Intermediate Spanish
Express experiences and opinions more clearly with 250 intermediate Spanish words, English meanings, and contextual examples.
At B1, you can move beyond immediate needs and explain experiences, choices, feelings, and opinions. Use the examples to observe the combinations Spanish speakers naturally build around each term.
Narrate experiences, sequence events, and explain why something happened.
event; incident
La policía investigó un suceso extraño cerca de la estación.
The police investigated a strange incident near the station.
Usage note Suceso is a formal word for an event, especially an incident reported in the news (la sección de sucesos). It is a false friend: 'success' is el éxito.
plot
La trama de la novela se complica en el último capítulo.
The plot of the novel becomes more complicated in the final chapter.
Usage note Trama is the plot of a novel, film, or series; argumento is a close synonym. Figuratively, una trama can also be a secret scheme or conspiracy.
main character; protagonist
El protagonista abandona su pueblo para buscar trabajo.
The main character leaves his town to look for work.
Usage note The ending -ista has the same form for masculine and feminine; the article shows gender.
ending; end
No voy a contarte el final de la película.
I'm not going to tell you the ending of the movie.
Usage note El final is the end or ending of a story or period, as in al final (in the end). La final, feminine, is the final match of a competition.
reason; motive
Nunca explicó el motivo de su marcha repentina.
He never explained the reason for his sudden departure.
Usage note Motivo is the reason or cause behind an action: el motivo de su visita. ¿Por qué motivo...? is a formal way to ask why, similar to razón.
reaction
Su reacción al recibir la noticia nos sorprendió.
Her reaction to receiving the news surprised us.
Usage note Use reacción ante or reacción a for what caused the response. The verb reaccionar takes the same prepositions: reaccionó bien ante la crítica.
coincidence
Fue una coincidencia que los dos llegáramos en el mismo tren.
It was a coincidence that we both arrived on the same train.
Usage note Fue una coincidencia que normally takes the subjunctive when the event is evaluated.
experience
Mi primera experiencia viviendo solo me enseñó a ser responsable.
My first experience living alone taught me to be responsible.
Usage note Experiencia is countable for a particular event and uncountable for accumulated knowledge.
to narrate; to tell
La testigo narró con calma todo lo que había visto.
The witness calmly described everything she had seen.
Usage note Narrar is more formal than contar and is typical of literature, journalism, and testimony. The narrator is el narrador; the story told is la narración.
to happen
Nadie sabe exactamente qué sucedió aquella noche en el puerto.
No one knows exactly what happened that night at the port.
Usage note Mostly used in the third person: ¿Qué sucedió? It is a more formal synonym of pasar and ocurrir; suceder a alguien means to succeed them in a post.
to find out about
Me enteré de la boda por una foto en las redes sociales.
I found out about the wedding through a photo on social media.
Usage note Enterarse always keeps the reflexive pronoun and normally takes de before the information.
to discover; to find out
Al abrir la carta, descubrió que había ganado el concurso.
When she opened the letter, she found out that she had won the contest.
Usage note The participle is irregular: descubierto, not descubrido. Descubrir que introduces a fact you find out; it also means to discover something new.
to regret; to be sorry for
Nunca me arrepentí de dejar aquel trabajo para viajar un año.
I never regretted leaving that job to travel for a year.
Usage note Always reflexive and followed by de plus a noun or infinitive. It is stem-changing (me arrepiento, se arrepintió); lamentar is used for events you did not cause.
to interrupt
Perdona que te interrumpa, pero falta un detalle importante.
Sorry to interrupt you, but an important detail is missing.
Usage note A direct object names the person or activity interrupted; que te interrumpa uses the subjunctive after perdona que.
to recognize; to admit
Reconocí a Marta por su forma de caminar.
I recognized Marta by the way she walked.
Usage note The first-person present has -zc-: reconozco; context distinguishes recognize from admit.
to disappear
El gato desapareció durante dos días y volvió hambriento.
The cat disappeared for two days and came back hungry.
Usage note Like conocer, desaparecer adds -zc- in desaparezco and throughout the present subjunctive.
unexpected
Un encuentro inesperado cambió nuestros planes para la tarde.
An unexpected encounter changed our plans for the afternoon.
Usage note Place inesperado after the noun in neutral descriptions; it agrees in gender and number.
strange; odd
Oímos un ruido extraño detrás de la puerta.
We heard a strange noise behind the door.
Usage note Extraño and raro both mean strange; raro is more colloquial. As a noun, un extraño is a stranger, and extraño is also 'I miss' from extrañar.
memory; souvenir
Tengo un recuerdo muy claro de mi primer día de colegio.
I have a very clear memory of my first day of school.
Usage note Un recuerdo is a specific memory of something lived; la memoria is the ability to remember. It also means a souvenir: un recuerdo de Cusco.
previous; earlier
En el capítulo anterior, los personajes todavía no se conocían.
In the previous chapter, the characters still did not know each other.
Usage note Anterior normally follows the noun and uses a single form for masculine and feminine.
suddenly
Íbamos por el bosque cuando, de pronto, empezó a granizar.
We were walking through the woods when it suddenly started to hail.
Usage note De pronto introduces a sudden event, like de repente. It is typical of past narration and usually comes right before a preterite verb.
meanwhile
Yo preparaba la cena; mientras tanto, Lucía ponía la mesa.
I was making dinner; meanwhile, Lucía was setting the table.
Usage note Mientras tanto links two actions happening at the same time, often in different places. Unlike the conjunction mientras, it does not introduce a clause.
finally; at last
Tras varios intentos, por fin conseguimos abrir la caja.
After several attempts, we finally managed to open the box.
Usage note Por fin expresses relief after a long wait: ¡Por fin llegaste! Al final, by contrast, simply marks the outcome, without that emotional tone.
at first; at the beginning
Al principio no confiaba en él, pero luego cambié de opinión.
At first I didn't trust him, but later I changed my mind.
Usage note Al principio contrasts an initial situation with a later change, often followed by luego or después. Al principio de plus a noun means at the beginning of.
to realize; to notice
Al llegar a casa, me di cuenta de que no tenía llaves.
When I got home, I realized I didn't have my keys.
Usage note Use darse cuenta de que before a clause. Do not translate 'realize' as realizar, which means to carry out. The pronoun changes: te diste cuenta.
Handle trips, describe routes, and explain common changes or difficulties.
customs
Al llegar al país, tuvimos que declarar el equipo en la aduana.
When we arrived in the country, we had to declare the equipment at customs.
Usage note Aduana is the place or authority that checks goods entering or leaving a country.
passport
Mi pasaporte caduca en junio, así que debo renovarlo pronto.
My passport expires in June, so I need to renew it soon.
Usage note Use renovar el pasaporte for getting a new valid passport before or after expiry.
flight
Nuestro vuelo a Lima sale de la puerta veintidós.
Our flight to Lima leaves from gate twenty-two.
Usage note Common combinations are vuelo directo, vuelo con escala, and vuelo de ida y vuelta. Vuelo is also the yo form of volar (to fly).
seat
Pedí un asiento junto a la ventana para ver la costa.
I asked for a window seat so I could see the coast.
Usage note In travel contexts, junto a la ventana and junto al pasillo specify the seat location.
brochure; leaflet
El folleto del museo incluye un plano y los precios.
The museum brochure includes a map and the prices.
