Spanish
Vocab Builder for commonly used words in Spanish.
estar castigado
'Estar castigado' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'be punished' in English. It is usually used to describe a punitive situation, often in the context of discipline or consequences for actions. For instance, a child may 'estar castigado' for not doing their homework, meaning they would be in a state of being punished.
estar como loco
'Estar como loco' is a Spanish phrase that is translated into English as 'being crazy'. This term is often used to describe someone who is acting in a nonsensical, irrational, or unpredictable manner. It can be used both in a literal sense, in reference to actual mental instability, or in a metaphorical sense, to describe someone who is wildly excited or energetic, or who behaves in a way that is considered outside the norms of regular, sensible behavior.
estar como un fideo
The Spanish phrase 'estar como un fideo' is an idiomatic expression that translates literally to 'being like a noodle' in English. It's used to describe someone who is very thin, just like a noodle. The phrase could be derogatory or affectionate depending on the context, implying that the person needs to eat more or is slender and fit. Like most idiomatic expressions, it is quite common in informal and colloquial settings.
estar como un flan
The Spanish phrase 'estar como un flan' is an idiomatic expression that can be translated to 'being like a flan' in English. It is used to describe someone being nervous or jittery, drawing a comparison to the wiggly and shaky nature of a flan dessert which is soft and jiggly.
estar como un tonel
The Spanish phrase 'estar como un tonel' directly translates to 'being like a barrel' in English. However, it is an idiomatic expression frequently used in conversational Spanish. It is not meant to be taken literally. Instead, it refers to someone who is excessively overweight or rotund. This phrase is used to lightly and humorously convey this meaning without directly calling someone fat.
estar como una cabra
The Spanish phrase 'estar como una cabra' does not literally mean 'being like a goat' in English. While directly translated, it indeed conveys this message, in common usage it expresses a completely different sentiment. It is a colloquial idiom used in Spain, which means to act in a manner that's considered crazy, eccentric or bizarre. It is typically used to refer to someone's unconventional behavior or peculiar personality, highlighting misconceptions and unexpected singularities in their acts or thoughts.
estar como una vaca
The phrase 'estar como una vaca' in Spanish is an idiomatic expression, generally used in informal settings. Although the literal translation is 'being like a cow', this phrase actually has a metaphorical meaning rather than a direct comparison to a cow. When someone uses this phrase, they don't mean that a person is behaving like a cow. Instead, they are using a cultural reference to imply that the person is overweight or has put on weight. Using animal comparisons in idioms is common in many languages, as it provides a visual and widely understood point of reference.
estar completo
The Spanish term 'estar completo' translates to 'to be complete' in English. In Spanish, verbs often express a state or change of state. 'Estar' is a verb that generally indicates a temporary state or location. 'Completo' means complete, full, or whole. Thus, 'estar completo' means to be in the state of being whole or complete. This phrase could refer to a variety of situations, from a completed task, a full complement of items, to a feeling of personal fulfillment.
Example sentences with estar completo →estar comunicando
The phrase 'estar comunicando' in Spanish translates to 'communicating' in English. In Spanish, the verb 'estar' is used in conjunction with the present participle of another verb to create the progressive aspect. 'Estar' translates to 'to be' and 'comunicando' translates to 'communicating'. So, 'estar comunicando' represents an ongoing action, much like how 'communicating' is used in English. This phrase portrays a clear transfer or sharing of information from one person to another, or from one source to another, in an ongoing sense, which is suitable in various contexts depending on the situation or the subject in conversation.
estar congelado
The Spanish phrase 'estar congelado' can be translated into English as 'to be frozen'. It is often used to describe conditions related to temperature, such as frozen food or freezing weather. Additionally, it can also be used metaphorically to illustrate situations where someone or something appears to be immobilized, stuck in place or unable to move.
estar contento
The Spanish phrase 'estar contento' translates to 'be happy' in English. It is used to express a state of happiness, satisfaction, or joy. This phrase is a state of being that can change, depending on the subject's emotions or circumstances. It is important to note that 'estar contento' is used for temporary or changeable states, in contrast to 'ser feliz', which is used for more permanent states of happiness.
estar convaleciente
The Spanish phrase 'estar convaleciente' does not translate to 'being aware' in English. Instead, it translates to 'being convalescent.' This means a person is recovering from an illness or medical treatment. It's often used when someone has spent time in the hospital and is now slowly getting better. This phrase depicts a state or period of recovery, usually signifying a gradual return to health.
Example sentences with estar convaleciente →estar de alquiler
The Spanish phrase 'estar de alquiler' translates to 'being rented' in English. In Spanish, 'estar' is a verb that is often used to indicate states or conditions, 'de' translates to 'of' or 'from' and 'alquiler' means 'rent'. This phrase is usually used to denote objects, places, or properties that are currently for lease or rent.
estar de baja por paternidad
The Spanish phrase 'estar de baja por paternidad' translates to 'being on paternity leave' in English. This phrase is used when a father takes time off from his job, sanctioned by the company or institution he works for, to take care of his new-born child or children. In many countries, this is a legal right and may be fully or partially paid. The duration of the leave can vary significantly from country to country, and even from state to state within a country.
