Spanish 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.


certificar un paquete
certify a package

The phrase 'certificar un paquete' in Spanish translates to 'certify a package' in English. The act of certifying a package refers to the process of validating, verifying, or confirming the authenticity or accuracy of a package. This could be done for various reasons such as assurance of quality, validity of contents, safety standards, etc. In many cases, this certification process is required by laws or regulations in different sectors like commerce, shipping, or manufacturing.

certificar una carta
certify a letter

The Spanish phrase 'certificar una carta' translates as 'certify a letter' in English. This refers to the process of officially verifying a letter's contents, authenticity, or delivery. It's often used in legal, academic, or professional contexts where confirmation of a letter's validity is critical. The certification process might involve notarization, official seals, or signatures from relevant authorities. Businesses or individuals might certify letters for various reasons such as confirming details of agreements, realizing certain actions, or ensuring the receipt of important communication.

cerveza de barril
beer keg

The Spanish phrase 'cerveza de barril' translates to 'beer keg' in English. A beer keg is a cylindrical container, typically constructed from aluminum, used for transporting, storing, and serving beer. Its specific use is predominantly seen in bars and restaurants, where it's hooked up to a draft system for serving beer directly to customers. It is worth noting that the word by word translation of 'cerveza de barril' means 'beer from barrel', emphasizing how traditionally beer was stored and served from wooden barrels.

cesárea
Caesarean section

The Spanish word 'cesárea' translates to 'Caesarean section' in English. The term 'Caesarean section' refers to a surgical procedure used to deliver one or more babies, typically used when a vaginal delivery would put the baby or mother at risk. It is derived from the Latin 'caesus' (meaning to cut), not directly from the historical figure Julius Caesar, as is commonly supposed. The use of 'cesárea' in Spanish matches this usage, indicating a birthing method noting the surgical incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus.

chaleco homologado
approved vest

The term 'chaleco homologado' in Spanish translates to 'approved vest' in English. It is a compound term containing the words 'chaleco', which means 'vest', and 'homologado', which refers to something that has been approved or ratified. This term is often used in safety contexts, pertaining to vests that have met specific standards of safety and thus have been officially approved for use.

Example sentences with  chaleco homologado
chaparrón
chaperone

The Spanish word 'chaparrón' does not mean 'chaperone' in English. 'Chaparrón' is a term used in Spanish to describe a brief, heavy shower or downpour of rain. It is often used to talk about sudden, unexpected downpours that may last a few minutes before the sky clears up again.

Example sentences with  chaparrón
cheque (de viaje)
cheque (travel)

The Spanish word 'cheque (de viaje)' translates to 'cheque (travel)' in English. This mostly refers to a kind of check issued by a bank or other financial institution which is preloaded with a certain amount that enables the holder to access that amount in cash from banks or ATMs in foreign places where the holder is traveling to, providing a safer and more convenient alternative to carrying large amounts of cash.

chocar contra algo
hit something

The Spanish phrase 'chocar contra algo' translates to 'hit something' in English. It is a verb phrase used to express the action of colliding or coming into violent contact with another object. This can refer both to physical collisions, such as a car hitting a tree, and metaphorical or emotional collisions, where one person or idea comes into conflict with another.

Example sentences with  chocar contra algo
chupar
suck

The Spanish verb 'chupar' translates to 'suck' in English. It's commonly used to refer to the action of drawing something in through the lips by creating a vacuum, such as when drinking a beverage through a straw. It can also be used metaphorically in contexts similar to the English 'sucks', expressing that something is bad or disappointing. Please be aware of the context when using this word, as it can have negative connotations in certain situations.

ciego
blind

The Spanish word 'ciego' translates to 'blind' in English. It is an adjective used to describe someone who is unable to see. It could be used in a variety of contexts including describing physical blindness of a person or even metaphorical blindness, for example, when someone is not aware or does not have knowledge about something. It falls under the category of the five human senses in Spanish vocabulary.

circulación de mercancías
circulation of goods

The Spanish term 'circulación de mercancías' directly translates to 'circulation of goods' in English. This term is frequently used in trade and economics to describe the movement of goods and products from the place of production to the place of consumption. This could include several different methods such as shipping, air transport or road transport. Proper circulation of goods is essential for the smooth functioning of any economy as it ensures products reach consumers in a timely and efficient manner.

