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1 ser
m.1 being (ente).ser humano human beinglos seres vivos living things2 ens.v.1 to be (to be in some place or situation, to originate in, to belong to, to pertain, to exist really).fue aquí it was herelo importante es decidirse the important thing is to reach a decisionser de to be made of; (estar hecho de) to be from; (provenir de) to belong to; (ser propiedad de) to be a member of (formar parte de)¿de dónde eres? where are you from?los juguetes son de mi hijo the toys are my son'ses alto/gracioso he is tall/funnyes azul/difícil it's blue/difficultes un amigo/el dueño he is a friend/the ownerYo soy buena I am good.2 to be (to be worth, quantity).¿cuánto es? how much is it?son 300 pesos that'll be 300 pesos¿qué (día) es hoy? what day is it today?, what's today?mañana será 15 de julio tomorrow (it) will be 15 July¿qué hora es? what time is it?, what's the time?son las tres (de la tarde) it's three o'clock (in the afternoon), it's three (pm)3 to be (joined to nouns which signify employment or occupation).soy abogado/actriz I'm a lawyer/an actressson estudiantes they're students4 to be (to happen, to occur, to fall out).es muy tarde it's rather lateera de noche/de día it was night/day5 to be (auxiliary verb, by which the passive is formed).fue visto por un testigo he was seen by a witness6 to exist, to live.7 to be for.Me es muy fácil aprender español It is very easy for me to learn Spanish.* * *Present IndicativeImperfect SubjunctivePast IndicativeFuture Indicativeseré, serás, será, seremos, seréis, serán.Conditionalsería, serías, sería, seríamos, seríais, serían.Present Subjunctivesea, seas, sea, seamos, seáis, sean.Imperfect SubjunctiveFuture SubjunctiveImperativesé (tú), sea (él/Vd.), seamos (nos.), sed (vos.), sean (ellos/Vds.).Past Participlesido.\\————————* * *1. verb- ser de2. noun m.* * *SF ABR Esp= Sociedad Española de Radiodifusión radio network* * *I 1.1) ( seguido de adjetivos) to be[ ser expresses identity or nature as opposed to condition or state, which is normally conveyed by estar. The examples given below should be contrasted with those to be found in estar 1 cópula 1]es inglés/rubio/católico — he's English/fair/(a) Catholic
era cierto/posible — it was true/possible
sé bueno, estáte quieto — be a good boy and keep still
que seas muy feliz — I hope you'll be very happy; (+ me/te/le etc)
para serte sincero — to be honest with you, to tell you the truth
siempre le he sido fiel — I've always been faithful to her; ver tb verbo intransitivo I 5
¿éste es o se hace?/¿tú eres o te haces? — (AmL fam) is he/are you stupid or something? (colloq)
2) ( hablando de estado civil) to beel mayor es casado/divorciado — the oldest is married/divorced
3) (seguido de nombre, pronombre, sintagma nominal) to besoy peluquera/abogada — I'm a hairdresser/a lawyer
ábreme, soy Mariano/yo — open the door, it's Mariano/it's me
por ser usted, haremos una excepción — for you o since it's you, we'll make an exception
dame cualquiera que no sea ése — give me any one except o but that one
4) (con predicado introducido por `de')es de los vecinos — it belongs to the neighbors, it's the neighbors'
este libro no es de aquí — this book doesn't go o belong here
ésa es de las que... — she's one of those people who..., she's the sort of person who...
ser de lo que no hay — (fam) to be incredible (colloq)
5) (hipótesis, futuro)2.¿será cierto? — can it be true?
ser vi1)a) ( existir) to beb) (liter) ( en cuentos)érase una vez... — once upon a time there was...
2)a) (tener lugar, ocurrir)¿dónde fue el accidente? — where did the accident happen?
el asunto fue así... — it happened like this...
b) ( en preguntas)ser de algo/alguien: ¿qué habrá sido de él? I wonder what happened to o what became of him; ¿qué es de Marisa? (fam) what's Marisa up to (these days)? (colloq); ¿qué va a ser de nosotros? — what will become of us?
3) ( sumar)¿cuánto es (todo)? — how much is that (altogether)?
son 3.000 pesos — that'll be o that's 3,000 pesos
cuatro y cuatro son ocho — four and four are o make eight
4) (causar, significar) to be5) ( resultar)6) ( consistir en) to belo importante es participar — the important o main thing is to take part
7) (indicando finalidad, adecuación)8) ( usado para enfatizar)fue aquí donde lo vi — this is where I saw him, it was here that I saw him
fui yo quien or la que lo dije fui yo quien or la que lo dijo — I was the one who said it, it was me that said it
9)es que...: ¿es que no lo saben? do you mean to say they don't know?; es que no sé nadar the thing is I can't swim; díselo, si es que te atreves — tell him, if you dare
10)lo que es... — (fam)
lo que es yo, no pienso hablarle más — I certainly have no intention of speaking to him again
lo que es saber idiomas! — it sure is something to be able to speak languages! (AmE), what it is to be able to speak languages! (BrE)
11) (en locs)a no ser que — (+ subj) unless
como debe ser: ¿ves como me acordé? - como debe ser! see, I did remember- I should think so too!; los presentó uno por uno, como debe ser she introduced them one by one, as you should; ¿cómo es eso? why is that?, how come? (colloq); como/cuando/donde sea: tengo que conseguir ese trabajo como sea I have to get that job no matter what; hazlo como sea, pero hazlo do it any way o however you want but get it done; puedo dormir en el sillón o donde sea I can sleep in the armchair or wherever you like o anywhere you like; como ser (CS) such as; de no ser así (frml) should this not be the case (frml); de ser así (frml) should this be so o the case (frml); de no ser por...: de no ser por él,... if it hadn't been o if it weren't for him,...; eso es! that's it!, that's right!; lo que sea: cómete una manzana, o lo que sea have an apple or something; tú pagas tus mil pesos o lo que sea... you pay your thousand pesos or whatever...; estoy dispuesta a hacer lo que sea I'm prepared to do whatever it takes o anything; no sea que or no vaya a ser que (+ subj) in case; cierra la ventana, no sea or no vaya a ser que llueva close the window in case it rains; ten cuidado, no sea or no vaya a ser que lo eches todo a perder be careful or you'll ruin everything; o sea: los empleados de más antigüedad, o sea los que llevan aquí más de... longer serving employees, that is to say those who have been here more than...; o sea que no te interesa in other words, you're not interested; o sea que nunca lo descubriste so you never found out; (ya) sea..., (ya) sea... either..., or...; (ya) sea por caridad, (ya) sea por otra razón,... whether he did it out of charity or for some other reason,...; sea como sea: hay que impedirlo, sea como sea it must be prevented now matter how o at all costs; sea cuando sea whenever it is; sea quien sea le dices que no estoy whoever it is, tell them I'm not in; si no fuera/hubiera sido por... — if it wasn't o weren't/hadn't been for...
12) ( en el tiempo) to be¿qué fecha es hoy? — what's the date today?, what's today's date
¿qué día es hoy? — what day is it today?
3.serían las cuatro cuando llegó — it must have been (about) four (o'clock) when she arrived; ver tb verbo impersonal
ser v impers to be4.ser v aux ( en la voz pasiva)IIser + pp — to be + pp
1)a) ( ente) beingb) (individuo, persona)2)a) ( naturaleza)b) ( carácter esencial) essence3) (Fil) being* * *I 1.1) ( seguido de adjetivos) to be[ ser expresses identity or nature as opposed to condition or state, which is normally conveyed by estar. The examples given below should be contrasted with those to be found in estar 1 cópula 1]es inglés/rubio/católico — he's English/fair/(a) Catholic
era cierto/posible — it was true/possible
sé bueno, estáte quieto — be a good boy and keep still
que seas muy feliz — I hope you'll be very happy; (+ me/te/le etc)
para serte sincero — to be honest with you, to tell you the truth
siempre le he sido fiel — I've always been faithful to her; ver tb verbo intransitivo I 5
¿éste es o se hace?/¿tú eres o te haces? — (AmL fam) is he/are you stupid or something? (colloq)
2) ( hablando de estado civil) to beel mayor es casado/divorciado — the oldest is married/divorced
3) (seguido de nombre, pronombre, sintagma nominal) to besoy peluquera/abogada — I'm a hairdresser/a lawyer
ábreme, soy Mariano/yo — open the door, it's Mariano/it's me
por ser usted, haremos una excepción — for you o since it's you, we'll make an exception
dame cualquiera que no sea ése — give me any one except o but that one
4) (con predicado introducido por `de')es de los vecinos — it belongs to the neighbors, it's the neighbors'
este libro no es de aquí — this book doesn't go o belong here
ésa es de las que... — she's one of those people who..., she's the sort of person who...
ser de lo que no hay — (fam) to be incredible (colloq)
5) (hipótesis, futuro)2.¿será cierto? — can it be true?
ser vi1)a) ( existir) to beb) (liter) ( en cuentos)érase una vez... — once upon a time there was...
2)a) (tener lugar, ocurrir)¿dónde fue el accidente? — where did the accident happen?
el asunto fue así... — it happened like this...
b) ( en preguntas)ser de algo/alguien: ¿qué habrá sido de él? I wonder what happened to o what became of him; ¿qué es de Marisa? (fam) what's Marisa up to (these days)? (colloq); ¿qué va a ser de nosotros? — what will become of us?
3) ( sumar)¿cuánto es (todo)? — how much is that (altogether)?
son 3.000 pesos — that'll be o that's 3,000 pesos
cuatro y cuatro son ocho — four and four are o make eight
4) (causar, significar) to be5) ( resultar)6) ( consistir en) to belo importante es participar — the important o main thing is to take part
7) (indicando finalidad, adecuación)8) ( usado para enfatizar)fue aquí donde lo vi — this is where I saw him, it was here that I saw him
fui yo quien or la que lo dije fui yo quien or la que lo dijo — I was the one who said it, it was me that said it
9)es que...: ¿es que no lo saben? do you mean to say they don't know?; es que no sé nadar the thing is I can't swim; díselo, si es que te atreves — tell him, if you dare
10)lo que es... — (fam)
lo que es yo, no pienso hablarle más — I certainly have no intention of speaking to him again
lo que es saber idiomas! — it sure is something to be able to speak languages! (AmE), what it is to be able to speak languages! (BrE)
11) (en locs)a no ser que — (+ subj) unless
como debe ser: ¿ves como me acordé? - como debe ser! see, I did remember- I should think so too!; los presentó uno por uno, como debe ser she introduced them one by one, as you should; ¿cómo es eso? why is that?, how come? (colloq); como/cuando/donde sea: tengo que conseguir ese trabajo como sea I have to get that job no matter what; hazlo como sea, pero hazlo do it any way o however you want but get it done; puedo dormir en el sillón o donde sea I can sleep in the armchair or wherever you like o anywhere you like; como ser (CS) such as; de no ser así (frml) should this not be the case (frml); de ser así (frml) should this be so o the case (frml); de no ser por...: de no ser por él,... if it hadn't been o if it weren't for him,...; eso es! that's it!, that's right!; lo que sea: cómete una manzana, o lo que sea have an apple or something; tú pagas tus mil pesos o lo que sea... you pay your thousand pesos or whatever...; estoy dispuesta a hacer lo que sea I'm prepared to do whatever it takes o anything; no sea que or no vaya a ser que (+ subj) in case; cierra la ventana, no sea or no vaya a ser que llueva close the window in case it rains; ten cuidado, no sea or no vaya a ser que lo eches todo a perder be careful or you'll ruin everything; o sea: los empleados de más antigüedad, o sea los que llevan aquí más de... longer serving employees, that is to say those who have been here more than...; o sea que no te interesa in other words, you're not interested; o sea que nunca lo descubriste so you never found out; (ya) sea..., (ya) sea... either..., or...; (ya) sea por caridad, (ya) sea por otra razón,... whether he did it out of charity or for some other reason,...; sea como sea: hay que impedirlo, sea como sea it must be prevented now matter how o at all costs; sea cuando sea whenever it is; sea quien sea le dices que no estoy whoever it is, tell them I'm not in; si no fuera/hubiera sido por... — if it wasn't o weren't/hadn't been for...
12) ( en el tiempo) to be¿qué fecha es hoy? — what's the date today?, what's today's date
¿qué día es hoy? — what day is it today?
3.serían las cuatro cuando llegó — it must have been (about) four (o'clock) when she arrived; ver tb verbo impersonal
ser v impers to be4.ser v aux ( en la voz pasiva)IIser + pp — to be + pp
1)a) ( ente) beingb) (individuo, persona)2)a) ( naturaleza)b) ( carácter esencial) essence3) (Fil) being* * *ser11 = being, creature.Ex: A feeling of unshielded relief filled Pope's whole being.
Ex: Stories that lead to doing things are all the more attractive to children, who are active rather than passive creatures.* abducción por seres extraterrestres = alien abduction.* alimentación del ser humano = human nutrition.* llegada de seres extraterrestres = alien visitation.* nutrición del ser humano = human nutrition.* ser consecuente con Uno mismo = be true to + Reflexivo.* ser extraterrestre = alien creature.* ser fiel con Uno mismo = be true to + Reflexivo.* ser humano = human being, human, human person.* ser inteligente = intelligent being.* ser pensante = sentient being.* ser superior = supreme being, higher being, superior being.* ser supremo = supreme being.* ser todo un éxito = hit + a home run, knock it out of + the park.* ser vivo = living being, sentient being.* todo ser humano = every living soul.* tráfico de seres humanos = trafficking in human beings.* trata de seres humanos = trafficking in human beings.ser22 = be, take + the form of, stand as.Ex: Systems such as Dialog, IRS, ORBIT and BLAISE may be accessed by libraries and information units.
