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.
biosfera
biosphere
The Spanish word 'biosfera' translates to 'biosphere' in English. A biosphere refers to the part of the Earth, including land, water, and air or atmosphere, in which life exists. This term is widely used in ecology and environmental science, referring to the global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships, including their interaction with the elements of the lithosphere (Earth's crust and upper mantle), hydrosphere (water bodies), and atmosphere (air). The concept of the biosphere was first introduced by a Russian geologist Vladimir Vernadsky in 1926.
Example sentences with biosfera →bisabuelo
grandfather
The Spanish word 'bisabuelo' translates to 'great-grandfather' in English. This term is used to refer to the grandfather of one's parent. Just like 'grandfather', this word signifies a family relationship that is two generations above yours. It is important to note though that 'bisabuelo' specifically denotes your grandparent's parent, which corresponds to the English term 'great-grandfather'.
Example sentences with bisabuelo →bloquear(se) el ordenador
block the computer
The Spanish phrase 'bloquear(se) el ordenador' translates to 'block the computer' in English. It can be used in various contexts, usually referring to the action of preventing access to a computer or its services, often due to security reasons. It could also denote an action where a computer is overwhelmed or overloaded causing it to stop functioning, a condition often referred to as 'freezing' or 'crashing' in English.
bodas de oro
Gold weddings
'Bodas de oro' is a Spanish phrase translated as 'golden weddings' in English. It is usually used to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a marriage, symbolizing the life-long commitment and enduring love of a married couple. The term 'golden' signifies the value, strength and preciousness of such enduring relationships, just like gold. In many cultures, the couple may commemorate this occasion with a family gathering, renewing of vows, or exchanging golden anniversary gifts.
bodas de plata
Silver weddings
The term 'bodas de plata' in Spanish refers to what English speakers call 'silver weddings'. This is a traditional celebration held to commemorate the 25th anniversary of a couple's wedding day. It's a significant milestone that often involves a gathering of friends and family who join to honor the long-standing union. The phrase 'bodas de plata' literally translates to 'silver weddings', symbolizing the silver traditional theme associated with marking 25 years of marriage.
bol
bowl
The Spanish word 'bol' translates to 'bowl' in English, which refers to a round, deep dish or container typically used to hold food, liquid, etc. It can be made of various materials such as plastic, ceramic, metal or glass. Bowls are common kitchenware items and are used for serving, mixing, or preparing foods.
bollería
pastries
The Spanish term 'bollería' refers to a category of food items, typically sweet, that are made from dough, commonly flour, which is baked in an oven. In English, this term is most accurately translated as 'pastries'. This can include a wide range of treats such as croissants, danishes, muffins, donuts, and more. It's common to find 'bollería' in bakeries and shops, and they are often served as a part of breakfast or dessert in many Spanish-speaking cultures.
bolsa
bag
A container made of flexible material with an opening at the top, used for carrying things.
Example sentences with bolsa →bombilla
bulb
The Spanish word 'bombilla' translates to 'bulb' in English. It could refer to a light bulb, which is the most common usage, or used in different contexts it could mean a drinking straw, wherein it refers specifically to the metal straws used to drink traditional South American beverages like 'mate'. The term 'bombilla' derived from the word 'bomb', reflects how the bulb 'explodes' with light.
borrador
draft
The Spanish word 'borrador' translates to 'draft' in English. In various contexts, it can refer to an early version of a written work (like a book or an essay) that is not yet finished and will likely be edited more. It is often used in academic or professional settings. Sometimes 'borrador' can also mean eraser, as in an object used to wipe away pencil markings. The proper use of the word always depend on its surrounding context.
borrasca
drunk
The provided interpretation is incorrect. 'Borrasca' in Spanish does not mean 'drunk' in English. In fact, it primarily refers to a 'storm' or 'tempest'. It is often used to represent rough tumultuous weather and is typically associated with strong winds, heavy rain, or other harsh meteorological conditions.
Example sentences with borrasca →bostezar
yawn
The Spanish word 'bostezar' translates to 'yawn' in English. It is a verb that indicates the act of opening one's mouth wide, typically involuntarily due to tiredness or boredom.
botiquín
first aid kit
The word 'botiquín' in Spanish translates to 'first aid kit' in English. In different contexts, it refers to a box containing medical supplies and equipment needed to provide immediate healthcare in emergency situations. Its usage includes immediate attention to wounds, injuries, or sudden illnesses until full medical treatment is available. Therefore, it's a crucial element in emergency preparedness.
Example sentences with botiquín →brillar (una estrella)
glow (a star)
The Spanish term 'brillar (una estrella)' is translated as 'glow (a star)' in English. This term originates in the physical sciences and it is often used to describe the luminous effect seen in observational astronomy when a star shines in the night sky, emitting light or radiating energy. As such, it may be used both literally, to express the visual phenomenon, as well as metaphorically, to signify the shining, standout appearance or performance of a person or object.
Example sentences with brillar (una estrella) →bronquitis
bronchitis
The Spanish word 'bronquitis' translates to 'bronchitis' in English. Bronchitis is a medical condition where the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs, become inflamed. It can be caused by infection or exposure to irritants such as smoke or dust. Symptoms of bronchitis may include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, mild fever, fatigue, and chest discomfort.
