Social Relations
A collection of Spanish terms based on social relations including friendships and family ties.
(hermanos) gemelos
(brothers) twins
(Hermanos) gemelos in Spanish translates to (brothers) twins in English. This is often used to refer to a pair of brothers who are twins, meaning they were born at the same time from the same pregnancy. The word 'hermanos' specifically refers to 'brothers', and 'gemelos' to 'twins'. In a broader context outside of family, 'gemelos' can also be used to describe two things that are identical or very similar in appearance.
abrazar
embrace
The Spanish word 'abrazar' translates to 'embrace' in English. It is a verb which describes the action of holding someone closely in one's arms, especially as a way of expressing affection. It also signifies the act of accepting or supporting a belief, a cause or a change willingly and enthusiastically. The word 'abrazar' can be used in various scenarios depending on the context. For instance, 'Ella quiere abrazar a su amiga', translates to 'She wants to embrace her friend'.
abuelo
grandpa
The Spanish word 'abuelo' is translated to English as 'grandpa'. The term 'abuelo' is a familiar and affectionate way to refer to a male grandparent in Spanish-speaking cultures, encompassing both paternal and maternal grandfathers. The term is widely used in all Spanish-speaking countries and regions, making it a common term in the Spanish language. An 'abuelo' is an older male family member, specifically the father of one's own parents, who traditionally plays a role of works as a source of wisdom and guidance in the family.
acabar con una relación
ending a relationship
The Spanish phrase 'acabar con una relación' translates to 'ending a relationship' in English. This phrase is often used in social contexts and can apply to various types of relationships such as romantic, familial, or professional relationships. The verb 'acabar' generally signifies an ending or conclusion of some sort. In this context, combined with 'con una relación', it refers specifically to the termination or ending of a relationship.
acabar una relación
end a relationship
The Spanish phrase 'acabar una relación' translates to 'end a relationship' in English. This phrase is commonly used in the context of discussions about romantic, familial, or professional relationships. In Spanish, 'acabar' means 'to end' or 'to finish', 'una' means 'a', and 'relación' means 'relationship'. Together, they express the concept of ending or terminating a relationship.
admirador
fan
The Spanish word 'admirador' translates to 'fan' in English. This can refer to a person who has a strong interest or admiration for a specific person, group, or concept. It can also signal someone who is a supporter or enthusiast. Most notably, 'admirador' does not hold the connotation of a cooling or heating device as 'fan' does in English.
adoptar un niño
adopt a child
The Spanish phrase 'adoptar un niño' translates to 'adopt a child' in English. This phrase is often used to refer to the process of legally taking another's child and bringing it up as one's own. The act of adoption comes with all the legal rights and responsibilities of parenthood. This phrase could be utilized in many different contexts, such as discussing family matters, demographic policies, and social services. The verb 'adoptar' refers to the action of adopting, while 'un niño' stands for a child.
amigo de la infancia
childhood friend
The Spanish phrase 'amigo de la infancia' translates to 'childhood friend' in English. This expression is used to refer to a friend with whom one has shared childhood years. Just as we use 'childhood friend' in English to express our long term friendships from early years of life, 'amigo de la infancia' is used in the same context in Spanish.
amigo de la universidad
college friend
The Spanish phrase 'amigo de la universidad' translates to 'college friend' in English. This refers to a friend or acquaintance that one made while attending college or university. This could be someone you shared classes with, lived with, or simply hung out with during your college years. The term is not strictly for friends from your own college; it can also refer to friends you made in a college environment, even if you didn't attend the same university.
amigo de toda la vida
lifelong friend
The Spanish phrase 'amigo de toda la vida' literally translates to 'friend of all the life' in English. However, its actual meaning is closer to 'lifelong friend' or 'friend for life'. This phrase is used to describe a friend who has been there throughout your life, sharing all the ups and downs, joys, and pains with you. Their friendship is constant, unwavering, and everlastingly valued. This term reflects the deep bond and shared experiences between two individuals who have been friends for a very long time.
amigo entrañable
dear friend
The Spanish phrase 'amigo entrañable' translates to 'dear friend' in English. It refers to a very close friend who holds a special place in one's heart and life. This phrase is usually used to describe friendships that are deeply emotional, intimate, or long-standing, and it often implies a sense of fondness, affection, and loyalty.
amigo inseparable
inseparable friend
The Spanish phrase 'amigo inseparable' is translated into English as 'inseparable friend'. This phrase indicates a level of friendship where two individuals spend a great deal of time together, and are often seen together. They typically share many common interests, experiences, and they deeply understand each other. This phrase underlines the strength and depth of their relationship where separation is unthinkable or extremely challenging.
amigo íntimo
close friend
The Spanish term 'amigo íntimo' translates to 'close friend' in English. This phrase is used to denote a very special kind of friendship, one that is deeply personal, trusted, and meaningful. An 'amigo íntimo' is not just a regular friend, but someone who is known well, trusted implicitly, and cherished deeply. This term goes beyond casual friendships and represents a bond of mutual respect, shared experiences, and emotional connection.
andar con alguien
Walking with someone
The Spanish phrase 'andar con alguien' translates directly to 'walk with someone' in English. However, in a colloquial context, it can also mean 'to date someone'. It's used to refer to the action of walking or moving around in the company of another person. It can be used in the context of casual walks, travel, or various activities that involve walking or going around with another person. Additionally, when referring to romantic relationships, 'andar con alguien' implies a less formal and more casual romantic involvement compared to other terms like estar en una relación (to be in a relationship).
