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.
otorgar una plaza
grant a place
The Spanish phrase 'otorgar una plaza' directly translates to 'grant a place' in English. This phrase is often used in professional or academic contexts, particularly when discussing job positions or school admissions. For example, when a company 'otorga una plaza', they are offering a job position to an individual. Similarly, in the educational context, when a university 'otorga una plaza' to a student, that means the student has been admitted or given a spot at the university.
óxidos
oxides
The Spanish term 'óxidos' translates to 'oxides' in English. These are compounds that contain at least one oxygen atom and one other element in its chemical formula. Most often, oxides are encountered in the context of chemistry or metallurgy. In everyday life, these substances often manifest as rust, which forms when iron comes into contact with moisture and oxygen, creating iron oxide. 'Óxidos' can refer to this as well as other similar compounds.
Example sentences with óxidos →pactar una exclusiva
agree on an exclusive
The Spanish phrase 'pactar una exclusiva' translates to 'agree on an exclusive' in English. This term is often used in business contexts where parties decide on a unique arrangement or deal, typically beneficial to both involved. It may also be used in journalistic contexts, where someone might secure an exclusive interview or the sole rights to a particular story. This phrase emphasizes the notion of exclusivity and agreement.
padrastro
stepfather
The Spanish word 'padrastro' translates to 'stepfather' in English. It is used to refer to a man who is married to one's mother but is not one's biological father. In a broader sense, the term can also describe a man who plays a paternal role in a person's life, regardless of marital status or biological relation.
padrino
Godfather
The Spanish word 'padrino' translates to 'godfather' in English. In a traditional Christian setting, the 'godfather' is a person who sponsors a child's baptism and then takes an interest in the child's upbringing and personal development, particularly in regard to matters of faith and morality. In a broader cultural context, 'godfather' can also refer to a man who is influential or pioneering in a certain field or a man who is a guiding, mentor-like figure in someone's life. It can be used in both religious and secular contexts.
padrino (de boda)
godfather (wedding)
In Spanish, 'padrino (de boda)' translates to 'godfather (wedding)' in English. It has a religious and social connotation. The term is used to refer to a man who acts as a sponsor for a person (often a child) at baptism, which arises from a Christian tradition, for which he promises to help raise and educate the child in accordance with their religion should anything happen to the parents. However, in the context of a wedding, a 'padrino' is a very important guest, typically a close family friend or relative, who has certain responsibilities in the ceremony similar to the 'best man' in English cultural context.
pagos en especie
payments in kind
The term 'pagos en especie' originates from Spanish language and it translates to 'payments in kind' in English. This is a type of transaction where services or goods are exchanged instead of monetary payment. For instance, if you paint a house in exchange for a car, this would be considered a 'pago en especie'. The exchange is performed based upon the mutual agreement where both parties recognize a particular value for the goods or services exchanged, effectively bypassing the need for money based transaction.
paisaje desolador
desolate landscape
The Spanish term 'paisaje desolador' translates to 'desolate landscape' in English. It's typically used to describe an area or scene that is barren or empty, often evoking a sense of bleakness or desolation. This phrase could be used in various contexts - from literal descriptions of physical environments, such as a desert or a war-ravaged city, to more metaphorical uses in literature and conversations to convey a sense of emotional emptiness or despair.
Example sentences with paisaje desolador →paisaje idílico
idyllic landscape
The Spanish term 'paisaje idílico' translates to 'idyllic landscape' in English. It refers to a scenery or setting that is incredibly beautiful, peaceful, and picturesque, often seen as perfect or ideal, much like the image that the word 'idyllic' conjures up. This could be anywhere from a serene countryside filled with flowers and greenery to a peaceful beach scene with a perfect sunset. The term 'paisaje idílico' is used to describe such locations in literature, art, and everyday conversation in Spanish.