Usage note A folleto is a short printed publication that provides practical or promotional information.
guided tour
La visita guiada del castillo dura aproximadamente una hora.
The guided tour of the castle lasts about an hour.
Usage note Use visita guiada de or por a place; the guide explains the site during the visit.
sign; signal
Una señal azul indicaba el camino hacia el camping.
A blue sign pointed out the way to the campground.
Usage note Señal is feminine despite ending in a consonant; context determines sign, signal, or indication.
way; path; road
El camino que bordea el lago es más largo, pero también más bonito.
The path around the lake is longer, but it is also more beautiful.
Usage note Camino is a path or the route to a place: ¿Sabes el camino? Ponerse en camino means to set off, and a mitad de camino means halfway.
to travel through; to cover
Recorrimos la isla en autobús durante cinco días.
We traveled around the island by bus for five days.
Usage note Recorrer takes the route or area directly, without a preposition: recorrer la isla.
to land
El avión aterrizó con veinte minutos de retraso.
The plane landed twenty minutes late.
Usage note Aterrizar is the opposite of despegar. The z changes to c before e (aterricé, aterrice), and the noun is el aterrizaje, as in aterrizaje forzoso.
to take off
No podremos despegar hasta que mejore el tiempo.
We won't be able to take off until the weather improves.
Usage note For aircraft, despegar is the opposite of aterrizar; the subjunctive form is despegue.
to board
Los pasajeros empezaron a embarcar por la puerta siete.
The passengers began boarding at gate seven.
Usage note Embarcar is used for boarding a plane or ship; the preterite yo form is embarqué.
to cancel
La compañía canceló la excursión porque no había suficientes participantes.
The company canceled the excursion because there were not enough participants.
Usage note Cancelar is transitive: the canceled booking, service, or event follows the verb directly.
to rent; to hire
Alquilamos una camioneta para recorrer la costa durante una semana.
We rented a van to travel along the coast for a week.
Usage note Alquilar can mean to rent something from someone or to rent it out; context shows the direction. In Mexico, rentar is very common too.
to get lost
Nos perdimos en el casco antiguo porque varias calles no tenían nombre.
We got lost in the old town because several streets had no names.
Usage note Keep the reflexive pronoun; me he perdido is also a natural way to say I am lost now.
to approach; to come closer
Nos acercamos a la oficina de turismo para pedir un plano.
We went over to the tourist office to ask for a map.
Usage note Acercarse takes a before the destination; acercar without se means to bring something closer.
to enjoy
Durante el crucero disfrutamos de unas vistas increíbles del glaciar.
During the cruise we enjoyed incredible views of the glacier.
Usage note Disfrutar de algo is standard, though disfrutar algo without de is also common. For liking something in general, gustar or encantar sounds more natural.
comfortable; convenient
El tren nocturno es cómodo y nos ahorra una noche de hotel.
The night train is comfortable and saves us a night in a hotel.
Usage note Cómodo describes physical comfort or convenience: una opción cómoda. Ponerse cómodo means to make yourself comfortable; the opposite is incómodo.
delayed; late
El vuelo está retrasado por una tormenta sobre Madrid.
The flight is delayed because of a storm over Madrid.
Usage note For transport, estar retrasado means running late; ir con retraso is a common alternative. Avoid retrasado for people, where it can be an offensive term.
distant; faraway
Desde aquí se ven los picos lejanos cubiertos de nieve.
From here you can see the distant peaks covered in snow.
Usage note Lejano often describes distant places, times, or memories and normally follows the noun.
fortunately; luckily
Perdimos el último autobús, pero por suerte encontramos un taxi.
We missed the last bus, but fortunately we found a taxi.
Usage note Por suerte introduces a fortunate fact that improves a bad situation, like afortunadamente. Its opposite is por desgracia (unfortunately).
in advance
Conviene comprar las entradas con antelación durante el verano.
It is a good idea to buy the tickets in advance during the summer.
Usage note Con antelación means before the relevant date or time, often for bookings and planning.
on the way
Paramos a comer en un pueblo pequeño de camino a Granada.
We stopped to eat in a small town on the way to Granada.
Usage note Use de camino a before a destination: de camino al trabajo. Estar de camino means to be on your way, a handy reply to ¿Dónde estás?
as soon as one arrives
Nada más llegar al hotel, dejamos las maletas y salimos.
As soon as we arrived at the hotel, we left our bags and went out.
Usage note Nada más plus an infinitive expresses that the next action happens immediately afterward.
on time; in time
Corrimos hasta el andén y llegamos a tiempo para subir al tren.
We ran to the platform and arrived in time to board the train.
Usage note Llegar a tiempo can mean before it is too late as well as at the scheduled time.
Discuss trust, disagreements, support, and how people treat one another.
friendship
Nuestra amistad empezó cuando compartimos piso en Salamanca.
Our friendship began when we shared an apartment in Salamanca.
Usage note Amistad describes the relationship; una amistad can also refer to a particular friend or connection.
trust; confidence
Se necesita tiempo para recuperar la confianza después de una mentira.
It takes time to regain trust after a lie.
Usage note Confianza en alguien is trust in someone; tener confianza can also mean feeling self-confident.
support
El apoyo de mis compañeros fue fundamental durante la enfermedad.
The support of my coworkers was essential during my illness.
Usage note Apoyo may be emotional, practical, or financial; the common verb is dar apoyo or apoyar.
advice; piece of advice
Seguí tu consejo y hablé directamente con ella.
I took your advice and spoke to her directly.
Usage note Consejo is countable in Spanish; dar un consejo means to give someone a piece of advice.
argument; discussion
La discusión terminó cuando ambos aceptaron escuchar al otro.
The argument ended when they both agreed to listen to each other.
Usage note Depending on context, discusión can be a heated argument or a serious discussion.
disagreement
Tenemos un desacuerdo sobre cómo repartir los gastos.
We disagree about how to divide the expenses.
Usage note Estar en desacuerdo con alguien is a slightly formal way to say you disagree. Tener un desacuerdo refers to one specific difference of opinion.
relationship
Mantiene una buena relación con sus antiguos vecinos.
She has a good relationship with her former neighbors.
Usage note Relación con names the person involved; it can be romantic, personal, or professional.
personality; character
Aunque tiene un carácter fuerte, sabe reconocer sus errores.
Although he has a strong personality, he knows how to admit his mistakes.
Usage note Carácter means personality or temperament: tener buen carácter. The plural caracteres moves the stress (ca-rac-TE-res) and also means printed characters.
to trust; to rely on
Confío en Ana porque siempre cumple lo que promete.
I trust Ana because she always does what she promises.
Usage note Confiar requires en before the person or thing trusted; several forms keep the written accent.
to support
Sus amigos la apoyaron cuando decidió cambiar de carrera.
Her friends supported her when she decided to change careers.
Usage note Apoyar a una persona means to give support; apoyar algo can also mean to rest it against a surface.
to argue; to discuss
Mis hermanos discutieron sobre quién debía lavar los platos.
My siblings argued about who should wash the dishes.
Usage note Discutir con alguien usually means to argue; for a calm discussion, hablar de or debatir can be clearer. Discutir sobre or por introduces the topic.
to forgive
Le costó perdonar a su amigo por revelar el secreto.
It was hard for him to forgive his friend for revealing the secret.
Usage note Use personal a before the person and por before the offense: perdonar a alguien por algo. Perdona and perdone also work as 'excuse me'.
to encourage; to cheer up
Mi hermana me animó a presentar el proyecto al concurso.
