# Dictionary of Spoken Spanish/Part 1/A

A
* a to Voy a Barcelona. I'm going to Barcelona.—Vamos a casa. Let's go home.—Se lo dimos al hombre. We gave it to the man. $^▲$ at Vengan Uds. a las dos. Come at two o'clock. $^▲$ on, upon Al salir de la casa, la vimos. We saw her on leaving the house. $^▲$ later Nos marchamos a los cuatro días. We left four days later. $^▲$ by La carta estaba escrita a mano. The letter was written by hand. $^▲$ on Fuimos a pie. We went on foot. $^▲$ from Se lo compré a Juan. I bought it from John. ○ a no ser que if . . . not Le veré, a no ser que venga demasiado tarde. I'll see him if he doesn't come too late. || Quiero ver a Nueva York [Am]. I want to see New York. || ¡A que no sabes donde estuve anoche! I bet you can't guess where I was last night!
* abajo below, down, downstairs Estoy aquí abajo. I'm down here. ○ boca abajo face down. ○ cuesta abajo downhill No vaya Ud. tan de prisa en la cuesta abajo. Don't drive so fast downhill. ○ de abajo lower Los pisos de abajo son muy oscuros. The lower floors are very dark. ○ de arriba abajo from top to bottom, from head to foot Lo examinó de arriba abajo. He examined it from top to bottom. ○ desde abajo from below Desde abajo la casa parecía muy alta. From below, the house seemed very tall. ○ hacia abajo downward, down Cuando pase el puente no mire hacia abajo. When you cross the bridge, don't look down. ○ por abajo at or around the bottom, down there El pantalón estaba gastado por abajo. The trousers were worn at the bottom.
* abandonado (see abandonar) [adj] negligent, sloppy Es muy abandonado en su manera de vestir. He's very sloppy in his dress.
* abandonar to abandon, leave Abandonó a su mujer. He left his wife. $^▲$ to neglect Abandona su trabajo a menudo. He frequently neglects his work.
* abanicar(se) to fan (oneself) Como hacía calor, se abanicaba. As it was warm, she was fanning herself.
* abanico fan Compró un abanico chino. She bought a Chinese fan.
* abarrotes [m pl] ○ tienda de abarrotes grocery store [Mex].
* abatir to depress Las noticias le han abatido mucho. The news depressed him very much.
* abeja bee.
* abertura opening (of material) La abertura de este jersey es pequeña y no me cabe la cabeza. The opening in this sweater's small and my head won't go through.
* abierto (see abrir) open Las ventanas están abiertas. The windows are open.
* ablandar to soften Es asfalto se ablandó con el calor. The asphalt was softened by the heat.
* abogado lawyer.
* abolir to abolish.
* abollar to dent, batter El guardabarros quedó todo abollado. The fender was badly dented.
* abonar to pay Abonaremos la diferencia. We'll pay the difference. $^▲$ to fertilize Esta es la mejor época de abonar los campos. This is the best time to fertilize the fields. ○ abonarse to subscribe Me voy a abonar a estos conciertos de música de cámara. I'm going to subscribe to these chamber-music concerts.
* abono commutation ticket; subscription; fertilizer.
* abrasar to burn La casa se abrasó. The house burned to the ground.
* abrazar to embrace, hug.
* abrazo embrace, hug.
* abrelatas [m sg] can opener.
* abreviar to shorten; to abbreviate.
* abreviatura abbreviation. ​
* abrigar to warm Estas mantas abrigan mucho. These blankets are very warm. $^▲$ to shelter, protect La pared me abrigaba de la lluvia. The wall protected me from the rain. ○ abrigarse to warp oneself, dress warmly Abríguese bien antes de salir. Wrap up well before you go out.
* abrigo overcoat.
* abril [m] April.
* abrir [irr] to open Haga el favor de abrir la puerta. Please open the door.—¿Cuándo han abierto el cajón? When was the box opened? $^▲$ to unlock Con este llave abra Ud. el armario. Unlock the cabinet with this key. ○ abrirse to withdraw, back out [Am] Si se abren Uds. no se hará el negocio. If you back out the deal won't go through. ○ abrirse paso, abrirse camino to make one's way Se abría paso entre la multitud. He was making his way through the crowd.
* abrochar to buckle, button Abróchale el cinturón al niño. Buckle the child's belt.—Tengo que abrocharme la chaqueta. I have to button my jacket.
* absoluto ○ en absoluto (not) at all "¿Le molesta a Ud.?" "No, en absoluto." "Do you mind?" "Not at all."—"¿Rehusó Ud. hacerlo?" "¡En absoluto!" "Did you refuse to do it?" "Not at all!"
* absorber to absorb.
* absurdo absurd; absurdity.
* abuela grandmother.
* abuelo grandfather.
* abundancia abundance.
* abundante abundant.
* aburrir to bore Aburre a todo el mundo. He bores everybody.
* abusar de to abuse El gobernador abusó de su autoridad. The governor abused his authority. $^▲$ to betray Abusó de mi confianza. He betrayed my confidence.
* abuso abuse (of power); betrayal (of confidence).
* acá here, this way Venga Ud. acá. Come here. ○ por acá around here Espero que le veamos por acá pronto. I hope we'll be seeing you around here soon.
* acabado (see acabar) [adj] Este mueble está muy bien acabado. This piece of furniture has a fine finish. $^▲$ exhausted, worn out [Am] Estoy acabado. I'm worn out [Am]. $^▲$ [m] finish El acabado de la mesa era perfecto. The finish of the table was perfect.
* acabar to finish, end, terminate Acabe Ud. su trabajo pronto. Finish your work quickly. $^▲$ to put an end to Acabemos esta discusión. Let's put an end to this discussion. ○ acabar con to exhaust, use up Han acabado con todos los recursos del país. They exhausted all the resources of the country. $^▲$ to wipe out Acabaron con el enemigo. They wiped out the enemy. ○ acabar de to have just Acabo de llegar. I've just arrived. ○ acabar por to end by Acabaré por volverme loco. I'll end up by going crazy. ○ acabarse to run out of Se me acabó el dinero. I ran out of money.
* academia academy.
* acalenturado feverish [Am] El enfermo está acalenturado esta tarde. The patient's feverish this afternoon.
* acalorarse to become heated or excited La discusión se acaloró. The argument became heated. $^▲$ to get overheated Me acaloré jugando al beisbol. I got overheated playing baseball.
* acariciar to caress, pet Acariciaba al perro. He was petting the dog.
* acarrear to carry (a load).
* acaso perhaps, maybe Acaso venga mañana. Maybe he'll come tomorrow. $^▲$ by chance ¿Acaso lo tiene Ud.? Do you have it by any chance?
* accidental accidental.
* accidente [m] accident, mishap, chance.
* acción [f] action Esas tropas van a entrar en acción. Those troops are going into action. $^▲$ plot (of a drama) La acción se desarrolla rápidamente. The plot develops rapidly.
* aceite [m] oil.
* aceituna olive.
* acento stress, accent Esta palabra tiene el acento en la última sílaba. This word's stressed on the last syllable. $^▲$ accent, pronunciation Tiene buen acento. He has a good accent.
* acentuar to accent.
* aceptar to accept.
* acera sidewalk.
* acerca de about, concerning No sé nada acerca de eso. I don't know anything about that.
* acercar to bring near Acérqueme una silla, por favor. Bring up a chair for me, please. ○ acercarse a to approach Se acercó a la puerta. He approached the door.
* acero steel. ​
* acertar [rad-ch l] to guess right Gana el que acierte el número. Whoever guesses the number wins. ○ acertar con to locate, find No acertó con la casa. He couldn't find the house. ○ acertar en to hit (a mark) Acertó en el centro del blanco. He hit the bull's-eye.
* ácido sour Estas naranjs son muy ácidas. These oranges are very sour. $^▲$ [m] acid.
* acierto good judgment, good choice Es un acierto este traje que se ha comprado Ud. That suit you bought's a good choice.
* aclamación [f] acclamation Fué elegido por aclamación. He was elected by acclamation.
* aclamar to acclaim, applaud.
* aclaración [f] explanation.
* aclarar to make clear, clarify Hay que aclarar este asunto. This matter must be clarified. $^▲$ to brighten, clear up Parece que el día aclara. It seems to be clearing up.
* acogida reception Tuvieron una calurosa acogida. They got a warm reception.
* acometer to attack.
* acomodado (see acomodar) well-to-do Es una familia acomodada. It's a well-to-do family.
* acomodador [m] usher.
* acomodar to put, place Acomode bien las maletas en la red. Put the suitcases carefully on the rack. ○ acomodarse to adapt oneself Se acomoda a las circunstancias. She adapts herself to circumstances. $^▲$ to make oneself comfortable Acomódense, que tenemos tiempo de sobre. Make yourselves comfortable, for we have plenty of time.