Example sentences with bronquitis →brújula
compass
The word 'brújula' is a noun in the Spanish language, and it translates to 'compass' in English. It primarily refers to the portable navigational instrument for finding directions. It is typically used in navigation or geographical contexts.
Example sentences with brújula →budismo
buddhism
The word 'budismo' refers to Buddhism in English, which is a religion and philosophical tradition founded in India during the 5th century BC. This tradition is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as Buddha, focusing on the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment through meditation and ethical living. Buddhism encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs, and spiritual practices primarily based on the Buddha's teachings and interpreted in various ways around the world.
Example sentences with budismo →buena distribución
good distribution
'Buena distribución' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'good distribution' in English. In business context, it refers to efficient allocation or dispersion of resources or goods. In terms of data analysis or statistics, it denotes a desirable or balanced spread of data points. This phrase is commonly used in conversations where discussions about an equal or fair distribution of something are relevant.
buenas maneras
Good manners
The Spanish phrase 'buenas maneras' translates to 'good manners' in English. Good manners refer to the polite behaviors that are socially acceptable and expected in a particular culture or society. Examples of good manners might include saying 'please' and 'thank you', holding the door open for the person behind you, or using polite language when addressing others. In Spanish, similarly to English, demonstrating 'buenas maneras' is often seen as a sign of respect and good upbringing.
Example sentences with buenas maneras →bufé
buffet
The word 'bufé' in Spanish is translated in English as 'buffet'. A buffet is a system of serving meals in which food is placed in a public area where the diners serve themselves. Buffets are offered at various places including hotels and many social events. In Spanish, the pronunciation does not alter and stays as 'bufé'.
buhardilla
Athardilla
The given word 'buhardilla' does not translate to 'athardilla' in English. 'Buhardilla' is a Spanish term that refers to a loft or attic space, often found under the roof of a house. It is a small, cozy space which can be used for different purposes like storage, living, or working space. The room typically has a distinctive sloped ceiling due to its location directly beneath the roof.
bungaló
bungalow
The Spanish word 'bungaló' is translated as 'bungalow' in English. This word is used to denote a low house, typically with a broad front porch, that originated as a type of dwelling in India and later became popular in the western countries. While the exact architectural definitions and standards may vary across different cultures and regions, the core concept remains consistent. It is specifically used for small or medium-sized one-story houses which might also have additional rooms or floors added.
Example sentences with bungaló →cabina de ducha
Shower cabin
The Spanish phrase 'cabina de ducha' translates to 'shower cabin' in English. It refers to a small, enclosed structure within a bathroom, where one can take a shower. This structure is typically equipped with a showerhead and other necessary faucets, and it often has a door or curtain to keep water from splashing out into the rest of the bathroom.
Example sentences with cabina de ducha →cable
cable
The word 'cable' in Spanish has a direct translation in English, which is 'cable'. This term can be used in various contexts such as referring to an electrical cable, a cable for television, or any long, thick strings of metal wires bounded together. As you can see, the versatility in usage between the English and Spanish term 'cable' are practically identical.
cadáver
corpse
The Spanish word 'cadáver' translates to 'corpse' in English. It is used to refer to the dead body of a human being. The term is often used in formal, scientific, or legal contexts, like forensic investigations, medical reports, or crime novels. It can also be used in everyday conversations when discussing death or fatal incidents. It does not carry negative connotations as such but is often associated with serious or somber topics due to its meaning.
cadena
chain
The word 'cadena' is a noun in Spanish language which translates to 'chain' in English. It is typically used to denote a series of things that are connected or following in succession such as links or rings. This term can be used in various contexts e.g., cadena of mountains, cadena in jewellery or a cadena of events.
cadena de oro
gold chain
The Spanish phrase 'cadena de oro' translates to 'gold chain' in English. The term is commonly used to describe a piece of jewelry consisting of a chain, typically made of gold, which is worn around the neck. These can vary greatly in style, size, and length, and can be worn as a personal accessory or a fashion statement. In some cultures, a 'cadena de oro' may also symbolize wealth or status.
cadena de plata
silver chain
The Spanish phrase 'cadena de plata' translates to 'silver chain' in English. It is formed from 'cadena', the Spanish word for 'chain', and 'plata', the Spanish word for 'silver'. It is commonly used to refer to jewelry items such as necklaces and bracelets made from silver. For example, 'Ella lleva una hermosa cadena de plata' would translate to 'She is wearing a beautiful silver chain'. Therefore, this phrase can be used to describe any silver metal chain, most often those used for jewelry.
caja fuerte
safe
The Spanish phrase 'caja fuerte' translates into English as 'safe.' It literally means 'strong box.' This term is used predominantly for safes in businesses or for personal use at home. These are typically sturdy, lockable boxes used to store valuable items such as money, documents, or jewelry. The concept of a 'safe' signifies security and protection, being designed to protect such valuable items from theft, damage, or fire.
calcular un porcentaje con precisión
calculate a percentage with precision
The Spanish phrase 'calcular un porcentaje con precisión' translates to 'calculate a percentage with precision' in English. It is a phrase commonly used in finance, business, or education scenarios, where precise calculations of percentages are necessary for accuracy. This could refer to computing grades, determining profit margins, calculating tax rates, or any similar situation that requires a precise percentage calculation.
Example sentences with calcular un porcentaje con precisión →