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.
estar desocupado
being careless
The term 'estar desocupado' does not mean being careless in English. Instead, it translates to 'be unoccupied' or 'be idle'. It implies one is not busy and has no tasks or activities to do, not that one is not paying enough attention or showing enough care or concern, which would describe being careless.
estar desolado
to be desolate
The Spanish phrase 'estar desolado' translates to 'to be desolate' in English. 'Estar' is a verb in Spanish that broadly means 'to be'. It is used in various contexts, especially to describe conditional and temporary states. 'Desolado', on the other hand, is an adjective which means 'desolate'. It is derived from the verb 'desolar' which means 'to devastate' or 'to lay waste'. Hence, 'estar desolado' is an expression used to describe a state of being desolate or devastated, which could refer to a physical place, but most often refers to a state of feeling or emotion.
estar en auge
to be booming
'Estar en auge' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'to be booming' in English. This phrase is often used to describe a situation, business, or trend that is rapidly growing, expanding or becoming very popular. It is commonly used in economy and business contexts to indicate that something is at the peak of its success or progress. However, it can also be used in general conversations to depict anything that is currently thriving or in its prime time.
Example sentences with estar en auge →estar en conserva
being preserved
The Spanish phrase 'estar en conserva' translates to 'being preserved' in English. This phrase is often used in the context of food and refers to the process of preparing and storing food in a way (often in a jar or a can) to significantly extend its shelf life. It might also metaphorically suggest maintaining or keeping something in an unchanged state.
estar en la ruina
to be in ruin
'Estar en la ruina' is a Spanish phrase which translates literally to 'to be in ruin' in English. It is used metaphorically to indicate serious financial trouble or bankruptcy. Essentially, it refers to a state of being in poor condition or in a degraded state. It can apply to physical structures (like buildings) or to abstract concepts (like a person's financial state or a company's status).
Example sentences with estar en la ruina →estar en libertad bajo fianza
on bail
'Estar en libertad bajo fianza' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'on bail' in English. It's a legal term used to describe the conditional release of a defendant with the promise that they will return for court dates. This phrase is often utilized in legal situations where an individual has been arrested and a certain amount of money is paid to secure their temporary release from police custody. The phrase contains three main words: 'estar' which means 'to be', 'libertad' which means 'freedom' and 'fianza' which refers to 'bail' or a security deposit.
Example sentences with estar en libertad bajo fianza →estar en libertad provisional
to be on provisional release
The phrase 'estar en libertad provisional' in Spanish translates to 'to be on provisional release' in English. This phrase is typically used in legal context and refers to a situation where a person is given temporary freedom until their next court appearance or until the trial is over. This might occur if the person arrested can provide assurance, usually financial, that they will show up in court and not leave the area. Thus, they are allowed certain freedom under temporary basis.
Example sentences with estar en libertad provisional →estar en libertad vigilada
being on probation
The Spanish phrase 'estar en libertad vigilada' translates to 'being on probation' in English. Probation is a legal term referring to the status of a person who is conditionally released into the community by the courts, typically under supervision, after serving time in prison. In this circumstance, the individual is expected to follow certain restrictions and is subject to periodic check-ins with probation officers to ensure compliance.
Example sentences with estar en libertad vigilada →estar en números rojos
to be in the red
The phrase 'estar en números rojos' in Spanish translates to 'to be in the red' in English. It is an idiomatic expression typically used in financial contexts. If a person, company, or organization is 'en números rojos', it means they are in debt or experiencing financial loss. Their accounts are negative, figuratively indicated by the red color often used in account books and financial statements to highlight losses or negative amounts.
estar en quiebra
being bankrupt
The Spanish phrase 'estar en quiebra' translates to 'being bankrupt' in English. This particular phrase is often used in business or financial contexts to indicate that a person or organization is unable to repay outstanding debts due to lack of funds. It conveys a state of financial insolvency and is usually a legal declaration made by an entity to acknowledge that they cannot meet financial obligations to their creditors. Understanding such terms can be very helpful in effectively communicating around topics related to finance, economy, or business.
