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.
cancelar un espectáculo
cancel a show
The Spanish phrase 'cancelar un espectáculo' roughly translates to 'cancel a show' in English. This is commonly used in event management or entertainment circles where a planned show, such as a play, concert, or film screening, might need to be canceled due to various factors like adverse weather conditions, inability of performers or crew members, or technical issues. In a broader context, it might also be used metaphorically to indicate the abandonment or discontinuation of any planned activity or event.
cancelar un funeral
cancel a funeral
The Spanish phrase 'cancelar un funeral' translates to 'cancel a funeral' in English. This phrase involves event planning terminology, where 'cancelar' means to call off or abandon a preplanned event or arrangement, and 'un funeral' refers to a ceremony of honoring and commemorating a deceased person, more specifically, a funeral. This phrase may be used during situations when an anticipated or planned funeral cannot carry on as planned for various reasons, hence needing to 'cancel a funeral'.
cancelar un vuelo
cancel a flight
The Spanish phrase 'cancelar un vuelo' translates into English as 'cancel a flight'. This is a term often used in travel scenarios, particularly within airline industries and ticket reservation systems. The verb 'cancelar' means 'to cancel', and 'un vuelo' means 'a flight'. The action of cancellation might be taken for various reasons such as bad weather, personal circumstances, operational issues, and so on. In Spanish, as in English, this verb is often associated with a refund or rescheduling policies that the airline companies may have due to the flight cancellation.
Example sentences with cancelar un vuelo →cancelar una celebración
cancel a celebration
The Spanish phrase 'cancelar una celebración' translates to 'cancel a celebration' in English. It's used when you need to call off a planned event or party for any reason. This could be due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, illness or changes in plans. Similar to its English counterpart, this phrase is common in everyday Spanish conversation, particularly when discussing social and family events.
cancelar una fiesta de disfraces
cancel a costume party
The Spanish phrase 'cancelar una fiesta de disfraces' translates to 'cancel a costume party' in English. This phrase might be used in a situation where a previously planned event, specifically a party where participants wear costumes, is no longer going to take place. Therefore, the organizer must communicate this cancellation. Each word can be broken down into English as follows: 'cancelar' means 'cancel', 'una' means 'a', 'fiesta' means 'party', and 'de disfraces' means 'of costumes'. Put together, you get 'cancel a costume party'.
candidato
candidate
The Spanish word 'candidato' is used exactly like the English word 'candidate'. It refers to someone who is applying for a job or running in an election. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as politics, job interviews, and more. Its plural form is 'candidatos'.
Example sentences with candidato →cansarse
tired
The word 'cansarse' in Spanish is a verb and it refers to the process of becoming tired or weary. It doesn't uniquely mean 'tired' as a state, but suggests a gradual progression towards that state. For instance, when you slowly become tired after a long day of work, you would use 'cansarse' to express that sensation in Spanish.
capacidad
capacity
The Spanish word 'capacidad' translates to 'capacity' in English. It can refer to the maximum amount that something can contain, typically referring to substances or quantities. For instance, in a sentence, you may use it as 'la capacidad de la botella es de dos litros', meaning 'the capacity of the bottle is two liters'. Also, it can denote the ability or power to do, experience, or understand something. For instance, 'él tiene la capacidad para resolver el problema' translates to 'he has the ability to solve the problem'.
capacidad de análisis
analysis capacity
The Spanish term 'capacidad de análisis' translates to 'analysis capacity' in English. This phrase signifies the ability or potential to interpret, evaluate, and synthesize information or data. It is often used in academic or professional contexts to describe one's skill in breaking down complex concepts or solving problems systematically through careful consideration and study.
