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 la garganta seca
have a dry throat
The Spanish phrase 'tener la garganta seca' translates to 'have a dry throat' in English. This phrase is usually used in a context where someone feels a physical sensation of dryness in the throat. This could be due to thirst, illness, or speaking for a long time. It's common to use it when expressing physical discomfort or potential symptoms of illness such as a cold or flu.
tener mala acústica
having bad acoustics
The Spanish phrase 'tener mala acústica' translates to 'having bad acoustics' in English. This can refer to an environment or space where sound does not travel well, causing poor quality of sound. It is often used in relation to music venues, theaters, or other places where sound quality is important for the performance or event. For example, in a room with bad acoustics, you may have difficulty hearing someone speaking, or music may sound distorted or unclear.
Example sentences with tener mala acústica →tener mala cara
having a bad face
'Tener mala cara' is a colloquial Spanish phrase that literally translates to 'having a bad face'. However, the phrase does not refer to someone's physical appearance in a negative sense. It is often used to denote that someone is looking unwell or ill. If a person is 'teniendo mala cara', it means that this person appears to be in a bad mood, or seems to be feeling ill or unhealthy.
tener mala pinta
It looks bad.
The Spanish phrase 'tener mala pinta' translates to 'it looks bad' in English. It is often used in Spain to express dissatisfaction or concern about the appearance or projections of something or someone. Although it does not have a favorable tone, it is commonly used in colloquial language. It does not mean 'to have bad paint', as might be deduced from a literal translation.
tener malos acabados
have bad finishes
'Tener malos acabados' is a Spanish phrase that directly translates to 'have bad finishes' in English. It's used to express the quality of something, generally referring to the condition or finishing touches of a product, object, project, or task, indicating that it is poor, bad, or not up to standard.
tener mano izquierda
Left hand
'Tener mano izquierda' does not literally translate to 'left hand' in English. It is a Spanish idiom used to describe someone's skill or tact in handling delicate or difficult situations. It could be roughly equivalent to saying someone has a 'soft touch' or a 'gentle hand' while dealing with matters that require finesse and careful handling.
Example sentences with tener mano izquierda →tener miedo
fear
The Spanish term 'tener miedo' translates directly to 'have fear' in English. It is usually used to express the state of being scared or fearful, similar to how in English one might say 'I am afraid' or 'I am scared'. The phrase 'tener miedo' embodies not just the emotion, but also the experience of fear.
tener moral
having morality
'Tener moral' in Spanish translates to 'having morality' in English. It pertains to the principles, standards, or quality of being morally upright or virtuous. These are values or virtues that one possesses to differentiate between right and wrong, forming the basis of right conduct. This phrase is often used in the context of behaving or conducting oneself in a manner that is ethically acceptable or commendable.
tener personalidad
having personality
The Spanish phrase 'tener personalidad' translates to 'having personality' in English. It generally refers to an individual exhibiting distinctive characteristics, traits or behaviors, that define their individuality or uniqueness. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, indicating a strong, weak or specific type of personality. It is frequently employed in conversational and written Spanish.
tener preferencia
have preference
The term 'tener preferencia' in Spanish translates to 'have preference' in English. It refers to the act of favoring or showing a stronger liking for one thing over another. It could be used in various contexts such as personal choices, tastes, or decisions. One might use this term when they wish to express that they favor one option more than the other(s), thus asserting their preference.
Example sentences with tener preferencia →tener sangre fría
have cold blood.
'Tener sangre fría' in Spanish is what we call 'having cold blood' in English, which does not mean literally having one's blood temperature lowered. It is a slang for being calm and composed, especially in stressful or demanding situations. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is able to keep a 'cool head' or control their feelings and emotions under pressure.
tener talento artístico
having artistic talent
The Spanish phrase 'tener talento artístico' translates to 'having artistic talent' in English. This involves being gifted in areas such as drawing, painting, dancing, writing, or anything that pertains to the arts. This phrase is often used to express the natural inclination or skill that a person has towards portraying creativity in an artistic form.