Example sentences with paisaje idílico →paisaje pintoresco
picturesque landscape
The term 'paisaje pintoresco' in Spanish translates to 'picturesque landscape' in English. This phrase is typically used to describe a scene or view that is artistically pleasant and charming, much like a picture. It refers to a landscape that is especially attractive and beauty-filled, typically because of its natural features like rolling hills, vibrant flower fields, beautiful trees, calm rivers, or majestic mountains. It might also be used to describe man-made beauty such as a quaint village or cityscape. This phrase is often used in travel descriptions or conversations about outdoor beauty.
Example sentences with paisaje pintoresco →palanca de cambio
change lever
The Spanish phrase 'palanca de cambio' translates to 'change lever' in English. It is often used in the context of vehicles, specifically cars, to refer to the gear shift lever. The gear shift lever is a device used by the driver to change gears manually in the transmission. The phrase 'palanca de cambio' might be used in a number of situations, including technical, conversational, or educational contexts. Learning such specific terms can provide useful context when dealing with car repairs or functions in a Spanish-speaking setting.
Example sentences with palanca de cambio →palma de la mano
palm of the hand
The phrase 'palma de la mano' in Spanish refers to the inner surface of an individual’s hand. This term is often used in a medical context or generally in the description of parts of the body. In English, it is translated as 'palm of the hand'.
páncreas
pancreas
The Spanish word 'páncreas' translates to 'pancreas' in English. It is a noun that denotes a large gland behind the stomach which secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum. These enzymes help in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. 'Páncreas' is used in the same context in Spanish-speaking countries.
panel fotovoltaico
photovoltaic panel
A 'panel fotovoltaico' is a Spanish term that refers to a 'photovoltaic panel' in English. Essentially, the photovoltaic process is what enables solar panel technologies to convert sunlight into electricity, a method widely used for sustainable, green energy production. The term photovoltaic comes from the process of converting photons (light particles) into voltage (electricity) which is achieved through the use of semiconducting materials. 'Panel fotovoltaico' therefore refers to these panels that generate and supply solar power by converting energy from the sun.
Example sentences with panel fotovoltaico →panel solar
solar panel
A 'panel solar' in Spanish translates to 'solar panel' in English. A solar panel is a device designed to absorb the sun's rays as a source of energy for generating electricity or heating. It's widely used as a renewable source of energy to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. You might see them on rooftops, on spacecraft, in remote locations, or any place where there's a need for power and traditional electric grid service is not available.
Example sentences with panel solar →paño de cocina
kitchen cloth
The term 'paño de cocina' is a Spanish noun, refers to an object that is commonly used in kitchens. In English, 'paño de cocina' means 'kitchen cloth'. This item is typically made of soft, absorbent material and is used for wiping dishes, cleaning surfaces, or drying hands in the kitchen. It is a household essential and can be found in almost every home, regardless of the country or culture.
papaya
papaya
The word 'papaya' in Spanish refers to a tropical fruit native to Mexico and Central and South America. This fruit is generally large with a sweet and juicy orange or pink pulp inside. It's well-known for its black seeds, which while being edible can have a slightly bitter taste. Beyond just being a fruit, 'papaya' is also used metaphorically in some Spanish-speaking countries to refer to different things.
pared abrupta
steep wall
The Spanish phrase 'pared abrupta' translates to 'steep wall' in English. This term can be used in various contexts, but it is often used in referring to landmarks, mountain climbing, architecture, and in describing certain landscapes. The word 'pared' means 'wall' and 'abrupta' translates to 'steep', hence when combined, the phrase gives the meaning of a wall that is very steep, similar to a cliff or a very sharp incline. This phrase perfectly exemplifies how descriptive Spanish can be, allowing for such specific phrases to be constructed.
Example sentences with pared abrupta →pared escarpada
a steep wall
The term 'pared escarpada' in Spanish translates to 'steep wall' in English. It is often used in the context of natural geography and outdoor activities such as mountain climbing and hiking. In architecture or urban contexts, it might refer to a sharply inclined side of a building or other structure.
Example sentences with pared escarpada →pared rocosa
Rocky wall
The Spanish phrase 'pared rocosa' is translated in English to 'rocky wall'. This consists of two words: 'pared', meaning 'wall', and 'rocosa', meaning 'rocky'. It is used to describe a wall or a surface that is made of, covered with, or resembling rock. It's often used in the context of natural environments, such as cliffs, mountain sides, or cave interiors. Being an evocative phrase, it could also be used in a metaphorical or symbolic sense in literature or conversation.