Ex: Hierarchical relationships may also take the form of co-ordinate relationships, in which case they may be represented by 'RT' or related term, in a similar manner to affinitive relationships below.Ex: Meantime, our new library stand as as a confident symbol of the importance of ALL librarires to the nation's cultural, educational and economic success.* anhelar ser = ache to be.* a no ser que = unless.* así es = that's how it is.* así sea = amen.* así son las cosas = that's they way things are.* centrado en el ser humano = anthropocentric.* clonación del ser humano = human cloning.* como es el caso de = as it is with.* cómo + ser = what + be like.* conseguir ser el centro de atención = capture + spotlight.* continuar siendo importante = remain + big.* crearse el prestigio de ser = establish + a record as.* cualquiera que fuere = any... whatsoever.* cualquiera que fuese = any... whatsoever.* cualquiera que sea + Nombre = whichever + Nombre.* debilidad del ser humano = mankind's frailty.* dejar de ser útil = outlive + Posesivo + usefulness.* demostrar ser = prove + to be.* de tal forma que + ser/estar = in such form as to + be.* dicho sea de paso = by the by(e).* dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres = you are known by the company you keep.* dinero + ser para = money + go towards.* el + Nombre + es inestimable = the + Nombre + cannot be overestimated.* el ser barato = cheapness.* el sueño de todo ser viviente = the stuff dreams are made of.* entrar sin ser visto = sneak into.* es = it's [it is].* esa es la cuestión = herein lies the rub, there's the rub.* esa es la dificultad = herein lies the rub, there's the rub.* es decir = i.e. (latín - id est), in other words, that is, that is to say, which is to say.* es de deducir que = it follows that.* es de destacar que = significantly.* es de esperar = hopefully.* es de esperar que = all being well.* es de resaltar que = significantly.* es de suponer que = presumably.* ese es el asunto = herein lies the rub, there's the rub.* ese es el problema = herein lies the rub, there's the rub.* es el momento adecuado = the moment is ripe, the time is ripe.* es el momento oportuno = the moment is ripe, the time is ripe.* es evidente = clearly.* es importante destacar = importantly.* es inevitable que = inevitably.* es interesante que = interestingly.* es lo que a mí me parece = my two cents' worth.* es lo que yo pienso = my two cents' worth.* es más = more important, moreover.* es más fácil decirlo que hacerlo = easier said than done.* es mi opinión = my two cents' worth.* es mi parecer = my two cents' worth.* es por lo tanto deducible que = it therefore follows that.* es por lo tanto de esperar que = it therefore follows that.* es por lo tanto lógico que = it therefore follows that.* ¡esta es tu oportunidad! = here's your chance!.* estar siendo + Participio = be in process of + Nombre.* evitar ser afectado = escape + unaffected.* fue durante mucho tiempo = long remained.* haber sido aceptado = be here to stay, have come + to stay.* haber sido comprobado exhaustivamente = be thoroughly tested.* la razón de ser = the reason for being.* la verdad sea dicha = to tell the truth.* llegar a ser = become, develop into.* llegar a ser conocido como = become + known as.* lo que es aun peor = worse still.* lo que es peor = what's worse.* lo que haya que de ser, será = que sera sera, what's meant to be, will be, whatever will be, will be.* lo que + ser = what + be like.* lo que tenga que ser, será = que sera sera, whatever will be, will be, what's meant to be, will be.* merecer ser mencionado = deserve + mention.* no ser aconsejable = be undesirable.* no ser + Adjetivo + Infinitivo = be less than + Adjetivo + Infinitivo.* no ser así ya = be no longer the case.* no ser bien visto = be in the doghouse.* no ser cobarde = be no chicken.* no ser consciente de = remain + unaware of.* no ser deseable = be undesirable.* no + ser + de sorprender que = it + be + not surprising that.* no ser fácil = be no picnic, not be easy.* no ser gran cosa = not add up to much, add up to + nothing.* no ser lo suficientemente bueno = not be good enough.* no ser más que = be nothing more than, be nothing but.* no ser nada = add up to + nothing.* no ser nada fácil = be hard-pushed to.* no ser ningún jovencito = be no chicken.* no ser ni una cosa ni otra = fall between + two stools.* no ser sino = be nothing but.* no ser una gran pérdida = be no great loss.* no ser un lecho de rosas = be not all roses.* no ser verdad = be untrue.* no somos todos iguales = one size doesn't fit all.* no tener razón de ser + Infinitivo = there + be + no sense in + Gerundio.* para ser específico = to be specific.* para ser franco = in all honesty.* para ser sincero = to be honest, in all honesty.* pasar a ser = become, develop into.* por ser + Adjetivo = as being + Adjetivo.* por si fuera poco = to boot, to add salt to injury, to rub salt in the wound.* posible de ser consultado por máquina = machine-viewable.* posible de ser visto en pantalla = displayable.* primer puesto + ser para = pride of place + go to.* puede muy bien ser = could well be.* puede muy bien ser que = it may well be that.* que fue = one-time.* que fue común antes = once-common.* que ha sido abordado con preguntas = accost.* que puede ser apilado = stacking.* razón de ser = point, raison d'etre, rationale, sense of purpose.* ser reconocido = gain + recognition.* resultar ser = prove + to be, turn out to be, happen + to be.* sea como sea = be that as it may, at all costs, at any cost, at any price, come hell or high water.* sea cual fuere = any... whatsoever, any... whatsoever.* sea cual fuese = any... whatsoever, any... whatsoever.* sea cual sea el criterio utilizado = by any standard(s).* sea lo que sea = whatever it is, be that as it may, call it what you want.* seamos realistas = face it, let's face it.* sean cuales sean = whatever they may be.* sentido del ser humano = human sense.* ser accesible a través de = be available through.* ser aceptado = take + hold, gain + acceptance, take off.* ser acertado = be spot on.* ser aconsejable = be welcome, be better served by, be in order.* ser acorde con = be commensurate with.* ser acuciante = be acute.* ser acusado de delito criminal = face + criminal charge.* ser adecuado = be right, stand up, fit + the bill.* ser + Adjetivo = get + Adjetivo.* ser + Adjetivo + para = have + a + Adjetivo + effect on.* ser afectado por = have + a high stake in.* ser aficionado a = be fond of.* ser afortunado = be lucky, strike + lucky.* ser agradable de oír = be good to hear.* ser agradable + Verbo = be neat to + Verbo.* ser algo bien conocido que = it + be + a (well)-known fact that.* ser algo bueno = be a good thing.* ser algo completamente distinto = be nothing of the sort.* ser algo común = be a fact of life, dominate + the scene, be a common occurrence, become + a common feature, be a part of life.* ser Algo demasiado difícil para = be in over + Posesivo + head, be out of + Posesivo + depth.* ser algo excepcional = be the exception rather than the rule, be in a league of its own.* ser algo fácil = be a cinch, be a doddle, be a breeze, be a picnic, be duck soup.* ser algo facilísimo = be a cinch, be a doddle, be a breeze, be a picnic, be duck soup.* ser algo habitual = become + a common feature, be a fact of life.* ser Algo imponente = loom + large.* ser algo inevitable = the (hand)writing + be + on the wall, see it + coming.* ser algo más profundo que = go + deeper than.* ser algo más serio que = go + deeper than.* ser algo (muy) bien sabido que = it + be + a (well)-known fact that.* ser algo muy claro = be a dead giveaway.* ser algo muy fácil de conseguir = be there for the taking.* ser Algo muy importante = loom + large.* ser algo muy obvio = be a dead giveaway.* ser algo muy poco frecuente = be a rare occurrence.* ser algo muy raro = be a rare occurrence.* ser algo muy revelador = be a giveaway.* ser algo natural para = be second nature to + Pronombre, come + naturally to.* ser algo normal = be a fact of life, become + a common feature, be a part of life.* ser algo permanente = be here to stay.* ser algo poco común = be the exception rather than the rule.* ser algo poco conocido que = it + be + a little known fact that.* ser algo poco frecuente = be a rare occurrence.* ser algo poco sabido que = it + be + a little known fact that.* ser algo por lo que = be a matter for/of.* ser algo por ver = be an open question.* ser algo que no ocurre con frecuencia = be a rare occurrence.* ser algo seguro = be a cinch, be a doddle, be a breeze, be a picnic, be duck soup.* ser algo útil para = be something in the hand for.* ser amado = loved-one.* ser amigo de = be buddies with.* ser analizado como una frase = be phrase parsed.* ser apreciado = receive + appreciation.* ser apropiado = be right.* ser aproximadamente + Número = be around + Número, be about + Número.* ser arrestado = be under arrest.* ser asequible = be available, become + available.* ser asequible a = be amenable to.* ser así = be the case (with), be just like that.* ser atacado = be under attack, come under + fire, be under assault.* ser atractivo = look + attractive, be popular in appeal.* ser atrevido = make + a bold statement.* ser atribuible a = be attributable to.* ser aun más = be all the more.* ser autosuficiente = stand on + Posesivo + own, self-serve.* ser autosuficiente económicamente = pay + Posesivo + own way.* ser avaricioso = have + Posesivo + cake and eat it.* ser bienvenido = be most welcome, make + welcome, be welcome.* ser bonito + Verbo = be neat to + Verbo.* ser buenísimo + Gerundio = be terrific at + Gerundio.* ser bueno = make + good + Nombre.* ser bueno en = be good at.* ser bueno para Alguien = be to + Posesivo + advantage.* ser cada vez más importante = increase in + importance.* ser capaz de = be capable of.* ser capaz de hacer cualquier cosa por = go to + any lengths to, go to + great lengths to.* ser característico de = be emblematic of.* ser carísimo = cost + be prohibitive.* ser caro = be steep.* ser casi seguro = be a good bet.* ser chiquito pero matón = punch above + Posesivo + weight.* ser chulo = be cool.* ser clavado a = be a dead ringer for.* ser cliente de una tienda = patronise + shop.* ser coherente = cohere.* ser como el día y la noche = different as night and day.* ser como hablar con la pared = be like talking to a brick wall.* ser como mínimo = be no less than.* ser como una esfera = wrap around.* ser como un círculo = wrap around.* ser como un libro abierto = be an open book.* ser complementario el uno del otro = be integral one to another.* ser complementarios = be integral one to another.* ser completamente diferente = be in a different league.* ser completo = be all inclusive.* ser común = be the case (with).* ser condenado a prisión = receive + prison sentence.* ser confuso = be deceiving.* ser conocido por = famously, have + a track record of.* ser conocido por todos = be out in the open.* ser consciente = sentient being.* ser consciente de = be alive to, be aware of, be cognisant of, be mindful of/that, become + cognisant of, be aware of, realise [realize, -USA].* ser consciente de + Posesivo + valía = be alive to + Posesivo + worth.* ser consciente + desafortunadamente = be painfully aware of.* ser contradictorio de = run + contrary to.* ser contraproducente = defeat + Posesivo + purpose, blowback.* ser contrario a = be contrary to, be hostile to.* ser conveniente + Infinitivo = be as well + Infinitivo, be well + Infinitivo.* ser correcto = be all right, be correct, be right.* ser cortés con = be civil towards.* ser costumbre = be customary.* ser creativo = be inventive.* ser creíble = invoke + belief.* ser criticado = be subjected to + criticism, be (the) subject of/to criticism, take + heat, come under + fire.* ser crucial (para) = be central (to).* ser cuestión de = come down to.* ser culpable = be to blame.* ser culpable (por/de) = be at fault (for/to).* ser dado a = be amenable to, be apt to, be given to.* ser de = be a native of.* ser de alto nivel = be at a high level.* ser de armas tomar = be a (real) handful.* ser de ayuda = be of assistance.* ser debatible = be a moot point, be open to question, be open to debate, be at issue.* ser de calidad = be up to snuff, be up to scratch.* ser decisión de + Nombre = be down to + Nombre.* ser de contenido + Adjetivo = be + Adjetivo + in content.* ser de crecimiento rápido = be a quick grower.* ser de difícil acceso = tuck away.* ser de dominio público = be public domain.* ser deficiente = be wanting.* ser definitivo = be final.* ser de gran ayuda para = be a boon to.* ser de gran beneficio para = be of great benefit to.* ser de importancia primordial = be of key importance.* ser de importancia vital = lie at + the heart of.* ser de interés para = be of interest (to/for).* ser dejado en la obligación de Uno = be derelict in + duty.* ser de la izquierda = be of the left.* ser de la noche = night creature.* ser de la opinión de que = be of the opinion that, be of the view that.* ser del gusto de Uno = be to + Posesivo + taste.* ser del orden de + Número = be of the order of + Número.* ser de los que piensan que = subscribe to + view.* ser demasiado = be over-provided, be a mouthful.* ser demasiado + Adjetivo = be too + Adjetivo + by half.* ser demasiado complaciente = lean over + too far backwards.* ser demasiado común = be all too common.* ser demasiado para = be too much for, be too much for.* ser demasiado precavido = err + on the side of caution.* ser demasiado preciso = put + too fine a point on, split + hairs.* ser demasiado quisquilloso = put + too fine a point on, split + hairs.* ser demasiado tarde para echar atrás = reach + the point of no return.* ser de mucho uso = take + Nombre + a long way.* ser de número limitado = be limited in number.* ser de origen + Adjetivo = be + Adjetivo + in origin.* ser de poco valor = be of little use, be of little value.* ser de primera categoría = be top notch.* ser de raza negra o de piel morena = be coloured.* ser de sabios = be a point of wisdom.* ser desacertado = miss + the mark, miss + the point.* ser desastroso = spell + bad news, be a shambles, be (in) a mess.* ser desconocido para = be alien to.* ser descorazonador = be dispiriting.* ser desoído = be unheeded.* ser despiadado = play + hardball.* ser detenido = be under arrest.* ser de un solo uso = be a one-trip pony.* ser de un tipo diferente = be different in kind, differ in + kind (from).* ser de un valor especial = be of particular value.* ser de uso general = be in general use, be generally available.* ser de utilidad = be of use.* ser de utilidad a = be of service to.* ser diestro en = be skilled at.* ser difícil = be a stretch.* ser difícil de bregar = be a (real) handful.* ser difícil de conseguir = be hard to get.* ser difícil de creer = beggar + belief.* ser difícil de encontrar = be hard to find.* ser difícil de lograr = be hard to get.* ser difícil de superar = take + some beating.* ser digno de = merit.* ser digno de admiración = deserve + admiration.* ser digno de crítica = merit + a critical eye.* ser digno de + Infinitivo = be worth + Gerundio.* ser diplomático = say + the right thing.* ser discutible = be open to question, be open to debate, be at issue.* ser dogmático = be dogmatic.* ser dos mundos completamente distintos = be poles apart.* ser dudoso = be doubtful.* ser duro = play + hardball.* ser eficaz para + Infinitivo = be efficient at + Gerundio.* ser el acabóse = take + the biscuit, take + the cake, be the limit.* ser el alma de = be the life of, be the life and soul of.* ser el asunto = be the point.* ser el beneficiario de = be on the receiving end of.* ser el blanco de = be a pushover for.* ser el blanco de las críticas = come under + fire.* ser el canalizador de = be the conduit for.* ser el capitán = skipper, captain.* ser el caso (de) = be the case (with).* ser el centro de atención = steal + the limelight, steal + the show, cut + a dash.* ser el centro de todas las miradas = cut + a dash.