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.
liga
league
The Spanish word 'liga' translates to 'league' in English. In most contexts, it is used to refer to a group or a series of teams that compete against each other in a sport. For example, La Liga is a popular Spanish football league. The word can also refer to a union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially in political or business matters. Thus, 'liga' can be used in various contexts and its meaning can slightly change based on that.
lima
lime
The Spanish word 'lima' translates to 'lime' in English. A lime is a round green fruit from a tree, known for its sour flavors and is typically used in many dishes and drinks. In Spanish speaking countries, you would use 'lima' when referring to this green citrus fruit.
Example sentences with lima →limarse las uñas
file your nails
The Spanish phrase 'limarse las uñas' translates to 'file your nails' in English. This term is commonly used in the context of manicure or self-care routines, where you use a special tool called a nail file to shape and smooth the edges of your nails. Practicing such routine can help maintaining healthy and well-groomed fingernails. 'Limarse' comes from 'lima' or 'file' in English, and 'uñas' translates into 'nails'. Therefore, the literal translation of 'limarse las uñas' would be 'to file the nails'.
Example sentences with limarse las uñas →limitar al este
limit to the east
The phrase 'limitar al este' is a Spanish term that translates to 'limit to the east' in English. This phrase is commonly used in geographical contexts or descriptions to indicate a boundary or restriction towards the eastern direction. For example, a piece of land or country might 'limitar al este' with another geographical feature or area, showing its eastern boundaries. Knowledge of such phrases can be crucial in understanding descriptions or discussions involving directions, boundaries, or geographical locations.
Example sentences with limitar al este →limitar al norte
limit to the north
The Spanish phrase 'limitar al norte' translates to 'limit to the north' in English. It's used in geographical contexts and it typically means that a certain area, region or country is bounded or limited to the north by another geographical feature or area. This phrase can be used in different types of conversations or writings that deal with geography, directions, or descriptions of a place.
Example sentences with limitar al norte →limitar al oeste
limit to the west
The Spanish phrase 'limitar al oeste' translates to 'limit to the west' in English. It is often used in geographical context to designate boundaries or limitations towards the western direction. An example of a sentence could be 'El territorio limita al oeste con el océano', which means 'The territory limits to the west with the ocean'. This could indicate that the western boundary of the mentioned territory is the ocean.
Example sentences with limitar al oeste →limitar al sur
limit to the south
The Spanish phrase 'limitar al sur' translates to 'limit to the south' in English. It is often used in geographical contexts to describe a boundary or an area that is confined to the south. This could refer to southern boundaries of countries, states, cities or any other geographical locations. Its usage is not limited to just geographical contexts but can also be used in metaphorical contexts where 'south' signifies a direction, a limit or a boundary.
Example sentences with limitar al sur →limpiar en seco
dry cleaning
The Spanish term 'limpiar en seco' translates to 'dry cleaning' in English. It is a cleaning process for clothing and textiles using a solvent other than water. It is used to clean fabrics that degrade in water, and removes grease and oil more effectively than washing with water. This can prevent fabrics from shrinking and distorting in shape. In simple terms, 'limpiar en seco' involves cleaning clothes and fabrics without the use of water.
limpieza
cleaning
The Spanish word 'limpieza' translates to 'cleaning' in English. It's a feminine noun often used to refer to the activity of removing dirt, marks, or unwanted substances from an area or object. It's also used in a household context to refer to the routine of maintaining a clean living space. This term is not just limited to physical cleaning, it can also refer to cleaning in a more metaphorical sense such as 'limpieza de corazón' which means 'cleansing of the heart', indicating an emotional or spiritual cleaning.
línea de teléfono
phone line
The Spanish term 'línea de teléfono' translates to 'phone line' in English. A phone line usually refers to a single telephone communication circuit. Generally, it includes all physical parts such as the wiring from the telephone company's switching station to a residential or business setup. It can also imply a particular connection from the multiple ones in a telecommunication circuit. So, the term correlates to the physical circuit or its connection in English.
línea diagonal
line diagonal
The Spanish term 'línea diagonal' translates to 'diagonal line' in English. Diagonal lines do not run straight up, down, or across. Instead, they run at a slant or an angle. They are neither vertical nor horizontal, and they always alter direction. Diagonal lines are often used in geometry, design, and several different fields of mathematics.
