C1 - Advanced Spanish
At the C1 Advanced level, students are able to communicate widely in different environments such as social, professional, and cultural settings.
Any written text is now expected to be clear, structured, and detailed.
desactivar una bomba
deactivate a bomb
The Spanish phrase 'desactivar una bomba' translates to 'deactivate a bomb' in English. It's a two-part verb phrase. The verb 'desactivar' means 'to deactivate, turn off' and is often used in technical or mechanical contexts. The phrase 'una bomba' means 'a bomb', where 'una' is the indefinite article 'a, one', and 'bomba' is a noun meaning 'bomb'. Combined, they denote the action of disabling or stopping a bomb from exploding.
desafiar a los padres
challenge parents
The Spanish phrase 'desafiar a los padres' translates to 'challenge parents' in English. This phrase can have several connotations depending on the context. In a literal sense, it could imply engaging in a contest or competition with one's parents. In another interpretation, especially in psychological or sociocultural discussions, it could signify questioning authority or opposing cultural or societal norms set by the older generation. It also can entail standing up to parents or confronting them when in disagreement.
desagradar
dislike
The Spanish word 'desagradar' can be translated into English as 'dislike'. It is a verb, usually used to express a feeling of distaste or dissatisfaction towards something or someone. For example, one might say 'Me desagrada el olor del tabaco' in Spanish, which in English will be 'I dislike the smell of tobacco'. Being a verb, it conforms to Spanish verb conjugation rules.
desanimarse
discouragement
The word 'desanimarse' in Spanish translates to 'discouragement' in English. It is often used to communicate a loss of enthusiasm or motivation, a feeling of disheartenment. For instance, in a sentence, it can be used like: 'No debes desanimarte si no logras tus objetivos a la primera', in English 'You should not get discouraged if you do not achieve your goals at first.'
desarmar
disarm
The Spanish term 'desarmar' translates to 'disarm' in English. Used as a verb, 'desarmar' is often associated with taking the ammunition or weapons away from someone or something, rendering them non-threatening. Additionally, 'desarmar' can also refer to the act of taking something apart or dismantling it. Thus, understanding this term can offer insight into various contexts, whether they are related to security, technical work, or simply figurative language.
Example sentences with desarmar →desbordar un trabajo
overflowing a job
The Spanish term 'desbordar un trabajo' can be translated to English as 'overflowing a job'. This phrase is typically used figuratively to indicate a situation where the volume or intensity of a particular job, task or responsibility is so great that it exceeds the capacity to effectively manage or handle it. It describes an overwhelming situation, often leading to stress or difficulties.
desbordarse un río
overflowing a river
In Spanish, 'desbordarse un río' refers to the phenomenon where a river's water level rises beyond its banks, typically due to excessive rainfall or a sudden influx of water, such that it spans beyond its usual reach. In English, this is referred to as a river overflowing.
Example sentences with desbordarse un río →descapotable
convertible
The Spanish word 'descapotable' translates to 'convertible' in English. A convertible, often referred to as a 'cabriolet' in many parts of the world, is a type of vehicle with a roof structure that can 'convert' from a covered, enclosed state to an open-air state. These types of vehicles are popular for leisure and pleasure drives, particularly under pleasant weather conditions where one might enjoy the wind and sun. Convertibles can have two doors or four doors, depending on the specific model. While the term is used widely in regards to cars, it can also refer to other structures or mechanisms that have a similar ability to 'convert' or change states according to desired configurations.
Example sentences with descapotable →descender
descend
The Spanish word 'descender' translates to 'descend' in English. It is a verb and it is used to describe the action of moving downward, coming from a higher place to a lower place. It can be used in various contexts such as when describing the movement of a person or object down a hill, or metaphorically highlighting a drop in status or level. 'Descender' is derived from the Latin 'descendere' and it follows the regular conjugation pattern in Spanish.