* ser el colmo = be the last straw, bring + the situation to a head, take + the biscuit, take + the cake, be the limit.* ser el contrincante más débil = punch above + Posesivo + weight.* ser el culo del mundo = be the pits.* ser elegido = get in.* ser elevado = be steep.* ser el éxito de la fiesta = steal + the limelight, steal + the show.* ser el fin de = sign + a death warrant (for).* ser el jefe = be in charge, call + the shots, be the boss, call + the tune, rule + the roost.* ser el límite = be the limit.* ser el mandamás = call + the shots, be the boss, call + the tune, rule + the roost.* ser el más afectado por = bear + the brunt of.* ser el máximo = be the limit.* ser el momento clave = mark + the watershed.* ser el momento (de) = be the time to.* ser el momento decisivo = mark + the watershed.* ser el momento de/para = it + be + time to/for.* ser el objetivo de Uno = be in business for.* ser el orgullo de = be the pride and joy of.* ser el origen de = provide + the material for.* ser el paraje natural de = be home to.* ser el preludio = usher in.* ser el primero = be second to none, come out on + top.* ser el primero en = lead + the way in.* ser el primero en + Infinitivo = take + the lead in + Gerundio.* ser el punto de partida de = form + the basis of.* ser el punto más débil de Alguien = be at + Posesivo + weakest.* ser el punto más flaco de Alguien = be at + Posesivo + weakest.* ser el que con mayor frecuencia = be (the) most likely to.* ser el que con menor frecuencia = be (the) least likely to.* ser el resultado de = follow from, result from.* ser el segundo de a bordo = play + second fiddle.* ser el último grito = be all the rage.* ser el último mono ser el último mono = feel + pulled and tugged.* ser emblemático de = be emblematic of.* ser en balde = be of no avail, be to no avail.* ser en cierto modo un + Nombre = be something of a + Nombre.* ser en vano = be of no avail, be to no avail.* ser enviado a = have + the lead to.* ser equiparable a = be commensurate with.* ser erróneo = be wide of the mark, be wrong.* ser escaso = be few and far between, be in short supply.* ser esclavo de = be slave to.* ser estupendo = sound + great, be fine and dandy.* ser estúpido = be off + Posesivo + rocker.* ser exigente al elegir = pick and choose.* ser exigente al escoger = pick and choose.* ser experto en = be skilled at.* ser expulsado de = be dropped from.* ser extraño para = be alien to.* ser extremadamente + Adjetivo = be too + Adjetivo + by half.* ser fácil = be easy.* ser fácil de conseguir = be readily available.* ser facilísimo = be a snap, be a piece of cake.* ser factible de = be amenable to.* ser familiar = strike + familiar chords, ring + a bell.* ser famoso = gain + recognition, be popular.* ser famoso por = famously, have + a track record of.* ser favorable = be a plus.* ser ficticio = be fiction.* ser fiel a = cleave to.* ser fructífero = come to + fruition.* ser goloso = have + a sweet tooth.* ser grosero con = be abusive of.* ser hábil para = be adroit at.* ser habitual = be customary.* ser harina de otro costal = be a different kettle of fish.* ser hipertenso = be hyper.* ser hora de = it + be + time to/for.* ser hora de definirse = time to climb off the fence.* ser hora de irse = be time to go.* ser hora de marcharse = be time to go.* ser hora ya de que = be about time (that), be high time (that/to/for).* ser humilde = hide + Posesivo + light under a bushel.* sería mejor que + Subjuntivo = better + Infinitivo.* ser ideal = suit + best, be just the thing, be just the ticket, be just the job.* ser ideal para Uno = be (right) up + Posesivo + alley, be + Posesivo + cup of tea.* ser idóneo para = be suited to.* ser ignorado = be unheeded.* ser igual a = be equivalent to, equal.* ser igual que = amount to + the same thing as.* ser ilegal = be against the law.* ser ilimitado = be boundless.* ser implacable = play + hardball.* ser imponente = be awe-inspiring.* ser importante = be of importance, make + a difference, be of consequence.* ser importantísimo = make + all the difference in the world, make + difference in the world.* ser importantísimo (para) = be central (to).* ser imposible = be dead meat.* ser imprescindible = be a must.* ser improcedente = be out of order.* ser imprudente = be reckless.* ser inalterable = set in + stone, set in + tablets of stone.* ser incapaz de = be unable to.* ser incoherente = Negativo + hold + water.* ser incompatible (con) = be irreconcilable (with).* ser inconsistente = Negativo + hold + water.* ser increíble = beggar + belief.* ser independiente = go + Posesivo + own way, stew in + Posesivo + own juice, stand on + Posesivo + own (two) feet.* ser indescriptible = beggar + description.* ser indispensable = be a must.* ser ineficaz = fire + blanks.* ser infundado = be unfounded.* ser inherente a = inhere in.* ser inimaginable = beggar + imagination.* ser inminente = be on the cards.* ser inmune a = be immune from, be immune against.* ser innovador = break + new ground, break + ground.* ser innumerable = be without number, be legion.* ser innumerables = run into + the thousands.* ser insignificante = pale into + insignificance, stick + Algo + on a pin-point, be of no consequence.* ser insignificante de = be slight in.* ser inteligente = be talented.* ser interesante = be of interest (to/for).* ser interesante + Infinitivo = be as well + Infinitivo, be well + Infinitivo.* ser interesante + Verbo = be neat to + Verbo.* ser interminable = there + be + no end to.* ser intransigente = play + hardball.* ser inútil = fire + blanks.* ser irrespetuoso con = disrespect, diss.* ser justo = play + fair.* ser justo con todos = give the devil his due.* ser justo hasta con el diablo = give the devil his due.* ser justo lo que se necesita = be just the thing, be just the ticket, be just the job.* ser justo lo que Uno necesita = be (right) up + Posesivo + alley.* ser justo que = there + be + justice in.* ser juzgado = stand + trial, stand for + trial.* ser la abreviatura de = be short for.* ser la base de = be at the core of, form + the basis of, be at the heart of.* ser la ciudad de = be home to.* ser la clave de = hold + the key to.* ser la comidilla del barrio = be the talk of the town.* ser la comidilla del pueblo = be the talk of the town.* ser la consecuencia de = follow from, result from.* ser la costumbre = be customary.* ser la cuestión = be the point.* ser la culminación de Algo = represent + the culmination of, mark + the culmination of.* ser la culpa de = be the fault of.* ser la debilidad de Alguien = be a sucker for.* ser la elección lógica = be a/the natural choice.* ser la elección natural = be a/the natural choice.* ser la excepción = be the exception.* ser la excepción a la regla = constitute + the exception to the rule.* ser la excepción que confirma la regla = be the exception rather than the rule.* ser la forma abreviada de = be short for.* ser la forma de = be a recipe for.* ser la fórmula para = be a recipe for.* ser la gota que colma el vaso = bring + the situation to a head.* ser la idea central de = be at the core of, be at the heart of.* ser la imagen de = be a picture of.* ser la intención = be the intention.* ser la intención de uno = be + Posesivo + intention.* ser la manera de = be a recipe for.* ser la materia prima de = be grist to + Posesivo + mill.* ser la mayoría = be in the majority.* ser la mejor alternativa = be the best bet.* ser la mejor manera de = be the conduit for.* ser lamentable = be a pity.* ser la minoría = be in the minority.* ser la norma = be the norm, be the rule, become + the norm.* ser la novedad = be on the scene.* ser la obra de = be the work of.* ser la persona ideal para = be the best placed to.* ser la persona más indicada para = be in a position to.* ser la propia responsabilidad de Alguien = be of + Posesivo + own making.* ser la prueba de fuego de Algo = test + Nombre + to the limit.* ser la punta de lanza de = spearhead.* ser la razón de = lie at + the root of.* ser la representación misma de = be a picture of.* ser la responsabilidad de = be the responsibility of.* ser la responsabilidad de Alguien + Infinitivo = it + lie with + Nombre/Pronombre + to + Infinitivo.* ser la última palabra = be all the rage.* ser la última persona del mundo que + Infinitivo = be one of the last people in the world to + Infinitivo.* ser lector de una biblioteca = library membership.* ser lento = be slow off the mark, be slow off the blocks.* ser líder en = take + the lead in + Gerundio.* ser lo de Uno = be cut out for, be (right) up + Posesivo + alley.* ser lo más parecido a = be as close as we come to.* ser lo mismo = be one and the same.* ser lo normal = be the order of the day.* ser lo principal de = be at the core of, be at the heart of.* ser lo que a Uno le encanta = be (right) up + Posesivo + alley.* ser lo que a Uno le gusta = be (right) up + Posesivo + alley, be + Posesivo + cup of tea.* ser lo que a Uno le interesa = be (right) up + Posesivo + alley, be + Posesivo + cup of tea.* ser lo que a Uno le va = be (right) up + Posesivo + alley.* ser lo que a Uno más le gusta = be + Posesivo + big scene.* ser lo que nos espera = be the shape of things to come.* ser lo suficientemente + Adjetivo + como para = be + Adjetivo + enough to.* ser lo suficientemente comprensivo = go + far enough.* ser lo suficientemente conocido como para que = be sufficiently well known for.* serlo todo para todos = be all things to all men, be all things to all people.* ser lo último = be all the rage, be the pits.* ser lo último en = become + the next stop in.* ser lo último en lo que + pensar = be the last thing of + Posesivo + mind.* ser lo último que + ocurrir + a Alguien = be the last thing of + Posesivo + mind.* ser magnífico + Gerundio = be terrific at + Gerundio.* ser malo = be a joke, spell + bad news, make + poor + Nombre.* ser maravilloso = sound + great.* ser más astuto que = outfox, outwit, outsmart.* ser más interno = inner being.* ser más un + Nombre = be more of a + Nombre.* ser mayor = be older.* ser mejor en = be better at.* ser mejor que = be superior to, compare + favourably.* ser mejor que + Subjuntivo = better + Infinitivo.* ser menor = be less.* ser menos + Adjetivo = be less of a(n) + Nombre.* ser mínimo = be at a minimum.* ser mirado de forma extraña = get + some funny looks.* ser modesto = hide + Posesivo + light under a bushel.* ser molesto = be disturbing.* ser moroso = be in default.* ser motivador = be motivating.* ser motivo de preocupación = loom + large.* ser mucho = be a mouthful.* ser mucho más = be all the more.* ser mucho más que = be far more than.* ser muy aconsejable que = be well advised to.* ser muy alto = be metres high.* ser muy amigo de = be pally with.* ser muy antiguo = go ba* * */ser/= Sociedad Española de Radiodifusión* * *
ser ( conjugate ser) cópula
1 ( seguido de adjetivos) to be◊ ser expresses identity or nature as opposed to condition or state, which is normally conveyed by estar. The examples given below should be contrasted with those to be found in estar 1 cópula 1 es bajo/muy callado he's short/very quiet;
es sorda de nacimiento she was born deaf;
es inglés/católico he's English/(a) Catholic;
era cierto it was true;
sé bueno, estate quieto be a good boy and keep still;
que seas muy feliz I hope you'll be very happy;
(+ me/te/le etc)
ver tb imposible, difícil etc
2 ( hablando de estado civil) to be;
es viuda she's a widow;
ver tb estar 1 cópula 2
3 (seguido de nombre, pronombre) to be;
ábreme, soy yo open the door, it's me
4 (con predicado introducido por `de'):
soy de Córdoba I'm from Cordoba;
es de los vecinos it belongs to the neighbors, it's the neighbors';
no soy de aquí I'm not from around here
5 (hipótesis, futuro):
¿será cierto? can it be true?
verbo intransitivo
1
b) (liter) ( en cuentos):◊ érase una vez … once upon a time there was …
2a) (tener lugar, ocurrir):
¿dónde fue el accidente? where did the accident happen?b) ( en preguntas):◊ ¿qué habrá sido de él? I wonder what happened to o what became of him;
¿qué es de Marisa? (fam) what's Marisa up to (these days)? (colloq);
¿qué va a ser de nosotros? what will become of us?
3 ( sumar):◊ ¿cuánto es (todo)? how much is that (altogether)?;
son 3.000 pesos that'll be o that's 3,000 pesos;
somos diez en total there are ten of us altogether
4 (indicando finalidad, adecuación) ser para algo to be for sth;
( en locs)
¿cómo es eso? why is that?, how come? (colloq);
como/cuando/donde sea: tengo que conseguir ese trabajo como sea I have to get that job no matter what;
hazlo como sea, pero hazlo do it any way o however you want but get it done;
el lunes o cuando sea next Monday or whenever;
puedo dormir en el sillón o donde sea I can sleep in the armchair or wherever you like o anywhere you like;
de ser así (frml) should this be so o the case (frml);
¡eso es! that's it!, that's right!;
es que …: ¿es que no lo saben? do you mean to say they don't know?;
es que no sé nadar the thing is I can't swim;
lo que sea: cómete una manzana, o lo que sea have an apple or something;
estoy dispuesta a hacer lo que sea I'm prepared to do whatever it takes;
o sea: en febrero, o sea hace un mes in February, that is to say a month ago;
o sea que no te interesa in other words, you're not interested;
o sea que nunca lo descubriste so you never found out;
(ya) sea …, (ya) sea … either …, or …;
sea como sea at all costs;
sea cuando sea whenever it is;
sea donde sea no matter where;
sea quien sea whoever it is;
si no fuera/hubiera sido por … if it wasn't o weren't/hadn't been for …
( en el tiempo) to be;◊ ¿qué fecha es hoy? what's the date today?, what's today's date;
serían las cuatro cuando llegó it must have been (about) four (o'clock) when she arrived;
ver tb v impers
ser v impers to be;
ser v aux ( en la voz pasiva) to be;
fue construido en 1900 it was built in 1900
■ sustantivo masculino
1
◊ ser humano/vivo human/living beingb) (individuo, persona):
2 ( naturaleza):
ser
I sustantivo masculino
1 being: es un ser despreciable, he's despicable
ser humano, human being
ser vivo, living being
2 (esencia) essence: eso forma parte de su ser, that is part of him
II verbo intransitivo
1 (cualidad) to be: eres muy modesto, you are very modest
2 (fecha) to be: hoy es lunes, today is Monday
ya es la una, it's one o'clock
3 (cantidad) eran unos cincuenta, there were about fifty people
(al pagar) ¿cuánto es?, how much is it?
son doscientas, it is two hundred pesetas
Mat dos y tres son cinco, two and three make five
4 (causa) aquella mujer fue su ruina, that woman was his ruin
5 (oficio) to be a(n): Elvira es enfermera, Elvira is a nurse
6 (pertenencia) esto es mío, that's mine
es de Pedro, it is Pedro's
7 (afiliación) to belong: es del partido, he's a member of the party
es un chico del curso superior, he is a boy from the higher year
8 (origen) es de Málaga, she is from Málaga
¿de dónde es esta fruta? where does this fruit come from?
9 (composición, material) to be made of: este jersey no es de lana, this sweater is not (made of) wool
10 ser de, (afinidad, comparación) lo que hizo fue de tontos, what she did was a foolish thing
11 (existir) Madrid ya no es lo que era, Madrid isn't what it used to be
12 (suceder) ¿qué fue de ella?, what became of her?
13 (tener lugar) to be: esta tarde es el entierro, the funeral is this evening 14 ser para, (finalidad) to be for: es para pelar patatas, it's for peeling potatoes
(adecuación, aptitud) no es una película para niños, the film is not suitable for children
esta vida no es para ti, this kind of life is not for you
15 (efecto) era para llorar, it was painful
es (como) para darle una bofetada, it makes me want to slap his face
no es para tomárselo a broma, it is no joke
16 (auxiliar en pasiva) to be: fuimos rescatados por la patrulla de la Cruz Roja, we were rescued by the Red Cross patrol
17 ser de (+ infinitivo) era de esperar que se marchase, it was to be expected that she would leave
♦ Locuciones: a no ser que, unless
como sea, anyhow
de no ser por..., had it not been for
es más, furthermore
es que..., it's just that...
