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.
suciedad
dirt
The Spanish word 'suciedad' translates to 'dirt' in English. This term can both literally and figuratively mean unclean or impure substances or entities. For example, in its literal sense, it could refer to the soil or grime that one might find on unclean surfaces or outdoor environments. Figuratively, it could also represent a state of moral or spiritual impurity or corruption. Like in English, the usage of the word 'suciedad' in Spanish can significantly vary based on the context.
sudar
sweat
The Spanish word 'sudar' translates to 'sweat' in English. It is a verb that describes the process of excreting a salty liquid from the skin's pores, typically as a response to heat, physical exertion, or stress. In a colloquial or figurative sense, 'sudar' also means to work hard or to worry about something.
sudor
sweat
The term 'sudor' in Spanish directly translates to 'sweat' in English. It is commonly used in contexts such as physical activity or a hot day, where one might experience perspiration. This noun can be utilized in a variety of sentences; for example, 'Tengo sudor en mi frente' would imply 'I have sweat on my forehead'. This like any word can have different connotations depending on the context it is used in, and is noteworthy for any student learning Spanish.
suegro
father-in-law
The Spanish word 'suegro' translates to 'father-in-law' in English. This term is used to refer to the father of one's spouse. Similar to English, it denotes family relations and is widely used within familial contexts and discussions. This term reflects the importance of family ties in Spanish-speaking cultures.
sufrir un desmayo
suffer a fainting
The Spanish phrase 'sufrir un desmayo' translates to 'suffer a fainting' in English. It refers to the sudden loss of consciousness, often due to a temporary insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain. This term is commonly used in medical or emergency situations. For example, one might say 'El calor hizo que sufriera un desmayo', which translates to 'The heat caused him/her to suffer a fainting spell'.
Example sentences with sufrir un desmayo →sufrir un infarto
suffer a heart attack
The Spanish phrase 'sufrir un infarto' translates to 'suffer a heart attack' in English. This is often used in medical or emergency contexts to describe the serious and life-threatening condition where blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, typically by a blood clot, leading to damage or death (infarction) of heart muscle tissue. It's an example of how Spanish, like English, uses verb-noun combinations to express complex ideas.
Example sentences with sufrir un infarto →sufrir una enfermedad
to fall sick
The Spanish phrase 'sufrir una enfermedad' translates to 'to fall sick' in English. This phrase can be used in various contexts referring to someone experiencing illness or health issues. It is important to note that it does not specify a particular type of illness and can refer to anything from a mild cold to a serious condition. The use of 'sufrir' suggests a degree of suffering or discomfort associated with the illness.
Example sentences with sufrir una enfermedad →sufrir una lesión
suffer injury
The Spanish phrase 'sufrir una lesión' translates to 'suffer injury' in English. This expression is typically used in a medical or sports context, when someone sustains physical harm or damage. It can be used to describe various kinds of injuries, from minor ones like cuts or bruises to major ones like fractures or wounds. It's important to note that this is a fairly formal way to convey the idea of getting injured in Spanish.
sufrir una parálisis
suffer a paralysis
The Spanish phrase 'sufrir una parálisis' translates to 'suffer a paralysis' in English. This phrase can be used in medical contexts, particularly when referring to an individual who has undergone a health condition causing a loss of muscle function in a part of their body. This might occur as a result of a stroke, spinal cord injury, or other serious medical conditions. In general, it refers to experiencing a severe or distressing situation that restricts normal function or activity.
Example sentences with sufrir una parálisis →sufrir una reacción alérgica
suffer an allergic reaction
The Spanish phrase 'sufrir una reacción alérgica' is a phrase, not simply a word. Its equivalent in English is to 'suffer an allergic reaction'. This phrase can be used in a medical context or daily conversation circle when someone experiences an unexpected reaction to a particular substance or element, usually causing discomfort or harm.
Example sentences with sufrir una reacción alérgica →suite nupcial
Bridal suite
The Spanish phrase 'suite nupcial' translates to 'bridal suite' in English. It refers to a special and usually luxuriously furnished room in a hotel, specifically reserved and designed for newly married couples or those about to get married. The room often has extra amenities like large beds, bathrooms with jacuzzis, romantic decor, champagne, flower arrangements, and sometimes spectacular views. These suites are typically booked for the wedding night, but can also be used for honeymoons.
superar el periodo de prueba
exceed the trial period
The Spanish phrase 'superar el periodo de prueba' is translated as 'exceed the trial period' in English. This phrase often refers to a specific period of time set for a person to prove their abilities or skills, mainly in the workplace. When someone 'supera el periodo de prueba', it means that they have successfully accomplished or surpassed the expectations set for this probationary period.
susceptible
susceptible
The word 'suspectible' in Spanish also translates to 'susceptible' in English. This term is typically used to signify the likelihood or possibility of being influenced or harmed by a certain action, thing, or person. It might relate to someone who is particularly inclined to get sick, or it may refer to the vulnerability of being easily affected emotionally. One can use this word to denote vulnerability, openness, impressionability, or sensitivity. For instance, in a sentence, 'Ella es susceptible a los resfriados', it implies 'She is susceptible to colds.'
suscribirse a un periódico
subscribe to a newspaper
The term 'suscribirse a un periódico' in Spanish translates to 'subscribe to a newspaper' in English. This is a phrase commonly used for expressing the act of regularly receiving a particular publication, such as a newspaper, by paying in advance. The individual who does this is known as a 'subscriber'. This subscription ensures that they receive every issue of the newspaper directly, usually at their home or place of business.
suscribirse a una revista
subscribe to a magazine
The Spanish phrase 'suscribirse a una revista' directly translates to 'subscribe to a magazine' in English. It's commonly used when referring to the act of committing to receive a publication, typically a magazine, regularly by paying an advance fee.
tacto
tact
The Spanish word 'tacto' is translated into English as 'tact'. Tact refers to sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues. It often implies a considerate and thoughtful approach, with an understanding of the context or feelings of other people involved, thereby ensuring that feelings are not upset. Therefore, 'tacto' in Spanish means possessing the ability to say or do the right thing at the right time without causing offence.
talar un árbol
cutting a tree
The Spanish expression 'talar un árbol' translates to 'cutting a tree' in English. This phrase could be used in a variety of contexts such as gardening, forestry, or construction. It may refer to the act of physically removing a tree by cutting it down with a tool like an axe or a chainsaw. However, it could also be used in a metaphorical sense to denote the removal or end of something. Just as with the English equivalent, the connotation can be either neutral, positive or negative, depending on the context in which it is used.
