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.
tener (buen) sentido de la orientación
to have (good) sense of direction
The Spanish phrase 'tener (buen) sentido de la orientación' translates to 'to have (good) sense of direction' in English. This phrase describes someone's ability to know their way in physical space, navigate, or understand their surroundings easily. The word 'tener' in the phrase represents 'to have', 'sentido' translates to 'sense', 'la' to 'the', and 'orientación' to 'direction'. If 'buen' - meaning 'good' - is included, it highlights the individual's strong ability in spatial orientation.
Example sentences with tener (buen) sentido de la orientación →tener afán de superación
have a desire to overcome
The Spanish phrase 'tener afán de superación' translates to 'have a desire to overcome' in English. This phrase is commonly used to describe the ambition or drive of an individual in improving their situation or achieving certain goals. It serves as a value to one's character, emphasizing their determination and resilience in facing challenges and surpassing obstacles in life.
tener afecto
having affection
The Spanish phrase 'tener afecto' translates to 'having affection' in English. This phrase is typically used to express fondness or liking for someone or something. It conveys a sense of care, love, or warmth towards a person or an object. The literal translation of 'tener' is 'to have' and 'afecto' is 'affection', so when you say 'tener afecto' in Spanish, you are saying you have affection or you are fond of someone or something in English.
Example sentences with tener afecto →tener amor propio
having self-love
The Spanish phrase 'tener amor propio' translates to 'having self-love' in English. This phrase is often used to describe the practice of self-care and the affirmation of one's own value and worth as an individual. Just like in English, this phrase stresses the importance of acknowledging and respecting one's individuality and personal needs. Note that 'tener' translates to 'to have', 'amor' translates to 'love', and 'propio' translates to 'own', illustrating how the phrase is a direct translation into English.
tener antecedentes (penales)
to have a (criminal) record
The phrase 'tener antecedentes (penales)' in Spanish translates to 'to have a (criminal) record' in English. This idiom is commonly used within legal and criminal justice contexts in Spanish-speaking countries. It refers to the record of past crimes an individual has committed, which legal entities and law enforcement agencies keep track of. It's important to note that 'tener' means 'to have', the word 'antecedentes' denotes 'record' and 'penales' refers to 'criminal'. The parentheses around 'penales' suggest that it can be optional, because 'antecedentes' in this context already implies a record of legal or criminal nature.
tener antecedentes policiales
to have a police record
The Spanish phrase 'tener antecedentes policiales' translates as 'to have a police record' in English. It refers to the documentation kept by law enforcement agencies which lists a person's history of criminal violations, if any. Having a police record can have several implications regarding employment, licensity, and rights in many societies.
tener aptitud para la música
have aptitude for music
The Spanish phrase 'tener aptitud para la música' translates to 'have aptitude for music' in English. This phrase could be used to describe someone who has a natural ability or skill in music, whether it pertains to playing an instrument, singing, composing, or even understanding music theory. It does not necessarily indicate professional training or expertise, but rather a natural inclination or talent in this field.
Example sentences with tener aptitud para la música →tener aptitud para la pintura
have aptitude for painting
The Spanish phrase 'tener aptitud para la pintura' translates to 'have aptitude for painting' in English. This phrase can be used to describe someone who has a natural skill or ability in the art of painting. This does not necessarily mean they are professional or extensively trained in the art form, it simply means they have a natural talent or skill for it.
Example sentences with tener aptitud para la pintura →tener arte
to have artistry
'Tener arte' is a Spanish phrase that directly translates to 'to have art' in English. However, it has a deeper meaning that might not be immediately evident in its direct translation. In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'tener arte' is commonly used to describe a person who possesses a natural skill or talent in a particular area, not necessarily linked to the arts. It is the equivalent of saying a person 'has artistry' in English, implying that this person has a certain beautiful, creative, or skilled way of doing things.