lo que sea, whatever
o sea, that is (to say)
sea como sea, in any case o be that as it may
ser de lo que no hay, to be the limit
' ser' also found in these entries:
Spanish:
A
- acceder
- además
- aficionada
- aficionado
- alardear
- alcanzar
- alimentar
- alta
- alto
- ambicionar
- antigüedad
- aparición
- arma
- atinar
- atorarse
- aúpa
- babear
- básica
- básico
- bendición
- caber
- cacho
- cada
- cafetera
- cafetero
- calco
- callo
- canela
- cansada
- cansado
- cantar
- capaz
- capirote
- carácter
- cardo
- carne
- carné
- caso
- cero
- colarse
- comida
- comidilla
- comido
- conmigo
- conquistador
- conquistadora
- contagiarse
- contemplar
- contienda
English:
accountable
- addicted
- adjust
- allow
- allowance
- ambition
- amount to
- anathema
- anomaly
- arduous
- around
- aspire
- aware
- bad
- be
- beating
- being
- belong
- betray
- big
- bill
- bind over
- bird
- booby trap
- boring
- bounce
- can
- carry
- catch up
- cerebral
- ceremonial
- ceremony
- charm
- chip
- claim
- come into
- come under
- connoisseur
- court
- degree
- deserve
- destroy
- differ
- do
- dodger
- doubly
- due
- ear
- easy
- edit
* * *ser The auxiliary verb ser is used with the past participle of a verb to form the passive (e.g. la película fue criticada the movie was criticized).♦ v aux[para formar la voz pasiva] to be;fue visto por un testigo he was seen by a witness;la propuesta es debatida o [m5] está siendo debatida en el parlamento the proposal is being debated in parliament♦ v copulativo1. [con adjetivos, sustantivos, pronombres] [indica cualidad, identidad, condición] to be;es alto/gracioso he's tall/funny;soy chileno/chiapaneco I'm Chilean/from Chiapas;es azul/difícil it's blue/difficult;sé discreta/paciente be discreet/patient;es un amigo/el dueño he's a friend/the owner;son unos amigos míos they're friends of mine;es el cartero/tu madre it's the postman o US mailman/your mother;soy yo, ábreme open up, it's me;soy Víctor [al teléfono] it's Víctor;la casa es aquella de ahí the house is that one over there;es un tipo muy simpático he's a very nice guy;¿es eso verdad? is that true?;eso no es cierto that isn't true;es obvio que le gustas it's obvious that he likes you;no es necesario ir it isn't necessary to go;es posible que llueva it may rain;no está mal para ser de segunda mano it's not bad considering it's second-hand;no pierde sus derechos por ser inmigrante just because he's an immigrant doesn't mean he doesn't have any rights;te lo dejo en la mitad por ser tú seeing as o because it's you, I'll let you have it half-price;por ser usted, señora, 15 euros to you, madam, 15 euros;que seas muy feliz I wish you every happiness, I hope you'll be very happy;¡será imbécil el tipo! the guy must be stupid!;este restaurante ya no es lo que era this restaurant isn't as good as it used to be o isn't what it used to be;RP Famser loco por algo to be wild about sth2. [con sustantivos, adjetivos] [indica empleo, dedicación, estado civil, religión] to be;soy abogado/actriz I'm a lawyer/an actress;son estudiantes they're students;para ser juez hay que trabajar mucho you have to work very hard to be o become a judge;es padre de tres hijos he's a father of three;es soltero/casado/divorciado he's single/married/divorced;era viuda she was a widow;son budistas/protestantes they are Buddhists/Protestants;el que fuera gobernador del estado the former governor of the state;Am Fam¿tú eres o te haces? are you stupid or what?;RP Fam¿vos sos o te hacés? are you stupid or what?[provenir de] to be from; [pertenecer a] to belong to;un juguete que es todo de madera a completely wooden toy, a toy made completely of wood;¿de dónde eres? where are you from?;estas pilas son de una linterna these batteries are from a torch;¿es de usted este abrigo? is this coat yours?, does this coat belong to you?;los juguetes son de mi hijo the toys are my son's;portarse así es de cobardes only cowards behave like that, it's cowardly to behave like that¿de qué equipo eres? [aficionado] which team o who do you support?;soy del Barcelona I support Barcelona;ser de los que… to be one of those people who…;ése es de los que están en huelga he is one of those on strike;no es de las que se asustan por cualquier cosa she's not one to get scared easily♦ vi1. [ocurrir, tener lugar] to be;fue aquí it was here;¿cuándo es la boda? when's the wedding?;la final era ayer the final was yesterday;¿cómo fue lo de tu accidente? how did your accident happen?;¿qué fue de aquel amigo tuyo? what happened to that friend of yours?;¿qué es de Pablo? how's Pablo (getting on)?2. [constituir, consistir en] to be;fue un acierto que nos quedáramos en casa we were right to stay at home;lo importante es decidirse the important thing is to reach a decision;su ambición era dar la vuelta al mundo her ambition was to travel round the world;tratar así de mal a la gente es buscarse problemas treating people so badly is asking for trouble3. [con fechas, horas] to be;¿qué (día) es hoy? what day is it today?, what's today?;hoy es jueves today's Thursday, it's Thursday today;¿qué (fecha) es hoy? what's the date today?, what date is it today?;mañana será 15 de julio tomorrow (it) will be 15 July;¿qué hora es? what time is it?, what's the time?;son las tres (de la tarde) it's three o'clock (in the afternoon), it's three (pm);4. [con precios] to be;¿cuánto es? how much is it?;son 300 pesos that'll be 300 pesos;¿a cómo son esos tomates? how much are those tomatoes?5. [con cifras, en operaciones] to be;ellos eran unos 500 there were about 500 of them;11 por 100 son 1.100 11 times 100 is 1,100este trapo es para (limpiar) las ventanas this cloth is for (cleaning) the windows;este libro es para niños this book is for children;la ciudad no es para mí the city isn't for me7. [con "de" más infinitivo] [indica necesidad, posibilidad]es de desear que… it is to be hoped that…;era de esperar que pasara algo así it was to be expected that something like that would happen;es de suponer que aparecerá presumably, he'll turn up;es de temer cuando se enoja she's really scary when she gets angrylo que es a mí, no me llamaron they certainly didn't call me, they didn't call me, anyway;¿es que ya no te acuerdas? don't you remember any more, then?, you mean you don't remember any more?es que no vine porque estaba enfermo the reason I didn't come is that I was ill, I didn't come because I was ill, you see;¿cómo es que no te han avisado? how come they didn't tell you?10. Literario [existir]Platón, uno de los grandes sabios que en el mundo han sido Plato, one of the wisest men ever to walk this earthtengo que conseguirlo (sea) como sea I have to get it one way or another;hay que evitar (sea) como sea que se entere we have to prevent her from finding out at all costs o no matter what;hazlo cuando sea do it whenever;de no ser/haber sido por… if it weren't/hadn't been for…;de no ser por él no estaríamos vivos if it weren't for him, we wouldn't be alive;de no ser así otherwise;de ser así if that should happen;déjalo donde sea leave it anywhere o wherever;érase una vez, érase que se era once upon a time;dile lo que sea, da igual tell her anything o whatever, it doesn't make any difference;haré lo que sea para recuperar mi dinero I will do whatever it takes o anything to get my money back;se enfadó, y no era para menos she got angry, and not without reason;no sea que…, no vaya a ser que… in case…;la llamaré ahora no sea que luego me olvide I'll call her now in case I forget later;Estados Unidos y Japón, o sea, las dos economías mundiales más importantes the United States and Japan, that is to say o in other words, the two most important economies in the world;50 euros, o sea unas 8.300 pesetas 50 euros, that's about 8,300 pesetas;o sea que no quieres venir so you don't want to come then?;por si fuera poco as if that wasn't enough;habla con quien sea talk to anyone;sea quien sea no abras la puerta don't open the door, whoever it is;si no fuera/hubiera sido por… if it weren't/hadn't been for…;Amsiendo que… seeing that o as…, given that…;Amsiendo que tienes la plata, cómprate el vestido más caro seeing as o since you've got the money, buy yourself the more expensive dress♦ v impersonal[indica tiempo] to be;es muy tarde it's rather late;era de noche/de día it was night/day♦ nm1. [ente] being;seres de otro planeta beings from another planetser humano human being;Ser Supremo Supreme Being;los seres vivos living things2. [persona] person;sus seres queridos his loved ones4. [esencia, naturaleza] being;la quiero con todo mi ser I love her with all my being o soul* * *f abr (= Sociedad Española de Radiodifusión) network of independent Spanish radio stations* * *ser {77} vi1) : to beél es mi hermano: he is my brotherCamila es linda: Camila is pretty2) : to exist, to liveser, o no ser: to be or not to be3) : to take place, to occurel concierto es el domingo: the concert is on Sunday4) (used with expressions of time, date, season)son las diez: it's ten o'clockhoy es el 9: today's the 9th5) : to cost, to come to¿cuánto es?: how much is it?¿será posible?: can it be possible?7)ser de : to come fromsomos de Managua: we're from Managua8)ser de : to belong toese lápiz es de Juan: that's Juan's pencil9)es que : the thing is thates que no lo conozco: it's just that I don't know him¡sea! : agreed!, all right!sea... sea : either... orla cuenta ha sido pagada: the bill has been paidél fue asesinado: he was murderedser nm: beingser humano: human being* * *ser2 vb1. (en general) to be2. (estar hecho) to be made3. (pertenecer) to belongeste libro es de María this book belongs to María / this book is María's -
2 se
pron.1 himself, (f) herself (de personas) (singular).se está lavando, está lavándose she is washing (herself)se lavó los dientes she cleaned her teethespero que se diviertan I hope you enjoy yourselvesel perro se lame the dog is licking itselfse lame la herida it's licking its woundse levantaron y se fueron they got up and left2 oneself.hay que afeitarse todos los días one has to shave every day, you have to shave every day3 each other, one another.se aman they love each otherse escriben cartas they write to each other4 (to) him, (f) (to) her (de personas) (singular).se lo dio he gave it to him/her/etcse lo dije, pero no me hizo caso I told her, but she didn't listensi usted quiere, yo se lo arreglo en un minuto if you like, I'll sort it out for you in a minutem.Se, selenium.* * *SE► símbolo* * *pron.1) to him, to her, to you, to them2) himself, herself, itself, yourself, yourselves, themselves3) each other* * *ABR= sudeste SE* * *(= sureste) SE* * *= one.Nota: Cualquier persona.Ex. None of these labels is entirely accurate, in that some packages which one would want to include in this category do not match one or other of these labels.----* per se = per se.* se anunciará = to be announced.* se argumenta que = the argument goes that.* se avecinan malos tiempos = hard times lie ahead.* se cae de su peso que = it goes without saying that.* se decía que = rumour had it that.* se desprende que = it follows that.* se dice = so the story goes.* se dice pronto, pero no es tan fácil = easier said than done.* se dice que = rumour has it that, the saying + be + that.* se ha hecho público = word's out, the.* se pierda o se gane = win or lose.* se postula que = the argument goes that.* se puede = is to be.* se rumoreaba que = rumour had it that.* se rumorea que = rumour has it that.* ¡se te acabó el cuento! = the jig's up!.* se va a + Infinitivo = be to be + Participio.* se + Verbo = be + to be + Verbo, one + Verbo.* se ve tal cual aparecerá impreso (WYSIWYG) = WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get).* * *(= sureste) SE* * *= one.Nota: Cualquier persona.Ex: None of these labels is entirely accurate, in that some packages which one would want to include in this category do not match one or other of these labels.
* per se = per se.* se anunciará = to be announced.* se argumenta que = the argument goes that.* se avecinan malos tiempos = hard times lie ahead.* se cae de su peso que = it goes without saying that.* se decía que = rumour had it that.* se desprende que = it follows that.* se dice = so the story goes.* se dice pronto, pero no es tan fácil = easier said than done.* se dice que = rumour has it that, the saying + be + that.* se ha hecho público = word's out, the.* se pierda o se gane = win or lose.* se postula que = the argument goes that.* se puede = is to be.* se rumoreaba que = rumour had it that.* se rumorea que = rumour has it that.* ¡se te acabó el cuento! = the jig's up!.* se va a + Infinitivo = be to be + Participio.* se + Verbo = be + to be + Verbo, one + Verbo.* se ve tal cual aparecerá impreso (WYSIWYG) = WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get).* * *SE(= sureste) SE* * *
Multiple Entries:
S.E.
SE
saber
se
ser
sé
saber 1 sustantivo masculino
knowledge;
saber 2 ( conjugate saber) verbo transitivo
1
no lo sé I don't know;
no sé cómo se llama I don't know his name;
¡yo qué sé! how (on earth) should I know! (colloq);
que yo sepa as far as I know;
sé algo de algo to know sth about sth;
sé muy poco de ese tema I know very little about the subject;
no sabe lo que dice he doesn't know what he's talking about
sin que lo supiéramos without our knowing;
¡si yo lo hubiera sabido antes! if I had only known before!;
¡cómo iba yo a sé que …! how was I to know that …!
2 ( ser capaz de):
¿sabes nadar? can you swim?, do you know how to swim?;
sabe escuchar she's a good listener;
sabe hablar varios idiomas she can speak several languages
verbo intransitivo
◊ ¿quién sabe? who knows?;
sé de algo/algn to know of sth/sb;
yo sé de un lugar donde te lo pueden arreglar I know of a place where you can get it fixedb) (tener noticias, enterarse):
yo supe del accidente por la radio I heard about the accident on the radio
◊ sabe dulce/bien it tastes sweet/nice;
sé a algo to taste of sth;
no sabe a nada it doesn't taste of anything;
sabe a podrido it tastes rottenb) ( causar cierta impresión): me sabe mal or no me sabe bien tener que decírselo I don't like having to tell him
saberse verbo pronominal ( enf) ‹lección/poema› to know
se pron pers
1 seguido de otro pronombre: sustituyendo a◊ le, les: ya sé lo he dicho ( a él) I've already told him;
( a ella) I've already told her;
(a usted, ustedes) I've already told you;
( a ellos) I've already told them;
2 ( en verbos pronominales):◊ ¿no sé arrepienten? [ellos/ellas] aren't they sorry?;
[ ustedes] aren't you sorry?;
sé secó/secaron ( refl) he dried himself/they dried themselves;
sé secó el pelo ( refl) she dried her hair;
sé hizo un vestido ( refl) she made herself a dress;
( caus) she had a dress made;
sé lo comió todo ( enf) he ate it all
3a) ( voz pasiva):
sé publicó el año pasado it was published last yearb) ( impersonal):
sé castigará a los culpables those responsible will be punishedc) (en normas, instrucciones):◊ ¿cómo sé escribe tu nombre? how is your name spelled?, how do you spell your name?;
sé pica la cebolla bien menuda chop the onion finely
ser ( conjugate ser) cópula
1 ( seguido de adjetivos) to be◊ ser expresses identity or nature as opposed to condition or state, which is normally conveyed by estar. The examples given below should be contrasted with those to be found in estar 1 cópula 1 es bajo/muy callado he's short/very quiet;
es sorda de nacimiento she was born deaf;
es inglés/católico he's English/(a) Catholic;
era cierto it was true;
sé bueno, estate quieto be a good boy and keep still;
que seas muy feliz I hope you'll be very happy;
(+ me/te/le etc)
ver tb imposible, difícil etc
2 ( hablando de estado civil) to be;
es viuda she's a widow;
ver tb estar 1 cópula 2
3 (seguido de nombre, pronombre) to be;
ábreme, soy yo open the door, it's me
4 (con predicado introducido por `de'):
soy de Córdoba I'm from Cordoba;
es de los vecinos it belongs to the neighbors, it's the neighbors';
no soy de aquí I'm not from around here
5 (hipótesis, futuro):
¿será cierto? can it be true?
verbo intransitivo
1
b) (liter) ( en cuentos):◊ érase una vez … once upon a time there was …
2a) (tener lugar, ocurrir):
¿dónde fue el accidente? where did the accident happen?b) ( en preguntas):◊ ¿qué habrá sido de él? I wonder what happened to o what became of him;
¿qué es de Marisa? (fam) what's Marisa up to (these days)? (colloq);
¿qué va a ser de nosotros? what will become of us?
