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.
signo del zodiaco
sign of the zodiac
The phrase 'signo del zodiaco' in Spanish translates to 'sign of the zodiaco' in English. It refers to any of the twelve equal sectors that the celestial sphere is conventionally divided into, represented by symbols and designated by names of the constellations that roughly coincide with the sectors. This term is often used in the context of astrology and horoscopes, where it pertains to a prediction of someone's future based on the position of the stars at their time of birth.
Example sentences with signo del zodiaco →sílabo
Yeah.
The Spanish word 'sílabo' does not translate to 'yeah' in English. It is actually an educational term that refers to a document that outlines a course of study. This document usually includes information on the topics to be covered, the methods of instruction, and the expectations for students to achieve. The equivalent term for 'sílabo' in English is 'syllabus'. Therefore, the correct translation of 'sílabo' is 'syllabus', not 'yeah'.
símbolo
symbol
The Spanish word 'símbolo' translates to 'symbol' in English. A symbol represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract. It could be a mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process. Thus, 'símbolo' corresponds to an icon, pictogram, sign, or emblem in English that denotes a broader, more abstract notion.
Example sentences with símbolo →sin ánimos
without encouragement
The Spanish phrase 'sin ánimos' translates to 'without encouragement' in English. It is typically used to describe situations or individuals lacking inspiration, motivation or drive. An example might include a student 'sin ánimos' to study for a challenging test, meaning they are without encouragement to prepare for the exam.
sinceridad
sincerity
The Spanish word 'sinceridad' translates to 'sincerity' in English. It refers to the quality of being free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy. It is an important virtue in many cultures, indicating a person's willingness to speak truthfully and without deceit. In context, it can be used similarly to the English term, such as in the phrase 'aprecio tu sinceridad', which means 'I appreciate your sincerity'.
sinfonía
symphony
The Spanish word 'sinfonía' translates to 'symphony' in English. A symphony typically refers to an elaborate musical composition for full orchestra, generally in four movements, with the first being fast, the second slow, the third a 'minuet' or a 'scherzo', and the fourth fast again. The term 'sinfonía' could also be used metaphorically to describe any harmonious and complex event, process, or activity.
Example sentences with sinfonía →síntoma
Symptom
The word 'síntoma' in Spanish translates to 'symptom' in English. A symptom is a physical or mental feature that is regarded as indicating a condition of disease, particularly such a feature that is apparent to the patient. It is often used in medical contexts or conversations related to health. For instance, a headache can be a symptom of many different conditions, from something minor like dehydration to more serious conditions like a brain tumor.
Example sentences with síntoma →síntomas
symptoms
The Spanish word 'síntomas' translates to 'symptoms' in English. It represents signs or indications of a particular disease or condition. This can be used in medical and healthcare contexts. Like in English, 'síntomas' is used to refer to physical or mental indicators that something might not be right health-wise, or can indicate the body's reaction to an infection or disease.
Example sentences with síntomas →socialismo
socialism
Socialismo, translated to English as 'socialism', is a political, social, and economic philosophy that advocates for the means of production, distribution, and exchange to be owned or regulated by the community as a whole. This ideology posits that the ownership and control of the resources, means and ends of production, should be shared by the community to prevent exploitation and ensure a fair distribution of wealth and services. Historically, socialism has been associated with an opposition to capitalism and the belief in a cooperative system replacing competitive private enterprise.
Example sentences with socialismo →sociedad de consumo
consumer society
The term 'sociedad de consumo' translates to 'consumer society' in English. This is a term used to describe a society that is characterized by the mass production and consumption of goods and services. It is often associated with capitalism and the western world where the acquisition of wealth and possessions is a significant cultural value. In this society, individuals are considered not only as citizens, but also as consumers where purchasing and owning material possessions is a primary driving force.
Example sentences with sociedad de consumo →socio
partner
The Spanish term 'socio' translates to the English word 'partner'. It can have a variety of uses depending on context, but often refers to a business partner or someone with whom one shares a significant responsibility or undertaking. For example, someone might refer to their business collaborator as their 'socio'. In a more casual setting, 'socio' can also refer to a partner in the sense of a life partner or spouse. However, this use is less common. As with all translations, understanding the intended meaning depends greatly on the context in which it's used.
solicitar tarjeta de cliente
request customer card
The Spanish phrase 'solicitar tarjeta de cliente' translates to 'request customer card' in English. It's used in business or service contexts where a company may offer a card to its customers for various benefits. This could be a loyalty card, a credit card, or any other type of card that might require an application or request process. The verb 'solicitar' is often used in formal or business contexts to mean 'request' or 'apply for'. 'Tarjeta de cliente' refers to a 'customer card' of some sort.
Example sentences with solicitar tarjeta de cliente →solicitar tarjeta de fidelidad
request loyalty card
The Spanish phrase 'solicitar tarjeta de fidelidad' translates to 'request loyalty card' in English. This is often used in retail or service industry contexts, where a customer might use this phrase to ask for a loyalty card from a store or company. Having a loyalty card usually allows the customer to accrue points or rewards for their purchases, incentivizing them to continue shopping with the same establishments for future purchases.
