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.
señal
sign
The Spanish word 'señal' works the same way as 'sign' in English. It can represent a gesture or action used to convey information or instructions, a notice that is publicly displayed giving information or instructions in a written or symbolic form, or it can denote an object, quality, or event whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else.
Example sentences with señal →señal (de tráfico)
signal (traffic)
The word 'señal (de tráfico)' in Spanish refers to a signal or a sign specifically for traffic. These are directional signs, street names, speed limits, warning signs, or instructions posted along roads or at intersections for drivers' safety and smooth flow of traffic. It's a crucial part of road infrastructure and driving routine.
Example sentences with señal (de tráfico) →sensibilidad
sensitivity
The Spanish word 'sensibilidad' translates to 'sensitivity' in English. It refers to the quality or condition of being sensitive. This can apply to physical sensitivity, such as feeling or touch, or to emotional sensitivity, such as being easily moved or affected by feelings. The word is used in a variety of contexts both in Spanish and English.
Example sentences with sensibilidad →sentarse a la mesa
sit at the table
The Spanish phrase 'sentarse a la mesa' is a verb phrase that means 'to sit at the table' in English. This is typically used in scenarios where someone is joining others for a meal or a meeting. It can also imply the act of settling down to get to work on something, especially in a formal or serious manner.
sentir angustia
feel distress
The Spanish phrase 'sentir angustia' translates to 'feel distress' in English. It is often used to express feeling anxiety, stress, or discomfort in a situation. The literal translation of the two words are 'sentir' which means 'feel', and 'angustia' which means 'distress'. This phrase can be used in various contextual scenarios where a person is undergoing emotional or mental strain or tension.
sentir cansancio
feel tired
The Spanish phrase 'sentir cansancio' translates to 'feel tired' in English. It is often used in the context where one is expressing their current physical or mental state. The verb 'sentir' means 'to feel' and 'cansancio' translates to 'tiredness', so together they mean 'to feel tiredness'. This can be used in various sentences depending upon the context, for example, 'Después del ejercicio, siento cansancio' which means 'After exercise, I feel tired'.
Example sentences with sentir cansancio →sentir confianza
feel confident
The Spanish phrase 'sentir confianza' translates to 'feel confident' in English. It is a verbal phrase used to express a feeling of self-assuredness, certainty, and reliance on oneself. This can refer to one's attitudes in general or in specific situations. For example, one might 'sentir confianza' when they have thoroughly prepared for a test, or when they have developed a new skill.
Example sentences with sentir confianza →sentir dolor
feel pain
The Spanish phrase 'sentir dolor' translates to 'feel pain' in English. It is often used in contexts or situations where physical or emotional discomfort is being expressed. Just as in English, this phrase can be used in a literal sense, as when referring to physical pain, or in a more metaphorical sense, suggesting emotional or psychological distress.
Example sentences with sentir dolor →sentir respeto
feel respect
The Spanish term 'sentir respeto' translates to 'feel respect' in English. It is often used to describe the feeling or sensation of admiration and deep regard for someone due to their abilities, qualities, or achievements. It represents an emotion which is significant in promoting positive and respectful interactions among individuals.
Example sentences with sentir respeto →sentir un calor horrible
feel a terrible heat
The Spanish phrase 'sentir un calor horrible' translates to 'feel a terrible heat' in English. This is typically used to describe an overwhelming sensation of heat, either due to weather or high temperatures in a specific area. It can be used both literally, for example when it's extremely hot outside, or metaphorically, to express a high level of pressure or stress.
sentir un frío horrible
feel a terrible cold
The Spanish phrase 'sentir un frío horrible' translates to 'feel a terrible cold' in English. It can be used to describe an extreme feeling of coldness, often relating to weather conditions or a person’s health status. This phrase is typically used in situations where the level of cold felt is very intense or uncomfortable.
sentirse animado
Feeling animated
The Spanish phrase 'sentirse animado' translates into English as 'feeling animated'. This phrase is often used to express a state of high spirits, energy, or enthusiasm, similar to feeling upbeat or lively. It comes from the verb 'sentirse' which means 'to feel', and 'animado' which means 'animated' or 'lively'. This phrase is commonly used in conversational Spanish.
separación de poderes
separation of powers
The term 'separación de poderes' in Spanish translates to 'separation of powers' in English. It is a doctrine of constitutional law which creates the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to avoid any single entity from exercising the core functions of executive, legislative, and judiciary. This fundamental concept ensures a system of checks and balances within the government.
Example sentences with separación de poderes →sequía
drought
The word 'sequía' refers to a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. It is commonly used to describe a condition where there is not enough rain for a long period, resulting in a deficiency of water for plants, humans and animals. In English, this is called a 'drought'.
Example sentences with sequía →ser atento
be vigilant
The Spanish phrase 'ser atento' translates to 'be vigilant' in English. It represents a state of being attentive, watchful, or alert, particularly in situations that require care or vigilance. The phrase is a combination of the verb 'ser', which means 'to be', and 'atento', which means 'attentive' or 'vigilant'. It may be used in various contexts, such as instructing someone to be mindful of their surroundings or to be careful when conducting a task. This phrase emphasizes the importance of awareness, attentiveness, and preparedness. Remember, the usage and interpretation of this phrase can vary based on the cultural and situational context.
