a child or children and is not living with the child's or children's father. This could be due to various circumstances such as separation, divorce, death or by personal choice. The phrase recognizes the woman as the sole parent taking responsibility for raising her child or children.
magdalena
muffin
The Spanish word 'magdalena' translates to the English word 'muffin'. These are small baked goods that can be sweet or savory. They are similar to cupcakes in size and cooking methods, and typically are served for breakfast. However, 'magdalena' typically refers to a sweet variety of muffin.
mamífero
Mammal
The term 'mamífero' is Spanish for 'mammal'. Mammals are a group of vertebrate animals which form the class Mammalia. They distinguish themselves from other animal classes through the presence of mammary glands which in females produce milk for feeding their young, a trait evolutionary tied to the subclass Theria. Other key characteristics of mammals include their hair or fur, which helps to regulate their body temperature, and their highly advanced and specialized teeth.
Example sentences with mamífero →mandar por correo
mail
The Spanish phrase 'mandar por correo' is translated into English as 'mail'. This term is often used to denote the system for sending letters and packages from one place to another. In a broader context, it can also refer to the act of sending electronic letters or messages through the internet. The term can be used both as a noun and a verb in a sentence. For instance, when used as a verb, it may imply the act of sending something, usually a letter or package, through the mail service.
manta
blanket
The Spanish word 'manta' translates to 'blanket' in English. This word is a feminine noun in Spanish and is commonly used in various contexts. For example, during colder months, it is common to hear the phrase 'necesito una manta' which means 'I need a blanket'. It can also be used metaphorically, such as 'manta de estrellas' which means 'blanket of stars', suggesting a sky filled with stars.
Example sentences with manta →mantenerse bien informado
Stay well informed
The Spanish phrase 'mantenerse bien informado' translates to 'stay well informed' in English. This phrase indicates the act of keeping oneself updated with the recent events or happenings around one's surroundings or environment. It's useful when discussing habits of good communication practices, news and information sharing, or in any context where up-to-date knowledge is essential.
mantenerse mal informado
Stay uninformed
The Spanish phrase 'mantenerse mal informado' translates to 'stay uninformed' in English. This is typically used to describe a person who chooses not to stay updated or aware about specific events, situations, or topics. It could be due to the person's lack of interest, accessibility to information, or intentionally avoiding information. It's worth noting that the phrase has a negative or critical connotation in both languages, suggesting the person's responsibility to be informed.
mapa de carreteras
road map
The Spanish term 'mapa de carreteras' translates to 'road map' in English. A road map is a detailed graphical representation, typically used by drivers and travellers, offering routing and geographical information about roads, streets, and sometimes tourist or other essential details of a specific region or area. Understanding road maps is a crucial skill for navigation, whether on a local, national, or international trip.
Example sentences with mapa de carreteras →maquinilla de afeitar
shaver chin
The Spanish phrase 'maquinilla de afeitar' translates to 'shaving razor' in English. It is used in reference to a small handheld device that is applied to the skin to remove unwanted hair. These tools can be manual or electric, and they are commonly used by both men and women for shaving purposes such as facial hair, leg hair, and so on.
Example sentences with maquinilla de afeitar →mar Báltico
Baltic sea
The Spanish term 'mar Báltico' translates to 'Baltic Sea' in English. The Baltic Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, enclosed by Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Poland, Germany and the North and Central European Plain. It includes the Gulf of Bothnia, the Bay of Bothnia, the Gulf of Finland, the Gulf of Riga, and the Bay of Gdańsk. 'Mar Báltico' is a well-known geographical term widely used in international context and maps.
Example sentences with mar Báltico →mar Mediterráneo
Mediterranean Sea
The Spanish phrase 'mar Mediterráneo' translates to 'Mediterranean Sea' in English. It is the term used to refer to one of the largest seas connected to the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the Mediterranean region and almost completely enclosed by land. It is known in Spanish-speaking countries as 'mar Mediterráneo'.
Example sentences with mar Mediterráneo →mar Rojo
Red sea
The term 'mar Rojo' in Spanish translates to 'Red Sea' in English. The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia. The sea is known for its rich and diverse ecosystem, making it a popular destination for diving and underwater exploration. Its name is derived from the seasonal blooms of the red-colored Trichodesmium erythraeum algae near its surface.