Example sentences with  circulación de mercancías
circular en coche
drive by car

The Spanish phrase 'circular en coche' translates to 'drive by car' in English. This refers to the action of operating a motor vehicle, specifically a car. For instance, if someone tells you in Spanish 'Deberías circular en coche', they are suggesting that you should drive by car. It's often used in contexts related to transportation, travel, or commuting.

Example sentences with  circular en coche
cirugía
surgery

The Spanish term 'cirugía' translates to 'surgery' in English. It is often used in medical contexts, referring to the process where a doctor operates on a patient, usually to treat an illness or injury, or to improve their physical condition or appearance. The individual who performs the cirugía is called a 'cirujano,' meaning 'surgeon' in English.

Example sentences with  cirugía
citar a alguien para una entrevista (de trabajo)
summon someone for an interview (working)

The Spanish phrase 'citar a alguien para una entrevista (de trabajo)' translates to 'summon someone for an interview (working)' in English. This is often used in a professional context where a company or individual invites or schedules another person - typically a job candidate - for a meeting or discussion, commonly known as an interview. In this case, it specifically refers to a working or job interview, where the person's suitability for a role or job position is being assessed.

citar textualmente
quote verbatim

The Spanish term 'citar textualmente' translates to 'quote verbatim' in English. It is frequently used in the context of referencing someone's exact words or phrases from a specific source. For instance, in writing or scholarly work, citing text verbatim is a standard practice where the author's original words are used to support an argument or clarify a point. Therefore, the requirement to 'citar textualmente' in a Spanish assignment would prompt the student to directly reproduce sentences or phrases from the mentioned material without changing the original language or structure.

Example sentences with  citar textualmente
ciudad monumental
monumental city

The Spanish term 'ciudad monumental' directly translates to 'monumental city' in English. In a broader sense, this term is used to describe cities that are famous for their historical, architectural or cultural significance. These are cities filled with monuments, indicative of a rich historical past, and are often popular tourist destinations due to their monumental assets.

Example sentences with  ciudad monumental
ciudadano
citizen

The Spanish word 'ciudadano' translates to 'citizen' in English. A citizen is a person who legally belongs to a country and has the rights and protection of that country. Citizens can be native born or naturalized and they owe allegiance to their country. Similarly, in Spanish, 'ciudadano' refers to an individual who is a legal member of a particular country, with all the rights, benefits, and duties that come with such membership.

Example sentences with  ciudadano
civil
civilian

The Spanish word 'civil' translates into 'civilian' in English. It is commonly used to describe any individual who is not part of the armed services or the police force. The term can also be used in broader contexts to describe a non-military citizen, often in contrast to military personnel, police, or other groups involved in governance or enforcement roles.

Example sentences with  civil
clarinete
clarinet

The term 'clarinete' in Spanish refers to a musical instrument known as 'clarinet' in English. It is a woodwind instrument with a distinctive, clear tone. Played using a single reed and keys, the clarinet is a versatile instrument known for its wide range of notes. Notably used in orchestras, wind ensembles, and jazz bands, the clarinet is implicitly associated with a variety of musical genres and styles.

Example sentences with  clarinete
clase social
social class

The term 'clase social' in Spanish translates to 'social class' in English. It refers to the hierarchical categorization of individuals in society based on wealth, occupation, educational attainment, and other economic and social factors. Social classes often indicate the degree of control individuals might have over their own lives and the opportunities accessible to them. It is a fundamental concept in sociology and other social sciences.