3 ( sumar):◊ ¿cuánto es (todo)? how much is that (altogether)?;
son 3.000 pesos that'll be o that's 3,000 pesos;
somos diez en total there are ten of us altogether
4 (indicando finalidad, adecuación) sé para algo to be for sth;
( en locs)
¿cómo es eso? why is that?, how come? (colloq);
como/cuando/donde sea: tengo que conseguir ese trabajo como sea I have to get that job no matter what;
hazlo como sea, pero hazlo do it any way o however you want but get it done;
el lunes o cuando sea next Monday or whenever;
puedo dormir en el sillón o donde sea I can sleep in the armchair or wherever you like o anywhere you like;
de ser así (frml) should this be so o the case (frml);
¡eso es! that's it!, that's right!;
es que …: ¿es que no lo saben? do you mean to say they don't know?;
es que no sé nadar the thing is I can't swim;
lo que sea: cómete una manzana, o lo que sea have an apple or something;
estoy dispuesta a hacer lo que sea I'm prepared to do whatever it takes;
o sea: en febrero, o sea hace un mes in February, that is to say a month ago;
o sea que no te interesa in other words, you're not interested;
o sea que nunca lo descubriste so you never found out;
(ya) sea …, (ya) sea … either …, or …;
sea como sea at all costs;
sea cuando sea whenever it is;
sea donde sea no matter where;
sea quien sea whoever it is;
si no fuera/hubiera sido por … if it wasn't o weren't/hadn't been for …
( en el tiempo) to be;◊ ¿qué fecha es hoy? what's the date today?, what's today's date;
serían las cuatro cuando llegó it must have been (about) four (o'clock) when she arrived;
ver tb v impers
sé v impers to be;
sé v aux ( en la voz pasiva) to be;
fue construido en 1900 it was built in 1900
■ sustantivo masculino
1
◊ sé humano/vivo human/living beingb) (individuo, persona):
2 ( naturaleza):
sé see◊ saber, ser
saber sustantivo masculino knowledge, learning, information
saber
I verbo transitivo
1 (una cosa) to know: no sé su dirección, I don't know her address
para que lo sepas, for your information
que yo sepa, as far as I know
2 (hacer algo) to know how to: no sabe nadar, he can't swim
3 (capacidad, destreza) sabe dibujar muy bien, he knows how to draw really well
4 (comportarse, reaccionar) can: no sabe aguantar una broma, she can't take a joke
no sabe perder, he's a bad loser
5 (tener conocimientos elevados sobre una materia) sabe mucho de música, she knows a lot about music
6 (enterarse) to learn, find out: lo llamé en cuanto lo supe, I called him as soon as I heard about it
7 (estar informado) sabía que te ibas a retrasar, he knew that you were going to be late
8 (imaginar) no sabes qué frío hacía, you can't imagine how cold it was
II verbo intransitivo
1 (sobre una materia) to know [de, of]: sé de un restaurante buenísimo, I know of a very good restaurant
2 (tener noticias) (de alguien por él mismo) to hear from sb
(de alguien por otros) to have news of sb
(de un asunto) to hear about sthg
3 (tener sabor) to taste [a, of]: este guiso sabe a quemado, this stew tastes burnt
4 (producir agrado o desagrado) to like, please: me supo mal que no viniera, it upset me that he didn't come
♦ Locuciones: el saber no ocupa lugar, you can never learn too much
me ha sabido a poco, I couldn't get enough of it
quién sabe, who knows
vas a saber lo que es bueno, I'll show you what's what
vete a saber, God knows
a saber, namely
se pron pers
1 (reflexivo) 3ª pers sing (objeto directo) (a sí mismo) himself
(a sí misma) herself: se cuida mucho, she takes good care of herself
(un animal a sí mismo) itself
(objeto indirecto) (a sí mismo) (for o to) himself
(a sí misma) (for o to) herself
(un animal a sí mismo) for o to itself: el león se lamía las heridas, the lion licked its wounds
plural (objeto directo) (a sí mismos) themselves
(indirecto) (for o to) themselves
2 frml 2.ª pers sing (objeto directo) (a usted mismo) yourself
plural (a ustedes mismos) yourselves: dejen de minusvalorarse, stop underestimating yourselves
3 (recíproco) each other, one another: se adoran, they adore each other
4 (impersonal) cualquiera se puede equivocar, anyone can make a mistake
se puede ir en tren, you can go by train
se prohíbe aparcar, parking is forbidden
4 (pasiva) la casa se construyó en 1780, the house was built in 1780
se pron pers
1 (objeto indirecto) 3.ª persona sing (masculino) (to o for) him
(femenino) (to o for) her
(plural) (to o for) them: se lo dedicó a Carla, he dedicated it to Carla
se lo deletreé, I spelt it for him
se lo susurró al oído, he whispered it in her ear
2 2.ª persona (a usted o ustedes) (to o for) you: no se lo reprocho, I don't reproach you
ser
I sustantivo masculino
1 being: es un ser despreciable, he's despicable
ser humano, human being
ser vivo, living being
2 (esencia) essence: eso forma parte de su ser, that is part of him
II verbo intransitivo
1 (cualidad) to be: eres muy modesto, you are very modest
2 (fecha) to be: hoy es lunes, today is Monday
ya es la una, it's one o'clock
3 (cantidad) eran unos cincuenta, there were about fifty people
(al pagar) ¿cuánto es?, how much is it?
son doscientas, it is two hundred pesetas
Mat dos y tres son cinco, two and three make five
4 (causa) aquella mujer fue su ruina, that woman was his ruin
5 (oficio) to be a(n): Elvira es enfermera, Elvira is a nurse
6 (pertenencia) esto es mío, that's mine
es de Pedro, it is Pedro's
7 (afiliación) to belong: es del partido, he's a member of the party
es un chico del curso superior, he is a boy from the higher year
8 (origen) es de Málaga, she is from Málaga
¿de dónde es esta fruta? where does this fruit come from?
9 (composición, material) to be made of: este jersey no es de lana, this sweater is not (made of) wool
10 ser de, (afinidad, comparación) lo que hizo fue de tontos, what she did was a foolish thing
11 (existir) Madrid ya no es lo que era, Madrid isn't what it used to be
12 (suceder) ¿qué fue de ella?, what became of her?
13 (tener lugar) to be: esta tarde es el entierro, the funeral is this evening 14 ser para, (finalidad) to be for: es para pelar patatas, it's for peeling potatoes
(adecuación, aptitud) no es una película para niños, the film is not suitable for children
esta vida no es para ti, this kind of life is not for you
15 (efecto) era para llorar, it was painful
es (como) para darle una bofetada, it makes me want to slap his face
no es para tomárselo a broma, it is no joke
16 (auxiliar en pasiva) to be: fuimos rescatados por la patrulla de la Cruz Roja, we were rescued by the Red Cross patrol
17 ser de (+ infinitivo) era de esperar que se marchase, it was to be expected that she would leave
♦ Locuciones: a no ser que, unless
como sea, anyhow
de no ser por..., had it not been for
es más, furthermore
es que..., it's just that...
lo que sea, whatever
o sea, that is (to say)
sea como sea, in any case o be that as it may
ser de lo que no hay, to be the limit
'sé' also found in these entries:
Spanish:
A
- abalanzarse
- abandonarse
- abarcar
- abaratarse
- abastecimiento
- abatirse
- abogada
- abogado
- abrazarse
- abuela
- aburrida
- aburrido
- acabarse
- acaramelada
- acaramelado
- acaso
- acentuarse
- acercarse
- achacar
- achantarse
- achuchar
- aclimatarse
- acomodarse
- acto
- actual
- acuerdo
- acumularse
- acusarse
- adelantarse
- adherirse
- adivinarse
- administración
- admitir
- adónde
- adscribirse
- afanarse
- aferrarse
- agachar
- agarrar
- aglomerarse
- agradecer
- ahorcarse
- aire
- alargarse
- alejarse
- alma
- alquilar
- alrededor
- alta
English:
A
- ablaze
- abstain
- accessible
- acclaim
- accomplished
- account
- account for
- accustom
- actual
- actually
- address
- administration
- admit
- adrift
- advance
- advantage
- adventure
- advice
- advise
- after
- after-sales
- ago
- agree
- ahead
- aid
- alienate
- alike
- alive
- all
- almost
- alone
- already
- also
- alter
- always
- ambit
- ambush
- ammunition
- anonymous
- another
- anticipate
- antiquated
- antisexist
- antsy
- applaud
- approach
- apt
- archives
- arguable
* * *SE (abrev de Sudeste)SE* * *SEabr (= sudeste) SE (= Southeast)* * *se pron1) : to him, to her, to you, to themse los daré a ella: I'll give them to her2) : each other, one anotherse abrazaron: they hugged each other3) : himself, herself, itself, yourself, yourselves, themselvesse afeitó antes de salir: he shaved before leavingse dice que es hermosa: they say she's beautifulse habla inglés: English spoken* * *se pron1. (él) himself2. (ella) herself3. (ello) itself4. (usted) yourself¿se divierte usted? are you enjoying yourself?5. (ellos, ellas) themselves6. (ustedes) yourselves¿se han divertido? have you enjoyed yourselves?7. (posesivo) his / her / its / your / their¿se ha lavado las manos? has he washed his hands?8. (recíproco) each other / one another9. (impersonal, pasivo)se dice que... people say that...¿cómo se escribe? how do you spell it?se ruega silencio silence, please10. (a él) to him / him11. (a ella) to her / her12. (a usted) to you / you13. (a ellos) to them / them -
3 be
'bi: ɡi:( abbreviation) (Bachelor of Engineering; first degree in Engineering.) licenciatura en Ingenieríabe vb1. serwhat time is it? It's 3 o'clock ¿qué hora es? Son las treswho is it? It's me ¿quién es? Soy yo2. estarhow are you? I'm fine ¿cómo estás? estoy bienwhere is Pauline? ¿dónde está Pauline?how far is it? ¿a qué distancia está?what day is it today? ¿qué día es hoy? / ¿a qué día estamos?3. tenerhow old are you? I'm 16 ¿cuántos años tienes? tengo 16 años4. costar / valer / serhow much is it? ¿cuánto cuesta? / ¿cuánto vale? / ¿cuánto es?the tickets are £15 each las entradas valen 15 libras cada una5. hacer6. haberhow many children are there? ¿cuántos niños hay?Se usa también para construir el tiempo verbal llamado present continuous que indica una acción que está pasando en estos momentoswhat are you doing? ¿qué estás haciendo? / ¿qué haces?look, it's snowing mira, está nevando
be sustantivo femenino: name of the letter b, often called be largaor grande to distinguish it from v 'be' also found in these entries: Spanish: A - abasto - abate - abismo - abotargarse - abreviar - abrirse - absoluta - absoluto - abultar - abundar - aburrir - aburrirse - acabose - acariciar - acaso - acertar - achantarse - acometer - acostada - acostado - acostumbrar - acostumbrada - acostumbrado - acreditar - activa - activo - adelantar - adelantarse - adentro - adivinarse - admirarse - adolecer - aferrarse - afianzarse - aficionada - aficionado - afligirse - agonizar - agotarse - agradecer - agua - ahogarse - ahora - aire - ajo - ala - alarmarse - alcanzar - alegrarse English: aback - abate - about - absent - accordance - account for - accountable - accustom - acquaint - action - addicted - address - adequate - adjust - admit - affiliated - afford - afraid - agenda - agree - agreement - ahead - air - airsick - alert - alive - alone - along - aloof - alphabetically - always - am - ambition - amenable - amusing - anathema - annoyance - anomaly - anxious - apologetic - appal - appall - are - arm - around - arrears - as - ashamed - aspire - assertbetr[biː]intransitive verb (pres 1ª pers am, 2ª pers sing y todas del pl are, 3ª pers sing is; pt 1ª y 3ª pers sing was, 2ª pers sing y todas del pl; pp been)2 (essential quality) ser3 (nationality) ser4 (occupation) ser5 (origin) ser6 (ownership) ser7 (authorship) ser8 (composition) ser9 (use) ser10 (location) estar11 (temporary state) estar■ how are you? ¿cómo estás?12 (age) tener13 (price) costar, valer■ a single ticket is £9.50 un billete de ida cuesta £9.5014 tener■ he's hot/cold tiene calor/frío■ we're hungry/thirsty tenemos hambre/sed1 (passive) ser■ she was arrested at the border fue detenida en la frontera, la detuvieron en la frontera■ he's hated by everybody es odiado por todos, todos lo odian■ he was discharged fue dado de alta, lo dieron de alta■ the house has been sold la casa ha sido vendida, la casa se ha vendido, han vendido la casa■ thirty children were injured treinta niños fueron heridos, treinta niños resultaron heridos■ the two areas of the town are divided by a wall las dos zonas de la ciudad están divididas por un muro1 (obligation) deber, tener que1 (future)phrase there is / there are1 hay■ is there much traffic ¿hay mucho tráfico?1 había■ were there many people? ¿había mucha gente?1 habrá1 habría■ if Mike came, there would be ten of us si viniera Mike, seríamos diez\SMALLIDIOMATIC EXPRESSION/SMALLto be about to «+ inf» estar para + inf, estar a punto de + infto be or not to be ser o no serbe ['bi:] v, was ['wəz, 'wɑz] ; were ['wər] ; been ['bɪn] ; being ; am ['æm] ; is ['ɪz] ; are ['ɑr] viJosé is a doctor: José es doctorI'm Ana's sister: soy la hermana de Anathe tree is tall: el árbol es altoyou're silly!: ¡eres tonto!she's from Managua: es de Managuait's mine: es míomy mother is at home: mi madre está en casathe cups are on the table: las tazas están en la mesato be or not to be: ser, o no serI think, therefore I am: pienso, luego existohow are you?: ¿cómo estás?I'm cold: tengo fríoshe's 10 years old: tiene 10 añosthey're both sick: están enfermos los dosbe v impersit's eight o'clock: son las ochoit's Friday: hoy es viernesit's sunny: hace solit's very dark outside: está bien oscuro afuerabe v auxwhat are you doing? -I'm working: ¿qué haces? -estoy trabajandoit was finished yesterday: fue acabado ayer, se acabó ayerit was cooked in the oven: se cocinó en el hornocan she be trusted?: ¿se puede confiar en ella?you are to stay here: debes quedarte aquíhe was to come yesterday: se esperaba que viniese ayerbev.(§ p.,p.p.: was, were, been) = estar v.(§pres: estoy, estás...) pret: estuv-•)• ser v.(§pres: soy, eres, es, somos, sois, son) subj: se-imp: er-fu-•)biːˌ weak form bi
1.
2)a) (followed by an adjective)she's French/intelligent — es francesa/inteligente
he's worried/furious — está preocupado/furioso
he's blind — es or (Esp tb) está ciego
have you never had gazpacho? it's delicious! — ¿nunca has comido gazpacho? es delicioso!
the gazpacho is delicious, did you make it yourself? — el gazpacho está delicioso ¿lo hiciste tú?
she was very rude to me — estuvo or fue muy grosera conmigo
Tony is married/divorced/single — Tony está or (esp AmL) es casado/divorciado/soltero
to be married to somebody — estar* casado con alguien
3)a) (followed by a noun) ser*who was Prime Minister at the time? — ¿quién era Primer Ministro en ese momento?
it's me/Daniel — soy yo/es Daniel
if I were you, I'd stay — yo que tú or yo en tu lugar me quedaría
b) ( play the role of) hacer* de4)how are you? — ¿cómo estás?
I'm much better — estoy or me encuentro mucho mejor
she's pregnant/tired — está embarazada/cansada
I'm cold/hot/hungry/thirsty/sleepy — tengo frío/calor/hambre/sed/sueño
b) ( talking about age) tener*how old are you? — ¿cuántos años tienes?
he's a lot older/younger — es mucho mayor/menor
c) (giving cost, measurement, weight)how much is that? - that'll be $15, please — ¿cuánto es? - (son) 15 dólares, por favor
they are $15 each — cuestan or valen 15 dólares cada una
how tall/heavy is he? — ¿cuánto mide/pesa?
