B2 - Upper Intermediate Spanish
Students at the Upper Intermediate B2 level can defend their positions in a debate, and explore opposing views on different topics.
At this level, most students can converse with native speakers naturally and fluently.
bajo en sal
low in salt
The Spanish phrase 'bajo en sal' translates to 'low in salt' in English. This is often used to describe food products or recipes that have a low salt or sodium content. It is commonly used in dietary and nutritional contexts, particularly when discussing healthy eating choices and options. Understanding this phrase can be helpful when shopping for groceries, eating out, or preparing meals in a Spanish-speaking setting. Remember that 'bajo' means 'low' and 'sal' means 'salt', so when used together in 'bajo en sal', it directly translates to 'low in salt'.
bala
Bullet
The Spanish word 'bala' translates to 'bullet' in English. It is a noun and frequently used in contexts related to firearms, warfare, or crime. For instance, when talking about guns and their use, 'bala' would be a common term. However, it might also be found metaphorically in other contexts. The pronunciation is similar to the English 'baha'.
Example sentences with bala →balancearse
balance
The Spanish word 'balancearse' translates to 'to balance oneself' in English. This word is a verb and often used when discussing physical activities such as walking along a balance beam or standing on one foot. It's about maintaining an equilibrium or stability. It may also have a more abstract usage such as trying to balance different aspects of life.
Example sentences with balancearse →balneario
spa
The Spanish word 'balneario' refers to a spa in English. A 'balneario' is a place where people go to relax and take care of their health by participating in activities such as soaking in mineral or thermal springs, doing physical exercise, or receiving therapeutic massages and treatments. These places often provide accommodation and are usually located in natural environments that contribute to the sense of relaxation and health. Aside from its connection to health, this word embodies a strong component of leisure and relaxation.
Example sentences with balneario →banda armada
Armed gang
The Spanish term 'banda armada' translates to 'armed gang' in English. This phrase is typically used to refer to an organized group of people armed with weapons. Such groups are commonly involved in criminal activities. These gangs often use their weapons to exert power, intimidate or commit illegal actions. As such, the term carries a negative connotation and describes a dangerous element of society.
Example sentences with banda armada →banda de delincuentes
gang of criminals
The Spanish phrase 'banda de delincuentes' translates to 'gang of criminals' in English. It is often used in legal or news contexts to refer to organized groups that commit criminal activities. The phrase is made up of three parts. First, 'banda', which translates to 'band' or 'gang'. Second, 'de', a preposition that shows possession or origin and translates to 'of' in English. The last part is 'delincuentes' which translates to 'criminals'. Hence, 'banda de delincuentes' stands for a group of people combined for nefarious purposes.
banda organizada
organized gang
The Spanish term 'banda organizada' translates to 'organized gang' in English. It refers to a structured group of individuals who engage in illegal activities. These activities could include activities such as drug trafficking, robbery, fraud, etc. The term is often used in legal contexts or news reporting to denote such criminal organizations.
Example sentences with banda organizada →banda sonora
soundtrack
The Spanish term 'banda sonora' translates to 'soundtrack' in English. A soundtrack is a recording of music or sounds associated with a movie, television show, or video game. Soundtracks compose the background music that accompanies visual media, and they play a crucial role in setting the mood, tone, and atmosphere of the scene or entire production. In some cases, they might include dialogue, sound effects, or even popular songs, depending on the style of the visual media.
Example sentences with banda sonora →banda terrorista
terrorist gang
The Spanish term 'banda terrorista' translates to 'terrorist gang' in English. It is used to refer to a group of individuals involved in activities that spread terror and fear, such as bombings, kidnappings, and other violent actions, typically for political purposes.
Example sentences with banda terrorista →bandera amarilla
Yellow flag
The Spanish term 'bandera amarilla' translates to 'yellow flag' in English. This can be a physical flag that is colored yellow or a metaphorical signal indicating caution or a moderate level of danger. It can be used in various contexts such as sports to indicate a warning, a caution signal on beaches for risky situations or even in finance as a warning sign of potential risk.
