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.
llegar la factura del agua
get the water bill
The Spanish phrase 'llegar la factura del agua' translates to 'get the water bill' in English. This phrase is commonly used when a person receives their water utility bill. It is composed of 'llegar' (to get), 'la factura' (the bill) and 'del agua' (of water). So literarily it means 'to get the bill of water', but in proper English we'd say 'get the water bill'.
llevar a cabo un servicio
carry out a service
The Spanish phrase 'llevar a cabo un servicio' translates to 'carry out a service' in English. This phrase is often used in the context of someone performing a service or a task, often in relation to a job or a responsibility. For instance, it can be used to describe a person working to complete a project, a team executing a task, or an entity fulfilling its duties. Overall, 'llevar a cabo un servicio' represents the completion or accomplishment of a service.
llevar a cabo un trabajo
carry out a job
The Spanish phrase 'llevar a cabo un trabajo' translates to 'carry out a job' in English. This phrase primarily refers to the action of performing or executing a job, task, or duty assigned to someone. It can be used in different contexts, such as in a workplace, school, or other settings where tasks need to be accomplished.
llevar a cabo una función
perform a function
The Spanish phrase 'llevar a cabo una función' translates in English to 'perform a function'. It is typically used in professional or technical contexts, when someone is expected to perform or carry out a specific duty or action. The phrase might refer to a role within an organization, an operation within a machine or system, or a procedure within a process or project. The term 'función' can refer to a function in a wide variety of contexts, including mathematics, computer science, engineering, business, and more.
llevar a cabo una tarea
carry out a task
The Spanish phrase 'llevar a cabo una tarea' translates to 'carry out a task' in English. This is often used when someone wants to convey they will perform or complete a specific job or duty. Therefore, it’s used in professional or formal scenarios where duties, roles, and responsibilities are assigned and expected to be executed, and tasks are completed latterly.
llevar al tinte
take the dye
The phrase 'llevar al tinte' in Spanish does not directly translate to 'take the dye' in English. It is actually an idiomatic expression that is roughly equivalent to the English phrase 'to take to the cleaners'. This phrase is often used in a figurative context to refer to the process of thoroughly defeating someone or taking advantage of them, especially in a financial context.
llevar el pedido
carry the order
The phrase 'llevar el pedido' in Spanish translates to 'carry the order' in English. It is often used in restaurant or retail contexts where orders are being taken and delivered to customers. It can refer to both the physical act of carrying an item (like a waiter bringing food to a table), as well as the responsibility of seeing a task through to completion (like making sure a customer's request is fulfilled).
Example sentences with llevar el pedido →llevar un restaurante
run a restaurant
The Spanish phrase 'llevar un restaurante' translates to 'run a restaurant' in English. This phrase is commonly used to refer to someone who manages or operates a food service establishment. This could entail responsibilities such as overseeing operations, ensuring customer satisfaction, and managing staff members. The phrase emphasizes the comprehensive role of someone in charge, who guides the restaurant to success.
llevar una moto
carry a motorcycle
'Llevar una moto' in Spanish translates to 'carry a motorcycle' in English. 'Llevar' means 'to carry' or 'to take', while 'una moto' stands for 'a motorcycle'. It is a phrase often used to describe the action of transporting a motorcycle from one place to another, either physically or using a vehicle or other means. This translation may vary depending on the context in which it is used.
Example sentences with llevar una moto →luchar contra el delito fiscal
against the prosecution
The Spanish phrase 'luchar contra el delito fiscal' translates to 'fight against tax crime' in English, rather than 'against the prosecution'. It refers to the act of combating, resisting or opposing illegitimate actions in regards to taxation. This phrase can be used in legal, political, and social contexts where tax evasion or other forms of tax crimes are being discussed.
Example sentences with luchar contra el delito fiscal →lugar bien acondicionado
well conditioned place
The Spanish phrase 'lugar bien acondicionado' translates to 'well conditioned place' in English. This could refer to a room or area that is maintained in a good state, usually referring to the regulation of temperature and humidity, such as an air-conditioned room. It could also be used to describe a place that has been well prepared or arranged for a particular purpose or event.
lugar bien iluminado
well illuminated place
The Spanish phrase 'lugar bien iluminado' translates to 'well illuminated place' in English. This phrase could refer to any physical space or geographic locale that has ample light, perhaps due to a plethora of light fixtures or natural sunlight exposure. It may be used when describing a home, business, outdoor environment, etc. that benefits from unusually good lighting conditions.
lugar mal acondicionado
mal conditioned place
'Lugar mal acondicionado' is a Spanish phrase which translates to 'mal-conditioned place' in English. The phrase implies a location or place that is not properly set up or prepared for use. This could include inadequate facilities, poor sanitation, lack of necessary tools or equipment, or other unfavorable conditions. It can be used to describe anything from a run-down building, to a camping site that hasn't been adequately prepared, or even a workplace lacking the appropriate resources for the assigned task.
lugar mal iluminado
ill-lit place
The term 'lugar mal iluminado' in Spanish translates to 'ill-lit place' in English. This phrase is used to describe a place or space that lacks appropriate or sufficient lighting, often implying a sense of obscurity or difficulty to perceive things clearly in that place. It could refer to both physical darkness or a metaphorical lack of clarity or understanding.
lujoso
luxury
The Spanish word 'lujoso' translates to 'luxury' in English. It is often used to describe something that is extravagant, lavish or superior in quality. It is typically associated with wealth and high standards or quality. It can be used to describe a wide range of items including cars, houses, clothing, hotels, etc. For example, a five-star restaurant with world-class cuisine and opulent decor would be described as 'lujoso'.
luna llena
full moon
The Spanish phrase 'luna llena' translates to 'full moon' in English. The word 'luna' means 'moon' and 'llena' means 'full'. So, when combined together, 'luna llena' represents the lunar phase that occurs when the Moon is completely illuminated as seen from Earth. This happens when the Earth is located directly between the Sun and the Moon, making the latter fully visible and appearing as a beautiful, bright circle in the night sky.