* acomodo job, position Está buscando acomodo. He's looking for a job.
* acompañar to accompany.
* aconsejar to advise.
* acontecimiento event.
* acorazado battleship.
* acordar [rad-ch l] to agree to, on, or upon Lo acordaron por unanimidad. They agreed to it unanimously. ○ acordarse de to remember, recollect ¿Se acuerda Ud. de esto? Do you remember this?
* acortar to shorten Haga el favor de acortar la chaqueta. Would you please shorten the jacket. ○ acortar la marcha to slow down.
* acostar [rad-ch l] to put to bed Ya es hora de acostar a los niños. It's time to put the children to bed. $^▲$ to lay Se puso enfermo y lo acostaron en un banco. He became sick and they laid him on a bench. ○ acostarse to go to bed Se acuesta temprano pero tarda en dormirse. he goes to bed early but it takes him a long time to get to sleep. ○ estar acostado to be lying down Estaba acostado en el diván. He was lying on the couch.
* acostumbrarse a to get accustomed to.
* acrecentar [rad-ch l] to increase.
* acreditado accredited Es un representante acreditado del gobierno francés. He's an accredited representative of the French government. $^▲$ of good reputation Es un médico acreditado. He's a doctor of good reputation. $^▲$ solvent Es una firma acreditada. It's a solvent firm.
* acreedor [m] creditor Le persiguen los acreedores. His creditors are after him.
* actitud [f] attitude.
* actividad [f] activity En la oficina ha habido mucha actividad esta mañana. There's been a lot of activity around the office this morning. ○ actividades activities Además de su empleo tiene otras muchas actividades. In addition to his regular job, he has a lot of other activities.
* activo active.
* acto act Fué un acto de valor. It was an act of courage. $^▲$ ceremony El acto tuvo lugar por la tarde. The ceremony took place in the afternoon. $^▲$ act (of a play) Ahora va a empezar el tercer acto. The third act is about to begin. ○ en el acto right away Lo hizo en el acto. He did it right away.
* actor [m] actor.
* actriz [f] actress.
* actual present, current Las circunstancias actuales son desfavorables. Present circumstances are unfavorable.
* actualidad [f] present time En la actualidad escasea el café. Nowadays coffee is scarce.
* actualmente at present, at the present time Actualmente está en Chicago. At the present time he's in Chicago.
* actuar to act.
* acudir to rush Acudieron en su ayuda. They rushed to his aid. $^▲$ to keep (an appointment) No acudió a la cita. He didn't keep his appointment.
* acuerdo agreement Llegaron a un acuerdo. They came to an agreement. ​ ○ de acuerdo of the same opinion Estamos de acuerdo. We're of the same opinion. ○ de acuerdo con in accordance with Lo hice de acuerdo con sus instrucciones. I did it according to your instructions.
* acumular to accumulate.
* acusación [f] accusation.
* acudado (see acusar) [adj] accused. $^▲$ [n] defendant.
* acusar to accuse Le acusaron de homicidio. They accused him of manslaughter. $^▲$ to acknowledge (in business correspondence) Acusamos recibo de su carta. We acknowleddge receipt of your letter.
* adaptar to adapt.
* adecuado adequate, suitable.
* adelantado (see adelantar) ○ por adelantado in advance En ese hotel hay que pagar por adelantado. You have to pay in advance in that hotel.
* adelantar to surpass, take the lead Este muchacho adelanta al resto de la clase. This boy surpasses the rest of the class.—Adelantaron a todos los demás. They went ahead of all the others. $^▲$ to pass Iban a ochenta kilómetros y nos adelantaron. They were doing eighty kilometers and they passed us. $^▲$ to gain time Su reloj adelanta. Your watch gains time. $^▲$ to put ahead Adelante Ud. su reloj porque está atrasado. Put your watch ahead; it's slow. $^▲$ to be fast Mi reloj está adelantado cinco minutos. My watch is five minutes fast. $^▲$ to improve, advance Su español adelanta poco a poco. His Spanish is improving little by little. ○ adelantarse to beat (someone) to, steal a march on Yo quería invitarle, pero su amigo se me adelantó. I wanted to invite you, but your friend beat me to it.
* adelante Siga Ud. adelate. Go ahead. ○ en adelante from now on De ahora en adelante lo haremos así. From now on we'll do it this way. ○ más adelante later on Más adelante lo comprenerás. You'll understand it later on. $^▲$ farther on Más adelante encontramos una casa. Farther on we came upon a house. || ¡Adelante! Come in! or Forward!
* adelanto improvement Esta casa tiene todo los adelantos. This house has all the latest improvements.
* adelgazar to make thin; to lose weight.
* además moreover, furthermore No tengo ganas de ir y además ya es muy tarde. I don't want to go, and besides it's too late. ○ además de in addition to, besides Además de fruta vamos a tomar helado. Besides fruit we're going to have ice cream.
* adentro within, inside Voy a ir adentro. I'm going inside. || ¡Adentro! Come in!
* adiós good-by, so long.
* adivinar to guess ¿A qué no adivina Ud. lo que me ha ocurrido hoy? I'll bet you can't guess what happened to me today.
* adjunto enclosed. (Used in correspondence.)
* administración [f] administration, management.
* administrador [m] manager; superintendent (of a building).
* administrar to manage, administer.
* admirable admirable, excellent, wonderful.
* admiración [f] admiration, wonder.
* admirar to amaze Me admira su descaro. I'm amazed at his nerve. $^▲$ to admire Admiraba el trabajo de su amigo. He admired his friend's work. ○ admirarse de to be surprised or amazed at Se admiraron de su resistencia. They were amazed at his courage.
* admitir to admit Le han admitido en la escuela de ingenieros. He was admitted to the engineering school. $^▲$ to accept No se admiten propinas. Tips not accepted. $^▲$ to let, allow No admite interrupciones. He doesn't allow interruptions.
* adolescencia adolscence, youth.
* adolescente [adj; n] adolescent.
* adonde where, to what place Adonde voy tú no puedes ir. You can't go where I'm going. ○ ¿adónde? where? where to? ¿Adónde va Ud.? Where are you going?
* adoptar to adopt Adoptaron una niña. They adopted a little girl.—Han adoptado un nuevo plan. They've adopted a new plan. $^▲$ to assume Adoptó un aire de gran importancia. He assumed an air of great importance.
* adorar to worship, adore.
* adornar to decorate, fix up El salón está muy bien adornado para la fiesta. The room's nicely fixed up for the party. $^▲$ to trim El traje estaba adornado con ​encajes. The dress was trimmed with lace.
* adorno ornament, trimming.
* adquirir to acquire.
* adquisición [f] acquisition.
* aduana customhouse. $^▲$ customs Pagaron derechos de aduana(s). They paid customs duties.
* adulación [f] flattery.
* adular to flatter.
* adulto [n; adj] adult.
* adversario opponent.
* adversidad [f] adversity, misfortune.
* advertencia warning.
* advertir [rad-ch II] to notice, observe Advertí algunos errores en su informe. I noticed some mistakes in his report. $^▲$ to advise, warn Te advierto que no lo hagas otra vez. I'm warning you not to do it again.—Ya se lo advertí a Ud. I told you so.
* aéreo aerial, (of the) air Envíelo por correo aéreo. Send it airmail.
* aeródromo airport.
* aeroplano airplane.
* afable affable, pleasant.
* afán [m] anxiety, eagerness.
* afanarse to be eager Muchachos, no se afanen tanto. Don't be so eager, boys.
* afectado (see afectar) affected, unnatural.
* afectar to move La noticia le afectó mucho. The news moved him deeply.
* afecto affection, regard Les tiene afecto a todos sus compañeros de oficina. He has regard for all his office companions.
* afeitar to shave. ○ afeitarse to shave (oneself).
* afición [f] fondness; inclination.
* aficionado, aficionada fan Soy un gran aficionado al béisbol. I'm a great baseball fan. $^▲$ amateur Esta es una compañía de aficionados. This is an amateur company. ○ aficionado a fond of Es muy aficionado a la lectura. He's very fond of reading.
* aficionarse a to become fond of Se ha aficionado a los deportes. He's become fond of sports.
* afilar to sharpen.
* afinidad [f] relationship by marriage Es pariente mío por afinidad. He's one of my in-laws.
* afirmar to affirm, assert, maintain.
* afirmativo [adj] affirmative.
* aflicción [f] affliction, sorrow, grief.
* afligir to grieve (someone) Les afligió macho la pérdida de su madre. The loss of their mother grieved them very much. ○ afligirse to grieve Se afligieron por la desgracia de su amigo. They grieved over their friend's misfortune.
