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.
taza de café
cup of coffee
The phrase 'taza de café' in Spanish translates to 'cup of coffee' in English. It consists of three words: 'taza' means cup, 'de' is a preposition that often translates to 'of' in English, and 'café' means coffee. Therefore, this phrase is typically used in Spanish-speaking contexts to refer to a serving of coffee, usually served in a small or medium sized cup.
taza de té
cup of tea
The Spanish phrase 'taza de té' translates to 'cup of tea' in English. The noun 'taza' means 'cup', the conjunction 'de' translates to 'of', and 'té' signifies 'tea'. Thus, the phrase is commonly used in Spanish-speaking environments when referring to a smaller vessel filled with brewed tea. Its practical usage is the same as in English, whether in requesting a cup of tea in a café or simply offering someone tea at home.
telebasura
trash TV
The term 'telebasura' in Spanish is used to refer to low quality television content or 'trash TV' in English. This can include reality shows, sensational talk shows, tabloid television or any television programming that is thought to have little or no intellectual or informative value, yet is still popular or widely broadcasted.
telenovela
telenovela
A 'telenovela' is a type of a limited-run television serial drama or soap opera produced primarily in Latin America. The term translates literally to 'television novel'. Its contents typically involve melodramatic storylines which are designed to captivate audiences with intrigue, passion, calamity and hints of comedy. Telenovelas differ from soap operas in that they usually end after a predetermined run, typically less than one year.
tender la ropa
hang out the washing
The Spanish phrase 'tender la ropa' translates to 'hang out the washing' in English. This phrase is often used to describe the act of hanging wet, clean laundry on a clothesline or similar object to dry in open air. It is a common domestic chore and is part of the process of laundering clothes, used in places where using a dryer may not be an option or preference.
tener buen estilo
have good style
'Tener buen estilo' is a Spanish phrase which directly translates to 'have good style' in English. This phrase can be used to compliment someone's fashion sense, demeanor, or the way they carry themselves. It can also refer to performing an action with elegance. However, the usage often varies with context.
tener buen figura
having a good figure
The Spanish phrase 'tener buen figura' translates to 'having a good figure' in English. It represents the physical form one has. In many cultures, having a 'good figure' often relates to fitness and shape of the body. For example, someone who exercises regularly and maintains a balanced diet might be described as 'having a good figure'. It's worth noting that perceptions of 'a good figure' can vary greatly depending on individual and cultural preferences.
tener buen presencia
having a good presence
The Spanish phrase 'tener buen presencia' translates to 'having a good presence' in English. This usually refers to the way one carries themselves, their overall demeanor, and their ability to make a strong, positive impression on others. This might pertain to their appearance, their body language, or their way of speaking. It's commonly used in professional settings, such as job interviews or meetings, where it's important to come across as confident, professional, and appealing.
tener buen tipo
Have a good guy.
The Spanish phrase 'tener buen tipo' does not directly translate to 'have a good guy' in English. Instead, it is an idiomatic expression commonly used to indicate someone has a physically attractive appearance or a good body shape. It might be equivalent to saying 'to be in good shape' or 'to look good' in English.
tener buena nota
have good note
'Tener buena nota' in Spanish translates to 'have a good note' in English. However, it is typically used in educational contexts. It refers to the act of receiving or having a good grade/score in a test, assignment, or class, similar to the English phrase 'get a good grade'. It indicates favorable performance in an academic setting.
tener buena salud
having good health
The Spanish term 'tener buena salud' translates directly to 'having good health' in English. This term is utilized to depict a state of well-being where one is free from illness or injury. It signifies a positive physical condition which could be due, among other factors, to a balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a healthy lifestyle.
Example sentences with tener buena salud →tener buena suerte
have good luck
The Spanish phrase 'tener buena suerte' translates to 'have good luck' in English. In Spanish, 'tener' means 'to have', 'buena' means 'good', and 'suerte' means 'luck'. This phrase is used to wish someone good fortune in their undertakings. Many Spanish-speaking individuals use it interchangeably with 'buena suerte', which directly translates to 'good luck'.
Example sentences with tener buena suerte →tener cáncer
Having cancer
The phrase 'tener cáncer' in Spanish translates to 'having cancer' in English. This phrase is often used in medical contexts to discuss diagnoses and health conditions. Contextually, 'tener' is a verb that means 'to have', and 'cáncer' is a noun that stands for 'cancer'. This phrase is usually used in present tense discussions, for instances when a individual currently has a diagnosis of cancer.
Example sentences with tener cáncer →tener conexión a Internet
have Internet connection
The Spanish phrase 'tener conexión a Internet' translates to 'have Internet connection' in English. It's used to express the availability of an Internet connection. In a sentence, it might be used as follows: 'No puedo enviar el correo electrónico porque no tengo conexión a Internet', which translates to 'I cannot send the email because I don't have an Internet connection.'
tener de oferta
have offer
The Spanish phrase 'tener de oferta' translates to 'have offer' in English. It is often used in the context of businesses or stores indicating that they have items on sale or for a special price. Though the direct translation is 'have offer', it is more naturally translated as 'to have on sale' or 'to have for a special price' in conversational English.
tener diarrea
having diarrhea
The phrase 'tener diarrea' in Spanish translates directly to 'having diarrhea' in English. This phrase is typically used to express the state of having a medical condition characterized by frequent loose or liquid bowel movements. It may be used when someone is explaining their health status, particularly during a medical check-up or a casual conversation. Just like in English, this phrase carries a rather serious tone due to the discomfort and concern often associated with the condition.