Example sentences with luna llena →luz alegre
cheerful light
The Spanish phrase 'luz alegre' is translated in English as 'cheerful light'. The phrase is a combination of two words, 'luz' which means light, and 'alegre' which means cheerful. Therefore, 'luz alegre' can be used to denote a light that is cheerful, or perhaps even joyful or uplifting. Such phrasing can be used metaphorically to describe a mood, atmosphere, or demeanor that is positive and bright.
luz directa
direct light
The Spanish term 'luz directa' translates to 'direct light' in English. It is used to describe light that travels straight from the source without changing direction or being scattered. For instance, sunlight that has not been diffused by clouds is considered 'luz directa'. This term is often used in both daily conversations and in various fields such as photography, theater, and physics.
luz indirecta
indirect light
The Spanish term 'luz indirecta' translates into English as 'indirect light'. It's a type of light that has been diffused or reflected off other surfaces, resulting in a soft, even glow which prevents sharp shadows. This is commonly used in photography, interior design, and lighting design to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
luz suave
soft light
The Spanish phrase 'luz suave' translates to 'soft light' in English. The word 'luz' is Spanish for 'light' and 'suave' is Spanish for 'soft'. The phrase is typically used to refer to a gentle, soothing form of luminance, such as the soft glow of a candle or a relaxed, warm ambient lighting. This term can be used in a variety of contexts, from poetry and literature to everyday conversation.
luz tenue
dark light
'Luz tenue' in Spanish is often referred to in English as 'dim light' or 'soft light'. The phrase directly translates to 'faint light', highlighting a low intensity or subtle illumination. This term is commonly used in descriptions of lighting conditions, particularly in photography, interior design and other visual arts, where the intensity and quality of light can significantly impact the perception of the subject or space.
macedonia de frutas
fruit salad
The Spanish phrase 'macedonia de frutas' translates into English as 'fruit salad'. This term generally refers to a dish made up of a variety of different fruits, often served in a syrup or their own juices. 'Macedonia de frutas' is a popular dessert or snack in Spanish-speaking countries, and it is known for its vibrant colors and fresh, sweet flavor. This dish is as diverse as the fruits that compose it, opening up infinite possibilities according to the choice or seasonality of the fruits.
maceta
flowerpot
The Spanish word 'maceta' translates directly to 'flowerpot' in English. It is a container in which flowers and other plants are cultivated and displayed. Traditionally, flowerpots were made from terracotta, but they can now be made from a variety of materials including plastic, metal, wood, stone, and even sometimes biodegradable material. You will typically find them in homes, patios, gardens and other outdoor spaces.
Example sentences with maceta →madre de alquiler
surrogate mother
The term 'madre de alquiler' is a Spanish term which, when translated to English, means 'surrogate mother'. In the context of family and relationships, a 'madre de alquiler' is a woman who agrees, usually by contract and for a fee, to bear a child for another person or persons, who will become the child's legal parents after the birth. This method is often used as an option for people who are unable to bear children themselves.
madurar
mature
The Spanish word 'madurar' translates to 'mature' in English. Its primary uses relate to the process of becoming fully developed physically or mentally, possessing advanced intellectual development, or being appropriate for adults only. Just like 'mature', 'madurar' can be used in various contexts, such as the ripening of fruits or the development of feelings or relationships. It serves as a significant concept in human growth and development, as well as in agriculture and emotional intelligence.
madurez
maturity
The Spanish word 'madurez' translates to 'maturity' in English. This noun typically refers to the state or quality of being fully grown or developed. It can be used in different contexts, such as biological or psychological. In both languages, it carries the connotation of wisdom gained through age or experience, and is often associated with adulthood and full development. In Spanish, it can also denote the sweetness or ripeness of fruit, similar to its usage in English.
magro de cerdo
lean pork
The Spanish term 'magro de cerdo' is translated into English as 'lean pork'. This refers to pieces of pork meat that have been trimmed to remove most of the fat content. 'Magro de cerdo' is therefore a healthier type of pork that is often used in a variety of different dishes due to its lower calorie and fat content compared to regular pork.
magro de ternera
veal wizard
The term 'magro de ternera' does not translate to 'veal wizard' in English. Instead, it translates to 'veal lean' or 'lean veal', referring to a cut of meat that comes from a young cow, known as a calf, and is particularly low in fat. This term often appears in cooking and culinary contexts, as 'magro de ternera' is a popular ingredient in many Spanish dishes due to its tender texture and mild flavor.
mal orientado
poorly
The Spanish term 'mal orientado' is a compound adjective, comprised of the words 'mal,' which translates to 'bad' or 'poorly', and 'orientado', which translates to 'oriented' or 'guided'. So, 'mal orientado' can be translated into English as 'poorly oriented' or 'badly guided'. In a broader context, it is used to describe something or someone who is misguided or not set in the right direction.
mala distribución
poor distribution
The Spanish term 'mala distribución' translates to 'poor distribution' in English. It's often used to describe an ineffective dispersion or spread of resources in economics, or to critique the arrangement or spread of elements in design and visual arts. Its connotations generally imply imbalance, inequality or inefficiency.