* aflojar to loosen, relax Afloje Ud. un poco la venda. Loosen the bandage a little. $^▲$ to slacken No aflojen el trabajo en tiempo de guerra. Don't slacken in your work in war time. $^▲$ to decrease, let up, subside La tormenta aflojó. The storm let up.
* afortunadamente fortunately.
* afortunado fortunate, lucky.
* afuera out, outside Vamos afuera. Let's go out. ○ afueras [f pl] suburbs, outskirts Viven en las afueras de la ciudad. They live in the suburbs. || ¡Afuera! Get out!
* agachar to lower, bend down Agachen la cabeza que el techo es muy bajo. Bend down; the ceiling's very low.
* agarradero handle.
* agarrar to hold, grasp Agarre Ud. bien la cuerda. Hold the rope tight. $^▲$ to catch or contract (illness) He agarrado un catarro atroz. I caught an awful cold. $^▲$ to take [Arg]. ○ agarrarse to hold on, catch hold Se agarró de mi brazo para no caerse. She caught hold of my arm so she wouldn't fall.
* agencia agency (except governmental).
* agente [m] agent Es agente de una gran compañía de seguros. He's agent for a big insurance company. $^▲$ representative La compañía ha enviado varios agentes para tratar el asunto. The company's sent several representatives to discuss the matter. ○ agente (de policía) policeman [Am] Pregunte al agente dónde está la plaza de Santiago. Ask the policeman where St. James Square is.
* ágil quick, agile Es ágil de movimientos. He's quick in his movements.—Tiene una inteligencia muy ágil. She has a very quick mind.
* agitación [f] excitement, agitation.
* agitar to shake Agítese bien antes de usarlo. Shake well before using. $^▲$ to stir up, excite El político agitó a los trabajadores. The politician stirred up the workers. ○ agitarse to become excited Cuando lo oyó se agitó mucho. When she heard it she got very excited.
* agosto August. ​
* agotar to run through, use up, exhaust Agotaron rápidamente la herencia. They ran through the inheritance. ○ agotarse to wear oneself out Con tanto trabajo se está agotando. He's wearing himself out working so much. $^▲$ to go out of print La edición se agotó rápidamente. The edition went out of print quickly. $^▲$ to give out Se agotaron las provisiones en poco tiempo. The provisions gave out in a short time.
* agradable agreeable, pleasant.
* agradar to be pleasing to Es un tipo que no me agrada. I don't like his type.
* agradecer [-zc-] to appreciate Le agradezco mucho su amabilidad. I appreciate your kindness. $^▲$ to thank for Le agradecí mucho su ayuda. I thanked him very much for his help.
* agradecimiento gratitude.
* agrado liking Esto no es de su agrado. This is not to his liking.
* agrandar to enlarge Van a agrandar su tienda. They're going to enlarge their store. $^▲$ to let out (a garment).
* agravar to aggravate, make worse Esto agrava la situación. This makes the situation worse. ○ agravarse to get worse El enfermo se agravó. The patient got worse.
* agregado See agregar. $^▲$ [m] attaché Vimos al agregado militar de la Embajada Americana. We saw the military attaché of the American Embassy.
* agregar to add Hace falta agregar más detalles al informe. You have to add more details to the report.
* agresión [f] aggression.
* agresivo aggressive.
* agresor [m] aggressor.
* agricultor [m] farmer.
* agricultura agriculture.
* agrio sour La toronja está muy agria. The grapefruit tastes very sour.
* agrupar to group.
* agua water Quiere un vaso de agua fresca. He wants a glass of cold water. $^▲$ rain Ahora hace un tiempo de agua. We're having a rainy spell. ○ agua de coco coconut milk. ○ aguas termales hot springs. ○ más claro que el agua clear as crystal Tiene Ud. razón, eso está más claro que el agua. You're right, that's as clear as crystal. || ¡Hombre al agua! Man overboard!
* aguacate [m] avocado, alligator pear.
* aguacero [m] rainstorm El aguacero de anoche ha cortado el camino. Last night's storm washed out the road.
* aguado ○ manos aguadas butterfingers [Am] ¡Tienes las manos aguadas! You have butterfingers.
* aguafiestas [m, f; sg] wet blanket, killjoy No seas aguafiestas. Don't be a wet blanket.
* aguantar to bear, endure, stand Es asombroso como puede aguantar tanto. It's amazing how much he can stand.—Esto no se puede aguantar. This is unbearable. $^▲$ to hang on, not give up ¡Aguante duro! Hang on tight! ○ aguantarse to be patient, take it Hay que aguantarse. You have to take it.
* aguardar to expect Le aguardamos mañana a las diez. We expect him tomorrow at ten o'clock. $^▲$ to wait for Te estoy aguardando hace horas. I've been waiting for you for hours.
* aguardiente [m] brandy, whiskey.
* agudo sharp, keen El cuchillo tenía la punta muy aguda. The knife had a very sharp point. $^▲$ clever Es un muchacho muy agudo. He's a very clever boy. $^▲$ high-pitched Tiene una voz muy aguda. She has a very high-pitched voice. $^▲$ witty ¡Siempre tiene dichos tan agudos! He's always making such witty remarks! $^▲$ acute (of an angle) Las calles forman un ángulo agudo. The two streets form an acute angle.
* águila [f] eagle.
* agüita agüita (water flavored with aromatic leaves) [Am] ¿Qué quiere Ud. después de la comida, café, té o agüita de menta? What would you like after dinner—coffee, tea, or mint water?
* aguja needle ¿Tiene Ud. una aguja para coser estos botones? Do you have a needle to sew on these buttons? $^▲$ hand (of watch, compass) A mi reloj se le ha caído una aguja. One of the hands has fallen off my watch. ○ agujas [pl] switch El tren ha entrado en agujas. The train's passed the switch.
* agujero hole.
* aguzar to sharpen to a point Aguce un poco la estaca. Sharpen the end of the stick a little. || Aguzó el oído. He pricked up his ears.
* ¡ah! oh!
* ahí there Ahí está su amigo. There's your friend.—Qué tiene Ud. ahí en el bolsillo? What have you got there in your pocket? ○ por ahí that way Por ahí, haga el ​favor. That way, please. $^▲$ around here Por ahí anda su sombrero. Your hat's somewhere around here. || ¿Y de ahí, qué hubo? Hello there, what's new? [C.A.]
* ahijada goddaughter.
* ahijado godson.
* ahogar to choke Trató de ahogarle. He tried to choke him. ○ ahogarse to drown, to be drowned Muchos animales se ahogaron en la inundación. Many animals were drowned in the flood. $^▲$ to be suffocated Me ahogo en esta habitación tan pequeña y tan caliente. This room's so small and hot that I'm suffocating.
* ahora now, right now Ahora voy a casa. I'm going home now. $^▲$ now ¿Ahora, qué piensa Ud.? Now, what do you think? ○ ahora bien now, now then Ahora bien, hay que aclarar este problema. Now then, let's get this problem cleared up. ○ ahora mismo at once, right away Hágalo ahora mismo. Do it right away. $^▲$ just, just now Salió ahora mismo. He just left. ○ de ahora en adelante from now on Lo haremos así de ahora en adelante. We'll do it this way from now on. ○ hasta ahora up to now, so far Hasta ahora nunca hemos tenido este problema. Up to now we've never had this problem. ○ por ahora for the present Por ahora tenemos bastante comida. We have enough food for the present.
* ahorcar to hang (execute) Lo ahorcaron el mismo día. They hanged him the same day.
* ahorita right now [Am] Ahorita vamos a verle. We're going to see him right now.
* ahorrar to save ¿Cuánto dinero hemos ahorrado este mes? How much have we saved this month?
* aire [m] air El aire de esta habitación está muy cargado. The air in this room's very stuffy. $^▲$ wind Sopla un aire muy fuerte. There's a very strong wind blowing. $^▲$ look, appearance Tiene aire de millonario. He looks like a millionaire.—Tenía un aire muy cansado. He looked very tired. ○ al aire libre in the open air Pasamos tres horas al aire libre. We spent three hours in the open air. ○ tomar el aire to get some fresh air. || Se da aires de persona importante. He puts on airs.
* aislamiento isolation.
* aislar to isolate, cut off.
* ¡aja! || ¡Aja! ¿Conque esas tenemos? So that's what's going on!
* ajedrez [m] chess.
* ajeno another's, someone else's No se meta en vidas ajenas. Don't meddle in other people's affairs.
* ajo garlic. ○ echar ajos to swear Empezó a echar ajos. He started swearing. ○ estar en el ajo to be in the know.
* ajustar to tighten Tiene Ud. que ajustar esos tornillos. You have to tighten those screws. $^▲$ to fit Esta tapadera no ajusta. This cover doesn't fit. $^▲$ to agree about, decide (on) Se reunieron para ajustar las condiciones de la paz. They met to decide peace terms. $^▲$ to settle Vamos a ajustar las cuentas. Let's settle accounts.