My sister encouraged me to submit the project to the contest.
Usage note Animar a alguien a plus an infinitive means to encourage them to act. Animarse means to cheer up or to decide to do something: ¿Te animas?
to miss
Desde que vivo lejos, echo de menos las comidas familiares del domingo.
Since moving far away, I miss our Sunday family meals.
Usage note Echar de menos is standard in Spain; extrañar is common with the same meaning in Latin America.
to complain
Los vecinos se quejaron del ruido hasta altas horas.
The neighbors complained about the noise late into the night.
Usage note Quejarse de introduces the problem; quejarse a names the person or organization receiving the complaint.
to behave
Los niños se comportaron muy bien durante la ceremonia.
The children behaved very well during the ceremony.
Usage note Always reflexive: comportarse bien or mal. The noun is el comportamiento; portarse is a common, more informal synonym, especially with children.
sincere; honest
Fue sincera conmigo y me dijo por qué estaba molesta.
She was honest with me and told me why she was upset.
Usage note Ser sincero con alguien means to be honest with that person. Sinceramente often introduces a frank opinion, much like la verdad es que.
jealous
Se puso celoso al ver que su pareja hablaba con su ex.
He became jealous when he saw his partner talking to her ex.
Usage note Estar celoso or ponerse celoso describes jealousy in a relationship; tener celos is equally common. Envidia is jealousy of what someone else has.
understanding
Mi jefa fue comprensiva cuando le expliqué el problema familiar.
My boss was understanding when I explained the family problem to her.
Usage note A person who is comprensivo tries to understand other people's difficulties and feelings.
disappointed
Quedamos decepcionados porque cancelaron el concierto sin avisar.
We were disappointed because they canceled the concert without warning.
Usage note Estar decepcionado con alguien or por algo. False friend: 'deceived' is engañado, not decepcionado; the noun la decepción means disappointment.
to put up with; to stand; to bear
No soporto que me interrumpan cuando estoy hablando por teléfono.
I can't stand being interrupted when I'm on the phone.
Usage note False friend: soportar means to tolerate, not to support someone emotionally; for that, use apoyar. No soporto que is followed by the subjunctive.
despite; in spite of
A pesar de la discusión, decidieron seguir trabajando juntos.
Despite the argument, they decided to keep working together.
Usage note A pesar de precedes a noun or infinitive; a pesar de que introduces a conjugated clause.
accidentally; without meaning to
Rompí tu taza sin querer mientras limpiaba la cocina.
I accidentally broke your mug while I was cleaning the kitchen.
Usage note Sin querer marks an action as accidental; the opposite is a propósito (on purpose). Perdona, fue sin querer is a common everyday apology.
as for me; for my part
Por mi parte, estoy dispuesto a olvidar lo ocurrido.
As for me, I'm willing to forget what happened.
Usage note The possessive changes with the speaker; the phrase marks one person's position or contribution.
on the contrary
No me molestó su comentario; al contrario, me hizo reflexionar.
Her comment didn't bother me; on the contrary, it made me think.
Usage note Al contrario rejects the previous idea and states the opposite. Por el contrario contrasts two different situations; al revés is a colloquial alternative.
Talk about applications, employment conditions, and everyday responsibilities at work.
position; job
La empresa ofrece un puesto de atención al cliente.
The company is offering a customer service position.
Usage note Puesto de trabajo means a job position; puesto can also mean a stand or a place assigned to someone.
interview
Tengo una entrevista de trabajo el jueves por la mañana.
I have a job interview on Thursday morning.
Usage note Common phrases are entrevista de trabajo, hacer una entrevista, and entrevistar a someone.
résumé; CV
Actualicé el currículum antes de enviarlo a la empresa.
I updated my résumé before sending it to the company.
Usage note Often shortened to el CV; the full form is currículum vítae and the usual plural is currículums. The RAE also accepts the adapted form el currículo.
contract
Lee todas las condiciones antes de firmar el contrato.
Read all the terms before signing the contract.
Usage note A work contract may be temporal or indefinido (also called fijo). Firmar un contrato makes it official, and rescindir un contrato means to cancel it.
salary; pay
El sueldo se paga el último día laborable del mes.
The salary is paid on the last working day of the month.
Usage note Sueldo is regular pay from employment; salario is a close, slightly more formal synonym.
shift; turn
Esta semana me toca el turno de noche en el hospital.
This week I am working the night shift at the hospital.
Usage note Turno de mañana, tarde, or noche refers to a work shift; me toca indicates whose turn it is.
deadline; time limit
El plazo para presentar la solicitud termina el viernes.
The deadline for submitting the application is Friday.
Usage note Dentro del plazo means within the allowed period; fuera de plazo means too late.
responsibility
Una de mis responsabilidades es formar a los empleados nuevos.
One of my responsibilities is training new employees.
Usage note Tener la responsabilidad de plus an infinitive identifies a duty assigned to someone.
to apply for; to request
Para solicitar la beca, debes completar este formulario.
To apply for the scholarship, you must complete this form.
Usage note Solicitar is formal and takes the requested job, document, or service as its direct object.
to hire
El hotel contratará a veinte personas para la temporada de verano.
The hotel will hire twenty people for the summer season.
Usage note Use the personal a before the person hired; the participle contratado also means employed.
to dismiss; to fire
Despidieron al director por incumplir las normas de seguridad.
They fired the manager for breaking the safety rules.
Usage note Despedir a alguien can mean to fire them; despedirse de means to say goodbye to them.
to be in charge of
Marta se encarga de organizar los viajes del equipo.
Marta is in charge of organizing the team's travel.
Usage note The reflexive pronoun and de are required: me encargo de las compras. El encargado or la encargada is the person in charge of a shop or team.
to fulfill; to meet
Terminamos el informe a tiempo y cumplimos el plazo acordado.
We finished the report on time and met the agreed deadline.
Usage note Cumplir means to fulfill: cumplir un plazo, una promesa, un requisito. It also means to turn an age (cumplir treinta años); cumplir con is used for duties.
to collaborate; to work together
Los dos departamentos colaboran en el desarrollo del producto.
The two departments are working together on product development.
Usage note Colaborar con names a person or group; colaborar en introduces the shared activity.
to resign; to give up
Renunció a su empleo para cuidar a su padre.
She resigned from her job to take care of her father.
Usage note Renunciar a is required before a job, right, or thing given up. La renuncia is a resignation; for politicians, dimitir is also common in Spain.
to sign
Ambas partes firmaron el acuerdo después de negociar los horarios.
Both parties signed the agreement after negotiating the schedules.
Usage note Firmar means to sign a document or to formally enter into an agreement. The signature is la firma, which can also mean a company in business contexts.
permanent; steady; fixed
Después de dos años como becaria, por fin tiene un contrato fijo.
After two years as an intern, she finally has a permanent contract.
Usage note Trabajo fijo and contrato fijo mean a permanent, stable job. Elsewhere fijo means fixed or set: precio fijo, teléfono fijo (landline), sin rumbo fijo.
atmosphere; mood
En mi nueva oficina hay un ambiente de trabajo muy agradable.
There is a very pleasant working atmosphere in my new office.
Usage note Ambiente is the mood of a place or group: buen ambiente, ambiente de trabajo. The natural environment is el medio ambiente, usually written as two words.
responsible; in charge
Clara es responsable de revisar las cuentas cada semana.
