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.
buzón
mailbox
The word 'buzón' is a Spanish term that represents a physical box or virtual location where mail or electronic messages are placed when delivered. It's commonly used in a postal context and can be found in homes, businesses or on the streets. In English, this word is translated as 'mailbox'. It is a common and essential item related to communication means in every day life in many cultures.
buzón de voz
voice mail
The phrase 'buzón de voz' in Spanish translates to 'voice mail' in English. Voice mail is a computerized system that allows users to exchange personal voice messages; to select and deliver voice information; and to process transactions relating to individuals, organizations, products, and services, using an ordinary phone. It is usually accessible through a dedicated telephone number and has the functionality to store, forward, playback, and delete messages.
cadena nacional
national network
The term 'cadena nacional' in Spanish can be translated to 'national network' in English. The term is frequently used to describe a mandatory nationwide broadcast used by government authorities to transmit information of national importance. Typically, all the radio and television stations in the country must simultaneously broadcast this content. It might be used for various purposes, ranging from delivering a speech by the President, or other high-ranking officials, to informing about urgent news or important nationwide initiatives.
cadena privado
private network
The term 'cadena privado' is Spanish, directly translated to English as 'private chain'. However, in terms of network and technology, this term can refer to a 'private network'. A private network is a type of network where the access and use are restricted, typically within an organization. This allows enhanced security and control over data shared, reduced traffic, boosted speed, and improved network efficiency.
cadena público
public network
The Spanish term 'cadena pública' translates to 'public network' in English. It typically refers to a system of radio, television, digital media, or other platforms that are operated by the public sector. Unlike private networks that are often funded through subscriptions or advertisements, a public network usually receives funding from the government or through public donations. It's commonly used for providing non-commercial programming focusing on public interest, such as educational content, arts, culture, and public affairs programming.
cadena regional
regional network
The Spanish term 'cadena regional' translates to 'regional network' in English. In the context of broadcasting, this term refers to a network of radio or television stations that are only available in a specific region or area. For instance, it could be a group of radio stations that only broadcasts to a particular province or part of the country.
caer
fall
The word 'caer' in Spanish essentially translates to 'fall' in English. It could be used to denote the action of falling from an elevated spot or imply a drop, like leaves falling from a tree. However, its usage isn't limited to physical falling only. It also expresses metaphorical falls such as falling ill or failing in some aspect.
Example sentences with caer →caer(se) mal
fall(s) bad
'Caer(se) mal' is a common Spanish expression but its English translation 'fall(s) bad' is not literal. This is often used to describe a feeling of dislike or displeasure towards someone. When someone 'te cae mal', it means you have a negative impression or you simply do not like that person. This phrase can also imply a sense of annoyance or discomfort with someone's presence or behavior. It's important to remember that it's not necessarily about a strong hate, it's often used for mild dislikes.
caerse las hojas
leaves falling
The Spanish phrase 'caerse las hojas' represents a natural event regarding trees, specifically it translates to 'leaves falling' in English. This term is frequently used to describe the seasonal changes in autumn when the leaves change colors and start falling from trees.
Example sentences with caerse las hojas →cafetera
coffee maker
The Spanish word 'cafetera' translates to 'coffee maker' in English. This is typically a machine or device used to brew coffee. In many households, a cafetera is considered a necessary kitchen appliance. Like the English term, 'cafetera' in Spanish can refer to various types of machines including automatic drip, percolator, French press or even Italian stovetop style, among others.
calabacín
pumpkin
The Spanish word 'calabacín' does not mean 'pumpkin' in English. It actually translates to 'zucchini' or 'courgette'. This term is used in many Spanish-speaking countries to refer to a type of summer squash that is green and typically long, thin and smooth. It is often used in cooking and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilled, steamed, boiled, or fried.
calorías
calories
The Spanish word 'calorías' translates to 'calories' in English. The term 'calories' is commonly used in the context of diet and nutrition. Calories refers to a unit of energy. In terms of nutrition, it usually indicates the amount of energy that a particular food type provides to the body when consumed. Therefore, if you are counting 'calorías' in Spanish, you are keeping track of your caloric or energy intake from food in English.
calzoncillo
underwear
The Spanish word 'calzoncillo' translates directly into English as 'underwear'. This refers to a piece of clothing that is worn beneath exterior clothes, usually in direct contact with the skin, acting as a first layer of protection and hygiene. In context, it could be used in sentences like 'He is washing his underwear' which translates to 'El está lavando sus calzoncillos'. Both in English and Spanish, it can be used to refer to both the general category of such clothing, or to specific pieces within that category.
cámara digital
digital camera
The Spanish term 'cámara digital' translates to 'digital camera' in English. It is a device that captures photographs electronically. Instead of a film strip or photosensitive plate, a digital camera uses digital technology to convert light into electronic data. This data is then stored in memory. As with any camera, the digital camera's primary purpose is to capture pictures and videos. With the advantage of modern technology, it allows users to check images instantly, edit them, and even share online if desired. This tool is extensively used in various fields such as photography, videography, journalism, and on personal occasions.