Example sentences with tener arte →tener aspiraciones
aspirations
The Spanish phrase 'tener aspiraciones' translates to 'have aspirations' in English. It denotes an individual's strong desire to achieve something high or great, or to have a particular goal or aim. This phrase can refer to both personal and professional goals, implying a drive to pursue, reach or realize them. Besides, the context of usage may vary, applying to life aspirations like 'tener grandes aspiraciones' which means 'to have high aspirations', or in a job context like 'tener aspiraciones de liderazgo' translating to 'have leadership aspirations'.
tener buen aspecto
look good.
'Tener buen aspecto' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'look good' in English. This phrase is often used to comment on the physical appearance of people, objects, or situations. For example, one might use 'tener buen aspecto' to compliment someone's outfit, or to describe a piece of fruit that looks fresh and ripe. It's crucial to note that this phrase is not interchangeable with 'ser guapo/guapa' (to be handsome/beautiful), which refers specifically to an individual's physical attractiveness. 'Tener buen aspecto' has more flexibility and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
tener buena acústica
having good acoustics
The Spanish phrase 'tener buena acústica' translates to 'having good acoustics' in English. The phrase is usually used to describe spaces that allow sound to be heard clearly and distinctly. It might be used to refer to venues such as theaters or concert halls. However, it can also apply to other spaces, such as a room or building, that is designed to control the reflection and absorption of sound effectively.
Example sentences with tener buena acústica →tener buena cara
Have a good face
The Spanish phrase 'tener buena cara' does not translate directly to 'have a good face' in English. It is an idiom that is more accurately translated to 'to look good', or 'to look well'. This phrase is used to describe someone who appears healthy or attractive, or someone who looks like they are in a good mood or feeling well. It does not necessarily refer to the attractiveness of someone's face.
tener buenos acabados
have good finishes
The Spanish phrase 'tener buenos acabados' translates to 'have good finishes' in English. It is often used when talking about the quality or finish of a product or any physical item. It suggests that the product has been finished well, with fine workmanship or use of high quality materials. However, it's important to note that context may slightly affect the sense in which it's used, like many phrases in conversational Spanish.
tener carácter
of character
'Tener carácter' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'of character' in English. It is often used to describe someone's personality or temperament. For example, saying someone 'tiene carácter' suggests that the person has a strong, distinct personality. Although traditionally it is used towards someone with a strong or aggressive character, it can be used in many different contexts, thus its meaning can vary depending on the situation.
tener cariño
having love
'Tener cariño' is a beautiful Spanish phrase that is translated as 'having love' in English. It implies deep affection or love towards someone. This phrase is often used among close family members, romantic partners, and friends to express strong emotional bond and warmth. In daily conversations, it’s used to demonstrate the context of giving or receiving love, care, or affection.
Example sentences with tener cariño →tener cobertura de asistencia en viaje
have travel assistance coverage
The Spanish phrase 'tener cobertura de asistencia en viaje' translates to 'have travel assistance coverage' in English. This phrase is often used in the insurance industry, specifically in travel insurance policies. In this context, to 'have travel assistance coverage' refers to an individual having a specific type of insurance that can assist them with emergencies or issues they may encounter while traveling. These assistance can be in forms of medical emergencies, trip cancellations or lost luggage.
Example sentences with tener cobertura de asistencia en viaje →tener cobertura de incendio
have fire cover
The Spanish phrase 'tener cobertura de incendio' translates to 'have fire cover' in English. It's often used in the context of insurance policies, indicating that the holder's property is insured or covered in the event of a fire. It's an assurance that financial reimbursement will be provided if damage or loss due to fire occurs. The term is essential in understanding insurance related conversations in Spanish speaking regions.
Example sentences with tener cobertura de incendio →tener cobertura de robo
coverage of theft
The term 'tener cobertura de robo' in Spanish translates to 'coverage of theft' in English. It typically refers to an insurance policy feature that provides compensation in case of theft. Coverage can encompass various events such as burglary, robbery, or any form of theft. It is an important aspect considering the potential financial impact. Insurance coverage for theft is often found in homeowners and auto insurance policies. This coverage can help to replace stolen personal property or repair damage caused by a theft incident.