Example sentences with pared rocosa →parientes
relatives
The Spanish word 'parientes' translates to 'relatives' in English. Relatives are people who are connected to you by blood or marriage, such as mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and cousins, among others. It is a noun, and it is often used in the plural form 'parientes' to indicate more than one relative. The singular form is 'pariente'.
parir
give birth
The Spanish verb 'parir' translates into English as 'to give birth'. It refers precisely to the act of a mother bringing forth a young from the womb, such act that happens in most mammals including humans. It is generally used in a biological or medical context. However, it can also be used metaphorically in various expressions or contexts.
partirse el corazón
break the heart
'Partirse el corazón' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'break the heart' in English. It is typically used to describe a strong feeling of sadness or dismay, often related to personal loss or disappointment. It conveys the emotional pain someone feels when they experience a tragic or deeply upsetting event. This phrase helps to express the depth of human emotions, reflecting the concept that such experiences aren't just mentally distressing, but can feel physically painful as well.
parto natural
natural birth
The Spanish term 'parto natural' translates to 'natural birth' in English. This is a birthing process where the mother gives birth without the aid of surgical or medical interventions such as caesarian section or use of epidural anesthesia. The process takes place under the principle that childbirth is a natural and normal biological function, and therefore, in most scenarios, can take place without the need for medical procedures or interventions.
parto por cesárea
caesarean
The Spanish phrase 'parto por cesárea' translates to 'caesarean' in English. In medical context, this phrase refers to a surgical operation in which one or more incisions are made through a mother's abdomen (laparotomy) and uterus (hysterotomy) to deliver one or more babies, or, rarely, to remove a dead fetus. This is usually performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby's or mother's life or health at risk. The phrase 'parto por cesárea' can also be related to the relevant health-related vocabulary in the discussion of childbirth and maternity healthcare.
parto prematuro
premature birth
The term 'parto prematuro' in Spanish translates to 'premature birth' in English. In medical terms, a premature birth is a birth that takes place more than three weeks before the baby's estimated due date. In other words, a premature birth is one that occurs before the start of the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature babies, especially those born very early, often have complicated medical problems. Typically, the complications of prematurity vary, but the earlier your baby is born, the higher the risk of complications.
pasar el trapo
to wipe down
The Spanish term 'pasar el trapo' translates to 'wipe down' in English. This phrase is commonly used in the context of cleaning, specifying an action where one uses a cloth, or 'trapo' in Spanish, to clean or dust off a surface. For instance, you may 'pasar el trapo' to the kitchen counter or the dining table, which implies wiping down these surfaces with a cloth. Hence, it can also be used as an instruction or request in a household or workplace setting asking someone to clean a certain area or object.
pasarela
runway
The Spanish word 'pasarela' translates to 'runway' in English. This can refer to the long, narrow ramp that models walk on during a fashion show, or the similar structure used for the landing and takeoff of aircraft. It may also refer to a walkway or path that serves as a passage between different places, such as a bridge over a road or river. The word 'pasarela' illustrates the concept of a path or platform designed for movement or presentation.
pasarse el arroz
spend the rice
'Pasarse el arroz' is a colloquial phrase in Spanish, not literally related to 'spend the rice'. Instead it is a metaphor about the optimal moment to cook rice, after which it may not be good anymore. Often used to jokingly refer to a person, especially a woman, who has passed the 'ideal' age to get married or have children.
paso (de baile)
step (of dance)
The Spanish term 'paso (de baile)' directly translates to 'step (of dance)' in English. It is commonly used in the context of dancing, where it denotes a particular sequence or manner of movement in dancing. The term 'paso' on its own means 'step' while the portion in the parenthesis, 'de baile', specifies that this step is related to dance. Hence, 'paso (de baile)' would refer to a dance step, a specific way to move in a dance routine.
Example sentences with paso (de baile) →