Example sentences with ser atento →ser bajo
to be short
The Spanish term 'ser bajo' translates to 'to be short' in English. In Spanish, 'ser' is a verb that denotes existence or identity, and 'bajo' is an adjective that means 'short'. This term can be used to describe someone's height being below average. Note that in Spanish adjectives typically follow the noun they modify, unlike in English where adjectives generally precede the noun.
ser campeón
be champion
The Spanish phrase 'ser campeón' translates to 'be champion' in English. It is often used to describe someone who has won or is victorious in a competition or contest. It can be metaphorically used to describe someone who is successful or accomplished in a particular area or field. 'Ser' is a verb that means 'be', and 'campeón' is a noun that means 'champion'. The phrase expresses a state of being or identity, suggesting an inherent or permanent characteristic rather than a temporary condition.
ser clavados
be nailed (look similar to to someone)
The Spanish phrase 'ser clavados' is an informal, colloquial phrase that is translated to English as 'to be nailed'. However, it is not used to refer to the action of inserting a nail into something, instead, it is used metaphorically, indicating that two or more people, situations, or objects look extremely similar to each other, to such an extent that they seem almost identical. This phrase is primarily used in some Latin American countries and might not be understood in all Spanish-speaking regions.
ser coleccionista de
to be a collector of
The Spanish phrase 'ser coleccionista de' translates to 'to be a collector of' in English. It is usually used to describe a person's hobby or passion for collecting various items such as stamps, coins, art pieces, etc. That being said, whatever object or item follows after these Spanish words would identify the kind of items that a person collects. For example, 'ser coleccionista de sellos' means 'to be a collector of stamps'.
ser como de la familia
being like family
The Spanish phrase 'ser como de la familia' translates to 'being like family' in English. It is used to refer to someone who is not a blood relative but is so close to you or shares such a strong bond with you that they feel like a part of your family. You might use this phrase to describe a very close friend, a partner, or anyone else with whom you have a deep and powerful emotional connection.
ser como dos gotas de agua
be like two drops of water
The Spanish phrase 'ser como dos gotas de agua' translates to 'be like two drops of water' in English. This is used as an idiom or expression to describe when two people or things are extremely similar or identical in appearance, much like two drops of water. The phrase brings emphasis on the nearly impossible task of telling one from the other, exhibiting their striking likeness.
ser contratado
to be hired
The Spanish phrase 'ser contratado' translates to 'to be hired' in English. This is often used in a workplace or job-finding context, referring to when a person or entity is officially given a job or role by an employer.
ser de altura media
average height
The Spanish term 'ser de altura media' translates to 'be of average height' in English. This is a descriptive phrase often used to describe a person's height. In general, it is used when a person's height isn't particularly short or tall, but falls within the average range. The phrase is formed from 'ser' (to be), 'de' (of), 'altura' (height), and 'media' (average). This direct translation might not sound natural in English because height is described differently in the two languages, i.e., we usually say one 'is' a certain height in English, whereas in Spanish, one 'has' a certain height.
ser de altura mediana
to be of medium height
The Spanish phrase 'ser de altura mediana' translates to 'to be of medium height' in English. This phrase is often used to describe a person's height. In general, being of medium height means that a person is neither very tall nor very short, usually somewhere between the two extremes. It's an indirect way to indicate that a person's height is average or typical when compared to others.
ser de altura normal
normal height
The phrase 'ser de altura normal' in Spanish translates to 'be of normal height' in English. It is commonly used to refer to a person's height, typically implying it's in a range considered average or normal for their age, gender, and ethnicity. For example, 'Ella es de altura normal' would mean 'She is of normal height'. The phrase is primarily used in descriptive contexts.
ser de carácter brusco
to be abrupt
The Spanish phrase 'ser de carácter brusco' translates to 'to be abrupt' in English. This phrase is used to describe someone who displays sudden, unforeseen, or unexpected actions or behaviors. It can refer to people who are straightforward and may sometimes come off as rude or harsh because of their abruptness. The component 'ser' translates to 'to be,' while 'de carácter brusco' translates to 'of abrupt character.'
ser de carácter serio
to be of a serious nature
The Spanish phrase 'ser de carácter serio' translates to 'to be of a serious nature' in English. This phrase is used to describe someone who is solemn or not given to frivolity or levity. In a sentence, it may refer to a person's general disposition or their demeanor in specific situations.
ser de carácter tranquilo
to be of peaceful character
The Spanish phrase 'ser de carácter tranquilo' translates to 'to be of peaceful character' in English. It is used to describe someone who generally has a calm and serene personality. This individual usually doesn't get agitated or restless easily and maintains their composure in most situations. They often exhibit patience, equanimity, and quiet behavior. These characteristics enable them to handle stressful situations with grace and ease. It denotes a positive trait and is used as a compliment or praise when referring to someone's demeanor.
ser de clase alta
being high class
The Spanish phrase 'ser de clase alta' translates to 'being high class' in English. It refers to individuals who are part of the upper or elite class in society, typically characterized by wealth, influence, power, and superior access to resources. This term is often used in the context of discussions about social classes, wealth disparity, and economic systems.
Example sentences with ser de clase alta →ser de clase baja
being low class
The term 'ser de clase baja' translates to 'being low class' in English. It is used to describe a social status in society that is generally considered below average. This term can be perceived negatively, as it often implies financial struggles and lack of opportunities to improve one's condition, though it is not always used harshly and might sometimes simply reflect the socio-economic division of a society. The usage depends on the context and the intention of the speaker.
Example sentences with ser de clase baja →