Spanish
Vocab Builder for commonly used words in Spanish.
policía municipal
Policía municipal, a phrase in Spanish, directly translates to 'municipal police' in English. In many Spanish-speaking countries, 'policía municipal' is a term used to reference local or city-level police forces. These are law enforcement agencies run by municipalities, accountable for maintaining order, enforcing local laws, and providing general public safety services within a city's boundaries. Their role and coverage may vary based on the country's law enforcement structure but generally, they're an integral part of local governance and public safety systems.
policía nacional
The term 'policía nacional' in Spanish translates directly to 'national police' in English. It refers to a governmental agency that is responsible for maintaining public order, preventing and detecting crime, and enforcing the law at a national level. The national police is usually made up of officers who have authority anywhere in their own country. In contrast to local or regional police forces, the national police has a wider jurisdiction. Their duties may include everything from crime investigation to maintaining public order, traffic control, and even implementing national security policies.
policía secreta
The term 'policía secreta' in Spanish translates to 'secret police' in English. The secret police are a law enforcement agency which operates in secrecy and beyond the law to protect the political power of an individual or regime. In some societies, secret police agencies are used to maintain the political power of the state rather than uphold law and order. Such entities typically have the power to conduct surveillance, covert operations, and other activities, often without the constraints of legal procedure.
polígono industrial
The Spanish term 'polígono industrial' translates as 'industrial polygon' in English. In a practical context, it refers to a defined area or zone that has been set aside for industrial development, often on the outskirts of a town or city. Industrial polygons are common features in many Spanish-speaking countries, providing a centralized location for various types of industries. They can range from small local business parks to large regional industrial centers, hosting companies from a wide variety of sectors like manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.
Example sentences with polígono industrial →politeísmo
The Spanish word 'politeísmo' translates to 'polytheism' in English. Polytheism is a religious belief or philosophy that recognizes more than one god. In contrast to monotheism, which asserts the existence of one god, polytheism acknowledges a pantheon of deities, each with their own domain, power, and attributes. This concept exists in various cultures and peoples around the world.
Example sentences with politeísmo →política
The word 'política' is used in Spanish in the same context as 'policy' in English. It most commonly refers to a course or principle of action proposed or adopted by an organization or individual. For example, company policy( política de la empresa), government policy (política gubernamental), or privacy policy (política de privacidad).
Example sentences with política →políticas de prevención y ayuda
The Spanish phrase 'políticas de prevención y ayuda' translates to 'prevention and aid policies' in English. These include strategies or measures established by organizations, governments, or institutions to prevent certain situations or issues from happening or escalating. Meanwhile, aid policies are set to provide necessary assistance or support. This may apply in various contexts such as health, environmental, social, or economic matters.
político
The Spanish word for political is 'político'. This adjective can be used in various contexts related with the art or science of government or governing, especially of a political entity like a country, and the administration and control of its internal and external affairs.
Example sentences with político →pollo
The word 'pollo' translates to 'chicken' in English. Given chicken is a common food item in most meals across Spanish-speaking countries, this word is valuable for beginners learning Spanish.
Example sentences with pollo →pollo de corral
The Spanish term 'pollo de corral' translates into English as 'free range chicken'. This refers to chickens that are allowed to roam freely outdoors, instead of being confined in an enclosure for 24 hours each day. These chickens are typically raised for their meat and eggs, and are considered to be more ethical and sustainable than intensively farmed chickens.
Example sentences with pollo de corral →pomada
The Spanish word 'pomada' translates to 'ointment' in English. In medicine, an ointment is a viscous semisolid preparation that is applied externally to the body. It is used as a treatment or protection of some skin conditions such as minor wounds, burns, rashes, or skin irritation. Just like in English, 'pomada' in Spanish can refer to this pharmaceutical product, illustrating the similarities in use and meaning across both languages.
Example sentences with pomada →ponencia
The Spanish word 'ponencia' translates to the English word 'presentation'. It is commonly used in professional settings, such as a business or academic environment, to refer to a speech or talk in which a new idea, product, or piece of work is shown and explained to an audience. This could be a speech delivered at a conference, a lecture, or a business proposal. The literal meaning also extends to the slides or visual aids used in such a presentation. Thus, 'ponencia' can refer to both the event of presenting and the material presented.
poner dinero de la cuenta
The Spanish phrase 'poner dinero de la cuenta' translates to 'put money on the account' in English. This phrase can be used in a variety of settings, most commonly in financial instances or banking situations. For example, you may use this phrase when talking about depositing money into a bank account. Understanding phrases like this can be crucial for navigating simple day-to-day tasks in Spanish-speaking environments.
poner el intermitente
'Poner el intermitente' is a Spanish phrase commonly used in the context of driving. It translates to 'put the intermittent' in English, which might not make immediate sense in a direct translation. However, in a practical scenario it essentially means 'turn on the indicator' or 'activate the blinker'. This is typically referred to when a driver is advised or instructed to signal their intent to turn or change lanes on the road.
Example sentences with poner el intermitente →poner el lavavajillas
The Spanish phrase 'poner el lavavajillas' translates to 'put the dishwasher' in English. However, it's typically used in context to mean 'to load the dishwasher'. For instance, someone might tell their child to 'poner el lavavajillas' after dinner, which implies they should clear the table and put the dirty dishes into the dishwasher.
poner en escena una obra teatral
The Spanish phrase 'poner en escena una obra teatral' translates to 'stage a play' in English. In theater, staging a play refers to the process of selecting, designing, adapting to, or modifying the performance space for a play or film. This can involve a variety of tasks including the design and arrangement of sets, lighting, sound effects, costumes, and choreography. In Spanish, 'poner en escena' literally translates to 'put on scene', and 'una obra teatral' means 'a theatrical work' or 'a play'. Therefore 'poner en escena una obra teatral' can be understood as 'putting a play on stage' or 'staging a play'.