5)a) (exist, live)I think, therefore I am — pienso, luego existo
to let something/somebody be — dejar tranquilo or en paz algo/a alguien
b) ( in expressions of time)don't be too long — no tardes mucho, no (te) demores mucho (esp AmL)
I'm drying my hair, I won't be long — me estoy secando el pelo, enseguida estoy
how long will dinner be? — ¿cuánto falta para la cena?
c) ( take place) ser*6) (be situated, present) estar*where is the library? — ¿dónde está or queda la biblioteca?
where are you? — ¿dónde estás?
what's in that box? — ¿qué hay en esa caja?
who's in the movie? — ¿quién actúa or trabaja en la película?
how long are you in Chicago (for)? — (colloq) ¿cuánto (tiempo) te vas a quedar en Chicago ?
7) (only in perfect tenses) ( visit) estar*have you been to the exhibition yet? — ¿ya has estado en or has ido a la exposición?
2.
v impers1)a) (talking about physical conditions, circumstances)it's sunny/cold/hot — hace sol/frío/calor
it's so noisy/quiet in here! — qué ruido/silencio hay aquí!
I have enough problems as it is, without you... — yo ya tengo suficientes problemas sin que tú encima...
b) ( in expressions of time) ser*hi, Joe, it's been a long time — qué tal, Joe, tanto tiempo (sin verte)
c) ( talking about distance) estar*it's 500 miles from here to Detroit — Detroit queda or está a 500 millas de aquí
2)a) (introducing person, object) ser*it was me who told them — fui yo quien se lo dije or dijo, fui yo el que se lo dije or dijo
b) (in conditional use) ser*if it hadn't been o had it not been for Juan, we would have been killed — si no hubiera sido por Juan or de no ser por Juan, nos habríamos matado
3.
v aux1) to be -inga) ( used to describe action in progress) estar* + gerwhat was I saying? — ¿qué estaba diciendo?
she was leaving when... — se iba cuando...
how long have you been waiting? — ¿cuánto (tiempo) hace que esperas?, ¿cuánto (tiempo) llevas esperando?
b) ( with future reference)he is o will be arriving tomorrow — llega mañana
when are you seeing her? — ¿cuándo la vas a ver or la verás?
2) (in the passive voice) ser* [The passive voice, however, is less common in Spanish than it is in English]it was built in 1903 — fue construido en 1903, se construyó en 1903, lo construyeron en 1903
she was told that... — le dijeron or se le dijo que...
it is known that... — se sabe que...
3) to be to + infa) ( with future reference)if a solution is to be found... — si se quiere encontrar or si se ha de encontrar una solución...
b) ( expressing possibility)what are we to do? — ¿qué podemos hacer?
c) ( expressing obligation) deber* + inf, tener* que + inf, haber* de + inftell her she's to stay here — dile que debe quedarse or tiene que quedarse aquí, dile que se quede aquí
am I to understand that... ? — ¿debo entender que... ?
4) ( in hypotheses)what would happen if she were o was to die? — ¿qué pasaría si ella muriera?
5)she's right, isn't she? — tiene razón, ¿no? or ¿verdad? or ¿no es cierto?
so that's what you think, is it? — de manera que eso es lo que piensas
are you disappointed? - yes, I am/no, I'm not — ¿estás desilusionado? - sí (, lo estoy)/no (, no lo estoy)
she was told the news, and so was he/but I wasn't — a ella le dieron la noticia, y también a él/pero a mí no
[biː] (present am, is or are pt was or were pp been)I'm surprised, are/aren't you? — estoy sorprendido, ¿y tú?/¿tú no?
1. INTRANSITIVE VERB1) (linking nouns, noun phrases, pronouns) serit's me! — ¡soy yo!
who wants to be Hamlet? — ¿quién quiere hacer de or ser Hamlet?
if I were you... — yo en tu lugar..., yo que tú... *
2) (possession) serUse [estar] with past participles used as adjectives describing the results of an action or process:it's round/enormous — es redondo/enorme
4) (changeable or temporary state) estarshe's bored/ill — está aburrida/enferma
how are you? — ¿cómo estás?, ¿qué tal estás?
how are you now? — ¿qué tal te encuentras ahora?
In certain expressions where English uses [be] + adjective to describe feelings ([be cold]/[hot]/[hungry]/[thirsty]), Spanish uses [tener] with a noun:I'm very well, thanks — estoy muy bien, gracias
I'm cold/hot — tengo frío/calor
I'm hungry/thirsty — tengo hambre/sed
afraid, sleepy, rightbe good! — ¡pórtate bien!
5) (age)"how old is she?" - "she's nine" — -¿cuántos años tiene? -tiene nueve años
6) (=take place) ser7) (=be situated) estarit's on the table — está sobre or en la mesa
where is the Town Hall? — ¿dónde está or queda el ayuntamiento?
it's 5 km to the village — el pueblo está or queda a 5 kilómetros
we've been here for ages — hace mucho tiempo que estamos aquí, llevamos aquí mucho tiempo, estamos aquí desde hace mucho tiempo
•
here you are(, take it) — aquí tienes(, tómalo)•
there's the church — ahí está la iglesiaa) (referring to weather) hacerit's hot/cold — hace calor/frío
b) (referring to time, date etc) serwake up, it's morning — despierta, es de día
what's the date (today)? — ¿qué fecha es hoy?
But note the following alternatives with [estar]:it's 3 May or the 3rd of May — es 3 de mayo
it's 3 May or the 3rd of May — estamos a 3 de mayo
c) (asking and giving opinion) seris it certain that...? — ¿es verdad or cierto que...?
is it fair that she should be punished while...? — ¿es justo que se la castigue mientras que...?
it is possible that he'll come — es posible que venga, puede (ser) que venga
it is unbelievable that... — es increíble que...
it's not clear whether... — no está claro si...
d) (emphatic) serwhy is it that she's so successful? — ¿cómo es que tiene tanto éxito?, ¿por qué tiene tanto éxito?
it was then that... — fue entonces cuando...
9) (=exist) haberthere is/are — hay
what is (there) in that room? — ¿qué hay en esa habitación?
is there anyone at home? — ¿hay alguien en casa?
there being no alternative solution... — al no haber or no habiendo otra solución...
let there be light! — ¡hágase la luz!
See:THERE IS, THERE ARE in there10) (=cost)how much was it? — ¿cuánto costó?
the book is £20 — el libro vale or cuesta 20 libras
how much is it? — ¿cuánto es?; (when paying) ¿qué le debo? frm
11) (=visit)has the postman been? — ¿ha venido el cartero?
have you ever been to Glasgow? — ¿has estado en Glasgow alguna vez?
12) (in noun compounds) futuro•
my wife to be — mi futura esposa•
been and * —you've been and done it now! — ¡buena la has hecho! *
that dog of yours has been and dug up my flowers! — ¡tu perro ha ido y me ha destrozado las flores!
•
you're busy enough as it is — estás bastante ocupado ya con lo que tienes, ya tienes suficiente trabajo•
if it hadn't been for..., if it hadn't been for you or frm had it not been for you, we would have lost — si no hubiera sido por ti or de no haber sido por ti, habríamos perdido•
let me be! — ¡déjame en paz!•
if that's what you want to do, then so be it — si eso es lo que quieres hacer, adelante•
what is it to you? * — ¿a ti qué te importa?2. AUXILIARY VERB1) (forming passive) serThe passive is not used as often in Spanish as in English, active and reflexive constructions often being preferred:it is said that... — dicen que..., se dice que...
she was killed in a car crash — murió en un accidente de coche, resultó muerta en un accidente de coche frm
what's to be done? — ¿qué hay que hacer?
•
it's a film not to be missed — es una película que no hay que perderse•
we searched everywhere for him, but he was nowhere to be seen — lo buscamos por todas partes pero no lo encontramos en ningún sitio2) (forming continuous) estarUse the present simple to talk about planned future events and the construction to talk about intention:what are you doing? — ¿qué estás haciendo?, ¿qué haces?
"it's a pity you aren't coming with us" - "but I am coming!" — -¡qué pena que no vengas con nosotros! -¡sí que voy!
will you be seeing her tomorrow? — ¿la verás or la vas a ver mañana?
will you be needing more? — ¿vas a necesitar más?
The imperfect tense can be used for continuous action in the past: for, sinceI'll be seeing you — hasta luego, nos vemos (esp LAm)
a)"he's going to complain about you" - "oh, is he?" — -va a quejarse de ti -¿ah, sí?
"I'm worried" - "so am I" — -estoy preocupado -yo también
"I'm not ready" - "neither am I" — -no estoy listo -yo tampoco
"you're tired" - "no, I'm not" — -estás cansado -no, ¡qué va!
"you're not eating enough" - "yes I am" — -no comes lo suficiente -que sí
"they're getting married" - "oh, are they?" — (showing surprise) -se casan -¿ah, sí? or -¡no me digas!
"he isn't very happy" - "oh, isn't he?" — -no está muy contento -¿ah, no?
"he's always late, isn't he?" - "yes, he is" — -siempre llega tarde, ¿verdad? -(pues) sí
"is it what you expected?" - "no, it isn't" — -¿es esto lo que esperabas? -(pues) no
"she's pretty" - "no, she isn't" — -es guapa -¡qué va!
he's handsome, isn't he? — es guapo, ¿verdad?, es guapo, ¿no?, es guapo, ¿no es cierto?
it was fun, wasn't it? — fue divertido, ¿verdad?, fue divertido, ¿no?
she wasn't happy, was she? — no era feliz, ¿verdad?
so he's back again, is he? — así que ha vuelto, ¿eh?
you're not ill, are you? — ¿no estarás enfermo?
3. MODAL VERB(with infinitive construction)1) (=must, have to)he's not to open it — no debe abrirlo, que no lo abra
I am to do it — he de hacerlo yo, soy yo el que debe hacerlo
I wasn't to tell you his name — no podía or debía decirte su nombre
2) (=should) deberam I to understand that...? — ¿debo entender que...?
she wrote "My Life", not to be confused with Bernstein's book of the same name — escribió "Mi Vida", que no debe confundirse con la obra de Bernstein que lleva el mismo título
he was to have come yesterday — tenía que or debía haber venido ayer
3) (=will)4) (=can)if it was or were to snow... — si nevase or nevara...
BEif I were to leave the job, would you replace me? — si yo dejara el puesto, ¿me sustituirías?
"Ser" or "estar"?
You can use "ser": ► when defining or identifying by linking two nouns or noun phrases:
Paris is the capital of France París es la capital de Francia
He was the most hated man in the village Era el hombre más odiado del pueblo ► to describe essential or inherent characteristics (e.g. colour, material, nationality, race, shape, size {etc}):
His mother is German Su madre es alemana
She was blonde Era rubia ► with most impersonal expressions not involving past participles:
It is important to be on time Es importante llegar a tiempo
Está claro que is an exception:
It is obvious you don't understand Está claro que no lo entiendes ► when telling the time or talking about time or age:
It is ten o'clock Son las diez
It's very late. Let's go home Es muy tarde. Vamos a casa
He lived in the country when he was young Vivió en el campo cuando era joven ► to indicate possession or duty:
It's mine Es mío
This is your responsibility Este asunto es responsabilidad tuya ► with events in the sense of "take place":
The 1992 Olympic Games were in Barcelona Los Juegos Olímpicos de 1992 fueron en Barcelona
"Where is the exam?" - "It's in Room 1" "¿Dónde es el examen?" - "Es en el Aula Número 1" NOTE: Compare this usage with that of estar (see below) to talk about location of places, objects and people.
You can use "estar": ► to talk about location of places, objects and people:
"Where is Zaragoza?" - "It's in Spain" "¿Dónde está Zaragoza?" - "Está en España"
Your glasses are on the bedside table Tus gafas están en la mesilla de noche NOTE: But use ser with events in the sense of "take place" (see above)}. ► to talk about changeable state, condition or mood:
The teacher is ill La profesora está enferma
The coffee's cold El café está frío
How happy I am! ¡Qué contento estoy! NOTE: Feliz, however, which is seen as more permanent than contento, is used mainly with ser. ► to form progressive tenses:
We're having lunch. Is it ok if I call you later? Estamos comiendo. Te llamaré luego, ¿vale?
Both "ser" and "estar" can be used with past participles ► Use ser in {passive} constructions:
This play was written by Lorca Esta obra fue escrita por Lorca
He was shot dead (by a terrorist group) Fue asesinado a tiros (por un grupo terrorista) NOTE: The passive is not used as often in Spanish as it is in English. ► Use estar with past participles to describe the {results} of a previous action or event:
We threw them away because they were broken Los tiramos a la basura porque estaban rotos
He's dead Está muerto ► Compare the use of ser + ((past participle)) which describes {action} and estar + ((past participle)) which describes {result} in the following:
The window was broken by the firemen La ventana fue rota por los bomberos
The window was broken La ventana estaba rota
It was painted around 1925 Fue pintado hacia 1925
The floor is painted a dark colour El suelo está pintado de color oscuro ► Ser and estar are both used in impersonal expressions with past participles. As above, the use of ser implies {action} while the use of estar implies {result}:
It is understood that the work was never finished Es sabido que el trabajo nunca se llegó a terminar
It is a proven fact that vaccinations save many lives Está demostrado que las vacunas salvan muchas vidas
"Ser" and "estar" with adjectives ► Some adjectives can be used with both ser and estar but the meaning changes completely depending on the verb:
He's clever Es listo
Are you ready? ¿Estás listo?
Chemistry is boring La química es aburrida
I'm bored Estoy aburrido ► Other adjectives can also be used with both verbs but the use of ser describes a {characteristic} while the use of estar implies a {change}:
He's very handsome Es muy guapo
You look great in that dress! Estás muy guapa con ese vestido
He's slim Es delgado
You're (looking) very slim ¡Estás muy delgada! For further uses and examples, see main entry* * *[biːˌ] weak form [bi]
1.
2)a) (followed by an adjective)she's French/intelligent — es francesa/inteligente
he's worried/furious — está preocupado/furioso
he's blind — es or (Esp tb) está ciego
have you never had gazpacho? it's delicious! — ¿nunca has comido gazpacho? es delicioso!
the gazpacho is delicious, did you make it yourself? — el gazpacho está delicioso ¿lo hiciste tú?
she was very rude to me — estuvo or fue muy grosera conmigo
Tony is married/divorced/single — Tony está or (esp AmL) es casado/divorciado/soltero
to be married to somebody — estar* casado con alguien
3)a) (followed by a noun) ser*who was Prime Minister at the time? — ¿quién era Primer Ministro en ese momento?
it's me/Daniel — soy yo/es Daniel
if I were you, I'd stay — yo que tú or yo en tu lugar me quedaría
b) ( play the role of) hacer* de4)how are you? — ¿cómo estás?
I'm much better — estoy or me encuentro mucho mejor
she's pregnant/tired — está embarazada/cansada
I'm cold/hot/hungry/thirsty/sleepy — tengo frío/calor/hambre/sed/sueño
b) ( talking about age) tener*how old are you? — ¿cuántos años tienes?
he's a lot older/younger — es mucho mayor/menor
c) (giving cost, measurement, weight)how much is that? - that'll be $15, please — ¿cuánto es? - (son) 15 dólares, por favor
they are $15 each — cuestan or valen 15 dólares cada una
how tall/heavy is he? — ¿cuánto mide/pesa?
5)a) (exist, live)I think, therefore I am — pienso, luego existo
to let something/somebody be — dejar tranquilo or en paz algo/a alguien
b) ( in expressions of time)don't be too long — no tardes mucho, no (te) demores mucho (esp AmL)
I'm drying my hair, I won't be long — me estoy secando el pelo, enseguida estoy
how long will dinner be? — ¿cuánto falta para la cena?
c) ( take place) ser*6) (be situated, present) estar*where is the library? — ¿dónde está or queda la biblioteca?
where are you? — ¿dónde estás?
what's in that box? — ¿qué hay en esa caja?
who's in the movie? — ¿quién actúa or trabaja en la película?
how long are you in Chicago (for)? — (colloq) ¿cuánto (tiempo) te vas a quedar en Chicago ?