Clara is responsible for reviewing the accounts every week.
Usage note Ser responsable de names a duty; el or la responsable can mean the person in charge.
in-person; face-to-face
La primera reunión será presencial y las demás se harán por videollamada.
The first meeting will be in person, and the others will be held by video call.
Usage note Presencial contrasts with virtual or a distancia for work, classes, and services.
generally; as a rule
Por lo general, el equipo termina la jornada a las cinco.
The team generally finishes work at five.
Usage note Por lo general introduces what normally happens while allowing possible exceptions.
full-time
Busco un trabajo a tiempo completo con un horario estable.
I'm looking for a full-time job with a stable schedule.
Usage note Trabajar a tiempo completo means to work the standard full number of weekly hours.
part-time
Trabaja a tiempo parcial para poder asistir a clase por las tardes.
She works part-time so she can attend classes in the afternoons.
Usage note A tiempo parcial describes a job with fewer hours than a full-time one. In Latin America, de medio tiempo is the usual everyday expression.
self-employed; independently
Después de dejar la agencia, empezó a trabajar por cuenta propia.
After leaving the agency, he started working for himself.
Usage note Trabajar por cuenta propia means not being employed by another person or company.
to be on sick leave; to be off work
La recepcionista está de baja por una lesión en la espalda.
The receptionist is on sick leave because of a back injury.
Usage note Used mainly in Spain for official leave: de baja por enfermedad, de baja por maternidad. Darse de baja means to cancel a service or membership.
Describe study strategies, progress, difficulties, and achievable objectives.
learning
El aprendizaje de un idioma exige contacto frecuente con la lengua.
Learning a language requires frequent exposure to it.
Usage note Aprendizaje refers to the process or result of learning; aprendizaje de introduces the subject.
knowledge
Para este curso se necesitan conocimientos básicos de informática y de inglés.
This course requires basic knowledge of computers and English.
Usage note The plural conocimientos often means a body of knowledge or skills in a particular field.
skill; ability
Negociar con calma es una habilidad que se aprende con la práctica.
Negotiating calmly is a skill that can be learned through practice.
Usage note Habilidad para plus an infinitive names what someone is good at: habilidad para negociar. Destreza is a close synonym, often for manual skills.
progress
La profesora notó un gran progreso en mi pronunciación.
The teacher noticed great progress in my pronunciation.
Usage note Progreso is often singular in general statements; hacer progresos emphasizes individual advances.
goal; target
Mi meta es mantener una conversación de diez minutos sin traducir.
My goal is to hold a ten-minute conversation without translating.
Usage note Alcanzar una meta means to achieve a goal; meta can also mean the finish line in a race.
effort
Todo el esfuerzo que puso en el proyecto tuvo buenos resultados.
All the effort she put into the project produced good results.
Usage note Hacer un esfuerzo is to make an effort; poner esfuerzo en algo emphasizes dedication.
mistake; error
Revisé el cálculo y encontré un error en la última línea.
I checked the calculation and found a mistake in the last line.
Usage note Cometer un error is the standard combination; hacer un error is an anglicism to avoid. Por error means by mistake, and equivocarse is the verb.
doubt; question
Si tienes alguna duda sobre el ejercicio, escríbeme.
If you have any questions about the exercise, write to me.
Usage note Tener una duda often means to have a question, while poner en duda means to question a claim.
to review
Antes del examen, repasé las fechas más importantes del tema.
Before the exam, I reviewed the most important dates in the unit.
Usage note Repasar means to study material again, not simply to look at it for the first time.
to get used to
Me costó varias semanas acostumbrarme al acento de mis compañeros chilenos.
It took me several weeks to get used to my Chilean classmates' accent.
Usage note Always reflexive, with a before a noun or infinitive: acostumbrarse a madrugar. Estar acostumbrado a describes the resulting state: to be used to.
to consult; to look up
Consulté el diccionario para comprobar el significado de la palabra.
I looked up the word in the dictionary to check its meaning.
Usage note Consultar un diccionario or una fuente takes no preposition before the resource.
to summarize
¿Puedes resumir el artículo en tres o cuatro frases?
Can you summarize the article in three or four sentences?
Usage note Resumir condenses the main ideas; the noun is el resumen. False friend: it does not mean 'to resume', which is reanudar in Spanish.
to correct
La tutora corrigió mi redacción y explicó cada cambio.
The tutor corrected my essay and explained each change.
Usage note Stem-changing and spelling-changing: corrijo, corrige, corrigió. Corregir works for texts, exams, and behavior; the noun is la corrección.
to make progress; to move forward
Avanzamos más rápido cuando dividimos el trabajo en tareas pequeñas.
We made faster progress when we divided the work into small tasks.
Usage note Avanzar can describe physical movement or progress toward an academic or practical goal.
to concentrate
Me cuesta concentrarme cuando hay gente hablando cerca de mí.
I find it hard to concentrate when people are talking near me.
Usage note Concentrarse en names the task receiving attention; the reflexive pronoun is required.
to achieve; to manage to
Después de practicar varios meses, logró hablar en público sin miedo.
After practicing for several months, she managed to speak in public without fear.
Usage note Lograr plus an infinitive stresses success after effort: logré aprobar. Conseguir is a very close synonym, and el logro means an achievement.
consistent; persistent
Ha sido constante con sus estudios y practica un poco cada día.
He has been consistent with his studies and practices a little every day.
Usage note A constante effort or person continues regularly instead of stopping and starting.
capable; able
Ya soy capaz de entender las noticias sin leer los subtítulos.
I am now able to understand the news without reading the subtitles.
Usage note Ser capaz de plus an infinitive expresses ability; the plural is capaces. In parts of Latin America, capaz que is also a colloquial way to say maybe.
practical; hands-on
El taller incluye un ejercicio práctico sobre primeros auxilios.
The workshop includes a practical exercise on first aid.
Usage note Práctico describes something useful in real situations or based on active practice.
to try to; to be about
Trato de leer un artículo en español todas las mañanas.
I try to read an article in Spanish every morning.
Usage note Tratar de plus an infinitive means to try, like intentar. With a topic it means 'to be about': el libro trata de una familia; se trata de means 'it's a matter of'.
little by little; gradually
Poco a poco, dejó de traducir mentalmente cada palabra.
Little by little, she stopped translating every word in her head.
Usage note Poco a poco presents change as gradual and pairs well with mejorar, aprender, and acostumbrarse. Paso a paso stresses following a sequence instead.
for example
Algunos verbos, por ejemplo «poner», cambian de significado con una preposición.
Some verbs—for example, poner—change meaning with a preposition.
Usage note Por ejemplo introduces a specific case that illustrates a general statement; in writing it is abbreviated p. ej. Como is a shorter option mid-sentence.
in summary; in short
En resumen, el informe propone tres cambios en el programa.
In summary, the report proposes three changes to the program.
Usage note En resumen introduces a brief summary at the end of a talk or text. En pocas palabras is more conversational, and en síntesis is more formal.
more and more; increasingly
Me resulta cada vez más fácil seguir conversaciones rápidas.
I find it easier and easier to follow fast conversations.
Usage note Cada vez más describes a quality or action that increases progressively over time.
as long as; provided that; whenever
Puedes entregar el trabajo el lunes, siempre que me avises hoy.
You may submit the assignment on Monday as long as you let me know today.