Example sentences with mar Rojo →marcar un número de teléfono
dial a phone number
The phrase 'marcar un número de teléfono' in Spanish is translated in English as 'dial a phone number'. It is typically used in the context of making a phone call. It refers to the action of inputting a specific sequence of numbers (the phone number) into a telephone or a cell phone. This could be performed by pressing physical buttons on a traditional touch-tone phone, tapping on a screen for modern smartphones, or even using voice commands on more recent phone systems.
marcharse de fin de semana
leave at weekend
The Spanish phrase 'marcharse de fin de semana' translates to 'leave at weekend' in English. It can be used to describe a situation where someone is planning to leave or depart for the weekend. It can typically be used in scenarios like planning weekend vacations or short trips. In some contexts, it could also imply taking off from work or other regular responsibilities for the weekend.
Example sentences with marcharse de fin de semana →margarina
margarine
The Spanish word 'margarina' is translated into English as 'margarine'. Margarine is a spread made from vegetable fats and is often used as an alternative to butter in cooking and baking. Originating from France in the mid-19th century, it has since gained global popularity due to its lower cost and perceived health benefits. The word 'margarina' carries the same meaning in the context of Spanish language and culture.
marinero
sailor
The word 'marinero' is a Spanish noun that translates to 'sailor' in English. It is typically used to refer to someone who works on board a sea vessel. 'Marinero' comes from the Spanish word 'mar', which means 'sea', emphasizing the connection of the sailor to the sea. This term can be used in various contexts, whether literal, as in the occupation, or metaphorical, as in someone who likes to navigate through different situations.
Example sentences with marinero →marisco
seafood
The word 'marisco' in Spanish translates to 'seafood' in English. This term is used to describe various kinds of ocean life that are consumed as food. This includes shellfish, crustaceans, and fish. Popular types of 'mariscos' include shrimp ('gambas'), lobster ('langosta'), and clams ('almejas'). This is a common word used in culinary contexts, particularly relevant in coastal regions where seafood is a staple part of the diet.
matar
kill
The Spanish word 'matar' translates to 'kill' in English. It is a verb and is used in various contexts similar to English, for instance, 'Quiero matar el tiempo' (I want to kill time) or 'El cazador mató al ciervo' (The hunter killed the deer). Remember, as with all verbs, the precise form of 'matar' can change with tense and subject.
Example sentences with matar →materia
matter
The Spanish word for 'matter' is 'materia'. In general usage, it is often associated with school subjects (like in 'science matters' translated to 'materias de ciencia'). However, it can also refer to the substance or material that something is made of. Like in English, it can also be used in more abstract concepts like 'issues' or 'matters of importance (asuntos de importancia)'. It's important to note that context is key when determining the correct use of 'materia'.
Example sentences with materia →materia prima
raw material
The term 'materia prima' in Spanish translates to 'raw material' in English. Raw materials are the basic substances or components used in manufacturing or primary production. They are often natural resources such as oil, iron, and wood. For instance, in the production of furniture, the 'materia prima' could be wood. This term can apply to industries such as manufacturing, construction, or even cooking where primary ingredients could be referred to as 'materia prima'.
Example sentences with materia prima →matrícula
tuition
The Spanish word 'matrícula' translates to 'tuition' in English. It is most commonly used in the context of education and seamlessly translates to the fee that students pay at universities, colleges, or schools for instruction. It can occasionally also refer to the act of registering or enrolling in course, equivalent to 'registration', especially in a higher education context.
matricularse
enrollment
Matricularse is a Spanish verb that translates into English as 'to enroll'. It primarily refers to the act of registering or signing up for something, especially within the context of education. For example, a student might 'matricularse' in a course or at a university. Thus, if someone is in the process of 'matricularse', they are enrolling or registering for a course or institution.
médico de guardia
doctor on duty
The term 'médico de guardia' in Spanish is translated into English as 'doctor on duty'. This term is used to refer to a doctor who is currently on his work shift and is responsible for attending to any emergencies or patients that arrive during his designated period of service. This term is common in hospitals and clinics where various doctors rotate shifts to ensure the availability of medical personnel at all times. In contexts outside the medical field, 'de guardia' can also mean a person who is currently in charge or standing by to attend to any issues or problems that may arise.
Example sentences with médico de guardia →mensajero
messenger
The Spanish word 'mensajero' translates to 'messenger' in English. A 'mensajero' may refer to anyone who delivers messages from one place or person to another, such as an employee who carries mail within a company, a courier who delivers packages, or even an electronic method for sending messages like an email application. 'Mensajero' can also have a figurative use such as a bearer of news or information.