Example sentences with capacidad de análisis →capaz
capable
The Spanish word 'capaz' translates to 'capable' in English. It is an adjective commonly used to describe someone or something as having the power, skill, or means to do something. In a sentence, it can be used in various contexts. For instance, if you are describing a person's ability to perform a task, you would say 'él es capaz de hacerlo' which translates to 'he is capable of doing it' in English.
cara
face
The word 'cara' in Spanish translates to 'face' in English. It is widely used in the same context as it is in English, to refer to the front part of a person's head from the forehead to the chin, or the corresponding part in animals. Moreover, 'cara' can also be used metaphorically in Spanish to express notions such as shamelessness (having 'cara dura'), costliness ('cara' as in expensive), or aspects of playing cards ('cara' as the face side of the card).
Example sentences with cara →caramelo
Candy.
The Spanish word 'caramelo' translates to 'candy' in English. It's a universal term used to refer to any sweet treat that is often given to children and enjoyed by all ages. This might refer to small pieces of hard, sweet food made from sugar and other ingredients, usually enjoyed as a snack or dessert. It's a commonly used word both in Spanish and in English.
carbón
coal
The Spanish word 'carbón' translates to 'coal' in English. Coal is a black or dark brown rock primarily used as a source of energy. It is often associated with industrial processes such as heating, electricity generation, and is also used in the steel-making process. Just as coal is fundamental to certain traditional economic activities, the term 'carbón' carries the same implications in Spanish-speaking countries.
Example sentences with carbón →carne a la plancha
grilled meat
The Spanish term 'carne a la plancha' translates to 'grilled meat' in English. This is a cooking method where meat, often beef, chicken or pork, is cooked on a grill or griddle. It is a popular method of cooking meat in many Spanish-speaking countries, and is often served with vegetables, rice or beans. The term itself encompasses not just the method of cooking but also connotes the flavor and texture that comes from grilling. It's a common dish found on menus in places ranging from fancy restaurants to family cookouts.
carne asada
roasted meat
Carne asada is a popular dish in Latin American cuisine, primarily in Mexico and Central America. In English, it translates to 'roasted meat'. The dish usually consists of portions or slices of beef, such as skirt steak or flank steak, that are marinated, often with lime and spices, then grilled. It's commonly served with tortillas, beans, and salsa, and may be included in tacos, burritos, and other types of dishes. It's essentially a type of barbecued or grilled meat, and is a staple in many Latin American gatherings and celebrations.
carne guisada
beef stew
The Spanish term 'carne guisada' translates to 'beef stew' in English. This term refers to a traditional dish popular in various parts of the world including Spain and Latin America. It is a hearty dish comprising beef that has been slowly simmered until tender in a richly flavored broth with aromatic herbs, spices, vegetables, and occasionally wine or beer. The resultant stew is often served with rice, potatoes, or bread.
carpintería
carpentry
The Spanish word 'carpintería' translates to 'carpentry' in English. 'Carpentry' is a skill or occupation of cutting, shaping, and joining timber to construct buildings or furniture. Hence 'carpintería' would be the equivalent in Spanish language, referring to the art of working with wood, constructing, assembling, and fixing wooden structures.
carretera comarcal
county road
The Spanish term 'carretera comarcal' refers to what English speakers would commonly refer to as a 'county road'. This phrase is typically used to indicate a road or highway maintained at the local or county level, rather than a major freeway or interstate which is normally maintained by the national or state/provincial government.
Example sentences with carretera comarcal →carretera nacional
National road
The Spanish phrase 'carretera nacional' translates to 'national road' in English. It refers to a type of road that connects different regions within a nation. These roads are typically maintained and monitored by the national government. The terminology is widely used in Spanish-speaking countries to categorize and refer to important transportation routes that span across the nation.
Example sentences with carretera nacional →carretera secundaria
Secondary
'Carretera secundaria' in Spanish refers to a less busy, often smaller thoroughfare or road that serves as an alternative to larger, main roads. It is similar to what English speakers might call a 'secondary road'. These roads are typically found in more rural or suburban areas and can be less congested and more scenic, although they may also be less well-maintained or slower to travel on compared to primary roads.