* al (a + el) See a.
* ala wing; brim (of a hat).
* alabanza praise.
* alabar to praise.
* alacrán [m] scorpion.
* alambrada wire fence.
* alambre [m] wire.
* alameda mall, public walk (lined with poplars).
* álamo poplar.
* alarde [m] boast. ○ hacer alarde de to show off Levantó el baúl para hacer alarde de fuerza. He lifted the trunk to show off his strength.
* alardear to boast.
* alargar to lengthen, extend Hay que alargar las mangas de este abrigo. The sleeves of this coat have to be lengthened. $^▲$ to hand Haga el favor de alargarme la maleta. Would you hand me the suitcase, please?
* alarma alarm.
* alba dawn.
* albañil [m] mason, bricklayer.
* albaricoque [m] apricot [Sp].
* alborotar to disturb, make noise Los niños están alborotando mucho. The children are making a lot of noise.
* alboroto disturbance, excitement; [C.A.] popcorn.
* alcachofa artichoke.
* alcalde [m] mayor.
* alcance [m] reach Estaba fuera de su alcance. It was out of his reach.
* alcancía toy bank; collection box.
* alcanzado short (of money) Siempre anda alcanzado de dinero. He's always short of money. ​
* alcanzar to catch up with, overtake Nos alcanzaron muy pronto. They caught up with us quickly. $^▲$ to reach No puedo alcanzar esa lata de tomate. I can't reach that can of tomatoes. $^▲$ to attain, reach Alcanzó el grado de general. He reached the rank of general. ○ alcanzar a to succeed in, can Desde aquí no alcanzo a verlo. From here I can't see it.
* alcoba bedroom.
* alcohol [m] alcohol.
* alcohólico [adj; n] alcoholic.
* aldea village.
* alegar to allege, state, assert.
* alegrar to brighten (up) Las flores alegrarán la mesa. The flowers will brighten up the table. $^▲$ to cheer up. ○ alegrarse to rejoice, be glad Me alegro mucho de verla. I'm very glad to see you.
* alegre glad, happy ¿Por qué está Ud. tan alegre hoy? Why are you so happy today? $^▲$ cheerful Son gente muy alegre. They're very cheerful people. $^▲$ brilliant, bright ¡Qué traje tan alegre! What a bright-colored suit that is! $^▲$ drunk, tipsy Está un poco alegre. He's a little tipsy.
* alegría delight, joy, pleasure Mostró gran alegría cuando le vio. He showed great joy when he saw him.
* alejarse to go away No se aleje demasiado. Don't go too far away.
* alentado well, all right [Am] Estaba enfermo, pero hoy ya está alentado. He was ill, but today he's all right.
* alentar [rad-ch I] to comfort, cheer up Hay que alentarla un poco. She needs a little cheering up. $^▲$ to encourage Aliéntele Ud. a que lo haga ahora. Encourage him to do it.
* alfabeto alphabet.
* alfiler [m] pin.
* alfombra carpet, rug.
* algo something ¿Tiene Ud. algo que decirme? Have you something to tell me? $^▲$ rather, somewhat Me parece algo caro. It seems rather expensive to me. ○ algo de some ¿Tiene Ud. algo de dinero? Have you got some money? ○ por algo for some reason Por algo me dice Ud. eso. You must have a reason for telling me. ○ servir para algo to be useful, be good for something No sé si esto le servirá para algo. I don't know whether this'll be of any use to you.
* algodón [m] cotton.
* alguien somebody, someone Alguien llama a la puerta. Somebody's knocking at the door. $^▲$ anybody, anyone ¿Ha venido alguien? Has anybody come?
* algún (see alguno) some Espero que Ud. vuelva algún día. I hope you'll come again some day.
* alguno some, any Quiero hacerle algunas preguntas. I want to ask you some questions.—¿Quiere Ud. hacerme alguna pregunta? Do you want to ask me any questions? ○ alguna cosa más anything else ¿Necesita Ud. alguna cosa más? Do you need anything else? ○ alguna vez now and then, sometimes Nos visita algunas veces. He visits us now and then. ○ algunos some people Algunos no tienen paciencia. Some people have no patience.
* alhaja jewel.
* aliado allied. $^▲$ [n] ally.
* alianza union, alliance.
* aliarse to form an alliance, ally oneself.
* aliento breath Llegó sin aliento. He was out of breath when he got here. || Es una persona de muchos alientos. He's a very energetic person.
* aligerar to lighten Tenemos que aligerar la carga. We have to lighten the load. $^▲$ to hasten, hurry Aligera porque es tarde. Hurry up, it's late.
* alimentar to feed, nourish Esta comida no alimenta bastante. This food's not nourishing enough.
* alimento food, nourishment.
* alistarse to enlist Se alistó en la Legión Extranjera. He enlisted in the Foreign Legion.
* alistarse to get ready [Am] Hay que alistarse temprano porque el tren no espera. We'd better get ready early because the train won't wait.
* aliviar to relieve, alleviate.
* allá there ¡Allá está! There it is! ○ allá arriba up there, way up Está allá arriba esperándole. He's up there waiting for you. ○ allá dentro in there, inside Allá dentro están sus amigos. Your friends are in there. ○ hacia allá, para allá that way Vamos hacia allá. Let's go that way. ○ más allá farther on, beyond El pueblo está más allá de aquellos árboles. The village is beyond those trees. ○ por allá over there Les vi por allá hace un rato. I saw 'em over there a while ago.
* allí there Póngalo allí. Put it over there.—Su casa está allí a la derecha. His house is there on the right. ​ ○ de allí from there Vive lejos de allí. She lives far from there. ○ desde allí from there Desde allí se veía perfectamente. From there one could see perfectly. ○ por allí that way Dice que vayamos por allí. He says we should go that way.
* alma soul. ○ almas people Es un pueblo de tres mil almas. It's a town of 3000 people. ○ de mi alma (term of affectionate address used in Spanish-speaking countries) ¡Hijo de mi alma! My dear child! || Lo siento en el alma. I'm terribly sorry.
* almacén [m] warehouse, stockroom; store, shop; department store; [Arg] grocery store.
* almendra almond.
* almidón [m] starch.
* almidonar to starch.
* almirante [m] admiral.
* almohada pillow. || Lo voy a consultar con la almohada. I'm going to sleep on it (i.e., think it over).
* almohadón [m] cushion.
* almorzar [rad-ch I] to lunch, breakfast.
* almuerzo lunch, noon meal; breakfast.
* alocado reckless Es un muchacho muy alocado. He's a reckless young fellow.
* alojamiento lodging.
* alojar to put up, lodge, quarter.
* alpargata espadrille (sandal with fiber sole and canvas upper).
* alquilar to rent, hire Alquilaron una casa. They rented a house. $^▲$ to let Se alquilan habitaciones. Rooms for rent.
* alquiler [m] rent, price of rent.
* alrededor ○ alrededor de around Estaban sentados alrededor de la mesa. They were sitting around the table. $^▲$ about Costó alrededor de treinta pesos. It cost about thirty pesos. ○ alrededores [m pl] outskirts, surroundings.
* altar [m] altar.
* altavoz [m] loudspeaker.
* alteración [f] alteration, change Tenemos que hacer algunas alteraciones en nuestros planes. We have to make some changes in our plans. $^▲$ strong emotion Daba muestras de gran alteración. He showed signs of great emotion. ○ alteración del orden tumult, public disorder Hubo alteraciones del orden en todo el país. There were disorders all over the country.
* alterar to change, transform Su venida alteró completamente nuestra vida. His coming changed our lives completely. ○ alterarse to get excited No se altere Ud. que no es nada. Don't get excited; it's nothing.
* alternar to alternate, take turns.
* alternativa [f] alternative.
* alto high, tall ¿Qué es aquel edificio tan alto? What's that very tall building? $^▲$ high (in rank) Habló con un alto empleado del Ministerio de Hacienda. He talked to a high official of the Treasury Department. $^▲$ high Los precios son muy altos en esta tienda. Prices are very high in this store. $^▲$ loud No hables tan alto. Don't talk so loud. ○ a altas horas de la noche very late at night Volvió a altas horas de la noche. He returned very late at night. ○ altos upper story Viven en los altos de aquella casa. They live in the upper story of that house. ○ lo alto top La casa está en lo alto de la colina. The house is on top of the hill. ○ pasar por alto to overlook, forget Hemos pasado por alto muchos puntos importantes. We've overlooked many important facts.
* alto ○ hacer alto to stop, halt Hicimos alto en el camino para almorzar. We stopped along the way to have lunch.—Los soldados hicieron alto a la entrada del pueblo. The soldiers halted at the entrance to the town. || ¡Alto! Halt! or Stop!