Example sentences with bandera amarilla →bandera verde
Green flag
The Spanish term 'bandera verde' translates in English to 'green flag'. This phrase can be used both literally, referring to a flag of green color, or metaphorically. In a metaphorical context, it typically signifies authorization to proceed with a task or operation. It can also be used in racing sports to signal the start or continuation of a race. Like all languages, its nuances and implications can be understood better through use in conversations and literature.
Example sentences with bandera verde →bañera de hidromasaje
Hot tub
The Spanish phrase 'bañera de hidromasaje' translates to 'hot tub' in English. In detail, 'bañera' means 'bath' or 'bathtub', and 'de hidromasaje' means 'of hydromassage or whirlpool'. So, it refers to a large tub filled with hot water used for hydrotherapy, relaxation, or pleasure. Some hot tubs have powerful jets for massage purposes. It's a common element in a bathroom or in spas and are also known for their therapeutic uses, similar to a Jacuzzi, which is a brand name that has, in some places, become synonymous with hot tub.
Example sentences with bañera de hidromasaje →barbilla
chin
The Spanish word 'barbilla' translates to 'chin' in English. This is the part of the body's anatomy located at the bottom of the face, directly below the mouth and to the front of the neck. In the context of human physical appearance, a person's chin shape and size can greatly vary. It serves a pivotal role in several human expressions and functions, such as talking, expressing emotion, and eating.
barco de pasajeros
passenger ship
The Spanish phrase 'barco de pasajeros' translates to 'passenger ship' in English. This is a type of vessel designed and equipped to carry passengers instead of cargo. They are usually large in size and have amenities for passengers. Some popular examples of passenger ships include cruise ships, ferries, and ocean liners. 'Barco de pasajeros' can be used in various contexts in Spanish, similar to how 'passenger ship' is used in English.
Example sentences with barco de pasajeros →barco de vela
Sailboat
The Spanish term 'barco de vela' translates to 'sailboat' in English. This term is used to refer to a type of boat that is primarily propelled by wind on a sail. Rather than using engines or motors for movement, sailboats depend on the wind in the sails to navigate the water. These boats can vary greatly in size and design, ranging from small, personal crafts to larger seafaring vessels. Regardless of size, all sailboats share the common characteristic of utilizing wind as their main source of propulsion.
Example sentences with barco de vela →barman
barman
The Spanish word 'barman' directly translates to the English word 'barman'. In both languages, this term is used refer to a person, usually a man, who serves drinks in a bar or pub. Despite the gendered descriptor, the term can be used for any individual performing the role, regardless of gender. Note that in some regions, the word could be replaced with 'bartender', which is a more gender-neutral term.
barrer las calles
sweep the streets
The Spanish phrase 'barrer las calles' translates to 'sweep the streets' in English. It's derived from the verb 'barrer' which means 'to sweep' in English, while 'las calles' means 'the streets'. This phrase could be used in contexts related to cleaning or maintenance tasks, such as municipal or local cleaning services who perform this job regularly. It could also be used metaphorically, for instance when talking about a comprehensive or thorough cleaning, changing or reforming process.
basarse en un estudio
based on a study
The Spanish phrase 'basarse en un estudio' translates to 'based on a study' in English. It implies that whatever conclusion, statement, or information follows is backed up or supported by a study, typically one performed scientifically or academically. In general usage, it indicates that the information has strong empirical support.
Example sentences with basarse en un estudio →basarse en una investigación
based on an investigation
'Basarse en una investigación' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'based on an investigation' in English. It can be used in several contexts, often in academic, journalistic, or legal settings, where someone's statements, work, or decisions are made following a systematic, detailed examination or inquiry. This phrase is typically used to imply that the ideas, findings, or assertions are not randomly made but are results of careful study and analysis of information.