Example sentences with línea diagonal →línea horizontal
horizontal line
The Spanish term 'línea horizontal' directly translates to 'horizontal line' in English. This term is typically used in mathematics, architecture, design, art, and other fields that require the study or use of geometric shapes and spatial orientation. As the name suggests, a horizontal line is one which runs from left to right on a plane, parallel to the ground or the horizon.
Example sentences with línea horizontal →línea recta
Straight line
The Spanish phrase 'línea recta' translates to 'straight line' in English. It describes an object or path that does not curve or bend in any direction, but rather continues on the same angle without changing. It often refers in geometry to the shortest distance between two points. The term is used commonly in daily conversations and also in various scientific and mathematical fields.
Example sentences with línea recta →línea telefónica
Telephone line
The Spanish term 'línea telefónica' translates to 'telephone line' in English. This term refers to a circuit or wiring system that conducts telephone signals and connects two or more devices for communication purposes. Telephone lines can include both landline and mobile communications.
línea vertical
vertical line
The term 'línea vertical' translates to 'vertical line' in English. This phrase is commonly used in geometrical contexts or in parlance that involves describing layouts or orientations. In a mathematical setting, a 'línea vertical' refers to a line that goes from top to bottom, or vice versa, without any sideward deviation. It is drawn parallel to the y-axis in a coordinate graph. In more general contexts, it signifies any structure, marking or object that stands upright at a right angle to the earth's surface, having length but no breadth or depth.
Example sentences with línea vertical →linterna
flashlight
The Spanish word 'linterna' refers to a portable device used to illuminate areas. It is commonly used for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, or during power outages. An English equivalent of 'linterna' would be 'flashlight'. It is interesting to note that, while a 'linterna' produces light, it is not the same as a lamp ('lámpara' in Spanish) which is typically a fixed light source often used within homes for general illumination.
literatura contemporánea
Contemporary literature
The term 'literatura contemporánea' in Spanish translates to 'contemporary literature' in English. Contemporary literature refers to literature that has been written after World War II. It is the literature of the present time, differing significantly from classical literature or literature from former periods. It usually reflects current trends, social issues, and political climates, frequently attempting to directly confront and address the challenges, issues, and expectations of the time in which it is written.
Example sentences with literatura contemporánea →literatura medieval
Medieval literature
The term 'literatura medieval' refers to 'medieval literature' in English. This phrase represents a wide range of written works created during the Middle Ages, a period in European history that spans from the 5th to the 15th century. Medieval literature can encompass various forms such as epic poetry, religious texts, philosophical writings, and chronicles. Often, it is characterized by themes of chivalry, religion, and historical or mythical narratives, reflecting the social context and cultural practices of the medieval period.
Example sentences with literatura medieval →literatura realista
realistic literature
The term 'literatura realista' translates to 'realistic literature' in English. This represents a literary trend or genre that aims to represent reality as close as possible, without artificiality or romantic element. It tends to focus on every detail of daily life and social issues. It is one of the major genres in literature and has paved the way for various significant works in many languages around the world.
Example sentences with literatura realista →literatura romántica
Romantic literature
The term 'literatura romántica' in Spanish translates to 'romantic literature' in English. This refers to a genre of writing that originates from the Romantic period, which typically emphasizes individualization, imagination, and the depth of human emotions. It frequently focuses on themes of love and personal freedom, often set against the backdrop of high drama or adventure.