* altura height, altitude, elevation No me encuentro bien a tanta altura. I don't feel well at such a high altitude.
* aludir a to allude to, refer to.
* alumbrado See alumbrar. $^▲$ lighting, lighting system Hay muy poco alumbrado en esta parte de la ciudad. The lighting's poor in this part of the city.
* alumbrar to give light Los faroles de la calle no alumbran bastante. The street lamps don't give enough light. $^▲$ to light, illuminate ¿Puede alumbar el camino? Can you light the way?
* alumno pupil, student.
* alusión [f] allusion, reference; hint.
* alzar to lift, raise No alzó los ojos del libro. He didn't raise his eyes from the book. ○ alzarse to rise, revolt Se alzaron contra el gobierno. They revolted against the government. $^▲$ to get up. ○ alzarse con to lift, steal, swipe Se alzó con el dinero. He stole the money. ​
* amabilidad [f] kindness.
* amable kind, amiable.
* amanecer to dawn En verano amanece más temprano que en invierno. In the summer it dawns earlier than in the winter.
* amanecer [m] daybreak, dawn.
* amanecida ○ a la amanecida at daybreak, at dawn.
* amante [adj] loving. $^▲$ [n] lover; mistress.
* amapola poppy.
* amar to love.
* amargado (see amargar) embittered Ese tipo está amargado. That guy's very embittered.
* amargar to make bitter, make miserable Amarga la vida de todos los que le rodean. He makes life miserable for everyone around him.
* amargo bitter.
* amargor [m] bitterness No podía soportar el amargor del café. He couldn't stand the bitterness of the coffee.
* amargura bitterness Sus desgracias le causaron una gran amargura. His misfortunes caused him great bitterness.
* amarillo yellow.
* amarrar to tie, fasten.
* ambición [f] (excessive) ambition.
* ambicioso overambitious.
* ambiente [m] atmosphere, environment.
* ambulancia ambulance.
* amén amen. || Dice a todo amén. He's a yes-man.
* amenaza threat, menace.
* amenazar to threaten, menace.
* americana coat (of a man's suit) [Sp].
* amigo, amiga friend Es una amiga mía. She's a friend of mine.
* amistad [f] friendship. ○ hacer amistad to become friends, make friends (with) Pronto hicieron amistad. They soon became friends.—Hizo amistad con Juan. He made friends with John. ○ hacer amistades to get acquainted En poco tiempo hizo amistades allí. He got acquainted there in a short time.
* amistoso friendly.
* amo, ama owner, proprietor Hablamos con el amo de la casa. We talked with the owner of the house. $^▲$ boss No se lo digas al amo. Don't tell the boss.
* amontonar to heap, pile up.
* amor [m] love Le gusta hablar de amor. He likes to talk of love. $^▲$ love, heartthrob Ha encontrado un nuevo amor. He's found a new love. $^▲$ love, darling Sí, mi amor. Yes, darling. ○ amor propio self-esteem, pride Tiene un amor propio excesivo. He has too much pride.
* amoscarse to become peeved or irked Se ha amoscado con tus palabras. He was peeved by what you said.
* amotinarse to mutiny.
* amparo aid; protection.
* ampliación [f] enlargement Quiero una ampliación de esta fotografía. I want an enlargement of this photograph.
* ampliar to enlarge, amplify, extend.
* amplio ample, roomy, large.
* amueblar to furnish, supply with furniture Amueblaron la casa con todo lujo. They furnished the house very luxuriously.
* analfabeto [adj, n] illiterate.
* análisis [m or f] analysis.
* analizar to analyze.
* anarquía anarchy.
* ancho wide, broad ¿Cree Ud. que el camino es bastante ancho para automóviles? Do you think the road's wide enough for cars? $^▲$ too big, too wide Este traje me está ancho. This suit's too big for me. $^▲$ width, breadth ¿Qué ancho tiene la tela? What's the width of the material? ○ a sus anchas at ease, comfortable.
* anciano aged, very old (of people).
* ancla anchor.
* andada hike [Am] Dimos la gran andada para llegar a la cumbre. We took a long hike up to the summit.
* andalón [m] wanderer, gadabout [Am] Eres muy andalón, muchacho. You're a great gadabout, my boy.
* andar [irr] to walk, go on foot Es demasiado lejos para ir andando. It's too far to walk. $^▲$ to go, move El tren echó a andar. The train began to move. $^▲$ to run, go, work ¿Anda ese reloj? Is that clock going? ○ andar andando to roam around [Mex, Col] He andado andando todo el día. I've been chasing around all day. ○ andar cerca to come close to No se sacó el premio, pero le anduvo cerca. He didn't win the prize, but he came close to it. ○ andar en to be going on [Am] El niño anda en siete años. The child's going on seven. ○ andarse por las ramas to beat around the bush. || ¡Anda! Move on! or Get up! or Go ahead! || ¡Ándale! Go on! or Go to it! [Am] ​
* andarivel [m] cable ferry, aerial cable car [Am]. $^▲$ rail, fence [Arg] El jinete cayó cerca del andarivel. The jockey fell right by the rail.
* andén [m] (railroad) platform.
* angosto narrow.
* ángulo angle.
* anillo ring Le regaló un anillo de brillantes. He gave her a diamond ring.
* animación [f] animation, liveliness La animación de la reunión me sorprendió. The liveliness of the gathering surprised me.
* animado (see animar) lively, animated.
* animal [m] animal. $^▲$ jackass, stupid person ¡No seas animal! Don't be a jackass!
* animar to cheer, encourage Vamos a animar a los jugadores. Let's encourage the players. $^▲$ to pep up Su llegada animó la fiesta. His arrival pepped up the party. ○ animar a to encourage to, urge to Le estoy animando a que venga con nosotros. I'm urging him to come with us.
* ánimo (state of) mind, spirits Estaba de buen ánimo. He was in good spirits. $^▲$ courage. ○ dar ánimos to encourage, cheer up Le dio ánimos porque estaba decaído. She cheered him up because he was depressed.
* aniversario [m] anniversary.
* anoche last night.
* anochecer [-zc-] to grow dark, get dark Ahora anochece a las cinco. It gets dark at five now.
* anochecer [m] dusk, nightfall.
* ansiedad [f] anxiety.
* ansioso anxious, eager, impatient Estoy ansioso de conocerla. I'm anxious to meet her.
* anteanoche night before last.
* anteayer day before yesterday.
* anteojos [m pl] eyeglasses, spectacles.
* antepasado [adj] before last El año antepasado fuimos a Europa. The year before last we went to Europe. $^▲$ [m] ancestor, ancestress.
* anterior previous, last.
* antes before Ya se lo dije a Ud. antes. I told you that before. $^▲$ formerly Esta calle tenía otro nombre antes. This street used to have another name. ○ antes de before Comamos antes de ir. Let's eat before we go. ○ antes que before Salieron antes que nosotros llegásemos. They left before we arrived.
* ante todo above all, first of all Ante todo no olvide escribirme. Above all, don't forget to write me.
* anticipar to advance, lend Me anticipó treinta pesos. He lent me 30 pesos. $^▲$ to advance Anticiparon la fecha de la fiesta. They advanced the date of the party. ○ anticiparse to arrive ahead of time Se anticiparon media hora. They arrived half an hour early. $^▲$ to get ahead of Se me anticipó. He got ahead of me.
* antiguo former; old, ancient. ○ a la antigua in an old-fashioned way Le gusta vestir a la antigua. She likes to dress in an old-fashioned way.
* antipatía dislike Me tiene antipatía. He dislikes me.
* antipático disagreeable Es un hombre muy antipático. He's a very disagreeable man.
* antojarse || Hace todo lo que se le antoja. She does whatever comes into her mind. || Lo hago porque se me antoja. I do it because I take a notion to.
* anunciar to announce; to advertise.
* anuncio advertisement; announcement; notice.
* añadir to add (to).
* año year. ○ año bisiesto leap year. ○ año nuevo new year Feliz año nuevo. Happy New Year. ○ tener . . . años to be . . . years old Tengo veinte años. I'm twenty years old.
* apagar to put out, extinguish Apague Ud. la luz. Put out the light. ○ apagarse to go out Se apagaron las luces. The lights went out.
* apagón [m] blackout.
* aparato apparatus, set Vende aparatos de radio. He sells radio sets.
* aparecer [-zc-] to show up, turn up No apareció. He didn't show up.
* aparición [f] appearance (presence) Le sorprendió la aparición repentina de su amigo. He was surprised by the sudden appearance of his friend. $^▲$ apparition.
* apariencia appearance, looks No me gusta su apariencia. I don't like his looks.
* apartado (see apartar) distant, far away. ○ apartado (de correos) post office box.
* apartamiento apartment [Am].
* apartar to separate, divide.
