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.
sentirse fatigado
feeling fatigued
The Spanish phrase 'sentirse fatigado' translates to 'feeling fatigued' in English. This term is used when someone is experiencing a state of mental or physical tiredness resulting from exertion, disease, or emotional stress. It often implies a need for rest or relief. In Spanish, the verb 'sentirse' is a reflexive form of 'sentir' (to feel) and 'fatigado' is an adjective meaning tired or fatigued.
sentirse hecho polvo
to feel knackered
The phrase 'sentirse hecho polvo' in Spanish directly translates to 'feel made dust' in English. However, colloquially, it is often used to express feeling exhausted or extremely tired, similar to the English idiom of feeling knackered. Depending on context, it can also convey feelings of being demotivated or downhearted.
sentirse integrado
feeling integrated
The Spanish phrase 'sentirse integrado' translates to 'feeling integrated' in English. It is used to describe the sensation of being comfortable, accepted and an integral part of a social group, community or environment. It is most often used in scenarios relating to migration, team building efforts or social inclusion initiatives.
separación
separation
The Spanish word 'separación' translates to 'separation' in English. It is a noun and can refer to the act or state of moving apart or into pieces, the process of being separated. This can pertain to various contexts including physical distances, abstract concepts like separation of powers, or emotional distancing in relationships.
separar ambientes
separate environments
The Spanish term 'separar ambientes' translates to 'separate environments' in English. It is often used in the context of interior design or architecture, where it refers to the practice of dividing a space into separate sections or environments, each with its own purpose or aesthetic. For example, in a home, one might 'separar ambientes' to create distinct spaces for sleeping, cooking, and entertaining. This phrase can also be used more broadly to discuss creating distinctions or separations in other contexts.
separar zonas
separate areas
The Spanish phrase 'separar zonas' translates to 'separate areas' in English. It can be used in a variety of contexts such as explaining geographical boundaries, dividing spaces in interior design, or in any other situation where one needs to distinguish between different sections, areas, or regions. As a verb phrase, it might be used to instruct the act of demarcating or establishing a boundary between areas.
ser (un) aguafiestas
be (a) party pooper
The Spanish phrase 'ser (un) aguafiestas' translates to 'be (a) party pooper' in English. The verb 'ser' is used to express identity or nature. In this phrase, it is used to indicate the nature of a person who is an 'aguafiestas' or 'party pooper'. Such persons are typically those who spoil other people's fun or enjoyment, especially by displaying a lack of enthusiasm or by showing negative attitude towards social activities. Thus, this expression is commonly used in situations where one person's behavior or attitude negatively affects the overall atmosphere of a party or social gathering.
ser (un) alcohólico
to be (an) alcoholic
The Spanish phrase 'ser (un) alcohólico' translates to 'to be (an) alcoholic' in English. It is used to describe someone who has a dependency on alcohol. It represents a serious condition where the person's drinking interferes with their health, social, and professional lives. In Spanish, verbs like 'ser' are often used to describe a permanent or long-term state of being or identity, which highlights the severity and permanency often associated with alcoholism.
ser (un) maleducado
be (a) rude
The Spanish phrase 'ser (un) maleducado' translates to 'be (a) rude' in English. It is utilized when referring to someone's impolite or disrespectful behavior. The verb 'ser' means 'to be', and 'maleducado' translates to 'rude or poorly educated'. It is important to bear in mind that Spanish, like English, employs descriptive adjectives to describe the attributes or behavior of individuals, and 'maleducado' is an example of this.
Example sentences with ser (un) maleducado →ser abominable
to be abominable
The Spanish phrase 'ser abominable' translates to 'to be abominable' in English. It is used to describe something or someone that causes disgust or hatred. This powerful phrase is often used to emphasize a strong negative sentiment or reaction towards something or someone.
ser aborrecible
to be hateful
The Spanish term 'ser aborrecible' translates to 'to be hateful' in English. It is a verb phrase used to describe someone who evokes strong disgust or dislike. 'Ser' means 'to be' which is a state of being verb. 'Aborrecible' translates to 'hateful.' It's often used to refer to a person's attitude or behavior. This phrase is used in a negative context.
ser abstemio
to be a teetotal
The Spanish term 'ser abstemio' refers to a lifestyle choice, essentially meaning 'to be a teetotaler' in English. A teetotaler is someone who chooses not to consume alcoholic beverages for personal, health, religious or other reasons. An abstemio abstains from all forms of alcohol, often including those used in cooking. This choice may be part of a larger context of sobriety or temperance, but not everyone who chooses to be abstemio will necessarily identify with these movements.
ser alérgico a un medicamento
to be allergic to a medicine
The Spanish phrase 'ser alérgico a un medicamento' translates to 'to be allergic to a medicine' in English. This is usually used in medical contexts, to describe a person's adverse or harmful response to a medication. Allergic reactions to medicines can range from mild to severe and can potentially be life-threatening. It is important to immediately inform healthcare providers about any known drug allergies to avoid complications.
Example sentences with ser alérgico a un medicamento →ser alucinante
to be amazing
The Spanish phrase 'ser alucinante' translates to 'to be amazing' in English. This phrase is used when someone or something is truly outstanding or impressive. It can be used in various contexts to express admiration, surprise, or astonishment. As an example, if you've had an incredible experience, you could describe it as 'ser alucinante'.
ser correcto
to be correct
The Spanish term 'ser correcto' translates to 'to be correct' in English. It pertains to a condition or state of being right in terms of accuracy, truth, or validity. This phrase can be used in a variety of contexts, but it most commonly refers to factual correctness, such as in answers to questions, or moral correctness, such as in behaviors or actions. The Spanish verb 'ser' is used as it refers to intrinsic or inherent qualities.