Example sentences with carretera secundaria →carta al director
letter to the director
The Spanish term 'carta al director' translates to 'letter to the director' in English. This is often used in contexts where someone wishes to communicate with the director of an organization or institution, usually in a written form. It can be a formal or informal letter, depending on the relationship between the sender and the recipient. These letters are typically used to bring up concerns, make suggestions, or seek advice.
carta certificada
certified letter
The Spanish term 'carta certificada' directly translates into English as 'certified letter'. It is an important term commonly used in post offices and legal settings, and is associated with an advanced and secure method of letter delivery. A certified letter, in general, is a high-priority mail item that provides the sender with a mailing receipt or acknowledgment of receipt upon delivery, which is also often accompanied by tracking online. It is an ideal method for sending important documents or information that needs to be delivered reliably and with evidence of delivery.
carta confidencial
Confidential letter
The Spanish phrase 'carta confidencial' translates to 'confidential letter' in English. This term is often used in professional settings or in legal contexts where information being shared must remain private between the sender and the recipient. It is a document that has sensitive or important information. Confidential letters are sealed or enveloped under security conditions and are supposed to be opened and read only by the person to whom it's addressed. This is the English equivalent of 'carta confidencial'.
carta de despido
Letter of dismissal
The Spanish term 'carta de despido' translates to 'letter of dismissal' in English. This is an official document provided by an employer to confirm the termination of an employee's contract. The letter usually includes the reason for dismissal, the date the dismissal comes into effect, and details regarding any severance or benefits the employee may be entitled to. Following a dismissal, the employer often provides a 'carta de despido' as proof of the termination which may be required for legal or administrative purposes.
carta de reclamación
claim letter
The Spanish phrase 'carta de reclamación' translates to 'claim letter' in English. It refers to a formal written document that one sends to a company, institution, or individual expressing dissatisfaction or seeking redress for grievances. It is often written in a professional tone, detailing the issue at hand, the impact of the problem, and the expected resolution. Considering the importance of effective communication, understanding the term 'carta de reclamación' is essential when interacting in business or official environments.
carta de recomendación
letter of recommendation
The phrase 'carta de recomendación' in Spanish translates to 'letter of recommendation' in English. A 'carta de recomendación' is a document in which the writer assesses the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the person being recommended in terms of that individual's ability to perform a particular task or function. They are primarily used in the areas of employment, admission to institutions of higher education, or scholarship eligibility.
carta de solicitud de trabajo
letter of request for work
The Spanish phrase 'carta de solicitud de trabajo' translates to 'letter of request for work' in English. This term is used in the business and professional context, usually when someone wants to apply for a job in a company. It includes details about the applicant's skills, experiences, and reasons why they believe they're suitable for the job. The 'carta de solicitud de trabajo' serves as an introduction and a request for job consideration, similar to a cover letter in the English-speaking world.
carta oficial
Official letter
The Spanish term 'carta oficial' translates to 'official letter' in English. This term is used in formal contexts, often in business, legal, and academic environments. An official letter is a piece of correspondence that is of a formal and sanctioned nature. The specificity of the terminology is crucial in certain circumstances, as an 'official' letter carries more authority than a casual, non-official letter. It may contain valuable information, important announcements, legal details, or other official communication, and is usually written in a formal language and tone.
carta privada
Private letter
A 'carta privada' in Spanish refers to a written communication, document, or message from one individual to another, and is intended for the recipient’s eyes only. The term translates to 'private letter' in English. This form of communication is often used in personal and sometimes professional contexts, where the sender wishes to convey private or confidential information.
carta urgente
Urgent letter
The Spanish phrase 'carta urgente' translates to 'urgent letter' in English. It is used to indicate a letter or document that needs immediate attention and quick action. This can be anything from an important contract, a letter of notification, a deadline-sensitive invitation, or critical communication. Its sense of urgency is expressed through the term 'urgente', while 'carta' means letter. It's a phrase one might frequently encounter in a business or official context.