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.
cartero comercial
commercial mail
The Spanish term 'cartero comercial' translates to 'commercial mail' in English. A commercial mail refers to a category of mail used by businesses for advertising, soliciting donations, providing information, etc. It includes items such as brochures, catalogs, advertisements, newsletters and so on. This type of mail plays a vital role in business communication and is considered a cost-effective mode of direct marketing.
cartulina
cardboard
The Spanish word 'cartulina' translates to 'cardboard' in English. 'Cartulina' is commonly used in arts and crafts projects and can refer to a mute, stiff, and smooth material that is much thicker than paper. These objects could be boxes or lightweight structures, often used for packaging or creating models. The type and use of 'cartulina' can vary depending on the context.
casa de campo
farmhouse
The Spanish phrase 'casa de campo' translates to 'farmhouse' in English. A 'casa de campo' is a type of house typically situated in rural or agricultural settings. The primary function of a farmhouse is for residential purpose, but it often includes space for livestock. The term implies a closer, more direct connection to farming than a house located in an urban area.
cascada
waterfall
The Spanish word 'cascada' translates to 'waterfall' in English. It refers to a cascade of water falling from a height, often in a mountain or hill setting. It is also used in a more metaphorical sense to describe any stream of items or events that resembles a waterfall in some way. As it is a common word, 'cascada' might appear frequently in literature, descriptions of nature, and travel writing.
Example sentences with cascada →casco homologado
approved helmet
'Casco homologado' is a Spanish phrase that can be translated into English as 'approved helmet'. In Spanish, 'casco' refers to any kind of helmet or protective head gear. It can refer to the helmet you would wear while riding a motorcycle or bike or the gear that a construction worker might wear. The word 'homologado' is mainly used to refer to something that has been officially approved or certified. So 'casco homologado' together would refer to a helmet that has been officially approved by the relevant authorities for its safety standards.
Example sentences with casco homologado →catástrofe natural
natural catastrophe
The term 'catástrofe natural' in Spanish is translated into English as 'natural catastrophe'. This term is used when referring to major adverse events resulting from natural processes of the Earth. It includes events such as floods, earthquakes, hurricane, volcanic eruptions, etc. Usually these events result in extensive loss of life or property and have devastating impacts on the environment as well.
Example sentences with catástrofe natural →catolicismo
Catholicism
The Spanish word 'catolicismo' translates to 'Catholicism' in English. Catholicism is the branch of Christianity that follows the teachings of Jesus Christ, as passed down through the Apostolic succession of the Pope, who is recognized as the successor of Saint Peter. The Catholic Church upholds seven sacraments, including baptism and the Eucharist, as integral to the practice of faith. The word 'catolicismo' in Spanish reflects these same beliefs and religious structures.
Example sentences with catolicismo →caudal de un río
flow of a river
The Spanish phrase 'caudal de un río' translates to 'flow of a river' in English. It refers to the quantity of water that passes through a river per unit of time. It is often measured in cubic meters per second. This term is popularly used in the study of hydrology, an aspect of geographical science that majorly focuses on water bodies. The flow of a river can significantly affect the environment and ecosystems around it, as it determines the amount of water available for both human use and wildlife habitats.
Example sentences with caudal de un río →cazuela (de barro)
pot (of clay)
The Spanish term 'cazuela (de barro)' translates to 'pot (of clay)' in English. It refers to a type of cookware, traditionally made of clay (or 'barro' in Spanish), that is used for numerous cooking methods such as simmering, boiling, or stewing. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the 'cazuela de barro', often just referred to as 'cazuela', is a critical, often-used tool in the kitchen, essential for creating a vast variety of dishes.
ceder el paso
give way
'Ceder el paso' in Spanish translates to 'give way' in English. This phrase is used in traffic situations where one vehicle is required to yield or give precedence to other vehicles. It may also denote the act of making room for others, in a broader context.
Example sentences with ceder el paso →ceja
eyebrow
The Spanish word 'ceja' is translated into English as 'eyebrow'. It pertains to the thin strip of hair above each of your eyes, which follows the shape of the edge of the upper eyelid. Eyebrows are a prominent feature in our facial expressions and serve to prevent sweat, water, and other debris from falling down into the eye socket.
celebración
celebration
The Spanish word 'celebración' is used to refer to any kind of celebration. This could be a birthday, a wedding, or a holiday like Christmas. Just as in English, it can be used to speak about both the act of celebrating and the event being celebrated. For example, 'La celebración de su cumpleaños fue muy divertida' (Her birthday celebration was very fun).
Example sentences with celebración →celebrar
celebrate
The Spanish word 'celebrar' corresponds to the English word 'celebrate' and is used to denote the act of marking a special day, event, or occasion with festivities or ceremonies. You can use 'celebrar' in a sentence the same way you would use 'celebrate' in English.
Example sentences with celebrar →celebrar (las) elecciones
elections
The Spanish phrase 'celebrar (las) elecciones' translates to 'to hold (the) elections' in English. This phrase is widely used in political context, referring to the process of conducting or organizing elections. It should be noted that the verb 'celebrar' in Spanish has multiple meanings, one of which is 'to hold' in the context of organizing an event. Hence, 'celebrar elecciones' is used when a country or institution is organizing or conducting an election.