estar de canguro
The Spanish phrase 'estar de canguro' translates to 'babysitting' in English. It is a colloquial expression often used in Spain, and its literal translation is 'to be as a kangaroo'. This is in relation to how kangaroos carry their young in their pouch, analogous to taking care of children. It is used when someone is temporarily taking care of someone else's child or children.
estar de fiesta
The Spanish phrase 'estar de fiesta' translates into English as 'partying'. The verb 'estar' typically refers to temporary states or conditions, like being in a certain mood or being at a certain place. The preposition 'de' usually implies possession, purpose, or cause, but in this context it implies the activity one is engaged in. Finally, 'fiesta' simply means party. So all together, 'estar de fiesta' connotes the state or condition of being engaged in a party, or in English vernacular, 'partying'.
estar de gira
The Spanish phrase 'estar de gira' translates to 'to be on tour' in English. It is often used to describe the action of travelling from place to place, usually for performances, similar to a musician, theatre troupe or sports team. This is not a permanent status but a temporary condition, noted by the use of 'estar' instead of 'ser'. Like any other Spanish expressions, the context is vital in order understand and use it correctly.
Example sentences with estar de gira →estar de guardia
The Spanish phrase 'estar de guardia' is translated in English as 'to be on guard'. This is generally used to refer to someone who is staying alert and vigilant, typically in a protective role or for a duty. It could be a police officer on duty or a soldier on watch, but it can also be used in more everyday contexts like a night watchman at a building or even metaphorically to denote remaining vigilant in uncertain situations.
Example sentences with estar de guardia →estar de juerga
'Estar de juerga' is a Spanish phrase, but its translation is not 'to be in a play'. Rather, it is commonly used in informal contexts and it stands for 'to be partying' or 'to be on a spree'. It is used when someone is out having a good time, usually involving music, dance, and drinks.
estar de luna de miel
The Spanish phrase 'estar de luna de miel' translates to 'be on honeymoon' in English. This is a phrase used to describe the vacation that couples take right after their wedding to celebrate their new marriage, traditionally filled with romance and happiness. It's a time to enjoy one another's company and start their life together as a married couple in a relaxed and intimate environment.
estar de oferta
The Spanish term 'estar de oferta' translates to 'be on offer' in English. This phrase is usually used in sales and marketing context to indicate that a product or service is available at a discounted or special offer price. It's a common term that you may come across while shopping or browsing deals in Spanish speaking regions.
estar de paso
The phrase 'estar de paso' in Spanish does not translate directly to 'being step by step' in English. Instead, it is commonly used to express the idea of 'just passing through' or 'to be just passing by'. It indicates the action of being in a place temporarily, with the intention of leaving soon to continue to another destination.
Example sentences with estar de paso →estar de pena
The Spanish phrase 'estar de pena' translates as 'to be sorry' in English. It is generally used to convey the speaker's regret or sorrow over a particular incident or situation. However, it's worth noting that the phrase doesn't exactly match up with the English concept of 'being sorry'. In some contexts, it can also imply feeling embarrassed or disgraceful depending on the context.
estar de pie
The Spanish translation of 'stand' is 'estar de pie'. It implies the action of standing up or being in a standing position. This Spanish word is often used in sentences to refer to the ongoing state of being upright. For instance, 'Estoy de pie' translates to 'I am standing'. This phrase can differ in various contexts as Spanish verbs change according to the tense and subject.
Example sentences with estar de pie →estar de promoción
'Estar de promoción' in Spanish is often used to indicate a state of promotion or a special offer within a business context. This phrase is not directly linked to the concept of being promoted in a job, which, in English, usually refers to advancement in rank or position. Instead, it often refers to a product or service being marketed or sold at a reduced price for a limited period. This temporary condition is done to boost sales, draw in new customers or perhaps introduce a new product line or service.
estar de suerte
The Spanish phrase 'estar de suerte' translates to 'to be lucky' in English. It is often used to express when someone is experiencing extremely good fortune or has a positive outcome in a situation based on chance, equivalent to when we say in English that a person 'is in luck'. Just like its English counterpart, 'estar de suerte' is used in many contexts both informally and formally.
Example sentences with estar de suerte →estar de vacaciones
The Spanish phrase 'estar de vacaciones' directly translates to the English phrase 'be on vacation'. Its core function is to describe a state or condition someone is in, primarily about being on a break adorned by traveling or leisure activities outside of usual work or school commitments. Often, 'estás de vacaciones' is used when asking someone if they're on vacation.
estar decaído
The Spanish phrase 'estar decaído' translates to 'being down' or 'feeling down' in English. It is used to express a state of feeling low or being mentally or emotionally depressed. The phrase is often used in the context of conversation to convey one's emotional dynamics. Note that it does not mean 'being decayed', which would correspond to a different Spanish verb 'estar en descomposición'. Understanding these nuances is crucial in learning Spanish language.
Example sentences with estar decaído →estar delicado
The Spanish phrase 'estar delicado' translates directly to 'to be delicate' in English. This phrase can be used to describe a person, object, or situation that is delicate, sensitive, or requires careful handling.
Example sentences with estar delicado →estar deprimido
The Spanish phrase 'estar deprimido' translates to 'being depressed' in English. This is a state of feeling sad, lost, or empty over a prolonged period. It can refer to a clinical condition that requires treatment, or it can refer to temporary feelings of sadness or emotional exhaustion. As with many emotional concepts, the exact meaning can vary somewhat depending on context.