Example sentences with  clase social
clase trabajadora
working class

The term 'clase trabajadora' in Spanish translates to 'working class' in English. The working class typically includes people who earn an income through manual labor or low-level positions in the workforce. People belonging to the working class often lack a college degree and are not part of the managerial or professional class. They are characterized by their provision of essential services in the labor market and can be found in various industries like manufacturing, construction, and retail. In a broader sociological context, 'clase trabajadora' might be used as an identity marker in class-based political movements.

Example sentences with  clase trabajadora
clasicismo
classicism

Clasicismo is a term in Spanish which translates to 'Classicism' in English. It refers to the aesthetic attitudes and principles based in the arts, literature, and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. Classicism generally implies a high regard for classical antiquity and an admiration for harmony, restraint, and adherence to recognized standards of form and craftsmanship. In broader context, it is also a philosophical or aesthetical tendency that values the ideas and wisdom of classical antiquity, denoting excellence of a traditional sort.

Example sentences with  clasicismo
clasificarse para el campeonato
qualify for the championship

'Clasificarse para el campeonato' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'qualify for the championship' in English. This is often used in the context of sports, referring to the process or achievement of meeting the required standards or criterion to enter into a championship competition. It can also be applied metaphorically in other domains like business or academia, symbolizing the act of reaching a high standard or level of achievement.

clasificarse para la (semi)final
qualify for the (semi)final

The Spanish phrase 'clasificarse para la (semi)final' translates to 'qualify for the (semi)final' in English. It's usually used in the context of sporting events or competitive activities where participants must meet specific criteria or win earlier rounds in order to proceed to the final or semifinal stages of the competition.

clasificarse para la eliminatoria
qualify for elimination

The Spanish phrase 'clasificarse para la eliminatoria' translates to 'qualify for elimination' in English. It's commonly used in competitive contexts, typically in sports or games, where participants compete against each other until there is one final winner. If you 'clasificarse para la eliminatoria', it means that you have done well enough in the previous stages of competition to proceed to the elimination rounds, where competitors will be progressively eliminated until there is a final winner.

cláusula del contrato
contract clause

The term 'cláusula del contrato' in Spanish translates to 'contract clause' in English. This is a specific provision or section within a written contract. Each clause in the contract outlines a certain aspect of the agreement between the two parties. These clauses often involve conditions for the agreement, terms of payment, stipulations on the duration of the contract, etc. Understanding each clause properly is crucial, as they carry legal obligations and the potential for penalties if breached.

cláusula del convenio colectivo
clause of the collective agreement

The Spanish term 'Cláusula del convenio colectivo' is an English phrase which translates to 'clause of the collective agreement'. It denotes a specific provision or section within a collective agreement or contract. This can be a labour union contract or any agreement struck between an employer and a group of employees. The clause sets out specific conditions, rights, or obligations that are agreed upon by the involved parties and is binding in nature.

clima caluroso
hot weather

The Spanish phrase 'clima caluroso' translates to 'hot weather' in English. In this phrase, 'clima' means 'weather' and 'caluroso' means 'hot'. It is used when the weather is warm and the temperatures are high. This phrase can be used in different contexts such as describing the weather conditions of a certain location, predicting future weather conditions, or recalling past weather experiences.

Example sentences with  clima caluroso
clima continental
continental climate

The phrase 'clima continental' in Spanish translates to 'continental climate' in English. A continental climate is a type of climate characterized by significant temperature differences between seasons, usually with hot summers and cold winters. It's typically found in the interior parts of large land masses, away from the influence of the ocean. Continental climates can have a wide range of temperatures and changes throughout the year with distinct seasonal variations in regarding to temperature and precipitation.

Example sentences with  clima continental
clima desértico
desert climate

The Spanish term 'clima desértico' translates to 'desert climate' in English. A desert climate is a type of arid climate characterised by less than 25 cm of annual rainfall, high temperatures and vast stretches of sand or rock. Life in this harsh environment has adapted to these extreme conditions through various life forms including unique plant species, insects and resilient mammals like camels. Knowledge of this term can further one's understanding of geographical terminology in Spanish.

Example sentences with  clima desértico
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