Example sentences with celebrar (las) elecciones →celebrar misa
celebrate mass
The Spanish term 'celebrar misa' translates to 'celebrate mass' in English. It involves the gathering of a Catholic congregation for prayer and worship, usually led by a priest. The mass is a fundamental part of the Catholic faith. It includes readings from the Bible, prayer, song, and the Eucharist, which is the ritual of consecrating bread and wine to represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
Example sentences with celebrar misa →celebrar un bautizo
celebrate a baptism
The Spanish phrase 'celebrar un bautizo' translates in English to 'celebrate a baptism'. This is a phrase that is oftentimes used in religious proceedings within the Catholic Church. It refers to the festive activities that take place after the sacrament of baptism. This might include a family gathering, a meal, or a party to honor the person who was baptized. It's a way of sharing joy and happiness in acknowledging the welcoming of the person into the Christian community.
Example sentences with celebrar un bautizo →celebrar un cóctel
celebrate a cocktail party
The phrase 'celebrar un cóctel' in Spanish translates to 'celebrate a cocktail party' in English. It includes the verb 'celebrar' which means 'to celebrate' and 'un cóctel' which signifies 'a cocktail'. This phrase usually refers to the act of organizing, having or attending a social event where cocktails are served in celebration of a specific occasion. The context can range from casual to formal, and the occasion can be anything from birthdays, promotions, anniversaries, and any other achievements or milestones.
celebrar un funeral
celebrate a funeral
The Spanish phrase 'celebrar un funeral' translates to 'celebrate a funeral' in English. This is a cultural expression used when referring to the act of holding a funeral ceremony, where loved ones gather to honor the deceased. Note, despite the direct translation mentioning 'celebrate', it is not intended to portray a sense of celebration or happiness, rather, it reflects the commemoration or observance of someone's life.
celebrar una fiesta de disfraces
celebrate a costume party
The Spanish phrase 'celebrar una fiesta de disfraces' translates to 'celebrate a costume party' in English. This phrase could be used in the context of planning, inviting or enjoying a costume party. Costume parties are social gatherings where participants dress in costumes and often represent specific characters or themes. The word 'celebrar' means 'celebrate', 'una fiesta' means 'a party', and 'de disfraces' translates to 'of costumes'.
celo
jealousy
The word 'celo' refers to a negative emotion experienced when one feels a sense of ownership or entitlement over someone and perceives a threatening rival. In English, it corresponds to the term 'jealousy', with similar connotations of envy, competitiveness and possessiveness that could potentially harm relationships.
célula
cell
The Spanish word 'célula' is used similarly to the English word 'cell'. It can represent the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, typically microscopic and consisting of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a membrane. It can also refer to a small group forming a nucleus of political activity, especially a secret, subversive organization. The context will determine its usage.
Example sentences with célula →cemento
cement
The word 'cemento' is a Spanish term that translates to 'cement' in English. It is often used in construction-related discussions. Cement, in both languages, refers to a fine powder that hardens when mixed with water and is used for making buildings, roads, and structures. Learning this word is particularly beneficial for those who are involved in the construction industry or civil engineering field.
censura
censorship
The Spanish word 'censura' translates to 'censorship' in English. In the context of media and communication, 'censura' refers to the suppression, prohibition, or edited alteration of books, films, news, etc., that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security. It's used similarly in both languages, signifying a powerful control mechanism in preserving societal norms or governmental rules.
centro de belleza
beauty center
'Centro de belleza' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'beauty center' in English. In a typical 'centro de belleza' you might find a variety of beauty services including hair care, manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, etc. It can also refer to a place where beauty products are sold. In essence, a 'centro de belleza' is a place dedicated to personal care and enhancement of physical beauty.
Example sentences with centro de belleza →cepillarse el pelo
brush your hair
The phrase 'cepillarse el pelo' in Spanish stands for 'brush your hair' in English. It is a reflexive verb phrase, which are common in Spanish language. 'Cepillarse' comes from the verb 'cepillar' which means to brush, and 'el pelo' simply means the hair. So, when put together, this phrase gives an instruction to brush one's hair. In general, when instructions are given in Spanish, they are regularly given in the reflexive form.
cepillarse las uñas
brush your nails
The Spanish phrase 'cepillarse las uñas' translates to 'brush your nails' in English. In the Spanish language, 'cepillarse' is a reflexive verb meaning to brush oneself. 'Las uñas' signifies 'the nails'. Thus, when used together, it indicates the action of brushing one's nails. This phrase is often used in the context of personal hygiene and grooming.
cerebro
brain
The word 'cerebro' is used to refer to the brain in Spanish. It is typically used in a similar context as in English, referring to the organ inside your head that controls thought, memory, feelings, and activity.
Example sentences with cerebro →ceremonia
ceremony
The Spanish word 'ceremonia' translates to 'ceremony' in English. It is a noun used to describe a formal event or ritual conducted on a special occasion, such as a wedding, graduation, or inauguration. It often follows a set of established customs or traditions and it's a common term in both languages, sharing almost identical spelling and pronunciation, making it easier to remember.
ceremonia formal
formal ceremony
The Spanish term 'ceremonia formal' translates to 'formal ceremony' in English. It denotes a significant and solemn event or celebration that is carried out with traditional and formal procedures. These could include religious rites, official state functions, or important social events, such as weddings and graduations. These events are typically planned and executed with great attention to detail and respect for the established norms and traditions.
ceremonia sencillo
simple ceremony
Ceremonia sencillo is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'simple ceremony' in English. This phrase can be used in various settings, such as referring to a wedding, graduation, party, or other events that are not overly complicated or extravagant. The emphasis is on the simplicity and intimacy of the occasion, not the lavishness or complexity. This phrase showcases a part of Spanish and Hispanic cultures, where both large extravagant ceremonies and smaller, simpler ones are seen as equally valid and special. It emphasizes the importance of a personal connection over showiness.