7) (only in perfect tenses) ( visit) estar*have you been to the exhibition yet? — ¿ya has estado en or has ido a la exposición?
2.
v impers1)a) (talking about physical conditions, circumstances)it's sunny/cold/hot — hace sol/frío/calor
it's so noisy/quiet in here! — qué ruido/silencio hay aquí!
I have enough problems as it is, without you... — yo ya tengo suficientes problemas sin que tú encima...
b) ( in expressions of time) ser*hi, Joe, it's been a long time — qué tal, Joe, tanto tiempo (sin verte)
c) ( talking about distance) estar*it's 500 miles from here to Detroit — Detroit queda or está a 500 millas de aquí
2)a) (introducing person, object) ser*it was me who told them — fui yo quien se lo dije or dijo, fui yo el que se lo dije or dijo
b) (in conditional use) ser*if it hadn't been o had it not been for Juan, we would have been killed — si no hubiera sido por Juan or de no ser por Juan, nos habríamos matado
3.
v aux1) to be -inga) ( used to describe action in progress) estar* + gerwhat was I saying? — ¿qué estaba diciendo?
she was leaving when... — se iba cuando...
how long have you been waiting? — ¿cuánto (tiempo) hace que esperas?, ¿cuánto (tiempo) llevas esperando?
b) ( with future reference)he is o will be arriving tomorrow — llega mañana
when are you seeing her? — ¿cuándo la vas a ver or la verás?
2) (in the passive voice) ser* [The passive voice, however, is less common in Spanish than it is in English]it was built in 1903 — fue construido en 1903, se construyó en 1903, lo construyeron en 1903
she was told that... — le dijeron or se le dijo que...
it is known that... — se sabe que...
3) to be to + infa) ( with future reference)if a solution is to be found... — si se quiere encontrar or si se ha de encontrar una solución...
b) ( expressing possibility)what are we to do? — ¿qué podemos hacer?
c) ( expressing obligation) deber* + inf, tener* que + inf, haber* de + inftell her she's to stay here — dile que debe quedarse or tiene que quedarse aquí, dile que se quede aquí
am I to understand that... ? — ¿debo entender que... ?
4) ( in hypotheses)what would happen if she were o was to die? — ¿qué pasaría si ella muriera?
5)she's right, isn't she? — tiene razón, ¿no? or ¿verdad? or ¿no es cierto?
so that's what you think, is it? — de manera que eso es lo que piensas
are you disappointed? - yes, I am/no, I'm not — ¿estás desilusionado? - sí (, lo estoy)/no (, no lo estoy)
she was told the news, and so was he/but I wasn't — a ella le dieron la noticia, y también a él/pero a mí no
I'm surprised, are/aren't you? — estoy sorprendido, ¿y tú?/¿tú no?
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4 features\ of\ scientific\ style
- logical sequence of utterances with clear indication of their interrelations and interdependence; logical coherence of ideas expressed;- objective, precise, unemotional, devoid of any individuality, striving for the most generalised form of expression.- developed and varied system of connectives;- use of terms specific to each given branch of science;- direct referential (and primary logical) meaning of the general vocabulary; self-explanatory terms; neutral and common literary words; the possibility of ambiguity is avoided;- hardly a single word will be found here which is used in more than one meaning, nor will be any words with contextual meaning;- sentence-patterns (postulatory, argumentative, formulative);- based on facts already known, on facts systematised and defined;- quotations and references;- foot-notes, digressive in character;- impersonality: frequent use of passive constructions;- impersonal passive constructions are frequently used with the verbs suppose, assume, point out;- far greater amount of preliminary knowledge;- there may be hypotheses, pronouncements and conclusions, (backed up by strong belief);Source: I.R.G.English-Russian dictionary of stylistics (terminology and examples) > features\ of\ scientific\ style
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5 BE
be [bi:]━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━1. link verb3. modal verb6. compounds━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━1. link verba. être• who is that? -- it's me! qui est-ce ? -- c'est moi !• if I were you I would refuse si j'étais vous, je refuserais━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► The following translations use ce + être because they contain an article or possessive in French.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► No article is used in French, unless the noun is qualified by an adjective.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• how are you? comment allez-vous ?d. ( = cost) coûter• how much is it? combien ça coûte ?e. ( = equal) fairef.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• to be cold/hot/hungry/thirsty/ashamed/right/wrong avoir froid/chaud/faim/soif/honte/raison/tort━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► Note how French makes the person, not the part of the body, the subject of the sentence in the following.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━g. (with age) avoir• how old is he? quel âge a-t-il ?► to be + -ing━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► French does not distinguish between simple and continuous actions as much as English does.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• I'm coming! j'arrive !• what have you been doing this week? qu'est-ce que tu as fait cette semaine ?• will you be seeing her tomorrow? est-ce que vous allez la voir demain ?━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► être en train de + infinitive emphasizes that one is in the middle of the action.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• I haven't got time, I'm cooking the dinner je n'ai pas le temps, je suis en train de préparer le repas━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► The imperfect tense is used for continuous action in the past.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► have/had been +... for/since━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► French uses the present and imperfect where English uses the perfect and past perfect.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• I'd been at university for six weeks when my father got ill j'étais à l'université depuis six semaines quand mon père est tombé malade• he's a friend of yours, isn't he? c'est un ami à toi, n'est-ce pas ?• she wasn't happy, was she? elle n'était pas heureuse, n'est-ce pas ?• so it's all done, is it? tout est fait, alors ?• you're not ill, are you? tu n'es pas malade j'espère ?c. (in tag responses) they're getting married -- oh are they? ils vont se marier -- ah bon ?• he's going to complain about you -- oh is he? il va porter plainte contre toi -- ah vraiment ?━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• he's always late, isn't he? -- yes, he is il est toujours en retard, n'est-ce pas ? -- oui• is it what you expected? -- no it isn't est-ce que tu t'attendais à ça ? -- non━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► The past participle in French passive constructions agrees with the subject.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► The passive is used less in French than in English. It is often expressed by on + active verb.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• it is said that... on dit que...━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► The reflexive can be used to describe how something is usually done.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━3. modal verb► am/are/is to + infinitivea. ( = will)• now the old lady has died, her house is to be sold maintenant que la vieille dame est décédée, sa maison va être mise en venteb. ( = must) you are to follow these instructions exactly tu dois suivre ces instructions scrupuleusementc. ( = should) he is to be pitied il est à plaindre• not to be confused with... à ne pas confondre avec...d. ( = be destined to) this was to have serious repercussions cela devait avoir de graves répercussionse. ( = can) these birds are to be found all over the world on trouve ces oiseaux dans le monde entiera. être ; ( = take place) avoir lieu• he is there at the moment, but he won't be there much longer il est là en ce moment mais il ne va pas rester très longtemps► there is/are ( = there exist(s)) il y a• here you are at last! te voilà enfin !• here you are! ( = take this) tiens (or tenez) !b. ► to have been (to a place)• where have you been? où étais-tu passé ?a. (weather, temperature) faire• it's fine/cold/dark il fait beau/froid/nuit• it's windy/foggy il y a du vent/du brouillard• it was then we realized that... c'est alors que nous nous sommes rendu compte que...• it was they who suggested that... ce sont eux qui ont suggéré que...• why is it that she is so popular? pourquoi a-t-elle tant de succès ?6. compounds* * *noun: abrév bill of exchange -
6 be
be [bi:]━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━1. link verb3. modal verb6. compounds━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━1. link verba. être• who is that? -- it's me! qui est-ce ? -- c'est moi !• if I were you I would refuse si j'étais vous, je refuserais━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► The following translations use ce + être because they contain an article or possessive in French.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► No article is used in French, unless the noun is qualified by an adjective.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• how are you? comment allez-vous ?d. ( = cost) coûter• how much is it? combien ça coûte ?e. ( = equal) fairef.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• to be cold/hot/hungry/thirsty/ashamed/right/wrong avoir froid/chaud/faim/soif/honte/raison/tort━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► Note how French makes the person, not the part of the body, the subject of the sentence in the following.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━g. (with age) avoir• how old is he? quel âge a-t-il ?► to be + -ing━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► French does not distinguish between simple and continuous actions as much as English does.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• I'm coming! j'arrive !• what have you been doing this week? qu'est-ce que tu as fait cette semaine ?• will you be seeing her tomorrow? est-ce que vous allez la voir demain ?━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► être en train de + infinitive emphasizes that one is in the middle of the action.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• I haven't got time, I'm cooking the dinner je n'ai pas le temps, je suis en train de préparer le repas━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► The imperfect tense is used for continuous action in the past.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► have/had been +... for/since━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► French uses the present and imperfect where English uses the perfect and past perfect.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• I'd been at university for six weeks when my father got ill j'étais à l'université depuis six semaines quand mon père est tombé malade• he's a friend of yours, isn't he? c'est un ami à toi, n'est-ce pas ?• she wasn't happy, was she? elle n'était pas heureuse, n'est-ce pas ?• so it's all done, is it? tout est fait, alors ?• you're not ill, are you? tu n'es pas malade j'espère ?c. (in tag responses) they're getting married -- oh are they? ils vont se marier -- ah bon ?• he's going to complain about you -- oh is he? il va porter plainte contre toi -- ah vraiment ?━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• he's always late, isn't he? -- yes, he is il est toujours en retard, n'est-ce pas ? -- oui• is it what you expected? -- no it isn't est-ce que tu t'attendais à ça ? -- non━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► The past participle in French passive constructions agrees with the subject.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► The passive is used less in French than in English. It is often expressed by on + active verb.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• it is said that... on dit que...━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━► The reflexive can be used to describe how something is usually done.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━3. modal verb► am/are/is to + infinitivea. ( = will)• now the old lady has died, her house is to be sold maintenant que la vieille dame est décédée, sa maison va être mise en venteb. ( = must) you are to follow these instructions exactly tu dois suivre ces instructions scrupuleusementc. ( = should) he is to be pitied il est à plaindre• not to be confused with... à ne pas confondre avec...d. ( = be destined to) this was to have serious repercussions cela devait avoir de graves répercussionse. ( = can) these birds are to be found all over the world on trouve ces oiseaux dans le monde entiera. être ; ( = take place) avoir lieu• he is there at the moment, but he won't be there much longer il est là en ce moment mais il ne va pas rester très longtemps► there is/are ( = there exist(s)) il y a• here you are at last! te voilà enfin !• here you are! ( = take this) tiens (or tenez) !b. ► to have been (to a place)• where have you been? où étais-tu passé ?a. (weather, temperature) faire• it's fine/cold/dark il fait beau/froid/nuit• it's windy/foggy il y a du vent/du brouillard• it was then we realized that... c'est alors que nous nous sommes rendu compte que...• it was they who suggested that... ce sont eux qui ont suggéré que...• why is it that she is so popular? pourquoi a-t-elle tant de succès ?6. compounds* * *[biː, bɪ]1) gen êtreit's me —
2) ( in probability)were it not that... — si ce n'était que...
had it not been for Frank, I'd have missed the train — sans Frank j'aurais raté le train
3) ( phrases)let ou leave him be — laisse-le tranquille
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7 BE
1. verb,Ex:we are — neg. (coll.) aren't; p.t. I was, neg. (coll.) wasn't, we were, neg. (coll.) weren't; pres. p. being; p.p. been copula/Ex:1) (indicating quality or attribute) seinshe is a mother/an Italian — sie ist Mutter/Italienerin
being a Frenchman, he likes wine — als Franzose trinkt er gern Wein
he is being nice to them/sarcastic — er ist nett zu ihnen/jetzt ist er sarkastisch
2) in exclamationwas she pleased! — war sie [vielleicht] froh!
aren't you a big boy! — was bist du schon für ein großer Junge!
3) will be (indicating supposition)[I dare say] you'll be a big boy by now — du bist jetzt sicher schon ein großer Junge
you'll be relieved to hear that — du wirst erleichtert sein, das zu hören
4) (indicating physical or mental welfare or state) sein; sich fühlenI am freezing — mich friert es
how are you/is she? — wie geht's (ugs.) /geht es ihr?
it is the 5th today — heute haben wir den Fünften
it is she, it's her — sie ist's
if I were you — an deiner Stelle
6) (indicating profession, pastime, etc.)be a teacher/a footballer — Lehrer/Fußballer sein
7) with possessiveit is hers — es ist ihrs; es gehört ihr
8) (cost) kostenhow much are the eggs? — was kosten die Eier?
9) (equal) seintwo times three is six, two threes are six — zweimal drei ist od. sind od. gibt sechs
sixteen ounces is a pound — sechzehn Unzen sind od. ergeben ein Pfund
10) (constitute) bildenLondon is not England — London ist nicht [gleich] England
11) (mean) bedeuten2. intransitive verb1) (exist) [vorhanden] sein; existierencan such things be? — kann es so etwas geben?; kann so etwas vorkommen?
I think, therefore I am — ich denke, also bin ich
there is/are... — es gibt...
be that as it may — wie dem auch sei
2) (remain) bleibenI shan't be a moment or second — ich komme gleich; noch eine Minute
she has been in her room for hours — sie ist schon seit Stunden in ihrem Zimmer
let him/her be — lass ihn/sie in Ruhe
3) (happen) stattfinden; seinwhere will the party be? — wo ist die Party?; wo findet die Party statt?
be off with you! — geh/geht!
I'm off or for home — ich gehe jetzt nach Hause
she's from Australia — sie stammt od. ist aus Australien
5) (on visit etc.) seinhave you [ever] been to London? — bist du schon einmal in London gewesen?
has anyone been? — ist jemand da gewesen?
6)she's been and tidied the room — (coll.) sie hat doch wirklich das Zimmer aufgeräumt
the children have been at the biscuits — die Kinder waren an den Keksen (ugs.)