Example sentences with descender →descenso
decrease
The Spanish word 'descenso' translates to 'decrease' in English. It refers to a reduction in size, amount, or extent of something. It can be used in various contexts such as population decrease, temperature decrease or decrease in sales. In sports terminology, 'descenso' can also mean relegation from a higher to a lower league.
Example sentences with descenso →descenso de la natalidad
decline in birth
The term 'descenso de la natalidad' in Spanish translates to 'decline in birth' in English. It is often used in sociological, economic, or demographic contexts, referring to a reduction in the number of births in a particular geographical area or population over a specific period of time. The term can also denote a broader societal trend towards having fewer children.
Example sentences with descenso de la natalidad →descenso de la población
population decline
The Spanish phrase 'descenso de la población' translates to 'population decline' in English. This is a demographic term that indicates a decrease in a region's population over a certain period, usually due to factors such as higher death rates, lower birth rates, emigration, or any combination of these. Any geographical area or racial or ethnic group that has this demographic trend is said to be in 'descenso de la población'.
Example sentences with descenso de la población →descifrar una carta
decipher a letter
The Spanish phrase 'descifrar una carta' translates to 'decipher a letter' in English. This is a verb phrase that denotes taking a letter that is written in code or a difficult to understand format, and figuring out what it says, making it understandable. This could be used in the context of solving a puzzle, understanding a complex problem, or literally deciphering a coded message in a letter.
descomponerse
decompose
The Spanish verb 'descomponerse' translates to 'decompose' in English. It is primarily used in a physical or scientific context to refer to the process where organic materials, such as plants or bodies, break down naturally over time. The word can also metaphorically refer to the idea of something falling apart, disintegrating or deteriorating. It's used in various contexts and can also mean to 'break down' as in breaking down a complex issue into simpler parts.
Example sentences with descomponerse →desconfianza
distrust
The Spanish word 'Desconfianza' translates to 'distrust' in English. It can be used in various contexts, similar to the English word. For instance, in situations where there is a lack of confidence or faith in someone or something. It connotes suspicion, doubt, or skepticism. For example, 'Tuve desconfianza en sus habilidades' in Spanish means 'I had distrust in his abilities' in English.
descorchar una botella
to uncork a bottle
The Spanish phrase 'descorchar una botella' translates to 'to uncork a bottle' in English. It is most often used in the context of opening a bottle of wine or any bottled beverage that has been sealed with a cork. This verb encompasses the action of removing the cork or cap to allow access to the liquid inside.
descortesía
discourtesy
The Spanish word 'descortesía' translates to 'discourtesy' in English. It is a noun that refers to the act or behavior that shows rudeness and lack of respect or good manners. This word is often used to describe actions that are not considered polite or courteous in conversations or social interaction. Hence, 'descortesía' signifies actions that break the norm of decency, kindness, and respect towards others.
Example sentences with descortesía →descuentos en espectáculos
discounts on shows
The Spanish phrase 'descuentos en espectáculos' translates to 'discounts on shows' in English. It refers to a reduction in the original price or cost of shows (like theater performances, concerts, or cinema viewings). This discount could be offered as part of a promotional event, as a special benefit for members of clubs or groups, or to attract more customers during certain periods. The word 'descuentos' means 'discounts' and 'espectáculos' refers to 'shows' or 'performances'.
desembocadura de un río
mouth of a river
The term 'desembocadura de un río' in Spanish refers to the geographical feature known as the 'mouth of a river' in English. This is a location in which a river -- typically carrying water from inland areas -- meets a larger body of water such as a sea or an ocean. It is typically characterized by a change in the river's flow and often forms a delta or estuary, depending upon the relative strengths of the river and the receiving waters.