Usage note With the subjunctive it means 'provided that': siempre que me avises. With the indicative it means 'whenever': siempre que viajo, pierdo algo.
Present viewpoints, react to claims, and organize a balanced conversation.
point of view
Entiendo tu punto de vista, aunque no comparto tu conclusión.
I understand your point of view, although I don't share your conclusion.
Usage note The plural is los puntos de vista. Desde mi punto de vista is a common way to introduce an opinion, a little more formal than para mí.
argument; reason
Su principal argumento es que el cambio reduciría los gastos.
Her main argument is that the change would reduce expenses.
Usage note An argumento is a reason supporting a position; it can also mean a work's plot outline.
advantage
La mayor ventaja de vivir aquí es poder ir andando al trabajo.
The biggest advantage of living here is being able to walk to work.
Usage note Ventaja de introduces the helpful option; the opposite is la desventaja or el inconveniente. Sacar ventaja de means to take advantage of something.
drawback; inconvenience
El único inconveniente del apartamento es que no tiene ascensor.
The apartment's only drawback is that it has no elevator.
Usage note Inconveniente often means a negative aspect or practical problem, not only an inconvenience.
agreement
Después de dos horas de conversación, llegaron a un acuerdo.
After two hours of discussion, they reached an agreement.
Usage note Llegar a un acuerdo means to reach an agreement, and estar de acuerdo con means to agree with someone. ¡De acuerdo! on its own means OK.
criticism; review
El director aceptó la crítica y prometió revisar el procedimiento.
The manager accepted the criticism and promised to review the procedure.
Usage note Crítica can be negative feedback or a published review; context determines the meaning.
to be worth it; to be worthwhile
El museo es pequeño, pero vale la pena visitarlo con calma.
The museum is small, but it's worth visiting at a leisurely pace.
Usage note Used in the third person with a noun or infinitive as subject: vale la pena intentarlo. No vale la pena means it's not worth it; Spain also says merecer la pena.
truth
Al final decidió contar la verdad sobre lo ocurrido.
In the end, she decided to tell the truth about what had happened.
Usage note Decir or contar la verdad means to tell the truth; es verdad que introduces a fact.
to think; to express an opinion
Muchos vecinos opinan que la plaza necesita más árboles.
Many residents think the square needs more trees.
Usage note Opinar que introduces an opinion; unlike pensar, opinar specifically signals a viewpoint.
to deny
El jugador negó haber roto las reglas del torneo.
The player denied having broken the tournament rules.
Usage note Stem-changing (niego) with a spelling change in negué. Negar takes a noun, an infinitive, or que; negar que is usually followed by the subjunctive.
to state; to claim
La autora afirma que todos los personajes están basados en personas reales.
The author states that all the characters are based on real people.
Usage note Afirmar que presents a statement confidently and is frequent in news reports. Asegurar is a close synonym; declarar suggests an official statement.
to comment on; to mention
El médico comentó que los resultados llegarían la semana siguiente.
The doctor mentioned that the results would arrive the following week.
Usage note Comentar que can introduce information mentioned in conversation, not only an opinion.
to notify; to warn
Avísame si cambias de horario para que pueda organizarme.
Let me know if you change your schedule so I can plan accordingly.
Usage note Avisar a alguien de algo means to notify them; avisar que also introduces the message.
to convince
Me convenció de que la opción más sencilla era también la mejor.
She convinced me that the simplest option was also the best one.
Usage note The yo form is convenzo. Convencer a alguien de que introduces the idea accepted; estar convencido de means to be sure of something.
to recommend
Te recomiendo que compares los precios antes de decidir.
I recommend that you compare prices before deciding.
Usage note Recomendar que takes the subjunctive when one person recommends an action to another.
to come to an agreement; to agree
Los hermanos no logran ponerse de acuerdo sobre la venta de la casa.
The siblings can't agree on selling the house.
Usage note Ponerse de acuerdo is the process of reaching agreement, while estar de acuerdo is the state. Use con for the person and en or sobre for the issue.
to not matter; to make no difference
A mí me da igual cenar en casa o en un restaurante.
I don't mind whether we have dinner at home or at a restaurant.
Usage note Works like gustar: me da igual, nos da igual. Me da lo mismo is a close synonym; among friends it is neutral, but it can sound dismissive in formal settings.
undoubtedly; without a doubt
Sin duda, es la mejor película que he visto este año.
Without a doubt, it's the best movie I've seen this year.
Usage note Sin duda strengthens a statement; sin duda alguna is more emphatic. Don't confuse it with sin dudarlo, which means without hesitating.
reasonable
Me parece razonable aplazar la decisión hasta conocer los datos.
It seems reasonable to me to postpone the decision until we know the facts.
Usage note Razonable describes something sensible or fair, such as un precio razonable or una petición razonable. It has one form for both genders.
controversial
La nueva norma es polémica porque afecta a los pequeños negocios.
The new rule is controversial because it affects small businesses.
Usage note Polémico describes an issue that causes public debate. La polémica is the controversy itself; polemizar is a formal verb for arguing in public.
in my opinion
En mi opinión, el ayuntamiento debería consultar a los residentes.
In my opinion, the city council should consult the residents.
Usage note The possessive changes with the speaker or person whose view is being presented.
however
El plan parecía sencillo; sin embargo, surgieron varios problemas.
The plan seemed simple; however, several problems arose.
Usage note Sin embargo introduces a contrast with the preceding statement and is often set off by commas.
on the one hand
Por un lado, mudarme me permitiría estar más cerca de mi familia.
On the one hand, moving would allow me to be closer to my family.
Usage note Por un lado opens one side of a comparison, often followed later by por otro lado.
on the other hand
Por otro lado, el nuevo puesto ofrece mejores oportunidades profesionales.
On the other hand, the new position offers better career opportunities.
Usage note Por otro lado usually presents a second, contrasting aspect after por un lado. To simply add a point, además is more usual.
actually; in fact
Creíamos que era una protesta, pero en realidad celebraban una victoria.
We thought it was a protest, but they were actually celebrating a victory.
Usage note En realidad corrects an assumption or reveals what is actually true, close to la verdad es que. Realmente is closer to 'really' as an intensifier.
Manage payments, complaints, repairs, loans, and practical service issues.
bill; invoice
La factura de la luz fue mucho más alta este mes.
The electricity bill was much higher this month.
Usage note A factura lists what must be paid for goods or services; factura de specifies the service.
receipt
Guarda el recibo por si necesitas cambiar el abrigo.
Keep the receipt in case you need to exchange the coat.
Usage note A recibo proves payment. In Spain and Mexico, el recibo de la luz or del agua is also the utility bill that must be paid.
bank account
El alquiler se carga automáticamente en mi cuenta bancaria.
The rent is charged automatically to my bank account.
Usage note Common verbs are abrir, cerrar, and tener una cuenta. In everyday speech it is often just la cuenta, which is also the bill at a restaurant.
deposit; income
Hice un ingreso de doscientos euros en la cuenta del club.
I deposited two hundred euros into the club's account.
Usage note Hacer un ingreso means to deposit money in Spain; in Latin America, hacer un depósito is more usual. Los ingresos in the plural means income or revenue.
return; refund
La tienda aceptó la devolución y me reintegró el importe completo.
The store accepted the return and refunded me the full amount.