Example sentences with tener talento artístico →tener talento interpretativo
to have interpretative talent
The phrase 'tener talento interpretativo' in Spanish translates to 'to have interpretative talent' in English. It refers to the ability of an individual to express or perform something, significantly a piece of art, music, drama or any other creative endeavor, in such a way that clearly conveys its intended meaning or emotion. This might include the capacity to emulate a role in a play, the skills to depict a character in a novel, or the ability to perform a piece of music in a manner that communicates the emotions the composure intended.
Example sentences with tener talento interpretativo →tener talento musical
having musical talent
The Spanish phrase 'tener talento musical' translates to 'having musical talent' in English. This typically refers to an individual's innate or developed ability to perform or create music. It includes various skills like singing, playing musical instruments, writing song lyrics, or composing music. A person with such talent often has a good ear for rhythm and melody and can express themselves through musical forms.
Example sentences with tener talento musical →tener temperamento
Have temperament
The Spanish phrase 'tener temperamento' translates to 'have temperament' in English. It is typically used to describe a person's baseline mood disposition or personality. This phrase could be used to indicate whether a person is generally calm, easily angered, cheerful, etc. The temperament a person 'has' could refer to numerous aspects of their psychological makeup.
tener un agujero en el estómago
have a hole in the stomach
The Spanish phrase 'tener un agujero en el estómago' directly translates to English as 'have a hole in the stomach'. However, it is important to note that idiomatic phrases do not always translate directly in this way. In English usage, this phrase is often used metaphorically to express a feeling of extreme hunger or to describe a strong desire or need for something.
tener un cargo directivo
have a managerial position
In Spanish, 'tener un cargo directivo' translates to 'have a managerial position' in English. The phrase becomes more understandable when broken down to individual words. 'Tener' means 'to have', 'un' means 'a', 'cargo' means 'charge, responsibility, or position', and 'directivo' means 'directive or managerial'. So when the words are put together, it conveys the idea of possessing a managerial position or being in charge of something.
tener un comportamiento brusco
having a rough behavior
The Spanish phrase 'tener un comportamiento brusco' translates to 'having a rough behavior' in English. It's often used to describe someone who is acting harshly or without care, demonstrating a lack of gentleness or consideration in their actions or attitudes.
Example sentences with tener un comportamiento brusco →tener un comportamiento ejemplar
having exemplary behavior
The Spanish phrase 'tener un comportamiento ejemplar' translates to 'having exemplary behavior' in English. It comprises the verb 'tener' which means 'to have', 'un comportamiento' meaning 'a behavior', and 'ejemplar' translating to 'exemplary'. Therefore, it refers to conducting oneself in a way that serves as a model or example to others due to its highly commendable or praiseworthy nature.
Example sentences with tener un comportamiento ejemplar →tener un comportamiento exquisito
having exquisite behavior
The Spanish phrase 'tener un comportamiento exquisito' translates to 'having exquisite behavior' in English. This phrase is often used to describe an individual who is well-behaved, courteous and polished in their manners. It could refer to both one's professional demeanor as well as personal traits in everyday social interactions. The literal component translations of the phrase are 'tener' (to have), 'un comportamiento' (a behavior), and 'exquisito' (exquisite).
Example sentences with tener un comportamiento exquisito →tener un comportamiento impropio
having improper behavior
The Spanish phrase 'tener un comportamiento impropio' translates to 'having improper behavior' in English. It is typically used to describe someone's conduct or actions that are deemed unreasonable or inappropriate. This phrase is composed of three parts: 'tener' which means 'to have', 'un comportamiento' which means 'a behavior', and 'impropio' which means 'improper' or 'unsuitable'. Together, they form a complete sentence that can be used in various contexts where a negative form of behavior is being pointed out.
