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.
estar acomplejado
be accompanied
The Spanish phrase 'estar acomplejado' does not translate to 'be accompanied' in English. Rather, it means 'to be complexed' or 'to feel insecure', usually about one's physical appearance or a certain personal characteristic. It's used to express insecurity, lack of confidence, or extreme self-consciousness. This phrase is more commonly used in psychological or social contexts and is less likely to be used in everyday conversations.
estar acusado de un delito de agresión
accused of an offence of aggression
The Spanish phrase 'estar acusado de un delito de agresión' directly translates to 'accused of an offence of aggression' in English. This term is used in a legal context where a person is being blamed for a violent criminal act or behavior that intended to harm or violate another person's rights. Essentially, it refers to individuals who are formally charged with committing a violent offense.
Example sentences with estar acusado de un delito de agresión →estar acusado de un delito de malos tratos
accused of an offence of ill-treatment
The Spanish phrase 'estar acusado de un delito de malos tratos' translates to 'accused of an offence of ill-treatment' in English. It refers to the situation where someone is legally accused or charged with a crime that involves mistreatment or abuse of another being. This term is often used in legal contexts, such as in court accusations, criminal charges, or legal documents. It refers to serious allegations that require solid proof or evidence to support them.
Example sentences with estar acusado de un delito de malos tratos →estar acusado de un delito de tráfico de drogas
accused of a drug trafficking offence
The Spanish phrase 'estar acusado de un delito de tráfico de drogas' can be translated into English as 'being accused of a drug trafficking offense'. It is used when a person is alleged or formally charged with the crime of illegal drug trafficking. This phrase can be heard in law enforcement or legal contexts, often referring to a serious and punishable offense. The exact nature of the crime can vary, but generally, it involves the possession, sale, purchase, delivery, or manufacturing of controlled substances.
Example sentences with estar acusado de un delito de tráfico de drogas →estar agachado
be crouched
The Spanish term 'estar agachado' translates to 'be crouched' in English. This often refers to the position or action of lowering your body by bending your legs. This term can be used in various contexts in both languages, including the literal physical act of crouching or the figurative sentiment of remaining in a low or humble state.
estar bien educado
being well educated
The Spanish phrase 'estar bien educado' translates to 'being well educated' in English. This not only refers to an individual who has received a good level of education, but also to someone who is well-mannered and raised with good values. It is used to indicate both academic achievements and a person's character and behavior.
Example sentences with estar bien educado →estar caducado el pasaporte
being expired passport
The Spanish phrase 'estar caducado el pasaporte' translates to 'the passport being expired' in English. This is typically used to express that a passport, which is a document that verifies one's nationality and identity, is no longer valid or acceptable due to exceeding the period of its validity. The word 'estar' means 'to be' (used for conditions), 'caducado' translates to 'expired', and 'el pasaporte' is 'the passport'.
estar caducado el permiso de residencia
the residence permit expired
The Spanish phrase 'estar caducado el permiso de residencia' translates to 'the residence permit expired' in English. It typically refers to a residency document that allows a person to live in a foreign country, which has now exceeded its valid time frame and hence, is no longer valid. The phrase is often used in immigration and legal contexts.
estar castigado
be punished
'Estar castigado' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'be punished' in English. It is usually used to describe a punitive situation, often in the context of discipline or consequences for actions. For instance, a child may 'estar castigado' for not doing their homework, meaning they would be in a state of being punished.
estar convaleciente
being aware
The Spanish phrase 'estar convaleciente' does not translate to 'being aware' in English. Instead, it translates to 'being convalescent.' This means a person is recovering from an illness or medical treatment. It's often used when someone has spent time in the hospital and is now slowly getting better. This phrase depicts a state or period of recovery, usually signifying a gradual return to health.
Example sentences with estar convaleciente →estar de alquiler
being rented
The Spanish phrase 'estar de alquiler' translates to 'being rented' in English. In Spanish, 'estar' is a verb that is often used to indicate states or conditions, 'de' translates to 'of' or 'from' and 'alquiler' means 'rent'. This phrase is usually used to denote objects, places, or properties that are currently for lease or rent.
estar de baja por paternidad
being on paternity leave
The Spanish phrase 'estar de baja por paternidad' translates to 'being on paternity leave' in English. This phrase is used when a father takes time off from his job, sanctioned by the company or institution he works for, to take care of his new-born child or children. In many countries, this is a legal right and may be fully or partially paid. The duration of the leave can vary significantly from country to country, and even from state to state within a country.
estar de fiesta
partying
The Spanish phrase 'estar de fiesta' translates into English as 'partying'. The verb 'estar' typically refers to temporary states or conditions, like being in a certain mood or being at a certain place. The preposition 'de' usually implies possession, purpose, or cause, but in this context it implies the activity one is engaged in. Finally, 'fiesta' simply means party. So all together, 'estar de fiesta' connotes the state or condition of being engaged in a party, or in English vernacular, 'partying'.
estar de juerga
to be in a play
'Estar de juerga' is a Spanish phrase, but its translation is not 'to be in a play'. Rather, it is commonly used in informal contexts and it stands for 'to be partying' or 'to be on a spree'. It is used when someone is out having a good time, usually involving music, dance, and drinks.
estar de oferta
be on offer
The Spanish term 'estar de oferta' translates to 'be on offer' in English. This phrase is usually used in sales and marketing context to indicate that a product or service is available at a discounted or special offer price. It's a common term that you may come across while shopping or browsing deals in Spanish speaking regions.
estar de promoción
being promoted
'Estar de promoción' in Spanish is often used to indicate a state of promotion or a special offer within a business context. This phrase is not directly linked to the concept of being promoted in a job, which, in English, usually refers to advancement in rank or position. Instead, it often refers to a product or service being marketed or sold at a reduced price for a limited period. This temporary condition is done to boost sales, draw in new customers or perhaps introduce a new product line or service.
estar decaído
being decayed (down)
The Spanish phrase 'estar decaído' translates to 'being down' or 'feeling down' in English. It is used to express a state of feeling low or being mentally or emotionally depressed. The phrase is often used in the context of conversation to convey one's emotional dynamics. Note that it does not mean 'being decayed', which would correspond to a different Spanish verb 'estar en descomposición'. Understanding these nuances is crucial in learning Spanish language.