Usage note Devolución covers returning an item and the refund itself. The verb is devolver (devuelvo); pedir la devolución del dinero means to ask for a refund.
warranty; guarantee
La reparación está cubierta por la garantía del fabricante.
The repair is covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
Usage note Estar cubierto por la garantía means the seller or maker is responsible for the fault.
complaint
Presentamos una queja formal por el mal estado de la habitación.
We filed a formal complaint about the poor condition of the room.
Usage note Presentar or poner una queja is more formal than quejarse. Many businesses must offer an official complaints form, la hoja or el libro de reclamaciones.
repair
La reparación de la calefacción tardará al menos dos días.
The heating repair will take at least two days.
Usage note Reparación de names what is fixed: la reparación del coche. The verb is reparar, although arreglar is the more common everyday synonym.
to claim; to demand; to complain
Llamé a la compañía para reclamar el dinero que me cobraron de más.
I called the company to claim the money they overcharged me.
Usage note Reclamar can demand a right, refund, or solution; reclamar por introduces the cause of a complaint.
to fill in; to fill out
Debe rellenar este formulario con sus datos de contacto.
You must fill out this form with your contact details.
Usage note Rellenar un formulario is widely used; completar un formulario is a common alternative.
to charge; to collect; to get paid
El técnico no nos cobró la visita porque el aparato seguía en garantía.
The technician didn't charge us for the visit because the appliance was still under warranty.
Usage note Cobrar can mean receiving wages or charging someone an amount; context shows who receives the money.
to lend
¿Me prestas tu cargador hasta que termine la reunión?
Can you lend me your charger until the meeting ends?
Usage note Prestar gives something temporarily to another person; the indirect object identifies the borrower.
to borrow
Tuve que pedir prestado un coche mientras reparaban el mío.
I had to borrow a car while mine was being repaired.
Usage note The borrowed item agrees with prestado: pedir prestada una bicicleta, pedir prestados unos libros.
to save
Estamos ahorrando para comprar una casa cerca del mar.
We are saving to buy a house near the sea.
Usage note Ahorrar dinero means not spending it; ahorrar para introduces the purpose of the savings.
to spend
Gasté demasiado dinero en reparaciones el mes pasado.
I spent too much money on repairs last month.
Usage note Gastar dinero en names what the money is spent on; gastar can also mean to use up a resource.
to solve; to resolve
Atención al cliente resolvió el problema en una sola llamada.
Customer service solved the problem in a single call.
Usage note The past participle is irregular: resuelto; resolver is used for problems, doubts, and conflicts.
faulty; defective
Me enviaron un producto defectuoso que ni siquiera se enciende.
They sent me a faulty product that won't even turn on.
Usage note Defectuoso is typical of warranties and store policies: producto defectuoso. In conversation people often just say está roto or no funciona.
unpaid; overdue
El banco me avisó de que había un recibo impagado.
The bank notified me that there was an unpaid bill.
Usage note Impagado is common in Spain for unpaid bills, rent, and debts. In much of Latin America, people usually say pendiente or sin pagar instead.
to run out of
Nos quedamos sin gasolina a diez kilómetros del pueblo.
We ran out of gas ten kilometers from the town.
Usage note The person is the subject and the missing thing follows sin, usually with no article: me quedé sin batería. Compare acabarse: se me acabó el pan.
free of charge
El servicio de instalación es gratuito si compras el electrodoméstico aquí.
The installation service is free if you buy the appliance here.
Usage note Gratuito is an adjective that agrees with the noun: entrada gratuita. Gratis is invariable and more colloquial: la entrada es gratis.
in cash
El electricista pidió que le pagáramos en efectivo.
The electrician asked us to pay him in cash.
Usage note Pagar en efectivo contrasts with pagar con tarjeta or por transferencia. In Spain, en metálico is a common synonym.
to be needed; to be necessary
Para abrir la cuenta hace falta presentar un documento de identidad.
You need to show an ID document to open the account.
Usage note Works like gustar: me hace falta dinero (I need money), hacen falta dos firmas. With an infinitive it is impersonal; no hace falta means there's no need.
right away; very soon
El encargado vino enseguida y nos ofreció otra habitación.
The manager came right away and offered us another room.
Usage note Enseguida may mean immediately or after a very short wait, depending on context.
by mistake
Me cobraron dos veces la misma compra por error.
They charged me twice for the same purchase by mistake.
Usage note Por error explains that an incorrect action was accidental rather than intentional.
unless
No aceptarán la devolución a menos que presentes el recibo.
They won't accept the return unless you show the receipt.
Usage note A menos que introduces an exception or negative condition and takes the subjunctive.
Describe symptoms, treatment, recovery, and habits that affect health.
symptom
La pérdida del olfato puede ser un síntoma de varias infecciones.
Loss of smell can be a symptom of several infections.
Usage note Síntoma is masculine despite ending in -a; síntoma de introduces a possible condition.
wound; injury
La enfermera limpió la herida y la cubrió con una venda.
The nurse cleaned the wound and covered it with a bandage.
Usage note Herida is a wound or cut in the skin; lesión is broader and includes sprains or internal injuries. The adjective herido means injured.
treatment
El tratamiento dura seis semanas y requiere controles frecuentes.
The treatment lasts six weeks and requires frequent checkups.
Usage note Seguir un tratamiento means to follow or undergo it, and estar en tratamiento means to be receiving treatment. The verb tratar also means to treat.
doctor's office; appointment; consultation
El médico atiende en la consulta de la segunda planta.
The doctor sees patients in the office on the second floor.
Usage note Consulta can mean the doctor's office, the appointment itself, or a question to a professional. In Latin America, the office is usually el consultorio.
health insurance
Mi seguro médico cubre las urgencias, pero no el dentista.
My health insurance covers emergency care, but not dental care.
Usage note Cubrir names what the insurance pays for: el seguro cubre la consulta. Seguro de salud is a common synonym, and tener seguro means to be insured.
diet
La nutricionista le recomendó una dieta rica en hierro.
The nutritionist recommended a diet rich in iron.
Usage note Dieta means a usual or prescribed eating plan, not necessarily a weight-loss diet.
rest; break
Dormir bien es tan importante como el descanso durante el día.
Sleeping well is as important as taking breaks during the day.
Usage note Descanso is rest or a short break: tomar un descanso. In sports it also means halftime, and descansar is the related verb.
stress
El estrés del trabajo le estaba causando problemas de sueño.
Work-related stress was causing him sleep problems.
Usage note Estrés is normally singular; reducir el estrés and sufrir estrés are common combinations.
to heal; to get well; to recover
La herida se curó sin necesidad de antibióticos.
The wound healed without the need for antibiotics.
Usage note Curarse can describe a person recovering or a wound healing; curar without se means to treat or cure.
to avoid; to prevent
Procura evitar el sol durante las horas de más calor.
Try to avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day.
Usage note Evitar takes a noun or infinitive directly, without de: evitar el azúcar. Evitar que plus the subjunctive means to prevent something from happening.
to reduce
Caminar a diario ayuda a reducir el riesgo de enfermedades cardíacas.
Walking every day helps reduce the risk of heart disease.
Usage note Irregular like conducir: reduzco in the present and reduje in the preterite. It often appears with riesgo, consumo, gastos, and velocidad.
to recover
Necesitó varias semanas para recuperarse de la operación.
She needed several weeks to recover from the operation.