Example sentences with literatura romántica →litoral protegido
protected coast
The term 'litoral protegido' in Spanish translates to 'protected coast' in English. This phrase is used to describe a coastal area that has been designated as a protected zone. In these areas, certain laws or regulations are typically enforced to prevent activities that could harm the environment, wildlife, or natural resources. These may include restrictions on construction, fishing, or tourism. The aim of a 'litoral protegido' is to conserve the unique rule of the coast, preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices.
Example sentences with litoral protegido →litoral virgen
virgin coast
The Spanish term 'litoral virgen' translates to 'virgin coast' in English. This is a phrase used to describe sections of a coastline that remain undisturbed and untouched by urban development or tourism activities. It retains its natural landscape and does not have infrastructure like hotels, roads or stores, preserving the native flora, fauna, and overall natural beauty. This type of untouched or undeveloped coastal area is often protected because of its high environmental value.
Example sentences with litoral virgen →llamar a alguien para una entrevista (de trabajo)
call someone for an interview (working)
The Spanish phrase 'llamar a alguien para una entrevista (de trabajo)' translates to English as 'call someone for an interview (working)'. This is typically used in the context of a work or job environment, where a recruiter or hiring manager might 'llamar a alguien para una entrevista (de trabajo)' when they are interested in discussing a potential job opportunity with a candidate. This phrase emphasizes the action of reaching out to someone to schedule a formal conversation or evaluation, known as an interview, for a job or work role.
llamar a cobro revertido
call collect
The Spanish phrase 'llamar a cobro revertido' translates to 'call collect' in English. It refers to a type of telephone call where the cost of the call is charged to the receiving party, rather than the one making the call. Typically, this service is facilitated by an operator who will connect the call after the recipient agrees to accept the charges.
llamar por el apellido
call for the last name
The Spanish phrase 'llamar por el apellido' translates to 'call for the last name' in English. Essentially, it implies the act of addressing someone by their last name, a practice common in formal or professional contexts. In some cultures, it's considered respectful to use a person's last name, particularly in formal, academic, or professional situations. This may include workplaces, schools, or when interacting with elders or superiors.
llamar por el nombre
call by name
The Spanish phrase 'llamar por el nombre' translates to 'call by name' in English. This term is often used to signify directly addressing someone or something by their proper name or title. This can be used both in literal dialogues and metaphorical expressions, akin to its usage in the English language. Just like in English, this phrase can imply respect, familiarity or a demand for attention.
llanura
plain
The Spanish word 'llanura' translates to 'plain' in English. In geography, a plain refers to a broad, flat, or gently rolling area. It's typically devoid of much elevation change and is often used for farming because of the typically fertile soils. The term is used to indicate this natural feature in English-speaking countries, while 'llanura' is used in Spanish-speaking countries.
Example sentences with llanura →llegar el recibo de la luz
arrive the receipt of the light
The Spanish phrase 'llegar el recibo de la luz' translates to 'arrive the receipt of the light' in English. This expression is widely used in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in a residential or business context. It refers to the arrival or delivery of an electricity bill, much like how in English we'd say 'the electricity bill has arrived'. Keep in mind, though, that direct translations may not make sense grammatically or culturally in English. The shared understanding of certain phrases between languages might differ. With this phrase, Spanish speakers understand it as receiving their electricity bill.
llegar el recibo del agua
arrive the receipt of water
The Spanish phrase 'llegar el recibo del agua' translates to 'receive the water bill' in English. It is used when somebody receives their bill for the water usage, typically in a domestic situation such as home utility costs. However, it can also be utilized in broader contexts such as businesses or organizations that receive bills for water usage. Just like in English-speaking countries, water usage is metered and charged in many Spanish-speaking places, thus this phrase can be quite common.
llegar la factura de la luz
arrive the light bill
The phrase 'llegar la factura de la luz' in Spanish is directly translated to English as 'arrive the light bill'. But it's often used to mean 'to receive the electricity bill'. This phrase is generally used in the context of household management and budgeting. Its connotation identifies the recurring process of receiving and paying for electricity consumption-based billing from a service provider.