Example sentences with tener un comportamiento impropio →tener un comportamiento intachable
to have intachable behavior
The Spanish phrase 'tener un comportamiento intachable' translates to 'to have impeccable behavior' in English. It characterizes someone who consistently demonstrates faultless and morally upright behavior. This phrase is often used in formal contexts or in the assessment of someone's character, way of acting and reputation. Being spotless or flawless in one's behavior plays an important role in a multitude of situations, whether it is in work, school, or social settings.
Example sentences with tener un comportamiento intachable →tener un comportamiento modélico
to have model behavior
The Spanish phrase 'tener un comportamiento modélico' translates to 'to have model behavior' in English. This refers to someone showing exceptionally good and ideal behavior in different situations. This phrase often points to an individual's conduct that can serve as an example for others to follow. The connotations of this phrase are generally positive as it indicates a level of responsibility and adherence to social norms and standards that goes above and beyond the ordinary.
Example sentences with tener un comportamiento modélico →tener un don para la música
have a gift for music
'Tener un don para la música' is a Spanish phrase which translates to 'have a gift for music' in English. It signifies a natural born talent or special aptitude for understanding, playing, or composing music. Furthermore, it implies more than just technical skills. It suggests an intrinsic passion, a deep connection, or even a preternatural ability for the musical art form. It can be used to describe self-taught musicians who have never had formal training but yet demonstrate outstanding musical prowess, or formally trained musicians who excel beyond their peers.
Example sentences with tener un don para la música →tener un don para la pintura
have a gift for painting
The Spanish phrase 'tener un don para la pintura' translates to 'have a gift for painting' in English. It is used to describe a natural talent or aptitude that a person may possess towards painting. This could refer to physical painting such as artwork, or metaphorically to having a skill in a specific area.
Example sentences with tener un don para la pintura →tener un idilio
to have an affair
The Spanish phrase 'tener un idilio' translates to English as 'to have an affair'. This is usually used to indicate an intimate or romantic relationship that is happening unexpectedly or secretively, often alongside another existing relationship.
tener un sentimiento amargo
having a bitter feeling
The Spanish phrase 'tener un sentimiento amargo' translates to 'having a bitter feeling' in English. This phrase could be used in a variety of contexts; it might refer to the sour emotion one feels after a disappointing event, for example, or an unpleasant taste in one's mouth metaphorically due to a negative experience. It perfectly encapsulates the general taste of disappointment, resentment, or regret.
tener un sentimiento íntimo
having an intimate feeling
The Spanish phrase 'tener un sentimiento íntimo' translates to 'having an intimate feeling' in English. It is often used to express deep personal emotions or feelings toward someone or something. This phrase is typically used in a romantic, personal or deep conversational context. Like many Spanish phrases, this can carry more emotion and depth compared to its direct English translation and is indicative of the richness of Spanish language emotion terminology.
tener un sentimiento profundo
having a deep feeling
The Spanish phrase 'tener un sentimiento profundo' translates to 'having a deep feeling' in English. This phrase is typically used to describe deep emotional experiences or profound feelings of love, empathy, sadness, joy, etc. The verb 'tener' means 'to have', 'un' is an indefinite article that means 'a', 'sentimiento' means 'feeling', and 'profundo' translates to 'deep'. Therefore, the phrase as a whole represents a strong emotional state or sensation.
tener un sentimiento puro
having a pure feeling
The phrase 'tener un sentimiento puro' in Spanish translates to 'having a pure feeling' in English. This phrase is typically used to express a feeling or emotion that is sincere and not influenced by other things. It's often associated with feelings of love or happiness, but it can refer to any emotion. It's important to remember that 'tener' is the verb 'to have' in English, 'un' is the article 'a' in English, 'sentimiento' is the noun 'feeling', and 'puro' is the adjective 'pure'. This phrase is an example of how adjectives in Spanish often appear after the noun they describe, which is different from the typical word order in English.