Example sentences with poner en escena una obra teatral →poner la carne de gallina
The Spanish phrase 'poner la carne de gallina' translates to 'to get goosebumps' in English. This is a figurative phrase that describes the physical reaction of the skin when a person is cold, scared, or excited. In these situations, small bumps appear on the skin, similar to the skin of a plucked goose. Hence, in English it's known as getting 'goosebumps', whereas in Spanish it is 'poner la carne de gallina', which literally means 'to make the skin like chicken's'.
poner la mesa
The Spanish phrase 'poner la mesa' translates into English as 'set the table'. It is a Spanish idiom used to refer to the process of arranging the table before meal times, for instance, placing the cutleries, plates, and glasses on the table. People often use this phrase in the context of preparing for meals at home, in restaurants, or any dining situation. It is an essential phrase to learn as it forms a big part of the daily household chores in Spanish speaking cultures.
poner la piel de gallina
Poner la piel de gallina is a Spanish term that is directly translated as 'to put the skin of the chicken'. However, in English meaning, it refers to 'having goosebumps'. This phrase is usually used when referring to experiencing a strong emotion such as fear, awe, surprise, nostalgia, or excitement that causes the hairs on your skin to stand up, which is visually similar to the skin of a plucked goose or chicken.
poner los pelos de punta
The Spanish phrase 'poner los pelos de punta' is equivalent to the English idiom 'make your hair stand on end'. This is an expression used to convey a strong emotional response, such as fear, surprise, or excitement, that is so intense it could hypothetically cause the physical reaction of one's hair standing upright, as when experiencing static electricity. This idiom is regularly employed in both casual and formal conversations and is typically used in response to thrilling or chilling narratives and situations.
poner los platos
The Spanish phrase 'poner los platos' translates to 'put the dishes' in English. It's typically used in the context of setting the table for a meal. Similar to English, the phrase can vary slightly based on the context. For example, 'poner los platos en la mesa' means 'put the dishes on the table' in English, often referencing the action of preparing the table for eating.
poner moqueta
The Spanish phrase 'poner moqueta' translates to 'put on carpet' in English. It is a phrase often used in the context of interior design and home renovation where 'poner' means 'to put on' and 'moqueta' refers to 'carpet'. This consists of laying a carpet on a floor or surface to improve its aesthetic appeal or for comfort and warmth. It's particularly common in colder climates or posh interior designs where a carpeted floor can provide a cozy and luxurious feel.
poner notas
The Spanish phrase 'poner notas' translates in English to 'put notes'. it is commonly used when there is a need to put or place notes, remarks, or annotations in a document, book or anywhere it is necessary.
poner rumbo a
The Spanish term 'poner rumbo a' translates as 'to set course' in English. In other words, it means to make a decision about the path, direction or course which one wants to take. This can be used in a literal sense, such as setting course for a physical location during a journey or navigation, but can also be used metaphorically, to express the idea of making important decisions and moving towards a certain goal, plan or aspiration in any area of life.
Example sentences with poner rumbo a →poner segunda
The term 'poner segunda' translates to 'put second' in English. However, it is generally used in the context of driving and refers to shifting the car into second gear. The phrase is often seen in expressions such as 'Pon la segunda!' which means 'Put it in second!' and is used to instruct the driver to shift into second gear.
Example sentences with poner segunda →poner un electrodoméstico
The Spanish phrase 'poner un electrodoméstico' translates to 'put an appliance' in English. This phrase involves action such as placing or arranging an appliance (like a refrigerator, oven, microwave, and so on) in a certain spot or position. It is commonly used in everyday scenarios, such as moving furniture or setting up kitchen appliances in homes or workplaces.
poner un enchufe
The Spanish phrase 'poner un enchufe' translates to 'put a plug' in English. This phrase is often utilized when discussing the action of plugging an appliance or electronic device into an electrical outlet. For instance, you might use this phrase when instructing someone to 'put a plug' into an outlet in order for a particular piece of equipment to function properly. Hence, 'poner un enchufe' can be seen as an essential phrase while dealing with items that require electricity to operate.
poner un esparadrapo
The Spanish phrase 'poner un esparadrapo' translates to 'put on a band-aid' in English. It is a command or direction typically used in medical contexts or when someone has a small injury. 'Poner' means 'to put'; 'un' means 'a'; and 'esparadrapo' means 'band-aid'. Therefore, when combined, it means 'to put a band-aid'. It may be used when someone has to apply a band-aid on someone's injury.
Example sentences with poner un esparadrapo →poner un huevo
The phrase 'poner un huevo' directly translates to 'put an egg' in English. However, in colloquial Spanish, it often depicts laying an egg, typically in the context of bird reproduction. It is also used figuratively to refer to an action resulting in a difficult or uncomfortable situation.
Example sentences with poner un huevo →poner un punto de luz
The phrase 'poner un punto de luz' in Spanish translates to 'put a point of light' in English. This phrase is often used in electrical installations in Spain where a 'punto de luz' specifically refers to a place in a room where a lamp or any lighting fixture is or can be installed. It can be a ceiling point where a hanging lamp might be put or a point on the wall where a wall lamp can be installed. In a more metaphorical sense, this phrase can also be used to suggest 'bringing light' or clarity into a situation or discussion.