Example sentences with cámara digital →cambiar de cadena
change network
The Spanish phrase 'cambiar de cadena' translates to 'change network' in English. It is often used in the context of broadcasting or telecommunications, where you may want to switch from one network provider to another. Just as we might say 'change channels' on a television, 'cambiar de cadena' could also reflect this action of change or transition in Spanish.
cambiar de canal
change of channel
The Spanish term 'cambiar de canal' translates directly to 'change of channel' in English. This phrase is most commonly used in the context of television viewing, especially when referencing the action of switching from one TV channel to another via a remote control or TV controls.
cambiar de compañero
changing partner
The Spanish phrase 'cambiar de compañero' translates to 'changing partner' in English. This phrase is commonly used in situations where one needs to or wants to switch their current partner whether it may be for a project, a sport, a dance or any other scenario where partnership with another individual or entity is involved. It can also be used metaphorically in numerous other contexts.
cambiar de dirección
change direction
The Spanish phrase 'cambiar de dirección' translates to 'change direction' in English. It is typically used to denote a change in the course or path that someone or something is taking. For example, in the context of navigation or driving, it might be used to indicate a change in direction or route. Similarly, in the context of a discussion or project, it might refer to a shift in focus or approach.
cambiar de emisora
change of station
The Spanish phrase 'cambiar de emisora' translates to 'change of station' in English. It typically refers to changing the radio or television station. For instance, if you're listening to a radio station and you decide to tune into a different one, in Spanish, you would be said to 'cambiar de emisora'. It could also be used more broadly to indicate a change in the source of something or a transition of some sort.
cambiar de libro
change book
The Spanish phrase 'cambiar de libro' translates to 'change book' in English. This could mean to switch from one book to another, perhaps in the context of studying different topics, reading for pleasure, or comparing different pieces of literature. The verb 'cambiar' refers to the action of changing or modifying, while 'de libro' implies the category or subject of the change, in this case, a book.
cambiar de tema
change of topic
The Spanish phrase 'cambiar de tema' translates to 'change of topic' in English. This phrase is often used in casual and formal conversations when participants want to shift the focus of the dialogue to a different subject. The phrase may also be used to tactfully move away from a sensitive or uncomfortable topic. Furthermore, its use is not only restricted to oral conversations but also spans across written communications like essays, emails, articles etc.
cambiar un billete
change a ticket
The Spanish phrase 'cambiar un billete' translates to 'change a ticket' in English. This could refer to altering a scheduled departure or return time, changing the destination of travel, or modifying the name or quantity of ticket holders. The word is commonly used in contexts such as travel, events and customer service.
Example sentences with cambiar un billete →cambiar(se) de sitio
site change(se)
'Cambiar(se) de sitio' is a Spanish phrase that refers to the act of changing place or location. In English, it translates to 'to change (oneself) from place'. It might be used in various contexts such as shifting a piece of furniture, changing one's seat, or even moving from one city to another. The expression encapsulates both the physical act of moving and the personal, emotional experience of transition.
cambio
change
The Spanish word 'cambio' is used in much the same way as its English equivalent 'change', indicating a change or transformation in state, condition, form, or appearance. It is a versatile word that can be used in a various number of contexts such as financial (when speaking about exchange rates or money), personal (when talking about lifestyle changes), as well as for shifts in attitude, climate or even clothes.
Example sentences with cambio →cambio climático
climate change
The Spanish term 'cambio climático' translates into English as 'climate change'. Climate change is a long-term alteration in the Earth's climate and weather patterns. It particularly refers to the significant changes in global temperatures and precipitation patterns that have been observed over the last century or more. Due to these changes, we can face various environmental issues such as melting glaciers, more frequent natural disasters, disruptions to agriculture and more.
Example sentences with cambio climático →camión de mudanzas
moving truck
The Spanish term 'camión de mudanzas' translates to 'moving truck' in English. It's a type of vehicle specifically designed and used for the transportation of personal or business belongings from one location to another, particularly during a residential or commercial relocation. The terms 'camión' and 'mudanzas' individually mean 'truck' and 'movings' respectively, but when used together, the phrase refers to this particular utility vehicle.
campo de fútbol
football field
The Spanish phrase 'campo de fútbol' translates to 'football field' in English. In many Spanish-speaking countries, football—known as 'soccer' in the United States—is a very popular sport, hence the term is widely used. A football field refers to the specific playing surface where football games are held. It is characterized by its rectangular shape, grassy surface, and the presence of two goals on opposite ends of the field. It is here where players, often in teams, compete to score the most goals by getting a ball into the opponent's goal.
campus
campus
The Spanish term 'campus' directly translates to 'campus' in English. It refers to the grounds and buildings of a university or college. This can encompass classrooms, libraries, student housing, dining facilities, sports facilities, and other elements that constitute an academic environment. It is generally used in the context of higher education. As a borrowed word from Latin originally, 'campus' enjoys the same definition in various languages, including both English and Spanish.
canal nacional
national channel
The Spanish phrase 'canal nacional' translates to 'national channel' in English. It is used to describe a television or radio channel that is broadcasted throughout the entire country, and is accessible to people living in any region of the nation. It can also refer to a communication or transportation route that serves a national interest or is of national significance.
canal privado
private channel
The term 'canal privado' in Spanish translates to 'private channel' in English. This could refer to a communication channel that is only open or available to specific individuals or a group, thus ensuring a level of confidentiality. Examples of usage in context could be a private discussion forum on the internet or a television channel that requires a special subscription to access. Its usage can be broad and can apply to various contexts based on the situation.