Example sentences with ser correcto →ser de buen comer
to be good to eat
'Ser de buen comer' is a Spanish phrase that refers to someone who enjoys eating or someone who eats well. This is not an exact translation to the English phrase 'to be good to eat'. Rather, it is used to describe someone's eating habits, not the quality or taste of food itself.
ser de buena familia
to be of good family
The Spanish phrase 'ser de buena familia' translates to 'to be of good family' in English. It implies an individual hailing from a respectable, possibly well-to-do, family lineage or background, carrying a significant reputation or status in their society.
ser de digestión difícil
to be difficult digestion
The phrase 'ser de digestión difícil' in Spanish refers to something, often a food or meal, that is hard or challenging to digest. It can be used metaphorically to describe a situation or concept that is difficult to fathom or understand.
ser de digestión lenta
to be of slow digestion
The Spanish phrase 'ser de digestión lenta' translates to 'to be of slow digestion' in English. This phrase is typically used to describe someone who digests food slowly which might lead to a feeling of discomfort or fullness for a long time after eating. It's not common to use this phrase in a literal context though, as it is more often used metaphorically to describe someone who takes time to process information or coming to a decision.
ser de digestión pesada
to be of heavy digestion
The Spanish phrase 'ser de digestión pesada' translates to 'to be of heavy digestion' in English. This phrase is typically used to describe a feeling of discomfort after consuming a heavy, rich, or excessive meal. It is not related to a person's character or behavior, but rather to a physical condition that may affect the person after dining. It is quite commonly used in conversational Spanish when discussing dietary habits or health conditions.
ser de mal comer
being bad to eat
The Spanish phrase 'ser de mal comer' does not directly translate to 'being bad to eat' in English. Instead, it is an idiomatic expression that describes a person who is a picky or fussy eater. It's often used to refer to someone who has specific, limited, or particular tastes in food, making it difficult for them to enjoy a variety of dishes or foods.
ser de origen africano
to be of african origin
The Spanish phrase 'ser de origen africano' translates to English as 'to be of African origin'. This is an expression used to denote that a person, object, or cultural aspect has its roots or originates from the African continent. It provides information about the history and background. The Spanish term 'ser' denotes being, 'de' indicates 'of', 'origen' means origin, and 'africano' translates as African. The expression can be utilized in various contexts whenever there is a need to indicate African origins or influences.
ser de origen francés
to be of french origin
The phrase 'ser de origen francés' in Spanish translates to 'to be of French origin' in English. This phrase can be used to describe a person, place, or thing that originates from France. Typically, it indicates a deep cultural, historical, or genealogical connection to the country of France. This phrase is used to establish an essential characteristic or inherent quality related to French nationality or origin.
ser de origen oriental
to be of eastern origin
The phrase 'ser de origen oriental' translated from Spanish to English means 'to be of eastern origin'. This refers to something or someone originating from the eastern parts of the world, such as Asia. The direct translation of each word is 'to be', 'of', 'origin', 'eastern'. It's a common idiom used in Spanish language conversations or writings to describe the origins of an individual, cuisine, tradition, or any aspect attributable to eastern regions.
ser de origen peruano
being of Peruvian origin
The term 'ser de origen peruano' in Spanish translates to 'being of Peruvian origin' in English. This phrase is often used to describe someone's heritage, particularly in context to their birth, ancestry or their cultural background being from Peru. It does not necessarily mean the person currently resides in Peru, rather their familial or ancestral roots are traced back to this South American country.
ser desagradable
to be unpleasant
The Spanish phrase 'ser desagradable' translates to 'to be unpleasant' in English. This is used to describe someone or something that is not pleasing or agreeable, either in a physical sense (taste, smell, look) or in a behavioral sense (rude, annoying, disrespectful). It is a subjective term, as what might be considered unpleasant can greatly vary from individual to individual.
ser educado
to be polite
The phrase 'ser educado' in Spanish translates to 'to be polite' in English. This term refers to demonstrating good manners and respect for others. It entails behaving in a courteous and considerate manner, according to the standards and customs of a particular culture or society. It includes being courteous, respectful, and considerate to everyone you interact with.
Example sentences with ser educado →ser el alma de la fiesta
to be the soul of the party
The Spanish phrase 'ser el alma de la fiesta' translates to 'to be the soul of the party' in English. Within the context of the phrase, it's used to describe a person who is lively, entertaining, and essential to the party, similar to how one might think of a soul being crucial to a person's identity or life. The phrase is a metaphor,” it doesn't mean someone is literally the soul of an actual party, but rather that their presence greatly enhances the enjoyment and energy level at a social event.
ser el cabeza de familia
being the head of family
The Spanish expression 'ser el cabeza de familia' translates to 'being the head of the family' in English. It implies one being in charge, responsible for the wellbeing and affairs of a family unit. The phrase can encompass a wide variety of roles, such as making key decisions, providing financial support, and setting the family direction. Often, but not always, this role may be assumed by the oldest male in a household; however, modern interpretations of 'head of the family' can extend beyond gender and age-based norms. It's a term that encompasses a role of significant importance and leadership within a family structure.
ser el rey
to be the king
The Spanish phrase 'ser el rey' translates to 'to be the king' in English. This expression can be used literally to mean a ruling monarch, but it can also be used figuratively to refer to someone who is at the top or the best in a particular field or area. For example, to say 'he is the king of music' would mean that person is exceptionally good or recognized in the field of music.