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.
ola de calor
heat wave
The Spanish term 'ola de calor' translates to 'heat wave' in English. The phrase is often used to describe a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity. This term is commonly found in meteorological reports and weather forecasts. Traditional heat wave periods are typically characterized by static high pressure and prolonged increase in temperatures over an extended geographical area. They are usually associated with significant discomfort or health risks, particularly when there is no relief during nighttime.
Example sentences with ola de calor →ola de frío
cold wave
The word 'ola de frío' in Spanish directly translates to 'cold wave' in English. This term is often used in meteorological contexts to denote a significant drop in air temperatures, usually associated with the swift arrival of very cold air over an area, particularly during the colder months of the year. An 'ola de frío' can affect large geographic regions, and lead to unusually cold weather for an extended period of time.
Example sentences with ola de frío →oler
smell
The Spanish verb 'oler' translates to 'smell' in English. It is commonly used to talk about the sense or act of smelling. Intriguingly, 'oler' is an irregular verb in Spanish, which means it does not follow the typical conjugation patterns. Its conjugation can change depending on the tense, so careful attention is required when using it. Words derived from 'oler' include 'olor' (smell, scent) and 'oliendo' (smelling).
olvidar
forget
The Spanish word for 'forget' is 'olvidar'. It is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts. However, it follows a different conjugation pattern in present tense, as per the subject: yo olvido (I forget), tú olvidas (you forget), él/ella olvida (he/she forgets), nosotros olvidamos (we forget), and ellos/ellas olvidan (they forget). It can also be used in different tenses like any Verb in Spanish Language.
Example sentences with olvidar →opinión
opinion
The term 'opinión' in Spanish is used exactly as 'opinion' is used in English. It refers to a view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and formal discussions. For example, 'En mi opinión, este libro es interesante', means 'In my opinion, this book is interesting.'
Example sentences with opinión →optimismo
optimism
The Spanish word 'optimismo' is generally used in the same context as its English equivalent 'optimism'. It can refer to a positive or hopeful outlook on life, situations, or future events. It is used in a sentence in the same way as the English word. For example, in the sentence 'I have optimism that things will improve,' 'optimism' would be replaced with 'optimismo' in Spanish.
Example sentences with optimismo →orgánico
professional
The Spanish word 'orgánico' does not translate to 'professional' in English. Instead, it translates to 'organic.' It's often used to describe natural products that don't contain artificial chemicals, or it could refer to things related to organs, in a biological sense.
Example sentences with orgánico →organización
organization
The Spanish word for organization is 'organización'. It follows the same concept as in English, referring to a group of people who work together in an ordered way. It is used in various contexts such as a business setting, social groups and even when referring to the organization or structure of a system or entity.
Example sentences with organización →Organización de las Naciones Unidas (ONU)
United Nations Organization (UN)
The 'Organización de las Naciones Unidas (ONU)' is a Spanish term, which translates to 'United Nations Organization (UN)' in English. The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. It is composed of nearly every independent nation and serves as a global forum for resolving international conflicts, facilitating cooperation in international law, promoting human rights, fostering social and economic development, and coordinating efforts to tackle global challenges, such as climate change and poverty.
Example sentences with Organización de las Naciones Unidas (ONU) →original
original
The Spanish word 'original' directly translates to 'original' in English. It is an adjective that describes something as first or earliest in form or existence, something from which a copy, translation, or derivative form is drawn or based. It can also refer to something authentic and not derivative, not a copy or reproduction. Just like in English, it can also refer to a person who displays individuality.
Example sentences with original →oro
gold
The word 'oro' is a masculine noun in Spanish. It translates to 'gold' in English. It is commonly used to refer to the precious yellow metallic element, highly malleable and ductile, and not subject to oxidation or corrosion. 'Oro' is also used in various expressions and phrases in Spanish language. For example, 'vale su peso en oro' literally means 'worth its weight in gold', used to describe something very valuable.
Example sentences with oro →orquesta
orchestra
An orchestra is a large group of musicians playing a variety of musical instruments, especially stringed instruments. The word 'orquesta' in Spanish has the same meaning.
Example sentences with orquesta →ortodoxo
orthodox
The word 'ortodoxo' in Spanish translates to 'orthodox' in English. It is primarily used to describe something or someone as adhering to the accepted or traditional and established faith, especially in religion. In a broader context, it could also refer to anything that is generally accepted as the right or true way. Like the word 'orthodox' in English, 'ortodoxo' carries the same usage and connotation in Spanish.
Example sentences with ortodoxo →oveja
sheep
A sheep is a quadrupedal, ruminant mammal typically kept as livestock. Sheep are raised for fleece, meat (lamb or mutton), and milk. They can be found in parts of Europe, Asia and Africa.
Example sentences with oveja →paciente
patient
In Spanish, 'paciente' means 'patient.' This word can be used in several contexts, such as medical or even emotionally. In the medical context, 'paciente' refers to a person receiving or registered to receive medical treatment just as in English. However, it is also used to describe a person able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious, just like in English. For example, 'ella es muy paciente cuando se trata de enseñar a los niños' (she is very patient when it comes to teaching children).