estar enlatado
to be linked
The Spanish phrase 'estar enlatado' does not translate to 'to be linked' in English. Instead, it literally translates to 'to be canned'. This phrase is not commonly used in daily conversation. However, 'estar enlazado' could signify 'to be linked'. Ensure to double-check the phrase for correct meaning and usage.
estar envasado al vacío
being packed empty
The phrase 'estar envasado al vacío' in Spanish translates to 'being vacuum packed' in English. It's a term frequently used in food packaging processes where air is removed from the package before it's sealed. This method is used to extend the shelf life of foods by reducing atmospheric oxygen, impeding the growth of aerobic bacteria or fungi, and preventing the evaporation of volatile components.
estar eufórico
being euphoric
The phrase 'estar eufórico' in Spanish translates to 'being euphoric' in English. This is typically used to describe a state of extreme happiness or excitement. It may be used in a variety of contexts, but is most commonly found in social or emotional dialogues or descriptions. It is a verb phrase, with 'estar' being a verb referring to a state of being, and 'eufórico' being an adjective that modifies this state.
estar fatigado
being fatigued
The Spanish term 'estar fatigado' translates to 'being fatigued' in English. It is commonly used to describe a state of physical or mental exhaustion due to exertion, stress or lack of rest. As an example, when someone has had a long day at work or school, they could say 'Estoy fatigado', which means 'I am fatigued'.
estar fichado (por la policía)
to be booked (by police)
The Spanish term 'estar fichado (por la policía)' translates to 'to be booked (by the police)' in English. This means that a person's information has been formally recorded by law enforcement authorities, usually after being arrested. Note that this term is used in the context of legal or police matters.
estar hambriento
starving
The term 'estar hambriento' in Spanish directly translates to 'to be hungry' in English. However, the term is often used to express a deep hunger or, in some contexts, a state of starvation. It's utilized in the conversation to say 'I'm hungry' which can be 'Estoy hambriento' if it's a male and 'Estoy hambrienta' if it's a female. Please note, 'estar' is used here because it's referring to a temporary state.
estar hasta el gorro
to the hat
The Spanish phrase 'estar hasta el gorro' is an idiom that, although it directly translates to 'to the hat' in English, it does not maintain the same meaning. In English speaking context it is used to illustrate intense frustration, and would best be translated to 'to be fed up' or 'to have had it up to here'. It illustrates being tired, exasperated, or annoyed with a situation, a person, or even something about oneself.
estar hasta las narices
to be at the core.
'Estar hasta las narices' is a Spanish idiomatic expression which does not translate directly into English but the equivalent might be to say that you are 'fed up' or 'to have had it up to here'. It is not meant to literally mean 'be at the core'. It is typically used to show a high level of frustration or annoyance, usually directed at a specific situation or person. Translated word-for-word in English it means 'to be up to the noses', which makes little sense in English, hence it is clearly idiomatic in nature.
estar hecho polvo
being made dust
The Spanish phrase 'estar hecho polvo' is a colloquial idiomatic expression in English it translates literally to 'to be made dust'. However, that is not its figurative meaning. Instead, it is commonly used to mean when someone is extremely tired or exhausted, both physically and emotionally. It could also mean to be destroyed or ruined in certain contexts.
estar indispuesto
to be indisposed
The Spanish phrase 'estar indispuesto' translates to 'to be indisposed' in English. It is primarily used to express feeling unwell or not feeling good in health. It could also mean being unavailable or not having the means or ability to do something. This phrase is generally used in formal communications or contexts, and it conveys a sense of delicacy or avoidance in directly mentioning an illness or inconvenience.