anfitrión
host
The Spanish word 'anfitrión' translates to 'host' in English. It is used to refer to a person who receives or entertains guests at home or other places. Similarly to English, this word can also refer to a person or organization that invites guests to a function or event and provides the facilities for it. Interestingly, 'anfitrión' can also be used in a biological context to refer to an organism that harbors a parasite.
antepasados
ancestors
The Spanish word 'antepasados' translates to 'ancestors' in English. Ancestors are people from whom other people are descended, especially those more remote than a grandparent; they are our forefathers, predecessors or foregone generations. The term highlights a sequence of family descent and bloodline. In more general sense, 'antepasados' can also refer to pervious or ancient members of a community, species or a group of any individuals.
antiguo amigo
Old friend
The Spanish term 'antiguo amigo' translates to 'old friend' in English. This phrase can refer to a friend whom one has known for a prolonged period of time. 'Antiguo' means 'old' and 'amigo' stands for 'friend'. This term indicates a deep bond and shared history between two individuals, reminiscent of many shared experiences and moments. It can often carry a nostalgic connotation, evoking feelings of fondness for times past.
árbol genealógico
genealogical tree
The Spanish phrase 'árbol genealógico' translates to 'genealogical tree' in English. In family history research, a genealogical tree or 'family tree' is a chart representing family relationships in a conventional tree structure. The more detailed version can include each person's birth date, death date, and other details. The primary use is to display the ancestor-descendant relationship, frequently to trace the lineage.
aumentar la familia
increase the family
The phrase 'aumentar la familia' in Spanish directly translates to 'increase the family' in English. However, in context, it is usually used to refer to the idea of having more children or adding more members to the family, similar to the English phrase 'expanding the family'.
besar
kiss
The Spanish word 'besar' translates to 'kiss' in English. It is primarily used as a verb in Spanish, similar to the English equivalent. It's part of the basic romantic terminology. When 'besar' is used in a sentence, it often refers to the physical act of kissing. It also implies affection and intimacy between individuals.
besarse
kissing
The Spanish word 'besarse' is a reflexive verb that translates to 'kissing' in English. It's often used in the context of two or more people exchanging affection by pressing their lips together, which is a common affectionate gesture in numerous cultures. The reflexive form raises emphasis on the reciprocality of the action, meaning both individuals involved are performing the action. Therefore, 'besarse' is not just 'to kiss', but more specifically 'to kiss each other'.
bisabuelo
grandfather
The Spanish word 'bisabuelo' translates to 'great-grandfather' in English. This term is used to refer to the grandfather of one's parent. Just like 'grandfather', this word signifies a family relationship that is two generations above yours. It is important to note though that 'bisabuelo' specifically denotes your grandparent's parent, which corresponds to the English term 'great-grandfather'.
Example sentences with bisabuelo →bisnieto
great-grandson
The Spanish word 'bisnieto' translates to 'great-grandson' in English. It is primarily used to refer to the grandson of one's son or daughter. The prefix 'bis-' indicates a two-generation gap, similar to how 'great-' functions in English genealogy terminology. This term can also be used in a compound form with additional 'bis-' prefixes to denote further generations, although such use is less common.
Example sentences with bisnieto →buen amigo
good friend
The Spanish term 'buen amigo' translates as 'good friend' in English. This phrase is used to denote a person who is a close and trusted companion or ally, through the thick and thin of life. A 'buen amigo' is generally loyal, supportive, reliable, and understanding. It is a common term used in both formal and informal conversations in the Spanish-speaking world. This term reinforces the importance of friendship in Spanish culture.
caer(se) mal
fall(s) bad
'Caer(se) mal' is a common Spanish expression but its English translation 'fall(s) bad' is not literal. This is often used to describe a feeling of dislike or displeasure towards someone. When someone 'te cae mal', it means you have a negative impression or you simply do not like that person. This phrase can also imply a sense of annoyance or discomfort with someone's presence or behavior. It's important to remember that it's not necessarily about a strong hate, it's often used for mild dislikes.
chaparrón
chaperone
The Spanish word 'chaparrón' does not mean 'chaperone' in English. 'Chaparrón' is a term used in Spanish to describe a brief, heavy shower or downpour of rain. It is often used to talk about sudden, unexpected downpours that may last a few minutes before the sky clears up again.
Example sentences with chaparrón →cita
Date
The Spanish word 'cita' translates to 'date' in English. This can refer to both the day of an event occurring on a certain day, month, and year, and an appointment or meeting with someone at a specific time and place. It can also represent a romantic meeting between two people.
colega
colleague
This is the Spanish word for 'colleague'. It usually refers to a fellow worker, but can also be used casually among friends.
Example sentences with colega →compañero
companion
This is the Spanish word for 'companion'. It refers to a person or animal with whom one spends a great deal of time or with whom one travels.
Example sentences with compañero →compañero de clase
classmate
The Spanish phrase 'compañero de clase' translates to 'classmate' in English. It is a common term used in educational and school settings. The literal translation of the individual words are 'compañero' meaning 'companion' or 'partner', and 'de clase' meaning 'of class'. Thus, 'compañero de clase' signifies a fellow student in the same class, course, or learning context.