Example sentences with tener diarrea →tener el bachillerato
have baccalaureate
The Spanish phrase 'tener el bachillerato' translates to 'have the baccalaureate' in English. This refers to the possession or completion of a baccalaureate degree, which is a type of academic degree awarded upon completion of undergraduate studies. It can be used to indicate someone's level of education or their eligibility for certain jobs or further academic pursuits.
tener estudios
have studies
The Spanish phrase 'tener estudios' translates directly to 'have studies' in English. However, in usage, it often refers to someone having educational qualifications or having completed a certain level of education. For instance, 'Él tiene estudios universitarios' could be translated as 'He has university studies', but is understood to mean 'He has a university degree' or 'He has been to university'. It is a phrase that indicates the possession of educational achievements.
tener información
have information
'Tener información' in Spanish directly translates to 'have information' in English. This phrase is used to indicate possession or awareness of specific knowledge or data. In a sentence, it may be used as 'Yo tengo información' which means 'I have information'. It's an important phrase to know while communicating or sharing information in Spanish.
tener la piel clara
have clear skin
The Spanish phrase 'tener la piel clara' translates to 'have clear skin' in English. It is often used to describe someone who has unblemished or fair skin. This can be in a general context or in specific scenarios such as in beauty or healthcare. The phrase is made up of several words: 'tener' means 'to have', 'la piel' means 'the skin', and 'clara' means 'clear' or 'light-colored'. These words together form a common phrase in Spanish, demonstrating the descriptive nature of the language.
tener la piel oscura
have dark skin
The Spanish phrase 'tener la piel oscura' is directly translated to English as 'to have dark skin'. This phrase may be used in conversations describing one's physical attributes, specifically the color or tone of their skin. In Spanish, 'tener' signifies 'to have', 'la piel' translates to 'the skin', and 'oscura' means 'dark'. Therefore, when combined, 'tener la piel oscura' means to possess or be characteristic of dark skin.
tener la piel sensible
having sensitive skin
The phrase 'tener la piel sensible' translates to 'having sensitive skin' in English. It is often used to express when a person's skin reacts excessively to factors that are usually harmless to many people. This reaction might include itching, peeling, rashes or other forms of skin irruption. Such sensitivity can be caused by various elements such as climate, exposure to certain chemicals, and even stress.
tener la piel suave
have soft skin
The Spanish phrase 'tener la piel suave' directly translates to 'have soft skin' in English. It is typically used in romantic or personal grooming context. While 'tener' means 'to have', 'la piel' refers to 'the skin' and 'suave' translates to 'soft'. Hence, when combined, it refers to the condition or characteristic of having a soft skin.
tener las manos suave
have soft hands
The Spanish phrase 'tener las manos suave' translates to 'have soft hands' in English. This is typically used in a literal context, for example when one's hands feel smooth and gentle to the touch. The verb 'tener' means 'to have' in English, 'las manos' means 'the hands', and 'suave' means 'soft'. Thus, when these words are combined, it forms the phrase 'tener las manos suave'.
Example sentences with tener las manos suave →tener mal carácter
to have a bad character
The Spanish phrase 'tener mal carácter' is used to describe a person who typically has a bad or unpleasant disposition or behavior. It is equivalent to the English phrase 'to have a bad character'. This phrase can refer to being easily angered, uncooperative or generally disagreeable in nature.
tener mal estilo
have bad style
The Spanish phrase 'tener mal estilo' translates to 'have bad style' in English. This phrase is indicative of an individual who possesses unsatisfactory, unappealing, or unattractive fashion sense or style. It is generally used as a critique or observation of someone's appearance, particularly their clothing or outfit. This phrase can also be used metaphorically, to denote a person's overall demeanor, way of doing things, or behavior that is considered unappealing or lacking refinement.
tener mal figura
To have a bad figure
The Spanish phrase 'tener mal figura' translates to 'have a bad figure' in English. It is typically used in Spanish language to refer to someone who, in the speaker's opinion, does not have good body shape or physical condition. However, like many phrases, its usage can be subjective and relies heavily on personal opinion.
tener mal presencia
having a bad presence
The term 'tener mal presencia' in Spanish translates to 'having a bad presence' in English. This phrase is typically used to describe someone who may have a negative or off-putting aura about them. This could be due to their behavior, disposition, or even their physical appearance. It infers that the person tends to leave an unfavorable impression on others.
tener mal tipo
having bad guy.
The Spanish phrase 'tener mal tipo' does not directly translate to 'having bad guy' in English. It is an idiomatic expression meaning to look or feel unwell or to give a bad impression. It is often used when someone seems sick or unhealthy. It may also indicate someone who does not make a good impression due to their actions or behaviors. Despite its literal translation, this phrase is not used to describe a 'bad guy' or villain.
tener mala nota
to have a bad note
The Spanish phrase 'tener mala nota' translates to 'to have a bad note' in English. In this context, it is usually used to reflect someone's poor performance in an evaluation, grading or scoring system, most commonly in an academic or educational setting. It is synonymous with doing poorly or underachieving in a said task or examination.