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.
aumentar la familia
increase the family
The phrase 'aumentar la familia' in Spanish directly translates to 'increase the family' in English. However, in context, it is usually used to refer to the idea of having more children or adding more members to the family, similar to the English phrase 'expanding the family'.
aumentar la velocidad
increase speed
The Spanish phrase 'aumentar la velocidad' translates to 'increase speed' in English. It is a verb phrase commonly used in contexts such as driving, sports, or generally whenever one is needed to quicken or intensify the pace of an activity. 'Aumentar' specifically means 'to increase' and 'la velocidad' means 'the speed', thus when combined, they create the action phrase 'increase speed'.
Example sentences with aumentar la velocidad →autobús interurbano
interurban bus
The Spanish term 'autobús interurbano' translates to 'interurban bus' in English. This refers to a type of bus service that operates between different cities or towns, unlike city or urban buses which operate only within a city's limits. These buses are primarily used for longer distance travel, typically connecting an urban area's main hub to smaller towns or communities that might not have their own extensive public transportation system.
Example sentences with autobús interurbano →autobús urbano
urban bus
The term 'autobús urbano' is a Spanish word that translates to 'urban bus' in English. This typically refers to a type of public transportation vehicle that operates within the cities or towns. It is often used for short distance travel and has numerous stops throughout the city. It plays a critical role in the daily commuting of people, helping them reach their workplaces, schools, or other public places in the urban areas.
Example sentences with autobús urbano →autoevaluación
self-assessment
The Spanish word 'autoevaluación' translates to 'self-assessment' in English. The term comes from the prefix 'auto-', meaning 'self-' in English, combined with 'evaluación', which means 'assessment'. Therefore, 'autoevaluación' refers to the process by which an individual evaluates their own performance or skills, often for the purposes of personal or professional development.
autor
author
The Spanish word 'autor' is used to refer to the writer of a book, article, or report. It can also be used in a broader sense to indicate the person who created or started something. Just like in English, it is used both in formal and informal contexts. It's important to note that the gender of the noun changes based on the sex of the person it's referring to, 'autor' for males and 'autora' for females.
Example sentences with autor →autor futurista
futuristic author
The Spanish term 'autor futurista' translates to 'futuristic author' in English. This refers to an author who writes works that are set in the future or involves concepts, ideas, and technologies that are advanced or imagined to be possible in the future. This author might produce books, stories, scripts, or other written materials inspired by and often meant to depict perceptions of what the future could or should be like.
Example sentences with autor futurista →autor impresionista
author impressionist
The Spanish term 'autor impresionista' translates to 'author impressionist' in English. An 'author impressionist' typically refers to a writer or author who identifies with or practices Impressionism, a literary or artistic style that seeks to capture a feeling or experience rather than achieving accurate depiction. This literary movement often emphasizes mood, atmosphere, and sensory stimulus over narrative or intricate plotting, and parallels the same movement in the art world that focuses on capturing the fleeting effects of light and color.
Example sentences with autor impresionista →autor modernista
Modernist author
The Spanish phrase 'autor modernista' translates to 'modernist author' in English. It is used to refer to an author who adheres to or believes in the principles of modernism, a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this era, authors began to experiment with new forms of literary expression to reflect the rapidly changing world around them.
Example sentences with autor modernista →autor teatral
Theatrical author
The term 'autor teatral' in Spanish translates to 'theatrical author' in English. A theatrical author is someone who writes plays for the theater. They craft the narrative, dialogue, and dramatic situation that form the basis for the performance. The plays they write may take many forms, from musicals to dramas, comedies, and more. It's a term used very often in the world of theater and drama.
Example sentences with autor teatral →autoservicio
self-service
The word 'autoservicio' in Spanish is translated as 'self-service' in English. This means a system, business or operation, often in retail or catering, where the customer performs actions to serve themselves rather than being served by someone else. These actions could range from selecting goods, packaging them, and often checking themselves out at payment points. Self-service is commonly seen in supermarkets, gas stations, and cafeterias. The term can also be used in technology, such as banking or online software, to indicate that users can manage the service themselves without the need for customer service assistance.
avance científico
scientific advance
The Spanish term 'avance científico' translates to 'scientific advance' in English. It is used when there is a significant progression in the field of science, which could be a new innovation, discovery, or development. This could encompass a range of areas from medical breakthroughs, to advances in technology, and understanding of the natural world.
Example sentences with avance científico →avance tecnológico
technological advance
The term 'avance tecnológico' in Spanish translates to 'technological advance' in English. This phrase refers to the progressive development, improvement, or refinement in technology. It can encompass a broad range of areas, including digital, biomedical, industrial, or mechanical advancements. The term frequently appears in discussions on innovation, modernization, and scientific breakthroughs. Understanding this term and its implications are vital in conversations about societal progress and the growing influence of technology on our day-to-day lives.