Example sentences with desembocadura de un río →desempeñar un cargo ejecutivo
to carry out an executive post
The Spanish phrase 'desempeñar un cargo ejecutivo' translates to 'carry out an executive post' in English. This phrase is often used in professional contexts, particularly in the world of business and management. When someone is said to 'desempeñar un cargo ejecutivo', it means that they occupy a high-ranking position (an executive post) within an organization, and are responsible for carrying out important leadership and decision-making tasks. The phrase refers not just to holding this position, but the act of fulfilling the role and responsibilities associated with it.
desempeñar un oficio
to carry out an office
The term 'desempeñar un oficio' in Spanish is often used to describe the role of carrying out duties or responsibilities associated with an occupation, job, or role. Though the literal translation may be 'to carry out an office', it is more appropriately understood as 'to perform a job' or 'to execute a duty'. It refers to the action of professionally practicing or undertaking a specific task typically linked with an individual's employment or vocation.
desempeñar una función administrativa
to play an administrative role
The Spanish phrase 'desempeñar una función administrativa' translates to 'to play an administrative role' in English. In a business or an organization, this term is used to define a person's responsibility or job that involves making important decisions, planning, organising, and managing the operations of various tasks within the entity. The concept of this term can also imply authority to a certain level, depending on the specific context within the administrative structure.
desempeñar una función directiva
to play a managerial role
Desempeñar una función directiva' translates to 'to play a managerial role' in English. This usually refers to executing responsibilities that involve supervising and handling the operations of a business or organization. A person in a managerial role typically oversees the work of employees, makes key decisions and strategies, and ensures the attainment of organizational goals.
desempeñar una función ejecutiva
to play an executive role
The Spanish phrase 'desempeñar una función ejecutiva' translates to 'to play an executive role' in English. It is often used in a professional or business setting to indicate a person's job or responsibilities. The term 'desempeñar' means 'to play' or 'to carry out,' 'una función' translates to 'a role,' and 'ejecutiva' means 'executive.' Therefore, if someone is 'desempeñando una función ejecutiva,' they are performing tasks or duties associated with a high level managerial or supervisorial position.
desempeñar una profesión
to perform a profession
The Spanish phrase 'desempeñar una profesión' translates into English as 'to perform a profession'. It refers to fulfilling or carrying out the duties, roles, and responsibilities associated with a particular job or occupation. For instance, a teacher who is 'desempeñando su profesión' is actively involved in teaching tasks such as planning lessons, instructing students, grading papers, and so forth.
desenlace
unlink.
The Spanish word 'desenlace' translates to 'outcome' or 'ending' in English. While it can technically mean 'unlink', that translation is rarely used. 'Desenlace' is more commonly used in the context of stories or events, referring to the final resolution or conclusion. For example, it can be used to describe the ending of a book, movie, or a significant event.
Example sentences with desenlace →desfile de moda
fashion show
The term 'desfile de moda' in Spanish directly translates to 'fashion show' in English. A fashion show is a special event, typically held by fashion designers, in which models parade on a runway to promote and display the designer's new clothing collection. This terminology is used widely in the fashion industry and is recognized internationally.
desinfección
disinfection
The Spanish word 'desinfección' translates to 'disinfection' in English. It is derived from the Latin word for 'disinfectionis'. The term describes the process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on inanimate objects. In health care settings, objects usually are disinfected by liquid chemicals or wet pasteurization. The term is different from 'sterilization', which is the process of removing or killing all forms of life and other biological agents. 'Desinfección' is an important technique in disease prevention and is widely used in hospitals, laboratories, and at home.
Example sentences with desinfección →desinfectar
disinfect
The Spanish word 'desinfectar' translates to 'disinfect' in English. It is a verb that describes the process of cleaning something, typically with chemicals, to destroy bacteria. In medical contexts, this could refer to sterilizing an area before a procedure to prevent infection. In everyday use, it might refer to sanitizing a surface to make it safe and clean.
desmayarse
fainting
The Spanish word 'desmayarse' translates to 'fainting' or 'to faint' in English. It is a reflexive verb and often used to describe a temporary loss of consciousness due to a sudden drop in blood flow to the brain. This term is frequently used in healthcare settings or casual conversation when speaking about feeling unwell or experiencing extreme emotions.
Example sentences with desmayarse →