Usage note Recuperarse de introduces the illness or injury. Without se, recuperar means to get something back: recuperar el dinero, recuperar el tiempo perdido.
to lose weight; to slim down
Ha adelgazado desde que empezó a cocinar más en casa.
He has lost weight since he started cooking at home more often.
Usage note Adelgazar is intransitive for losing weight; adelgazar algo means to make it thinner.
to gain weight
Engordé un poco mientras estuve sin hacer ejercicio.
I gained a little weight while I wasn't exercising.
Usage note Engordar is the common opposite of adelgazar and does not require a reflexive pronoun.
to cough
Empezó a toser después de respirar el humo.
She started coughing after breathing in the smoke.
Usage note Toser is a regular -er verb, and la tos is the noun: tener tos (to have a cough). Cough syrup is un jarabe para la tos.
to sneeze
Siempre estornudo cuando hay mucho polvo en la habitación.
I always sneeze when there is a lot of dust in the room.
Usage note Estornudar is intransitive, and un estornudo is one sneeze. After someone sneezes, people say ¡Salud!, or ¡Jesús! in Spain.
healthy
Intento mantener un equilibrio saludable entre el trabajo y el descanso.
I try to maintain a healthy balance between work and rest.
Usage note Saludable describes habits or things that promote health; sano can also describe a healthy person.
sore; aching
Después de la caminata tenía los músculos doloridos.
After the hike, my muscles were sore.
Usage note Dolorido describes a body part that aches after effort or injury: tengo los brazos doloridos. Adolorido is the usual form in much of Latin America.
weak
Todavía se siente débil y se cansa al subir escaleras.
She still feels weak and gets tired when climbing stairs.
Usage note Débil has one form for both genders; the plural is débiles. Tener un punto débil means to have a weak spot, and the opposite is fuerte.
exhausted
Llegué agotada después de trabajar doce horas seguidas.
I arrived exhausted after working for twelve hours straight.
Usage note Agotado is stronger than cansado and can also mean that a supply is sold out or depleted.
from time to time
Me duele la espalda de vez en cuando, sobre todo al conducir.
My back hurts from time to time, especially when I drive.
Usage note De vez en cuando describes occasional events, less frequent than a menudo. It can go at the start or end of a sentence; a veces is a close synonym.
that's why; therefore
El medicamento causa sueño; por eso no debes conducir.
The medication causes drowsiness, so you shouldn't drive.
Usage note Por eso introduces a consequence of what was just said, like 'that's why'. It is very common in speech, while por lo tanto sounds more formal.
on an empty stomach; fasting
Para este análisis de sangre tienes que venir en ayunas.
You have to come fasting for this blood test.
Usage note Estar or venir en ayunas means not having eaten, usually before a medical test. Tomar un medicamento en ayunas means on an empty stomach.
to rest; to remain on bed rest
El médico le indicó que guardara reposo durante cuarenta y ocho horas.
The doctor told him to rest for forty-eight hours.
Usage note Guardar reposo is a medical expression meaning to limit activity so the body can recover.
to discharge (a patient); to register
Le dieron de alta del hospital el martes por la mañana.
She was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday morning.
Usage note Dar de alta a un paciente is to discharge them; recibir el alta is the patient's side. Darse de alta also means to sign up for a service or register officially.
Use devices, manage files, publish information, and discuss safe online activity.
file
El archivo es demasiado grande para enviarlo como adjunto.
The file is too large to send as an attachment.
Usage note Archivo usually means a digital file in technology and an archive in institutional contexts.
folder
Guardé las fotografías del viaje en una carpeta nueva.
I saved the trip photos in a new folder.
Usage note Carpeta is both a digital folder and a physical folder for papers; in some countries it is also a school binder. Crear una carpeta means to make one.
link
El enlace de la videollamada aparece al final del mensaje.
The video call link appears at the end of the message.
Usage note Hacer clic en un enlace opens a page; el link is also widely used. Enlace can also mean a connection between trains or, formally, a wedding.
keyboard
Este teclado permite escribir la ñ sin cambiar la configuración.
This keyboard lets you type ñ without changing the settings.
Usage note Teclado is the whole keyboard; una tecla is one individual key. Teclear means to type, although escribir is also used: escribir en el teclado.
network; the internet; net
La impresora está conectada a la misma red que el teléfono.
The printer is connected to the same network as the phone.
Usage note La red can mean a computer network or the internet; las redes sociales means social media. It also means a net, as in fishing or sports.
connection
La conexión a internet se interrumpe cada vez que llueve fuerte.
The internet connection drops whenever it rains heavily.
Usage note Conexión a internet names internet access; perder la conexión means to be disconnected.
app; application
La aplicación calcula cuánto tiempo pasas delante de la pantalla.
The app calculates how much time you spend in front of the screen.
Usage note In technology, aplicación is often shortened to app, pronounced like the English word. Descargar una aplicación means to download an app.
privacy
Revisa las opciones de privacidad antes de publicar tu perfil.
Check the privacy settings before making your profile public.
Usage note Privacidad is generally uncountable and refers to control over personal information or private life.
to delete; to erase
Borré el mensaje por accidente antes de poder responder.
I accidentally deleted the message before I could reply.
Usage note Borrar is used for deleting digital content and erasing writing. Borrarse de algo means to drop out or unsubscribe, and una goma de borrar is an eraser.
to connect; to log on
No puedo conectarme a la red wifi del hotel desde la habitación.
I can't connect to the hotel's wifi network from my room.
Usage note Conectarse a names the network, service, or meeting being accessed. Estar conectado means to be online; desconectarse means to log off or unplug.
to publish; to post
El periódico publicó la entrevista completa en su página web.
The newspaper published the full interview on its website.
Usage note Publicar covers formal publication and posting content online; the preterite yo form is publiqué.
to check; to verify
Comprueba que la dirección sea correcta antes de enviar el paquete.
Check that the address is correct before sending the package.
Usage note Comprobar que verifies a fact; many speakers use the subjunctive when the fact has not yet been confirmed.
to update
Debes actualizar el sistema para corregir el problema de seguridad.
You need to update the system to fix the security issue.
Usage note Actualizar means to update, not 'to actualize'; la actualización is an update. Related false friend: actualmente means currently, not actually.
to install
Instalé el programa, pero todavía no he creado una cuenta.
I installed the program, but I haven't created an account yet.
Usage note Instalar is used for software, devices, and equipment. Instalarse means to settle into a new home or city: nos instalamos en Quito en marzo.
to attach
Adjunto una copia de la factura a este correo.
I'm attaching a copy of the invoice to this email.
Usage note Adjuntar un archivo means to add it to an email or message; adjunto may also mean attached.
to print
Solo imprimimos el documento cuando necesitamos una copia firmada.
We only print the document when we need a signed copy.
Usage note Both impreso and imprimido are accepted participles; impreso is especially common as an adjective.
reliable
Consulta una fuente fiable antes de compartir esa información.
Check a reliable source before sharing that information.
Usage note Fiable describes a trustworthy person, source, or machine: una fuente fiable. In Latin America, confiable is more common with the same meaning.
place; room; website
Encontré las instrucciones en el sitio web oficial del fabricante.
I found the instructions on the manufacturer's official website.
Usage note Sitio is an everyday word for a place or space: no hay sitio (there's no room). Sitio web means website; página web is also very common.
wireless
Los auriculares inalámbricos se conectan al teléfono mediante Bluetooth.