Example sentences with talar un árbol →taller
workshop
The Spanish word 'taller' translates to 'workshop' in English. In everyday use, it is commonly referred to a place where manual work is done, such as repairs or the manufacture of objects. In academia, it can refer to a creative environment where people gather to collaborate and learn or work on a common project or subject. The exact interpretation may differ based on cultural context or regional usage, but the general essence remains the same.
talonario de cheques
checkbook
The Spanish term 'talonario de cheques' translates to 'checkbook' in English. This is a book of blank checks with a register for recording checks written. A checkbook is provided by a bank to the account holder to withdraw money from his/her own account or to pay it to someone else. It is an important tool in banking transactions. In many countries, people may carry a 'talonario de cheques' to make payments, instead of carrying cash, for convenience and safety reasons.
tanque
Tank
The Spanish word 'tanque' translates to 'tank' in English. It can refer to a large container or receptacle for holding liquids or gases, like a water tank or fuel tank. Also, in a military context, it refers to a heavily armored combat vehicle fitted with a cannon and typically tracks.
Example sentences with tanque →tapón (de la botella)
plug (from the bottle)
The Spanish word 'tapón (de la botella)' translates to 'plug (from the bottle)' in English. This term is commonly used in the context of beverages, particularly when referring to a cork or stopper that is inserted into the top of a bottle to seal it. 'Tapón' can be used to refer to any type of stopper or plug, while the phrase 'de la botella' specifies that it's the plug from a bottle. Similar constructs are common in Spanish, where a general noun is followed by a specific descriptor in the format of 'de la/de lo/de los'.
taquilla
tickle
The word 'taquilla' does not mean 'tickle' in English. 'Taquilla' in Spanish is commonly used to refer to 'box office' in English, typically in the context of cinema or theatre where tickets are sold. It's essential to note that 'tickle' is translated as 'cosquillas' in Spanish.
tarta nupcial
nuptial cake
The Spanish term 'tarta nupcial' translates to 'nuptial cake' in English. This term is often used in Spanish speaking cultures to specify a cake that is specially made for wedding ceremonies. The nuptial cake is a celebrated tradition, typically representing a symbol of unity and affection between the newly married couple. The design, size, and flavors of the 'tarta nupcial' can vary greatly depending on personal preferences and cultural traditions.
tatarabuelo
great-grandfather
The Spanish word 'tatarabuelo' translates to 'great-grandfather' in English. This term signifies a familial relationship, specifically your grandmother or grandfather's own grandfather. It's a way to identify an ancestor who is two generations above your grandparents. This word expresses respect and acknowledgement of lineage and heritage within families in Spanish-speaking cultures.
técnica de análisis
analysis technique
The Spanish term 'técnica de análisis' translates to 'analysis technique' in English. This term refers to a systematic way of evaluating something in detail in order to understand its nature. It is often used in scientific or academic contexts, where a detailed examination is required to dissect complex subjects or ideas. An 'analysis technique' can be a step-by-step process, a set of procedures, a logical approach or any organized method used to break down a problem or concept, examine its parts and gain a thorough understanding.
Example sentences with técnica de análisis →técnica de estudio
study technique
The term 'técnica de estudio' in Spanish translates to 'study technique' in English. It refers to a systematic approach or method employed to comprehend and learn new information or skills. This could include various strategies like summarization, note-taking, self-explanation, keyword mnemonics, imagery use for text learning, or repeated practice. The usage and effectiveness of a study technique can widely vary based on the person's individual learning style and the type of information or skill being learned.
técnico
technical
The Spanish word 'técnico' translates to 'technical' in English. It is an adjective that describes the applied, practical, or specialized aspect of something such as knowledge, skills, occupations, or studies. It can also refer to anything technical such as technical skills, technical analysis, and technical documentation. The plural form of 'técnico' is 'técnicos'. An example sentence using 'técnico' might be, 'Él tiene conocimientos técnicos en informática',which translates to 'He has technical knowledge in computing'.
Example sentences with técnico →teleadicto
addicted
The word 'teleadicto' in Spanish is generally translated to 'addicted' in English. However, it is important to note that this term is specific to the context of watching television. It essentially combines the words for 'television' and 'addicted' in Spanish-so, a more accurate translation might be 'television addict'. This word is typically used to describe someone who spends an excessive amount of time watching television, to the detriment of other activities and responsibilities.
teléfono
telephone
A system that converts acoustic vibrations to electrical signals in order to transmit sound, typically voices, over a distance using wire or radio.
Example sentences with teléfono →teléfono analógico
analogue phone
The Spanish phrase 'teléfono analógico' translates to 'analogue phone' in English. An analogue phone is a traditional telephone that converts sound into an electrical signal which can be transmitted over cables. It is characterized by a standard, wired connection and it is different from a digital phone which transmits data in a binary format (ones and zeros). Analogue phones are often considered older technology compared to digital or cellular phones.