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.
cruzar la frontera
cross the border
The phrase 'cruzar la frontera' comes from Spanish, and it translates to 'cross the border' in English. It describes the act of moving from one side of a geographical boundary (a border) to the other. While primarily used when talking about traveling from one country to another, it could also refer to moving across borders of states, provinces, or similar regions.
Example sentences with cruzar la frontera →cruzar las piernas
cross your legs
The Spanish phrase 'cruzar las piernas' is a command in English that means 'cross your legs'. It is an instruction often given in contexts such as physical wellness classes like yoga or general etiquette. In addition to its literal meaning, the phrase can also colloquially imply the act of waiting patiently or with decorum. Note that 'cruzar' means 'to cross' and 'piernas' means 'legs' in English. Therefore, the literal translation is 'cross the legs'. In Spanish, the whole phrase is more often used, particularly in a formal context.
cualificado
qualified
The Spanish word 'cualificado' translates to 'qualified' in English. It is often used to refer to a person or entity that has the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience to perform a particular job or task. For example, in a job setting, a 'cualificado' person is someone who meets or exceeds the requirements for a certain position because they have the education, training, certifications, or experience necessary.
cubismo
Cubism
Cubismo, or 'cubism' in English, is an early twentieth-century style and movement in art, especially painting, in which perspective with a single viewpoint was abandoned and use was made of simple geometric shapes, interlocking planes, and, later, collage. The term is broadly used in association with a wide variety of art produced in Paris (Montmartre and Montparnasse) or near Paris during the 1910s and extending through the 1920s.
Example sentences with cubismo →cubrir
cover
The Spanish word 'cubrir' is used to denote covering, concealing or protecting something. It does not only pertain to physical things, but it can also refer to abstract concepts like covering a topic in a discussion. Its use is similar to the English word 'cover'.
Example sentences with cubrir →cuenta
account
The Spanish word 'cuenta' is commonly used to refer to an 'account'. It can be specifically used to refer to different types of accounts like bank account (cuenta bancaria), email account (cuenta de correo electrónico), or account on a social network (cuenta de redes sociales). For example, 'Tengo una cuenta en el banco' translates to 'I have an account at the bank'. This word can also mean 'bill' or 'check' in a restaurant setting, but for the purpose of this translation we are focusing on its primary meaning.
Example sentences with cuenta →cuenta corriente
current account
The Spanish phrase 'cuenta corriente' translates to 'current account' in English. In financial terms, a current account is a type of deposit account that allows withdrawals and deposits. Virtually it is also used in businesses by many for quick access to their money for transactions. Similarly, 'cuenta corriente' in Spanish is used to describe a bank account for everyday use, where you can store money, receive direct deposits, and pay bills.
cuidado
care
The Spanish word 'cuidado' is used in much the same way as the English word 'care.' It can refer to the action of caring for someone or something, such as in the phrase 'cuidado de niños,' which means 'childcare.' It can also function as an interjection, used to warn of danger or caution, much like saying 'careful!' in English.
Example sentences with cuidado →cuidar
Take care
The word 'cuidar' in Spanish translates to 'take care' in English. It is often used in the context where one is told to look after or be cautious about something or someone such as in the case of caregiving or overseeing safety. For instance, you may 'cuidar a los niños' which means to take care of the kids. Furthermore, it could be used to express worry or concern toward a particular issue or situation.
culpable
guilty
'Culpable' is a Spanish adjective commonly used in both legal and casual contexts. Translating directly to 'guilty' in English. It can be employed to denote responsibility for a wrongdoing or transgression. It's important to note the use of 'culpable' might vary slightly depending on social and regional differences in Spanish speaking countries. Despite the potential nuances, the essential connotation of blame remains consistent across these variations.
Example sentences with culpable →cuñado
brother-in-law
The Spanish word 'cuñado' translates to 'brother-in-law' in English. In specific cultural context, it is used to refer to the husband of one's sibling or the brother of one's spouse. Similar to English, it's often used in familial conversations and discussions referring relationships among family members.
curar
cure
The Spanish word 'curar' translates to 'cure' in English. It's a verb and it is generally used to describe the actions taken by healthcare professionals to restore health to someone who is ill. In a broader context, it can also be used as a term to express the action of rectifying or fixing something, similar to how 'cure' can be used in English.
Example sentences with curar →curar(se) una herida
cure(s) a wound
The term 'curar(se) una herida' in Spanish translates to 'cure(s) a wound' in English. It is derived from the verb 'curar' which means 'to cure' or 'to heal' and is commonly used in medical or health contexts. When 'se' is added to the verb, it becomes reflexive, indicating the action is done to oneself. 'Una herida' translates to 'a wound'. So 'curar(se) una herida' specifically means to cure or heal one's own wound.
Example sentences with curar(se) una herida →curativo
healing
The Spanish word 'curativo' translates to 'healing' in English. It is an adjective used to describe something that has a healing property or a healing effect on wounds or illnesses. It is related to the verb 'curar' which means 'to heal'. It can be used in various contexts in the Spanish language like medical, emotional, and even spiritual healing.
Example sentences with curativo →curiosidad
curiosity
The Spanish word 'curiosidad' translates to 'curiosity' in English. This is a noun that relates to the desire to learn or know about anything; inquisitiveness. For instance, interest or novelty towards things, people, places etc. The attribute of being intrigued or nosy is best described by the word 'curiosidad' in Spanish.
curioso
Funny.