Example sentences with paciente →pagar (el recibo de) el agua
pay (the receipt of) water
The Spanish phrase 'pagar (el recibo de) el agua' translates to 'pay (the receipt of) water' in English. It refers to the action of making a payment for the water service. The phrase can be used in situations where one needs to settle their utility bill, specifically for water. The term itself can be broken down into two main components. 'Pagar' is a verb that means 'to pay'. 'El recibo de el agua' is a noun phrase which translates to 'the receipt of the water'. Combined, they form a sentence that symbolizes the act of settling a water utility bill.
pagar (el recibo de) el gas
pay (the receipt of) the gas
The Spanish phrase 'pagar (el recibo de) el gas' translates to 'pay (the receipt of) the gas' in English. It is often used in reference to settling a gas bill. The verb 'pagar' means 'to pay', and 'el recibo de el gas' refers to 'the gas receipt' or 'the gas bill'. So, if you hear this phrase commonly in a Spanish-speaking country, it usually means someone is discussing about paying their utility bills, specifically their gas bill.
pagar (el recibo de) el teléfono
pay (the receipt) the phone
The Spanish phrase 'pagar (el recibo de) el teléfono' translates to 'pay (the receipt of) the phone' in English. It is usually used in a context where one is required to pay a bill, particularly a phone bill. The word 'pagar' means to 'pay', 'el recibo de' translates to 'the receipt of', and 'el teléfono' translates to 'the phone'. Thus, when you say 'pagar el recibo de el teléfono', it means you are making a payment for your phone's receipt or bill.
pagar (el recibo de) la comunidad
pay (the receipt of) community
The Spanish phrase 'pagar (el recibo de) la comunidad' translates to 'pay (the receipt of) community' in English. It typically refers to the practice of paying communal fees or bills, often in the context of apartment block or neighborhood payments. These might cover costs like utilities, maintenance, and administrative services. The phrase demonstrates the subjunctive verb form 'pagar', which means 'to pay' and the use of the preposition 'de' to indicate possession ('of'). It's a common phrase in contexts where shared costs are involved.
pagar con cheque
pay with check
The Spanish phrase 'pagar con cheque' translates to 'pay with check' in English. This is usually used in financial and banking contexts to refer to the method of using a check to transfer money directly from one bank account to another. This is an old but still accepted method of payment in many parts of the world.
Example sentences with pagar con cheque →pagar el alquiler
pay rent
The phrase 'pagar el alquiler' in Spanish refers to the act of providing monetary compensation for borrowed space, typically a housing unit like an apartment or house. In English, this is referred to as 'paying the rent'. This is a common term used in financial, personal, and legal contexts.
pagar en metálico
payable in cash
The Spanish phrase 'pagar en metálico' translates to 'payable in cash' in English. It is mainly used when talking about transactions and payments. In many settings, especially informal ones, it is used to specify that the payment should be made using physical money, as opposed to checks or electronic transfers.
Example sentences with pagar en metálico →pagar impuestos
pay taxes
The Spanish phrase 'pagar impuestos' translates to 'pay taxes' in English. It is a verb phrase typically used in the context of monetary transactions, specifically relating to the mandatory contributions to state revenue that individuals, businesses, or other entities are required to make according to their income or the value of goods and services they've bought or sold. The term is widely used in both business and casual conversations.
Example sentences with pagar impuestos →pagar intereses
pay interest
The phrase 'pagar intereses' in Spanish translates to 'pay interest' in English. This phrase is often used in a financial context where one party owes interest to another on a borrowed sum of money. For example, a borrower in a financial agreement may 'pagar intereses' to the lender, meaning they pay interest on the amount borrowed. Similarly, a saver with money in a bank may receive 'intereses' from the bank, paid periodically as a percentage of the deposited amount.
Example sentences with pagar intereses →pagar la hipoteca
pay the mortgage
The Spanish phrase 'pagar la hipoteca' translates to 'pay the mortgage' in English. This phrase is often used in financial contexts and it refers to the act of making regular payments to reduce or eliminate a debt that is secured by a mortgage, which is a type of legal agreement. The process of 'pagar la hipoteca' typically involves paying both the principal amount loaned and the interest accrued on that loan over a set period.
páginas amarillas
yellow pages
The term 'páginas amarillas' translates to 'yellow pages' in English. It traditionally refers to a telephone directory of businesses, categorized by their particular field or service, printed on yellow paper. In a broader context currently, it could also mean a website or any other online platform providing similar information.
paisajista
landscape
The Spanish word 'paisajista' translates to 'landscape' in English. This term is usually used to refer to the visible features of an area of land, including physical elements such as landforms, bodies of water, plants, structures, and other similar features. 'Paisajista' could also refer to a person who is a landscape artist or a landscape architect, one who designs, plans, and manages the landscape.
Example sentences with paisajista →países en vías de desarrollo
developing countries
The Spanish term 'países en vías de desarrollo' translates to 'developing countries' in English. These are countries that have a lower living standard, underdeveloped industrial base, and low Human Development Index relative to other countries. They are usually characterized by being less industrialized, having lower incomes per capita, higher rates of illiteracy, and lower health standards.
Example sentences with países en vías de desarrollo →países pobres
poor countries
The Spanish term 'países pobres' translates to the English term 'poor countries'. This phrase refers to countries that lack certain basic necessities and opportunities usually enjoyed by most countries, such as adequate healthcare, education, and employment. The term 'poor' here describes a state of poverty, in terms of wealth, resources, and opportunities, rather than a lack of moral or personal quality. However, it is important to note that this term can be considered pejorative and may not truly capture the diverse realities and potential of these countries.
países ricos
rich countries
The Spanish term 'países ricos' translates to 'rich countries' in English. This term refers to nations that possess great wealth, either by a high gross domestic product or by a large personal wealth per capita among residents. They are also often recognized for their influence on global matters, such as politics and economy. The wealth of these countries allows them to invest heavily in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other sectors that directly contribute to the high living standards of their citizens.