Example sentences with estar indispuesto →estar maravillado
to be wonderful
The phrase 'estar maravillado' in Spanish typically translates to 'to be amazed' or 'to be in wonder' in English. It describes a state of awe, delight, or great pleasure. It can be used to express significant admiration for something or someone. However, it does not directly translate to 'to be wonderful', as that would suggest the subject itself is wonderful.
estar muerto
dead.
The Spanish phrase 'estar muerto' directly translates to 'to be dead' in English. This phrase is used to describe a state of being, specifically when someone or something is dead. Unlike English, Spanish often uses the verb 'estar' to describe temporary states, implying that, philosophically, death is seen as a temporary or changing state. It's an interesting linguistic insight into Spanish-speaking cultures.
estar negro
Being black
The Spanish term 'estar negro' cannot be directly translated to 'being black' in English. Although 'negro' literally means black, and 'estar' means to be, the term 'estar negro', when used metaphorically in Spanish, has a more nuanced meaning. It can be used to express a state akin to being really upset, being in a bad mood, or facing a dire situation. Accurate translations might include being in a tight spot, having a bad time or seeing red. It is an idiomatic phrase in Spanish language and its comprehension requires an understanding of the cultural context.
estar ocioso
to be idle
The Spanish phrase 'estar ocioso' directly translates to 'to be idle' in English. It refers to the state of inactivity or the condition of not being in use or in action. Frequently, it may also imply unproductivity or idleness on the part of an individual, therefore it's often used to criticize anyone not making a meaningful contribution or simply whiling away their time.
estar sediento
to be thirsty
The Spanish phrase 'estar sediento' translates to 'to be thirsty' in English. This phrase is used when someone feels the need to drink something. It's used in the same way as it would be in English. For example, after a long run or on a hot day, one might say 'Estoy sediento', which means 'I am thirsty'.
estar sin fondos
without funds
The Spanish term 'estar sin fondos' translates to 'without funds' in English. It is often used in financial or economic contexts to describe a situation where an individual or an entity does not have sufficient money or financial resources to meet their required needs or obligations. Similar phrases in English would be 'to be broke' or 'to be out of money'. It's important to understand that 'estar sin fondos' implies a temporary situation. The individual or entity is currently without funds, but that could change in the future.
Example sentences with estar sin fondos →estar sobrio
Being sober
'Estar sobrio' in Spanish translates to 'being sober' in English. It is a term used to describe abstinence or restraint from drinking or taking intoxicants or substances that can alter one's normal state of mind. It has a wider usage to explain a state of seriousness, steadiness, or clear-headedness in a person's demeanor and actions. The verb 'estar' indicates a temporary state while 'sobrio' translates to sober. It does not necessarily define a habitual state of sobriety but rather a current condition or state.
estar tiritando (de frío)
to be shivering (cold)
The Spanish phrase 'estar tiritando (de frío)' translates to 'to be shivering (cold)' in English. This is generally used to express a lack of warmth resulting in uncontrollable shaking of the body, which is a typical physiological response to cold in humans and many other animals. It can be used both in literal sense, as in the physical state of being cold, and figuratively, to express fear, nervousness, or anticipation.
estar tonto
to be foolish
The Spanish phrase 'estar tonto' roughly translates into English as 'to be foolish'. This term is often used to describe someone who is behaving in a way that lacks sense or judgement. The usage of 'estar' instead of 'ser' in this context emphasizes a temporary state or condition. Thus, it implies that the person is not always foolish, but is acting foolish at that particular moment.
Example sentences with estar tonto →estética
aesthetic
The Spanish word 'estética' translates to 'aesthetic' in English. It comes from the Greek word 'aisthetikos'. It is primarily used to express concepts associated with beauty and the art. 'Estética' can refer both to the study of beauty and art, especially in philosophy, as well as to a pleasing appearance or arrangement in general. Like the English word 'aesthetic', 'estética' can describe both the philosophical concept and tangible objects or design, lending a broad and complex meaning to the term.
Example sentences with estética →