Example sentences with estar decaído →estar deprimido
being depressed
The Spanish phrase 'estar deprimido' translates to 'being depressed' in English. This is a state of feeling sad, lost, or empty over a prolonged period. It can refer to a clinical condition that requires treatment, or it can refer to temporary feelings of sadness or emotional exhaustion. As with many emotional concepts, the exact meaning can vary somewhat depending on context.
estar derecho
stand straight
The Spanish phrase 'estar derecho' is directly translated to English as 'stand straight'. It is composed of the verb 'estar', which indicates state or condition, and the adjective 'derecho', meaning straight or upright. This phrase can be used in various contexts involving body posture, behavior or even moral standards. For instance, if you're speaking about body posture, 'estar derecho' suggests maintaining an upright position, not slumping or leaning. In a broader metaphorical or symbolic context, 'estar derecho' might refer to acting correctly or morally upright according to social norms or personal beliefs.
estar distraído
being distracted
The Spanish phrase 'estar distraído' translates to 'being distracted' in English. It is generally used to describe a state of not paying attention to what one should be or usually is attentive to. This could be caused by a lack of interest in the present activity or preoccupation with other thoughts or happenings.
Example sentences with estar distraído →estar el agua limpia
be clean water
The Spanish phrase 'estar el agua limpia' translates to 'be clean water' in English. This is usually used in the context of water being in a clean state or condition. For instance, it may be used to describe a river, lake, or any other body of water that is clear, unpolluted, and safe for consumption or use. Also, it implies that the water is currently in a clean state, which signifies the temporary attribute of the 'estar' verb in Spanish. The entire phrase combines the use of a verb 'estar' which denotes a temporary state of being, with descriptors for water 'el agua' and cleanliness 'limpia'.
Example sentences with estar el agua limpia →estar en buenas condiciones
being in good condition
The Spanish phrase 'estar en buenas condiciones' translates to 'being in good condition' in English. It is often used to describe the state or quality of an object, person's health, or situation. For example, a used car or a second-hand item in good working order may 'estar en buenas condiciones'. Alternatively, it can describe a person who is 'in good health' or a project or task that is 'on track' or progressing well.
estar en coma
being in a coma
The phrase 'estar en coma' in Spanish translates to 'being in a coma' in English. It is used to describe the state of a person who is unconscious for a prolonged period, typically as a result of illness or injury. In this non-responsive state, the person is alive but is not able to interact with their surroundings or respond to stimuli. The term 'coma' is borrowed directly from the Greek word 'koma', meaning deep sleep.
Example sentences with estar en coma →estar en crecimiento
to be growing
The Spanish phrase 'estar en crecimiento' translates to 'to be growing' in English. It is commonly used to describe something or someone that is actively growing or experiencing growth. This could be used in various contexts such as in business, where one could say their business is 'estar en crecimiento' or 'growing'. The phrase is a demonstration of the verb 'estar', which in Spanish linguistics, is generally utilized when referring to temporary conditions or states, and 'crecimiento', which means growth.
Example sentences with estar en crecimiento →estar en crisis
being in crisis
The Spanish phrase 'estar en crisis' translates to 'being in crisis' in English. This phrase applies to multifaceted situations including economic downturns, personal turmoil, mental health strain and societal disruption. Consequently, usage varies greatly depending on context and circumstance.
Example sentences with estar en crisis →estar en familia
being in family
'Estar en familia' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'being in family' in English. It is used to convey the sense of togetherness or unity among family members. It denotes spending quality time or being together with one's family, and often implies a feeling of comfort, love, and affection within the family unit. This phrase is widely used in both formal and informal contexts in Spanish conversations.
estar en huelga
be on strike
The Spanish phrase 'estar en huelga' translates to 'be on strike' in English. This phrase is used when workers refuse to work due to unsatisfactory conditions. It is generally a form of protest aimed at achieving certain objectives such as improved wages, better working conditions, or other work-related benefits.
estar en malas condiciones
being in bad condition
The Spanish phrase 'estar en malas condiciones' translates to 'being in bad condition' in English. It is used to describe something or someone's poor or deteriorating physical state, often in reference to an object, a place or a person's health. Similarly, it can indicate inappropriate or unfavorable circumstances or conditions, such as a tough situation or a difficult period of time.
estar en obras
to be in works
The Spanish phrase 'estar en obras' is an idiomatic expression that generally means 'to be in works'. It is commonly used to refer to a situation, place, or thing that is currently under construction, renovation, or significant change. For instance, it could refer to a building that is currently undergoing construction, a project that is in progress, or a life situation that is in the process of transformation.
Example sentences with estar en obras →estar en paro
being unemployed
The Spanish phrase 'estar en paro' translates to 'being unemployed' in English. This phrase is often used in Spain to describe a state of joblessness. It's important to know that in Latin American countries, other terms may be used for the same concept. This phrase is commonly used in context in various aspects including casual conversation or formal settings.