The wireless headphones connect to the phone via Bluetooth.
Usage note Inalámbrico literally means without wires (alambre means wire). Common combinations are red inalámbrica, ratón inalámbrico, and cargador inalámbrico.
to charge (a battery); to load; to carry
Olvidé cargar el teléfono y se apagó en mitad de la reunión.
I forgot to charge my phone, and it died in the middle of the meeting.
Usage note Cargar el teléfono or la batería is to charge it; cargar also means to load or carry something heavy. The preterite yo form is cargué, with u before e.
offline
Descargué el mapa para poder consultarlo sin conexión.
I downloaded the map so I could use it offline.
Usage note Sin conexión indicates that internet or network access is not available or required.
live
La radio transmitirá el debate en directo desde el teatro.
The radio will broadcast the debate live from the theater.
Usage note En directo means broadcast as it happens: retransmitir en directo. En vivo is a common synonym, especially in Latin America and for concerts.
step by step
El tutorial explica paso a paso cómo recuperar la contraseña.
The tutorial explains step by step how to recover the password.
Usage note Paso a paso presents a process as an ordered series of actions, as in tutorials and recipes. Poco a poco stresses gradual change instead.
through; via; across
Los clientes pueden pagar las facturas a través de la aplicación del banco.
Customers can pay their bills through the bank's app.
Usage note A través de expresses the channel or means (via) and movement across a space: a través de la ventana. Mediante is a more formal alternative.
by email
Recibirás la confirmación de la compra por correo electrónico.
You will receive the purchase confirmation by email.
Usage note Por correo electrónico identifies email as the method used to send or receive something.
Discuss local services, civic participation, consumption, and practical environmental action.
city council; town hall
El ayuntamiento ha abierto una oficina de atención al ciudadano.
The city council has opened a citizen services office.
Usage note Ayuntamiento is the local government or its building (town hall), mainly in Spain and Mexico; elsewhere, alcaldía or municipalidad is more usual.
neighborhood
En mi barrio organizan un mercado de productores cada sábado.
My neighborhood holds a farmers' market every Saturday.
Usage note Barrio is a district of a town or city: vivir en un barrio tranquilo. In some countries, un barrio can also suggest a poor or working-class area.
community
La biblioteca funciona como punto de encuentro para toda la comunidad.
The library serves as a meeting place for the whole community.
Usage note Comunidad may be a social group, a residential community, or an administrative region.
citizen
Cualquier ciudadano puede asistir a las reuniones públicas del consejo.
Any citizen can attend the council's public meetings.
Usage note The feminine is ciudadana. La ciudadanía means citizenship or the citizens as a group, and el ciudadano de a pie means the ordinary citizen.
volunteering; volunteer work
Empecé un voluntariado para acompañar a personas mayores que viven solas.
I started volunteering to spend time with older people who live alone.
Usage note Voluntariado refers to unpaid organized activity; voluntario or voluntaria names a volunteer.
association; organization
La asociación vecinal pidió más iluminación para el parque.
The neighborhood association requested better lighting for the park.
Usage note An asociación is an organized group with shared aims: asociación vecinal, asociación cultural. The verb asociarse means to join or partner up.
public service
El acceso al agua potable es un servicio público esencial.
Access to drinking water is an essential public service.
Usage note Servicios públicos include water, transport, health, and education. In parts of Latin America, los servicios also means utilities such as electricity.
public transportation
Mejorar el transporte público reduciría el número de coches en el centro.
Improving public transportation would reduce the number of cars downtown.
Usage note Transporte público is generally singular as a system, although individual services can be plural.
traffic
El tráfico aumenta mucho a primera hora de la mañana.
Traffic gets much heavier early in the morning.
Usage note Tráfico is uncountable road traffic: hay mucho tráfico. A traffic jam is un atasco in Spain and un embotellamiento in much of Latin America.
pollution
La contaminación del aire empeora cuando apenas hay viento.
Air pollution gets worse when there is hardly any wind.
Usage note Contaminación de or contaminación del identifies the affected environment or source.
recycling
El edificio tiene un espacio común para el reciclaje de vidrio y cartón.
The building has a shared area for recycling glass and cardboard.
Usage note Reciclaje is the process of recycling, and reciclar is the verb. Common collocations are el contenedor de reciclaje and el reciclaje de papel.
waste; residue
Los residuos electrónicos no deben tirarse con la basura doméstica.
Electronic waste should not be thrown out with household trash.
Usage note The plural residuos commonly refers to waste materials requiring collection or treatment.
consumption
El nuevo contador muestra el consumo diario de electricidad.
The new meter shows daily electricity consumption.
Usage note Consumo de identifies the resource or product used; reducir el consumo means to use less.
to recycle
En casa reciclamos las latas, el papel y los envases de plástico.
At home we recycle cans, paper, and plastic containers.
Usage note Reciclar takes the material or object directly and means processing it for reuse.
to participate; to take part
Más de cien personas participaron en la limpieza de la playa.
More than one hundred people took part in the beach cleanup.
Usage note Participar en introduces the event or activity: participar en una reunión. The person is el or la participante, and la participación is the noun.
to protect
Plantaron árboles para proteger las casas del viento fuerte.
They planted trees to protect the houses from strong winds.
Usage note Proteger a or proteger algo de names who is protected and from what; g changes to j before a or o.
to pollute; to contaminate
Los vertidos de la fábrica contaminaron el agua del río.
Waste from the factory polluted the river water.
Usage note Contaminar describes making air, water, soil, or another substance harmful or impure.
to separate; to sort
Antes de reciclar, hay que separar el vidrio del resto de los residuos.
Before recycling, you have to separate the glass from the rest of the waste.
Usage note Separar algo de otra cosa keeps items apart, and separar la basura means to sort waste. Separarse also means to separate as a couple.
to make use of; to take advantage of
Aprovechamos el agua de lluvia para regar el jardín.
We use collected rainwater to water the garden.
Usage note Aprovechar means to make good use of time, space, or an opportunity: aprovechar el fin de semana. ¡Que aproveche! means enjoy your meal.
to belong to
Este terreno pertenece al municipio y no se puede vender.
This land belongs to the municipality and cannot be sold.
Usage note Pertenecer requires a before the owner or group; the first-person form is pertenezco.
supportive; charitable
El barrio organizó una campaña solidaria para ayudar a las familias afectadas.
The neighborhood organized a charity campaign to help the affected families.
Usage note Solidario describes people or actions that support others, especially those facing difficulties.
sustainable
La cooperativa promueve una agricultura sostenible que protege el suelo.
The cooperative promotes sustainable farming that protects the soil.
Usage note Sostenible describes practices that can continue without exhausting resources or causing lasting harm.
custom; habit
En este pueblo existe la costumbre de saludar a todo el mundo.
In this town, it's customary to greet everyone.
Usage note Costumbre covers social customs and personal habits: tener la costumbre de plus an infinitive. It is not 'costume' (el disfraz); de costumbre means as usual.
in the long term
A largo plazo, aislar mejor las viviendas permite ahorrar energía.
In the long term, better home insulation saves energy.
Usage note A largo plazo evaluates effects over an extended period and contrasts with a corto plazo.
because of that; as a result
El depósito estaba dañado y, debido a ello, se perdieron miles de litros.
The tank was damaged, and as a result, thousands of liters were lost.
Usage note Debido a ello refers back to a previously stated cause and introduces its consequence.
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