Example sentences with basarse en una investigación →base de datos
database
The Spanish term 'base de datos' translates to 'database' in English. A database is a structured set of data. So, in computing, a database is an organized collection of data stored and accessed electronically. Databases are vital in almost all areas where computers are used, including business, education, science, healthcare, and many others. This system allows for simple or complex data management, making it a powerful tool for various tasks.
Example sentences with base de datos →basurero municipal
municipal garbage
The term 'basurero municipal' in Spanish translates to 'municipal garbage' in English. It's generally used to indicate the government entity responsible for the management and collection of waste in a city or town. This entity ensures the disposal, recycling, and treatment of waste according to the local laws and regulations. The term can also refer to the physical location or facility where the municipality's waste is collected or processed.
Example sentences with basurero municipal →bata
bat
The word 'bata' in Spanish translates to 'robe' in English. Although this word might be confused with 'bat,' it's an entirely different term. 'Bata' typically refers to a loose-fitting garment that people wear in their homes, particularly before they go to bed or when they get up in the morning. So, be careful not to mix it up with the word for 'bat', which in Spanish is 'murciélago'.
batalla
battle
The Spanish word 'batalla' translates to 'battle' in English. It is a noun, often used in various contexts, such as to describe a combat, conflict or struggle, either amongst individuals, teams, or nations. Similar to its English counterpart, 'batalla' can also be used metaphorically, referrering to a challenging personal ordeal or difficult experience.
Example sentences with batalla →batidora
blender
The Spanish word 'batidora' translates into English as 'blender'. A blender is a kitchen appliance used to mix, purée, or emulsify food and other substances. This tool maintains a significant role in preparing a variety of meals and drinks, including soups, smoothies, sauces, and more. Therefore, 'batidora' is commonly referred to in daily conversation, cooking guides, and recipes in Spanish-speaking cultures.
belleza
beauty
The Spanish word 'belleza' translates to 'beauty' in English. It is often used to describe someone's physical attractiveness or the aesthetic appeal of something. Furthermore, 'belleza' can be used to express admiration for something or someone particularly pleasing to the senses. It is a feminine noun in Spanish and is typically used in contexts such as art, nature, or person's appearance.
Example sentences with belleza →bendecir
bless
The Spanish word 'bendecir' translates to 'bless' in English. It is often used in a religious context, as when a priest blesses his congregation, but it can also be used in a more generalized manner to suggest bestowing well-wishes or good intentions upon someone. Like many Spanish verbs, 'bendecir' changes its form depending on tense and who the subject of the sentence is. It's a regular verb, so once you know the rules for conjugating -IR verbs in Spanish, you should be able to use it in different contexts.
Example sentences with bendecir →beneficioso
beneficial
The Spanish word 'beneficioso' translates to 'beneficial' in English. It is often used to describe something that has a positive or helpful effect or advantage. For example, in a sentence like 'El ejercicio es beneficioso para la salud', it means 'Exercise is beneficial for health'. It is an adjective and it consistently remains 'beneficioso' regardless of the gender or number of the noun it modifies.
Example sentences with beneficioso →bien orientado
oriented
The Spanish phrase 'bien orientado' translates to 'well oriented' in English. This phrase can be used to describe someone who has a clear sense of direction or purpose, or it can refer to an object or place that is correctly positioned or aligned. It is often used to point out the accuracy or precision of an entity's direction, alignment, or orientation.
biológico
biological
The Spanish term 'biológico' translates to 'biological' in English. It is primarily used within the realms of biology and science, where it is used to describe anything related to life or living organisms. For example, a biological process in humans could include digestion, respiration, or reproduction. This term can also be used in a broader context to refer to things that are natural or organic, in contrast to items that are synthetically produced.
Example sentences with biológico →biomasa
biomass
The Spanish word 'biomasa' translates to 'biomass' in English. 'Biomass' is a term often used in biology and refers to the total amount of living matter within a given unit of environmental area. It can also be related to renewable energy, where 'biomass' is organic matter used as fuel. Overall, 'biomasa' in Spanish has a direct correlation with the English term 'biomass' and is used in a similar context.
Example sentences with biomasa →