Example sentences with solicitar tarjeta de fidelidad →solicitar un crédito
request a credit
The Spanish phrase 'solicitar un crédito' translates to 'request a credit' in English. This phrase is commonly used in financial contexts where one is attempting to apply for a form of credit, whether it be a credit card, a loan, or a credit line increase. Keep in mind that 'crédito' can refer to different types of credit, so the exact meaning can depend on the specific situation.
solicitar una beca
apply for a scholarship
'Solicitar una beca' is a Spanish phrase that translates into English as 'apply for a scholarship'. In a broader sense, the verb 'solicitar' means 'to request' or 'to apply for', and 'una beca' translates as 'a scholarship'. Thus, in the context of education, this phrase is commonly used when speaking about the process of seeking financial support for academic studies.
solicitar una hipoteca
request a mortgage
The Spanish term 'solicitar una hipoteca' translates to 'request a mortgage' in English. This typically refers to the process by which an individual, family, or business approaches a financial institution to ask for funds to purchase real estate. The real estate serves as collateral in this transaction, ensuring the lending institution can recoup its investment if the borrower is unable to make their loan payments. Therefore, when someone 'solicita una hipoteca', they are initiating this financial process.
solicitar una plaza
request a place
'Solicitar una plaza' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'request a place' in English. It is often used in contexts such as applying for a job position, reserving a spot in an event or asking for a seat in a public transport. The verb 'solicitar' means 'to request' and 'una plaza' can refer to a space, a spot, or a position, depending on the context in which it is used.
solidario
solidarity
The Spanish word 'solidario' translates to 'solidarity' in English. It is mostly used to describe a sense of unity or agreement among individuals with a common interest. It can often be found in political or social contexts, where it expresses the idea of people supporting one another in a group or community. In essence, if someone is 'solidario', they stand with others, particularly when they are in a situation of difficulty or struggle.
sombra de ojos
eyeshadow
The Spanish term 'sombra de ojos' translates directly to 'shadow of eyes' in English, but is better known as 'eyeshadow' among English speakers. This is a cosmetic product applied on the eyelids and under the eyes to add color, depth, and dimension, often making the wearer's eyes stand out or appear more attractive. The term 'sombra de ojos' reflects the use of the product to a shadow or contouring color to the area around the eyes.
Example sentences with sombra de ojos →soplar (el viento)
blow (the wind)
The Spanish word 'soplar' translates to 'blow' in English. In the context of 'el viento', it specifically refers to the action of the wind blowing. It is a verb that is used to express the movement of air in the atmosphere, most commonly caused by natural phenomena such as weather changes. The phrase 'el viento está soplando' can be translated as 'the wind is blowing'. This word can also extrapolate to other situations where there is a force moving something, such as 'soplar las velas' which means 'to blow out the candles'.
Example sentences with soplar (el viento) →sordo
deaf
The word 'sordo' in Spanish translates to 'deaf' in English. The term is used to describe a person who is unable to hear. It can be applied both in a literal context - regarding a person physically incapable of hearing, as well as a metaphorical one, where it can be used to describe someone who is not willing to listen or heed advice or instructions.
sorprenderse
to be surprised
The Spanish term 'sorprenderse' is a reflexive verb that translates into English as 'to be surprised'. It typically implies a sudden and unexpected reaction to an event or situation. In a sentence, you might use it to express your own surprise or someone else's. For example, 'Me sorprendí cuando vi el regalo', translates to 'I was surprised when I saw the gift'.
sorprendido
surprised
The Spanish word 'sorprendido' translates to 'surprised' in English. It is an adjective used to describe the state of being taken unawares or taken aback by an unforeseen event or piece of information. For example, one might be 'sorprendido' to receive an unexpected piece of news or a sudden, unplanned visit from a friend.
sospechoso
suspect
The Spanish word 'sospechoso' translates to 'suspect' in English. The word can be used in various contexts, but is most commonly used in the context of suspicion in scenarios related to crime. Here, 'sospechoso' can refer to a person who is suspected of committing a crime. Similarly, in a broader, more abstract sense, it can refer to any element or situation that raises suspicion or doubt.
suavizante
softener
The Spanish word 'suavizante' translates to 'softener' in English. It is commonly used in the context of laundry, where 'suavizante de ropa' would mean 'fabric softener'. It can also be used to refer to something that smoothens or eases a situation or substance. Its adjective form 'suavizante' can be used to describe something or someone that has a smoothing, softening or soothing effect.
subir el desempleo
rising unemployment
The Spanish phrase 'subir el desempleo' translates in English to 'rising unemployment'. In a more detailed context, 'subir' means 'to increase or rise', 'el' is the definite article 'the', and 'desempleo' means 'unemployment'. Therefore, when put together, these words denote a situation where the rate of unemployed individuals in a certain location or during a certain period is increasing.
subir el paro
climb the strike
The Spanish phrase 'subir el paro' directly translates to 'climb the strike' in English. However, it's not a literal translation. In conversational context, this phrase is often used to refer to the increase or rise in unemployment levels or rates. 'Subir' translates to 'to climb' or 'rise', 'el' is 'the', and 'paro' is most commonly used to refer to 'unemployment' or 'strike'. So, in a more colloquial sense, it would mean 'the unemployment rises'. A more accurate translation might therefore be 'to raise unemployment' or 'unemployment is rising'. Remember, nuances in meaning can vary by region and the context in which phrases are used.
subir la marea
up the tide
The Spanish phrase 'subir la marea' translates to 'up the tide' in English. In a more contextual sense, it signifies increasing or intensifying the tide, which is a common term in maritime terms. This phrase can also be used metaphorically in many contexts to suggest the intensification of an issue or situation.
Example sentences with subir la marea →submarino
submarine
A 'submarino' in Spanish is a watercraft capable of independent operation underwater. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability.
Example sentences with submarino →subtítulo
subtitle
The word 'subtítulo' in Spanish translates to 'subtitle' in English. In the context of linguistics, a subtitle is a secondary or additional title of a literary, theatrical, or musical work. This term is usually seen in the entertainment industry, specifically in film or television, where they provide written versions of the spoken dialogues in another language or the same language for people with hearing impairment. Similarly, 'subtítulo' is used in Spanish speaking regions to describe these captions.