The Spanish word 'curioso' doesn't actually mean 'funny' in English. 'Curioso' in English can be translated as 'curious' or 'odd'. It can refer to someone who has a desire to learn or know things or it can be used to describe something as strange or unusual. 'Funny' in Spanish is more commonly translated to 'divertido' or 'gracioso'.
curso
course
The Spanish word 'curso' is used similarly to the English word 'course'. It can refer to a program of lessons in a specific subject area, a direction that something or someone moves, or a part of a meal. The context of the sentence typically makes it clear which meaning is intended.
Example sentences with curso →curso a distancia
distance course
The Spanish term 'curso a distancia' translates to 'distance course' in English. This usually refers to a type of study where learners do not need to physically attend a school or classroom. It enables students to learn and complete a course from anywhere in the world. The study material is delivered through various methods such as online platforms, email or post. This method often includes an online communication channel for student interactions and discussions. This type of course appeals to individuals requiring a flexible study schedule or those who live far from the educational institution.
curso de iniciación
Initiation course
The Spanish phrase 'curso de iniciación' translates to 'initiation course' in English. An initiation course is a training or introductory program that is usually designed for beginners to expose them to the basic principles, skills or knowledge needed in a particular field of study or activity. This term is typically used in educational and professional contexts.
curso de perfeccionamiento
improvement course
The Spanish term 'curso de perfeccionamiento' translates to 'improvement course' in English. This phrase is often used in the context of education or professional training, where one undertakes a course or a study program specifically designed to enhance or improve their already existing skills or knowledge in a particular field. It implies a focus on refining, enhancing and perfecting one's abilities, as opposed to introducing completely new concepts or skills.
curso elemental
elementary school
The Spanish phrase 'curso elemental' translates to 'elementary school' in English. This term commonly references schools that offer the early or basic stages of academic instruction, typically for children between the ages of roughly 6 to 11 years old. It's important to note that 'curso' directly translates to 'course', and 'elemental' directly translates to 'elemental' or 'basic', but when used together, they are understood to mean 'elementary school' in this context.
curso intensivo
Intensive course
The Spanish term 'curso intensivo' translates to 'intensive course' in English. This often refers to a special type of course that allows students to gain substantial knowledge within a short period of time. These are usually offered in a condensed format over a few weeks or months, rather than spread out over an entire semester or year. Intensive courses can be found in a variety of subjects, including languages, where learners can quickly gain proficiency.
curso obligatorio
compulsory course
The Spanish term 'curso obligatorio' translates to 'compulsory course' in English. This means it is a course that must be taken as a part of the curriculum or program of study. Such courses are usually foundational to the degree or certification being pursued and are deemed essential by the educational institution offering them.
curso optativo
optional course
The Spanish term 'curso optativo' translates into English as 'optional course'. This term is commonly used in educational contexts to refer to a type of course that students can choose to take as part of their study program, but which is not required. These courses are often chosen according to the student's interests and can therefore differ greatly from student to student. It presents the opportunity for students to tailor their educational journey more closely to their personal interests and career goals.
curso virtual
virtual course
The Spanish term 'curso virtual' translates to 'virtual course' in English. The term is used in the context of online learning and education. A 'curso virtual' refers to a course of study or a series of lectures that are conducted over the internet. This can include various types of educational material such as videos, readings, and interactive quizzes, among others. Users can access and complete the virtual course remotely using a computer or mobile device.
cursor
cursor
The word 'cursor' in Spanish translates to 'cursor' in English. It is primarily used in the context of computers and technology. Generally, a cursor refers to a visually distinct marker on a computer screen that indicates where the next user action will happen. It's the blinking line you see when you're typing on your computer, or the arrow you use to click on items. In both English and Spanish, the term 'cursor' carries this same meaning.
Example sentences with cursor →curva
curve
The Spanish term 'curva' translates to 'curve' in English. It can be used in a variety of contexts such as in mathematics to describe the graphical representation of a function, in geography to denote a bend in a road, river, or path, or in sports to specify a ball that is thrown in a direction that is not a straight line. Essentially, 'curva' is used when talking about anything that is not straight, or has a bend or turn.
Example sentences with curva →curva peligroso
dangerous curve
The Spanish phrase 'curva peligroso' translates to 'dangerous curve' in English. It is used to describe a sharp or dangerous turn in a road or path, often seen on warning signs on roads to alert drivers about the upcoming challenging driving condition and the need to slow down for safety.
Example sentences with curva peligroso →dar
give
The word 'dar' is a regular verb in Spanish, and it is equivalent to the English verb 'give'. It is used in a number of contexts and phrases. For example, 'dar un regalo' (give a gift), 'dar las gracias' (give thanks) and 'dar un paseo' (take a stroll). Like in English, 'dar' can be used to indicate that you're giving something tangible or intangible to another person.
Example sentences with dar →dar a la calle
give to the street
The Spanish phrase 'dar a la calle' cannot be literally translated as 'give to the street' in English. Instead, it's colloquial usage means for a room or a window to face or open out onto the street. For example, if a living room window 'da a la calle', it means that the living room window faces or overlooks the street.