* aparte separate Eso es cuestión abarte. That's a separate question. $^▲$ aside, ​separately Ponga este paquete aparte. Put this package aside.
* apearse to get off Se prohibe apearse en marcha. Don't get off while the vehicle's in motion.
* apellido (family) name.
* apenado sorry, grieved Estaban apenados por la enfermedad de su tía. They were grieved by the illness of their aunt. $^▲$ worried [Am] Estábamos apenados porque no recibíamos noticias. We were worried because we weren't getting any news.
* apenas scarcely, hardly Apenas puede andar. He can hardly walk. $^▲$ as soon as Apenas llegue, avíseme. Let me know as soon as he comes.
* apertura opening (of exhibition, public event).
* apetito appetite.
* apiñado gathered in a crowd La gente está apiñada para ver el desfile. $^▲$ crowd of people gathered to see the parade.
* apio celery.
* aplanar to smooth, flatten. ○ aplanarse to be in low spirits, get depressed Se aplanó después del fracaso. He got very depressed after his failure.
* aplastar to crush Aplastaron toda resistencia. They crushed all resistance. $^▲$ to flatten Le aplastaron las narices. They flattened his nose. ○ aplastarse to flatten oneself Se aplastaron contra la pared. They flattened themselves against the wall.
* aplaudir to applaud.
* aplauso applause.
* aplicado (see aplicar) studious, industrious Es un estudiante muy aplicado. He's very studious.
* aplicar to apply, put on Le aplicaron a la silla una capa de pintura. They put a coat of paint on the chair. ○ aplicarse to apply oneself.
* aplomo self-possession, poise Tiene mucho aplomo. He has a lot of poise.
* apoderarse de to take possession of, seize.
* apodo nickname.
* aporrear to beat up, club.
* apostar to bet ¿Cuánto apuesta Ud.? How much do you bet? ○ apostar a que to bet that Apuesto a que llego yo antes de Ud. I bet I get there before you.
* apoyar to rest, prop Apoye el pie en ese escalón. Rest your foot on that step. $^▲$ to back, support, second Nadie apoyó su proposición. No one supported his motion.—Apoyo la proposición. I second the motion. ○ apoyarse to support oneself, lean Se apoya en un bastón. He's leaning on a cane.
* apoyo prop, support.
* aprecio esteem, respect, liking Le tengo mucho aprecio. I have great respect for him.
* aprender to learn.
* apresurar to hasten, hurry No apresure el paso; llegaremos a la hora. Don't walk so fast; we'll get there on time. ○ apresurarse to hurry up Haga el favor de apresurarse; ya llegamos tarde. Please hurry; we're late already.
* apretar [rad-ch I] to tighten Apriete este tornillo. Tighten this screw. $^▲$ to be too tight on Me aprieta mucho este cuello. This collar's too tight. $^▲$ to press down on, put pressure on, compress Apretó para cerrar la maleta. He pressed down on the suitcase to close it. $^▲$ to grip Me apretó la mano. He gripped my hand. $^▲$ to clench (fist or teeth). $^▲$ to go faster, sprint El corredor apretó en la última vuelta. The runner sprinted on the last lap.
* apretazón [f] crowd [Am] Era tanta la apretazón que nadie vio nada. There was such a crowd that nobody saw anything.
* aprieto jam, tight spot Se vio en un aprieto. He found himself in a tight spot.
* aprisa swiftly, fast, quickly Hace todo muy aprisa. He does everything very quickly.
* aprobación [f] approval.
* aprobar to approve of No apruebo su conducta. I don't approve of his conduct. $^▲$ to pass (an examination) ¿Aprobó Ud. en el examen de matemáticas? Did you pass your math exam?
* aprontar to advance [Am] El patrón tuvo que aprontarle algún dinero. The boss had to advance him some money.
* aprovechar to profit by, make use of Aprovechaba todos los restos. She made use of all the left-overs. ○ aprovecharse de to take advantage of No dejes que se aproveche de tí. Don't let him take advantage of you.
* aprovisionar to supply, provision.
* aproximarse to approach, move near No se aproxime Ud. demasiado al fuego. Don't go too near the fire.
* apuesta bet, wager. ​
* apunarse to become ill from altitude [Am].
* apuntar to aim Apunta demasiado bajo para dar en el blanco. You're aiming too low to hit the target. $^▲$ to jot down, make a note of Apúntelo en su cuaderno de notas. Jot it down in your notebook.
* apurar to drain, drink up, consume Apuraron las copas. They drained their glasses. $^▲$ to smoke to the end. ○ apurar(se) to worry La situación me apura mucho. The situation worries me very much.—No se apure Ud. Don't worry. $^▲$ to hurry ¡Apúrate niña! Hurry up, child!—¡Apúrale! Hurry up! [Am].
* apuro jam, tight spot, fix Estoy en gran apuro. I'm in a jam.
* aquel, aquella, aquellos, aquellas [adj] that, these Compré aquella bufanda que vimos ayer. I bought that scarf we looked at yesterday.
* aquél, aquélla, aquéllos, aquéllas [pron] that (one), these Prefiero este libro a aquél. I like this book better than that one.
* aquello [neu pron] that (thing) ¿Qué es aquello? What's that?
* aquí here No está aquí. He isn't here. ○ aquí dentro in here Les espero aquí dentro. I'll wait for you in here. ○ de aquí en adelante from now on De aquí en adelante tendremos que gastar menos. From now on we'll have to spend less money. ○ por aquí here, this way Venga Ud. por aquí. Come this way.
* arado plow.
* araña spider.
* arañar to scratch.
* arañazo scratch.
* arar to plow.
* araucano [adj, n] Araucanian.
* arbitro arbitrator, umpire, referee.
* árbol tree.
* arbusto bush, shrub.
* archivar to file, put in a file.
* arco arch; bow (for arrows). ○ arco iris rainbow.
* arder to burn (be in flames) La leña mojada no arde bien. Wet firewood doesn't burn well. $^▲$ to burn (with fever).
* ardido burned up, sore [Am] Me tiene ardido con lo que me dijo. I was burned up by what he said.
* ardiente [adj] burning.
* ardilla squirrel.
* arena sand.
* arenoso sandy.
* arenque [m] herring.
* arepa arepa (corn griddle cake) [Am].
* argumento argument, logic, premises No me convencen sus argumentos. His arguments don't convince me. $^▲$ plot, story No me gustó el argumento de la película. I didn't like the plot of the movie.
* árido arid, dry, barren.
* aristocracia aristocracy.
* arma weapon Se prohibe llevar armas. It's forbidden to carry arms.
* armadura armor; framework.
* armar to arm Armaron al pueblo. They armed the people. $^▲$ to assemble, put together Hay que armar esta máquina. The machine has to be assembled. ○ armar jaleo to make a racket Anoche armaron mucho jaleo. They made a big racket last night. ○ armarse to balk [Am] Las mulas se armaron a medio camino. The mules balked halfway there. ○ armarse de to arm or provide oneself with Se armó de una pistola. He armed himself with a pistol. $^▲$ to build up [Am] Se armó de un buen negocio en poco tiempo. He built up a good business in a short time. || Siempre arma líos. He's always making a mess of things.
* armario closet, wardrobe.
* armonía harmony.
* arqueo balance (in accounting).
* arquitecto architect.
* arquitectura architecture.
* arrabal [m] suburb, outskirts.
* arrancado broke [Am] Siempre está arrancado a fin de mes. He's always broke at the end of the month.
* arrancar to root out, pull out, tear out Han arrancado tres páginas. Three pages have been torn out. $^▲$ to start Vimos arrancar el automóvil. We saw the car start.
* arranque [m] sudden impulse En un arranque me volví a mi pueblo. On a sudden impulse I returned to my home town. $^▲$ starter Este automóvil tiene arranque automático. This car has a self-starter.
* arrastrado (see arrastrar) low, contemptible ¡Qué tipo tan arrastrado! What a heel! $^▲$ bootlicker, yes-man [Am] Consigue todo porque es muy arrastrado. He gets everything because he's a bootlicker. ​
* arrastrar to drag, drag along Le arrastró la corriente. He was dragged along by the current. $^▲$ to touch the floor or ground, drag Cuidado, le arrastra el abrigo. Be careful, your coat's dragging. ○ arrastrarse to crawl, creep, drag oneself Salieron de la cueva arrastrándose. They crawled out of the cave.
* arreglar to arrange, adjust, settle ¿Está todo arreglado para el viaje? Is everything arranged for the trip? $^▲$ to fix Creo que arreglarán el radio esta tarde. I think they'll fix the radio this afternoon. ○ arreglarse to tidy up, dress, put make-up on Arréglate un poco y valuónos al cine. Tidy up a bit and we'll go to the movies. ○ arreglárselas para to manage to ¿Cómo me las arreglaré para terminar a tiempo? How can I manage to finish on time?