Example sentences with tener cobertura de robo →tener confianza
to have confidence
The Spanish phrase 'tener confianza' translates to 'to have confidence' in English. It's not merely about having confidence within oneself, but it can also signify trusting or having faith in someone else. For instance, you might 'tener confianza' in a relative or friend, which means that you believe in their abilities and trust them. Therefore, it's essential to understand the context to get the precise meaning of the saying 'tener confianza' as it can vary based on the situation.
Example sentences with tener confianza →tener debilidad
have weakness
The Spanish phrase 'tener debilidad' translates to 'have weakness' in English. It's used to denote that someone has a weak spot, frailty, or a particular affection for something or someone. It can be used in a variety of contexts such as physical weakness (like a health issue), emotional weakness (like a deep and specific liking or love for someone), or even a preference for certain food, just as the English phrase 'have a weakness for'.
tener derecho a devolución
the right to return
The Spanish phrase 'tener derecho a devolución' translates to 'the right to return' in English. This phrase is usually used in a business or retail context to refer to the consumer's right to return goods or merchandise for a refund within a certain timeframe after the purchase. It's important in understanding policies and knowing consumer rights in Spanish-speaking countries.
Example sentences with tener derecho a devolución →tener doble personalidad
having double personality
The Spanish phrase 'tener doble personalidad' translates to 'having a double personality' in English. This phrase is often used to describe a behavioral condition where a person exhibits two distinct identities or personalities, each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the environment. It could also be used metaphorically in less clinical situations to describe someone who behaves very differently in separate settings or roles.
tener el corazón de piedra
have the heart of stone
The Spanish phrase 'tener el corazón de piedra' translates to 'have the heart of stone' in English. This is a metaphorical phrase often used to describe someone who is emotionally cold or unfeeling. This person may be perceived as lacking empathy, compassion, or emotional responsiveness, much like a stone, which is inanimate and unresponsive. This expression can be used in various contexts, often to characterize individuals who are indifferent to the feelings or needs of others.
tener el estómago revuelto
to have scrambled stomach
The Spanish phrase 'tener el estómago revuelto' translates to 'to have a scrambled stomach' in English. It is a common idiom used in Spanish language to describe the condition of feeling nauseous or having an upset stomach. It could be due to eating something that didn't agree with one, or being in a stressful or nervous situation. It is not meant to be taken in a literal sense, instead it's used metaphorically to reflect discomfort or disturbance in the stomach.
Example sentences with tener el estómago revuelto →tener envidia
envy
The Spanish phrase 'tener envidia' translates to 'envy' in English. It is used to express the feeling of wanting what someone else has, from their possessions to their qualities or achievements. This term conveys a common, although often negative, human emotion, integral to many interactions and narratives. It is an essential part of conversational Spanish, just as its English equivalent is in the English language.
tener escrúpulos
have scruples
The Spanish phrase 'tener escrúpulos' translates to 'have scruples' in English. In a linguistic context, scruples refer to a feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action. Hence, if someone 'tiene escrúpulos', it suggests that they have moral or ethical reservations about something. This phrase is typically used in situations where decisions are being made and a person's ethical or moral stance influences their choice or behavior.
tener estilo
have style
The Spanish phrase 'tener estilo' directly translates to 'have style' in English. It is used to describe someone who has a distinctive and attractive way of dressing or conducting themselves. This phrase embodies more than just a physical appearance; having 'estilo' can also refer to the way a person approaches situations or carries themselves in various contexts. The individual displaying 'estilo' usually shows elegance, confidence and a unique personal flair.
Example sentences with tener estilo →tener ética
ethics
'Tener ética' is a phrase in Spanish which translates to 'to have ethics' in English. It is often used to refer to the moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity. This can apply to various fields like business, healthcare, politics, and everyday life. When someone is said to 'tener ética', it means that they always try to do what is right - according to their moral code or the principles of their profession.
tener ganas de comer
feel like eating
The Spanish phrase 'tener ganas de comer' translates to 'feel like eating' in English. It is a common phrase used to express desire or a craving for food. 'Tener' means 'to have', 'ganas de' translates as 'desire for' or 'feel like', and 'comer' means 'to eat'. So combined, it literally means 'to have a desire to eat'. This phrase communicates more of an emotional desire or craving rather than physical hunger.