Example sentences with avance tecnológico →avanzar con una ficha
advance with a chip
The Spanish phrase 'avanzar con una ficha' translates to 'advance with a chip' in English. This is usually used in game contexts where a chip or a token is to be moved forward as a part of the gameplay. However, it is not commonly used in everyday language or conversation. It's more focused on board games or strategy games where you have a chip or piece to move or advance in the game.
avellanas
hazelnuts
The Spanish word 'avellanas' translates to 'hazelnuts' in English. It is a feminine plural noun often used in culinary contexts, particularly in the naming of dishes and dessert recipes that contain this type of nut. Hazelnuts are known for their warm, sweet flavor, and are particularly popular in sweet dishes like chocolate spreads, cakes, and pastries. The term 'avellanas' can also be used in a more general sense to refer to any type of hazelnut tree or the wood derived from it.
avergonzado
shamed
The Spanish word 'avergonzado' translates to 'shamed' in English. It can be used in various contexts to signify a feeling of guilt, embarrassment, or disgraced due to one's actions or situations. It is derived from the verb 'avergonzar', which means to shame or embarrass. It is often used to describe a person's emotional state. In many cases, the word 'avergonzado' can also be accurately translated as 'embarrassed'.
avergonzarse
to be ashamed
The Spanish term 'avergonzarse' translates to 'to be ashamed' in English. It is a reflexive verb, meaning it changes depending on the subject. For instance, 'yo me avergüenzo' means 'I am ashamed'. In a broader context, it indicates feelings of embarrassment or discomfort caused by actions contrary to a person's character, social standards, or ethical norms. Often tied to guilt, 'avergonzarse' can be used across various scenarios, with its intensity varying from mild discomfort to strong feelings of disgrace or dishonor.
averiarse un electrodoméstico
to uncover an appliance
The provided translation seems incorrect. The Spanish phrase 'averiarse un electrodoméstico' actually translates to 'an appliance breaks down' in English. It refers to the situation when a household appliance like a fridge, oven, or washing machine stops working due to a malfunction.
avisar
Notify
The Spanish word 'avisar' translates to 'notify' in English. It is a verb usually utilized to inform or alert someone about a particular situation, incident, or fact. For instance, 'Debes avisarle a tu hermano sobre la fiesta.' translates to 'You should notify your brother about the party.' in English.
Example sentences with avisar →ayuda en carretera
roadside assistance
The Spanish term 'ayuda en carretera' translates to 'roadside assistance' in English. This term refers to a set of services that assist motorists, or bicyclists, whose vehicles have suffered a mechanical failure that leaves the operator stranded. Services could include towing, battery jump start, tire change, vehicle recovery, and fuel delivery. In most cases, these services are provided by a specialist roadside assistance technician or a tow truck driver. These services are typically covered under a vehicle's warranty, insurance, or purchased separately.
Example sentences with ayuda en carretera →ayunar
fasting
The term 'ayunar' in Spanish translates to 'fasting' in English, which is the act of abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink, usually as a religious practice. It is often associated with religious observances, weight loss or a form of protest or demonstration. The significance and practices of fasting differ among various cultures and religions.
azúcar
sugar
The Spanish word 'azúcar' translates to 'sugar' in English. It is a common term used in food and beverage preparation and is derived from Arabic. The word can be used to describe both the sweet soluble crystalline substance often derived from sugarcane and beet, and used to sweeten food and drink, and also, in a general sense, to refer to anything sweet or pleasant.
bacalao al pilpil
cod with pil pil
'Bacalao al Pilpil' is a traditional Basque dish from Spain. Translated to English, it means 'Cod with Pil Pil'. This dish consists of cod, cooked in a sauce that's made from the cod's own gelatin, garlic, and olive oil, often garnished with chili peppers. The term 'Pil Pil' refers to the sound that the sauce makes while it's cooking. This dish is widely loved for its rich, unique flavor, and uncomplicated preparation, making it a staple of Basque cuisine.
bache
bache
The word 'bache' in Spanish refers to a pothole or a pit in English. It is commonly used to describe a hole in the road surface that is caused by factors like wear and tear, bad weather, or insufficient maintenance. This term is frequently used in the context of driving vehicles, where encountering a 'bache' may cause discomfort or even damage to the vehicle.
Example sentences with bache →bajar el desempleo
lower unemployment
The term 'bajar el desempleo' in Spanish translates to 'lower unemployment' in English. This is generally used in economic context referring to the efforts made to reduce the rate of unemployment in a country or area. It is a critical economic indicator that may signify a healthier economy when the unemployment rates are low.
bajar el paro
lower unemployment
The Spanish phrase 'bajar el paro' translates to 'lower unemployment' in English. In economic terms, this phrase is often used when discussing efforts to reduce the unemployment rate in a specific area. The verb 'bajar' means 'to lower' and 'el paro' is a colloquial term for unemployment. Therefore, when the two are combined, it means 'to lower the unemployment'.
bajar la bolsa
lower the stock
The Spanish phrase 'bajar la bolsa' translates to 'lower the stock' in English. In a financial context, it can depict a decline or decrease in the value of stocks in a particular market. When used in normal conversation, it could also signify the reduction or lowering down of something that is held in high regard.
Example sentences with bajar la bolsa →bajar la marea
lower the tide
The Spanish phrase 'bajar la marea' translates to 'lower the tide' in English. It is a common idiomatic expression used in Spanish language. It mostly refers to easing a tense situation or calming down extreme emotions, similar to how an incoming tide can be reduced or 'lowered'. However, keep in mind that idioms do not always translate literally between languages.
Example sentences with bajar la marea →bajo en azúcar
low sugar
The Spanish phrase 'bajo en azúcar' translates to 'low in sugar' in English. It is commonly used to describe food or drink products that contain low amounts of sugar, and can be particularly relevant for those who are monitoring their diet or sugar intake.
bajo en calorías
low calories
The Spanish phrase 'bajo en calorías' translates to 'low in calories' in English. It is commonly used in contexts relating to diet, nutrition, and food products to indicate that the item is not high in Calories and thus can be beneficial for managing weight or overall health. Example of use could be 'Este yogur es bajo en calorías', meaning 'This yogurt is low in calories'.