* arreglo arrangement, settlement, agreement; alteration. ○ con arreglo a according to, in accordance with Lo hicimos con arreglo a sus instrucciones. We did it according to your instructions.
* arrendar [rad-ch I] to rent, let ¿Quiere Ud. arrendar su casa? Do you want to rent your house? $^▲$ to rent, hire Necesito arrendar una habitación. I want to rent a room.
* arrepentirse [rad-ch II] to be sorry for, regret Se arrepentirá Ud. de esto. You'll be sorry for this.
* arrestar to arrest, imprison.
* arriba up, above Viven dos pisos más arriba. They live two flights up. $^▲$ upstairs Los dormitorios están arriba. The bedrooms are upstairs. ○ arriba de beyond, past (on higher level) Es más arriba de la plaza. It's past the square. ○ boca arriba, panza arriba, patas arriba face up, on one's or its back. ○ cuesta arriba uphill. ○ de arriba abajo from top to bottom, from head to foot Le miró de arriba abajo. He looked him up and down. ○ desde arriba from above Desde arriba se veía el río. From above one could see the river. ○ hacia arriba up, upwards El coche iba hacia arriba. The car was going up. ○ para arriba up, upward Vamos para arriba. Let's go up. ○ por arriba at or around the top, up there El sombrero estaba sucio por arriba. The hat was dirty around the top.
* arriesgar to risk, hazard No le importa arriesgar la vida. He doesn't mind risking his life. ○ arriesgarse to take risks Si no nos arriesgamos no haremos nada. If we don't take risks we'll never get anything done.
* arrimar to place or put near or close No arrimes tanto la mesa a la pared. Don't put the table so close to the wall. || ¡Arrima el hombro! Give me a hand!
* arrinconar to neglect; to pigeonhole; to corner.
* arrodillarse to kneel.
* arrogante arrogant, haughty, proud.
* arrojar to throw, hurl, cast Se prohibe arrojar objetos por la ventanilla. Don't throw things out the window.
* arrollar to coil Hay que arrollar esa cuerda. That rope has to be coiled. $^▲$ to trample, run over Fueron arrollados por la multitud. They were trampled by the crowd.
* arroyo brook.
* arroz [m] rice.
* arrugar to wrinkle, crumple.
* arruinar to ruin (financially) Ese hombre los ha arruinado completamente. That man ruined them completely. ○ arruinarse to be ruined (financially) Con esos negocios se ha arruinado. He was ruined by that business.
* arte [m or f] art ¿Le interesa el arte? Are you interested in art?—Las bellas artes. Fine arts. $^▲$ skill Presenta sus argumentos con mucho arte. He presents his arguments with great skill. $^▲$ craft, cunning.
* arteria artery.
* articulación [f] joint.
* artículo article, news article Lea el artículo de la página dos. Read the article on page two. ○ artículos things, goods Venden artículos de deportes. They sell sporting goods.
* artificial artificial.
* artista [m, f] artist.
* artístico artistic.
* arveja green pea [Am].
* as [m] ace, star; ace (cards).
* asado See asar. $^▲$ [m] roast.
* asaltar to assault, attack, hold up.
* asamblea assembly, convention.
* asar to roast Vamos a asar las castañas. Let's roast the chestnuts. ​ ○ asarse to be roasting, be uncomfortably warm Se asa uno en este cuarto. It's roasting in this room.
* ascender [rad-ch I] to ascend, go up El globo ascendió lentamente. The balloon went up slowly. $^▲$ to be promoted Ascendió tres veces en un año. He was promoted three times in one year. ○ ascender a to amount to La cuenta ascendía a cuatrocientos pesos. The bill amounted to 400 pesos.
* ascensor [m] (passenger) elevator.
* ascensorista [m, f] elevator operator.
* asco nausea, disgust Rechazó la comida con asco. He refused the food with disgust. ○ dar asco to disgust Esas cosas me dan asco. Those things disgust me. ○ estar hecho un asco to be very dirty, be filthy No te acerques, estás hecho un asco. Don't come near me; you're filthy. ○ hacer ascos to turn up one's nose Le hace ascos a todo. He turns up his nose at everything.
* asegurar to secure, fasten (with rope or strap) Aseguró con una cuerda la carga del caballo. He fastened the horse's pack with a rope. $^▲$ to assure Le aseguro que todo estará preparado a tiempo. I assure you everything will be ready on time. $^▲$ to affirm, maintain Asegura que es cierto. He maintains it's true. $^▲$ to insure El equipaje está asegurado. The baggage is insured. ○ asegurarse to make sure Asegúrense primero de que la información es cierta. First make sure the information's correct. $^▲$ to get insured Se aseguró contra accidentes. He took out accident insurance.
* asesinar to murder.
* asesinato murder.
* asesino assassin, murderer.
* así so, that way Así es. That's the way it is. $^▲$ in this manner, this way Lo debe Ud. hacer así. You must do it this way. $^▲$ therefore, and so Así, decidieron actuar inmediatamente. And so they decided to act immediately. ○ así, así so so ¿Cómo está Ud.?" "Así, así." "How are you?" "So so." ○ así como así without reason No lo digo así como así. I don't say it without reason. ○ así que as soon as, after Así que llegue le avisaré. I'll let you know as soon as I get there.
* asiento seat, chair Tome Ud. asiento. Take a seat.
* asilo orphanage; home (for aged).
* asimismo likewise, too, in the same way Asimismo lo creo yo. I think so too.
* asistencia attendance, presence Su asistencia no es necesaria. Your attendance isn't necessary. $^▲$ assistance, help.
* asistir to assist, help, take care of Le asistí en su enfermedad. I took care of him during his illness. ○ asistir a to attend, be present at ¿Asistió Ud. a la reunión? Were you present at the meeting?
* asno ass, donkey.
* asociación [f] association, club.
* asociado See asociar. $^▲$ [n] associate, partner.
* asociar to associate.
* asolear to dry in the sun Hay que asolear la ropa. The wash'll have to be put in the sun to dry. ○ asolearse to take a sun bath [Am] Estuvieron asoleándose en la playa. They were taking a sun bath on the beach.
* asomar to put out (one's head, hand, etc) Asomó la cabeza por la ventana. He put his head out of the window. ○ asomarse a to lean out of Se prohibe asomarse al exterior. It's forbidden to lean out of windows.
* asombrar to astonish, amaze Asombra a todo el mundo por su ingenio. He amazes everybody by his cleverness. ○ asombrarse de to wonder at, be astonished by, be amazed at Me asombra que diga Ud. eso. I'm amazed that you say that.
* asombroso wonderful, astonishing.
* áspero rough, harsh Esa tela es muy áspera. That cloth's very rough.
* aspiración [f] ambition.
* aspirar to aspire.
* asqueroso filthy, nasty, mean, low.
* astilla chip; splinter. ○ astillas [pl] kindling.
* astucia [f] cunning.
* astuto astute, crafty.
* asumir to assume, take on Asumió todas las responsabilidades. He assumed full responsibility.
* asunto subject ¿Cuál es el asunto de esa comedia? What's the subject of that play? $^▲$ affair, business No se meta Ud. en mis asuntos. Don't meddle in my affairs. or Mind your own business.
* asustar to frighten Me asustaron sus gritos. Your screams frightened me. ○ asustarse to be frightened Se asusta de los ruidos fuertes. She's frightened by loud noises.
* atacar to attack. ​
* atado See atar. $^▲$ [m] bundle, parcel [Am].
* atajar to overtake, catch up with Por este camino les atajaremos. If we go this way we'll catch up with 'em. $^▲$ to interrupt, cut short Le atajó cutiéndole que no. He cut him short by saying no.
* atajo short cut, shorter road.
* ataque [m] attack, assault; attack, fit.
* atar to tie, lace, bind Átate bien los zapatos. Lace your shoes up tight. ○ atar cabos to put two and two together Aoírlo, até cabos. When I heard that I put two and two together.
* atarantado dizzy He bailado tanto que estoy atarantada. I've danced so much that I'm dizzy.
* atareado busy.
* ataúd [m] coffin, casket.
* atención [f] attention El anunciador pidió atención. The announcer called for attention. ○ atenciones [pl] kindness Nunca olvidaré sus atenciones. I'll never forget your kindness. ○ llamar la atención to attract attention Le gusta llamar la atención. She likes to attract attention. $^▲$ to reprimand Le llamé la atención por su falta de respeto. I reprimanded him for his insolence.
* atender [rad-ch I] to attend, wait on El dependiente los atendió en seguida. The clerk waited on them immediately. $^▲$ to pay attention Haz el favor de atender a lo que te digo. Please pay attention to what I'm saying. $^▲$ to look after, take care of Atiende muy bien a sus invitados. He takes very good care of his guests.
* atenerse a [irr] to depend on, rely on (accept as valid) No sé a que atenerme. I don't know what to depend on.
* atentado assassination (attempted or successful); attempt (to overthrow by violence) Se cometió un atentado contra la vida del presidente. There was an attempt on the life of the president.
* atento polite, courteous; attentive. || Su atento seguro servidor. Very truly yours.
* aterrar to terrify.
* atinar to hit the mark. $^▲$ to guess (right) Atinó el dinero que yo tenía en el bolsillo. He guessed the amount of money I had in my pocket. ○ atinar a to succeed in No atinó a explicar lo que quería. He didn't succeed in explaining what he wanted. ○ atinar con to find (hit upon) No atino con el ojo de la cerradura. I can't find the keyhole.
* atleta [m, f] athlete.
* atlético athletic.
* atmósfera atmosphere.
* atol, atole [m] atol, atole (a hot non-alcoholic drink widely used in Mexico and Central America).
* atolondrado scatter-brained No he visto una persona más atolondrada. I've never seen such a scatterbrain.
* atontado foolish, stupid No seas atontado. Don't be so foolish.
* atormentar to torment, torture.
* atornillar to screw, turn a screw.
* atracción [f] attraction.
* atractivo attractive, charming ¡Que mujer tan atractiva! What an attractive woman! $^▲$ [m] charm, appeal Es muy bonita pero no tiene atractivo. She's very pretty but she has no appeal.
* atraer [irr] to attract, charm.
* atrás back Está allí atrás con unos amigos. She's back there with some friends. ○ dar marcha atrás to go into reverse, back up No dé marcha atrás que hay un árbol. Don't back up; there's a tree behind you. ○ hacia atrás back, backward Miró hacia atrás. He looked back. ○ quedarse atrás to stay behind, fall behind Se ha quedado atrás con unos amigos. She stayed behind with some friends.
* atrasado (see atrasar) backward, behind (in work, studies, etc).
* atrasar to delay, detain Esto atrasa mucho mi viaje. This'll delay my trip a long time. $^▲$ to put back (watch or clock) Tengo que atrasar mi reloj, está muy adelantado. I have to set my watch back; it's very fast. $^▲$ to go or be slow, lose time Mi reloj atrasa diez minutos al día. My watch loses ten minutes a day. ○ atrasarse to remain or get behind, lose time Creo que nos atrasamos en este trabajo. I think we're getting behind in this work.
* atraso backwardness El atraso de ese paí es bien conocido. The backwardness of that country's well known. $^▲$ delay.
* atravesar [rad-ch I] to pierce La bala le atravesó el brazo. The bullet pierced his arm. $^▲$ to cross He atravesado el Atlántico varias veces. I've crossed the Atlantic several times. ○ atravesarse to stop crosswise Se atravesó un camión en la carretera. A truck stopped crosswise in the middle of the road. ​
* atreverse to dare, venture No se atreve a decírmelo. He doesn't dare to tell me.
* atribuir to attribute.
* atrocidad [f] atrocity; horrible or terrible thing ¡Qué atrocidad! What a horrible thing!
* atropellar to run over, knock down Le atropello un auto. An automobile ran over him. ○ atropellarse to rush through Si quiere Ud. hacer el trabajo bien, no se atropelle. If you want to do a good job, don't rush through it.
* atropello abuse, outrage No podemos tolerar tal atropello. We can't tolerate such an outrage. $^▲$ accident (in which a pedestrian is injured) Tres peatones fueron víctimas de un atropello. Three pedestrians were victims of an accident.
* atroz terrible, atrocious ¡Fué una cosa atroz! It was a terrible thing!
* aturdir to rattle Me aturde tanto ruido. So much noise rattles me. ○ aturdirse to be stunned Se aturdió y no supo que contestar. He was stunned and didn't know what to answer.
* audacia audacity, boldness.
* audaz bold, daring.
* auditorio audience, listeners.
* aumentar to increase Han aumentado los sueldos. They've increased the salaries.
* aumento increase.
* aun, aún still Aun podemos llegar a tiempo. We can still get there on time. $^▲$ even Ni aun ahora sería posible. Even now it wouldn't be possible. $^▲$ yet No ha venido aún. He hasn't come yet. ○ aun cuando even though, even if Aun cuando no venga tendremos que empezar. Even if he doesn't come we'll have to begin.
* aunque though, even if Aunque no he nacido en el país, lo conozco muy bien. Though I wasn't born in the country, I know it very well.
* ausencia absence.
* ausentarse to leave, absent oneself Se ausentó de la clase porque se sentía enfermo. He left the class because he was feeling sick.
* ausente absent. $^▲$ [n] one who is absent.
* auténtico authentic.
* auto auto, car ¿Hay bastante sitio en el auto para todos? Is there enough room in the car for everybody?
* autobús [m] bus ¿Qué es más barato, el autobús o el tranvía? Which is cheaper, the bus or the street car?
* automático automatic. $^▲$ [m] snap (for clothing).
* automóvil [m] automobile.
* autor [m] author.
* autora authoress.
* autoridad [f] authority, power No supo mantener su autoridad. He couldn't maintain his authority. ○ autoridades authorities, government Han dado parte a las autoridades. They reported it to the authorities.
* autorizar to authorize.
* auxiliar to aid, help, assist.
* avanzar to move forward El coche avanzaba muy despacio. The car moved very slowly. $^▲$ to advance, make progress, get ahead No avanzamos nada en nuestro trabajo. We're not making any progress in our work.
* avaro stingy, miserly. $^▲$ [n] miser.
* ave [m] bird, fowl.
* avena oats.
* avenida avenue. $^▲$ flood Las avenidas han estropeado la cosecha. The floods ruined the crops.
* avenirse [irr] to agree Se avino a lo que le dijeron. He agreed to what they said.
* aventajado promising Es un muchacho muy aventajado. He's a very promising young man.
* aventajar to get ahead, to surpass Aventaja a todos en el trabajo. He gets ahead of everybody in his work.
* aventura adventure; risk, chance.
* aventurar to risk, hazard ¡No se aventure! Don't risk it!
* aventurero adventurous; adventurer.
* avergonzar [rad-ch I] to shame, to make (someone) ashamed Avergonzó a toda su familia con su conducta. He shamed his whole family by his conduct. ○ avergonzarse to be ashamed Después de decirlo se avergonzó. After he said it, he was ashamed.
* avería damage El mecánico arregló la avería sin demora. The mechanic repaired the damage without delay.
* averiarse to be damaged, be spoiled Con la lluvia se averió el cargamento. The shipment was damaged by the rain.
* averiguar to find out.
* aviación [f] aviation.
* aviador [m] aviator.
* ávido eager, anxious Estaba ávido de noticias. He was eager for news.
* avión [m] airplane, plane. ​
* avisar to notify, inform Hay que avisar a la policía. We have to notify the police. $^▲$ to warn, advise, counsel Es la última vez que te aviso. I'm warning you for the last time.
* aviso announcement, notice, warning Aviso al público. Notice to the public.
* avispa wasp.
* avivar to revive (make bright) Avivaron el fuego echando más leña. They revived the fire by putting on more wood. ○ avivar el ojo to keep one's eyes open, look sharp ¿Por qué no avivas el ojo? Why don't you keep your eyes open? ○ avivar el paso to step lively Avive el paso; es muy tarde. Step lively; it's very late. ○ avivarse to wake up, to cheer up Avívate; estás como dormido. Wake up; you're half asleep.
* ¡ay! oh! ouch!
* ayer yesterday.
* ayuda help, aid, assistance Necesito ayuda en esto. I need help with this.
* ayudar to aid, help, assist Quiero ayudarle a llevar los paquetes. I want to help him carry the packages.
* ayunar to fast.
* ayunas ○ en ayunas hungry, fasting, on an empty stomach No fume en ayunas. Don't smoke on an empty stomach.
* azada hoe.
* azafate [m] tray [Am].
* azafrán [m] saffron.
* azahar [m] orange blossom.
* azar [m] chance, risk Corramos ese azar. Let's take that chance. $^▲$ chance Le gustan los juegos de azar. He likes games of chance. ○ al azar at random Los escogió al azar. He chose them at random.
* azarar to embarrass, confuse Esto azara a cualquiera. This would embarrass anyone. ○ azararse to be embarrassed Cuando se lo dije se azaró mucho. When I told him that he was very much embarrassed.
* azote [m] whipping; spank; lash.
* azteca [adj; n] Aztec.
* azúcar [m or f] sugar.
* azucarera sugar bowl. $^▲$ [adj] pertaining to sugar La industria azucarera. The sugar industry.
* azucena white lily.
* azufre [m] sulfur.
* azul [adj; n] blue.