3. auxiliary verbI've been into this matter — ich habe mich mit der Sache befasst
1) forming passive werden2) forming continuous tenses, activehe is reading — er liest [gerade]; er ist beim Lesen
I am leaving tomorrow — ich reise morgen [ab]
3) forming continuous tenses, passivethe house is/was being built — das Haus wird/wurde [gerade] gebaut
4) (expr. obligation)5) (expr. arrangement)the Queen is to arrive at 3 p.m. — die Königin soll um 15 Uhr eintreffen
6) (expr. possibility)7) (expr. destiny)8) (expr. condition)4.if I were to tell you that..., were I to tell you that... — wenn ich dir sagen würde, dass...
bride-/husband-to-be — zukünftige Braut/zukünftiger Ehemann
mother-/father-to-be — werdende Mutter/werdender Vater
* * *['bi: ɡi:]( abbreviation) (Bachelor of Engineering; first degree in Engineering.)* * *be<was, been>[bi:, bi]vi + n/adj1. (describes) seinshe's quite rich/ugly sie ist ziemlich reich/hässlichwhat is that? was ist das?she's a doctor sie ist Ärztinwhat do you want to \be when you grow up? was willst du einmal werden, wenn du erwachsen bist?you need to \be certain before you make an accusation like that du musst dir ganz sicher sein, bevor du so eine Anschuldigung vorbringst“may I \be of service Madam?” the waiter asked „kann ich Ihnen behilflich sein, gnädige Frau?“ fragte der Kellnerto \be able to do sth etw tun können, in der Lage sein, etw zu tunto \be from a country/a town aus einem Land/einer Stadt kommen2. (composition) sein, bestehen ausis this plate pure gold? ist dieser Teller aus reinem Gold?3. (opinion)4. (calculation) sein, machen, kostentwo and two is four zwei und zwei ist vierthese books are 50p each diese Bücher kosten jeweils 50p5. (timing)to \be late/[right] on time zu spät/[genau] rechtzeitig kommenthe keys are in that box die Schlüssel befinden sich in der Schachtelthe food was on the table das Essen stand auf dem Tischhe's not here er ist nicht dato \be in a bad situation/trouble in einer schwierigen Situation/Schwierigkeiten seinthe postman hasn't been yet der Briefträger war noch nicht daI've never been to Kenya ich bin noch nie in Kenia gewesen8. (take place) stattfindenthe meeting is next Tuesday die Konferenz findet am nächsten Montag statt9. (do) seinto \be on benefit [or AM welfare] Sozialhilfe bekommen [o SCHWEIZ beziehen], Sozialhilfeempfänger/Sozialhilfeempfängerin seinto \be on a diet auf Diät seinto \be on the pill die Pille nehmento \be on standby/on holiday in [Ruf]bereitschaft/im Urlaub sein▪ to \be up to sth etw im Schild[e] führenlet her \be! lass sie in Ruhe!to \be or not to \be, that is the question Sein oder Nichtsein, das ist die Fragethere is/are... es gibt...can it [really] \be that...? ( form) ist es [tatsächlich] möglich, dass...?is it that...? ( form) kann es sein, dass...?12. (expresses ability)sth is to \be done etw kann getan werdenthe exhibition is currently to \be seen at the City Gallery die Ausstellung ist zurzeit in der Stadtgalerie zu besichtigen13.▪ to not \be to do sth etw nicht dürfenwhat are we to do? was sollen wir tun?you're to sit in the corner and keep quiet du sollst dich in die Ecke setzen und ruhig sein14.we are to visit Australia in the spring im Frühling reisen wir nach Australien; (expresses future in past)she was never to see her brother again sie sollte ihren Bruder nie mehr wiedersehen; (in conditionals)if I were you, I'd... an deiner Stelle würde ich...if he was to work harder, he'd get better grades wenn er härter arbeiten würde, bekäme er bessere Notenwere sb to do sth,... ( form) würde jd etw tun,...were I to refuse, they'd be very annoyed würde ich mich weigern, wären sie äußerst verärgert15. (impersonal use)what is it? was ist?what's it to \be? (what are you drinking) was möchten Sie trinken?; (please decide now) was soll es denn [nun] sein?it is only fair for me es erscheint mir nur fairis it true that you were asked to resign? stimmt es, dass man dir nahegelegt hat, dein Amt niederzulegen?it's not that I don't like her — it's just that we rarely agree on anything es ist nicht so, dass ich sie nicht mag — wir sind nur selten einer Meinungas it were sozusagen, gleichsam\be quiet or I'll...! sei still oder ich...!\be yourself! sei du selbst! [o ganz natürlich!17. (expresses continuation)▪ to \be doing sth gerade etw tundon't talk about that while I'm eating sprich nicht davon, während ich beim Essen binshe's studying to be a lawyer sie studiert, um Rechtsanwältin zu werdenit's raining es regnetyou're always complaining du beklagst dich dauernd18. (expresses passive)to \be asked/pushed gefragt/gestoßen werdento \be be discovered by sb von jdm gefunden werdento \be left an orphan als Waise zurückbleibento \be left speechless sprachlos sein19.▶ the \be-all and end-all das Ein und Alles [o A und O]▶ far \be it from sb to do sth nichts liegt jdm ferner, als etw zu tun▶ to \be off form nicht in Form sein▶ the joke is on sb jd ist der Dumme▶ \be that as it may wie dem auch sei\be off with you! go away! geh! hau ab! fam* * *[biː] pres am, is, are, pret was, were, ptp been1. COPULATIVE VERB1) with adjective, noun, pronoun seinwho's that? – it's me/that's Mary — wer ist das? – ich bins/das ist Mary
he is a soldier/a German — er ist Soldat/Deutscher
he wants to be a doctor — er möchte Arzt werden Note that the article is used in German only when the noun is qualified by an adjective.
he's a good student/a true Englishman — er ist ein guter Student/ein echter Engländer
2)referring to physical, mental state
how are you? — wie gehts?she's not at all well — es geht ihr gar nicht gut
to be hungry/thirsty — Hunger/Durst haben, hungrig/durstig sein
I am hot/cold/frozen — mir ist heiß/kalt/eiskalt
3) age seinhow old is she? —
4) = cost kostentwo times two is or are four — zwei mal zwei ist or sind or gibt vier
6) with possessive gehören (+dat)that book is your brother's/his — das Buch gehört Ihrem Bruder/ihm, das ist das Buch Ihres Bruders/das ist sein Buch
7)was he pleased to hear it! — er war vielleicht froh, das zu hören!but wasn't she glad when... — hat sie sich vielleicht gefreut, als...
8) Brit infhow are you for a beer? — hast du Lust auf ein Bier?
2. AUXILIARY VERB1)Note how German uses the simple tense:what are you doing? — was machst du da?they're coming tomorrow — sie kommen morgen Note how German uses the present tense:
you will be hearing from us — Sie hören von uns, Sie werden von uns hören Note the use of bei + infinitive:
we're just drinking coffee —
I was packing my case when... — ich war gerade beim Kofferpacken, als...
2) in passive constructions werdenhe was run over — er ist überfahren worden, er wurde überfahren
it is/was being repaired — es wird/wurde gerade repariert
I will not be intimidated — ich lasse mich nicht einschüchtern __diams; to be/not to be...
they are shortly to be married — sie werden bald heiraten
she was to be/was to have been dismissed but... — sie sollte entlassen werden, aber.../sie hätte entlassen werden sollen, aber...
he is to be pitied/not to be envied —
what is to be done? — was ist zu tun?, was soll geschehen?
I wasn't to tell you his name — ich sollte or durfte Ihnen nicht sagen, wie er heißt; (but I did) ich hätte Ihnen eigentlich nicht sagen sollen or dürfen, wie er heißt
he was not to be persuaded — er war nicht zu überreden, er ließ sich nicht überreden
if it were or was to snow — falls or wenn es schneien sollte
3)in tag questions/short answers
he's always late, isn't he? – yes he is — er kommt doch immer zu spät, nicht? – ja, das stimmtyou're not ill, are you? – yes I am/no I'm not — Sie sind doch nicht (etwa) krank? – doch!/nein
it's all done, is it? – yes it is/no it isn't — es ist also alles erledigt? – ja/nein
3. INTRANSITIVE VERB1) sein; (= remain) bleibenI'm going to Berlin – how long will you be there? — ich gehe nach Berlin – wie lange wirst du dort bleiben?
he is there at the moment but he won't be much longer — im Augenblick ist er dort, aber nicht mehr lange
we've been here a long time —
let me/him be — lass mich/ihn (in Ruhe)
3)= visit, call
I've been to Paris — ich war schon (ein)mal in Parishe has been and gone — er war da und ist wieder gegangen
I've just been and (gone and) broken it! — jetzt hab ichs tatsächlich kaputt gemacht (inf)
4)= like to have
who's for coffee/tee/biscuits? — wer möchte (gerne)Kaffee/Tee/Kekse?here is a book/are two books — hier ist ein Buch/sind zwei Bücher
there he was sitting at the table — da saß er nun am Tisch
4. IMPERSONAL VERBseinit is dark/morning — es ist dunkel/Morgen
tomorrow is Friday/the 14th of June — morgen ist Freitag/der 14. Juni, morgen haben wir Freitag/den 14. Juni
it is 5 km to the nearest town — es sind 5 km bis zur nächsten Stadt
who found it —
it was me or I (form) who said it first — ICH habe es zuerst gesagt, ich war derjenige, der es zuerst gesagt hat
were it not for the fact that I am a teacher, I would... —
were it not for him, if it weren't or wasn't for him — wenn er nicht wäre
* * *BE abk* * *1. verb,Ex:we are — neg. (coll.) aren't; p.t. I was, neg. (coll.) wasn't, we were, neg. (coll.) weren't; pres. p. being; p.p. been copula/Ex:she is a mother/an Italian — sie ist Mutter/Italienerin
being a Frenchman, he likes wine — als Franzose trinkt er gern Wein
he is being nice to them/sarcastic — er ist nett zu ihnen/jetzt ist er sarkastisch
2) in exclamationwas she pleased! — war sie [vielleicht] froh!
3) will be (indicating supposition)[I dare say] you'll be a big boy by now — du bist jetzt sicher schon ein großer Junge
you'll be relieved to hear that — du wirst erleichtert sein, das zu hören
4) (indicating physical or mental welfare or state) sein; sich fühlenhow are you/is she? — wie geht's (ugs.) /geht es ihr?
it is she, it's her — sie ist's
6) (indicating profession, pastime, etc.)be a teacher/a footballer — Lehrer/Fußballer sein
7) with possessiveit is hers — es ist ihrs; es gehört ihr
8) (cost) kosten9) (equal) seintwo times three is six, two threes are six — zweimal drei ist od. sind od. gibt sechs
sixteen ounces is a pound — sechzehn Unzen sind od. ergeben ein Pfund
10) (constitute) bildenLondon is not England — London ist nicht [gleich] England
11) (mean) bedeuten2. intransitive verb1) (exist) [vorhanden] sein; existierencan such things be? — kann es so etwas geben?; kann so etwas vorkommen?
I think, therefore I am — ich denke, also bin ich
there is/are... — es gibt...
2) (remain) bleibenI shan't be a moment or second — ich komme gleich; noch eine Minute
let him/her be — lass ihn/sie in Ruhe
3) (happen) stattfinden; seinwhere will the party be? — wo ist die Party?; wo findet die Party statt?
4) (go, come)be off with you! — geh/geht!
I'm off or for home — ich gehe jetzt nach Hause
she's from Australia — sie stammt od. ist aus Australien
5) (on visit etc.) seinhave you [ever] been to London? — bist du schon einmal in London gewesen?
6)3. auxiliary verbshe's been and tidied the room — (coll.) sie hat doch wirklich das Zimmer aufgeräumt
1) forming passive werden2) forming continuous tenses, activehe is reading — er liest [gerade]; er ist beim Lesen
I am leaving tomorrow — ich reise morgen [ab]
the train was departing when I got there — der Zug fuhr gerade ab, als ich ankam
3) forming continuous tenses, passivethe house is/was being built — das Haus wird/wurde [gerade] gebaut
4) (expr. obligation)5) (expr. arrangement)the Queen is to arrive at 3 p.m. — die Königin soll um 15 Uhr eintreffen
6) (expr. possibility)7) (expr. destiny)8) (expr. condition)4.if I were to tell you that..., were I to tell you that... — wenn ich dir sagen würde, dass...
bride-/husband-to-be — zukünftige Braut/zukünftiger Ehemann
mother-/father-to-be — werdende Mutter/werdender Vater
* * *(in a state of) shock expr.einen Schock haben ausdr. (left) stranded expr.auf dem trockenen sitzen ausdr.aufgeschmissen sein ausdr. (on a) level with expr.auf dem gleichen Niveau stehen wie ausdr.auf gleicher Höhe sein mit ausdr.genauso hoch sein wie ausdr. v.(§ p.,p.p.: was, were, been)= sein v.(§ p.,pp.: war, ist gewesen)sich befinden v.sich fühlen v. -
8 be
1. verb,Ex:we are — neg. (coll.) aren't; p.t. I was, neg. (coll.) wasn't, we were, neg. (coll.) weren't; pres. p. being; p.p. been copula/Ex:1) (indicating quality or attribute) seinshe is a mother/an Italian — sie ist Mutter/Italienerin
being a Frenchman, he likes wine — als Franzose trinkt er gern Wein
he is being nice to them/sarcastic — er ist nett zu ihnen/jetzt ist er sarkastisch
2) in exclamationwas she pleased! — war sie [vielleicht] froh!
aren't you a big boy! — was bist du schon für ein großer Junge!
3) will be (indicating supposition)[I dare say] you'll be a big boy by now — du bist jetzt sicher schon ein großer Junge
you'll be relieved to hear that — du wirst erleichtert sein, das zu hören
4) (indicating physical or mental welfare or state) sein; sich fühlenI am freezing — mich friert es
how are you/is she? — wie geht's (ugs.) /geht es ihr?
it is the 5th today — heute haben wir den Fünften
it is she, it's her — sie ist's
if I were you — an deiner Stelle
6) (indicating profession, pastime, etc.)be a teacher/a footballer — Lehrer/Fußballer sein
7) with possessiveit is hers — es ist ihrs; es gehört ihr
8) (cost) kostenhow much are the eggs? — was kosten die Eier?
9) (equal) seintwo times three is six, two threes are six — zweimal drei ist od. sind od. gibt sechs
sixteen ounces is a pound — sechzehn Unzen sind od. ergeben ein Pfund
10) (constitute) bildenLondon is not England — London ist nicht [gleich] England
11) (mean) bedeuten2. intransitive verb1) (exist) [vorhanden] sein; existierencan such things be? — kann es so etwas geben?; kann so etwas vorkommen?
I think, therefore I am — ich denke, also bin ich
there is/are... — es gibt...
be that as it may — wie dem auch sei
2) (remain) bleibenI shan't be a moment or second — ich komme gleich; noch eine Minute
she has been in her room for hours — sie ist schon seit Stunden in ihrem Zimmer
let him/her be — lass ihn/sie in Ruhe
3) (happen) stattfinden; seinwhere will the party be? — wo ist die Party?; wo findet die Party statt?
be off with you! — geh/geht!
I'm off or for home — ich gehe jetzt nach Hause
she's from Australia — sie stammt od. ist aus Australien
5) (on visit etc.) seinhave you [ever] been to London? — bist du schon einmal in London gewesen?
has anyone been? — ist jemand da gewesen?
6)she's been and tidied the room — (coll.) sie hat doch wirklich das Zimmer aufgeräumt
the children have been at the biscuits — die Kinder waren an den Keksen (ugs.)
3. auxiliary verbI've been into this matter — ich habe mich mit der Sache befasst
1) forming passive werden2) forming continuous tenses, activehe is reading — er liest [gerade]; er ist beim Lesen
I am leaving tomorrow — ich reise morgen [ab]
3) forming continuous tenses, passivethe house is/was being built — das Haus wird/wurde [gerade] gebaut
4) (expr. obligation)5) (expr. arrangement)the Queen is to arrive at 3 p.m. — die Königin soll um 15 Uhr eintreffen
6) (expr. possibility)7) (expr. destiny)8) (expr. condition)4.if I were to tell you that..., were I to tell you that... — wenn ich dir sagen würde, dass...
bride-/husband-to-be — zukünftige Braut/zukünftiger Ehemann
mother-/father-to-be — werdende Mutter/werdender Vater
* * *['bi: ɡi:]( abbreviation) (Bachelor of Engineering; first degree in Engineering.)* * *be<was, been>[bi:, bi]vi + n/adj1. (describes) seinshe's quite rich/ugly sie ist ziemlich reich/hässlichwhat is that? was ist das?she's a doctor sie ist Ärztinwhat do you want to \be when you grow up? was willst du einmal werden, wenn du erwachsen bist?you need to \be certain before you make an accusation like that du musst dir ganz sicher sein, bevor du so eine Anschuldigung vorbringst“may I \be of service Madam?” the waiter asked „kann ich Ihnen behilflich sein, gnädige Frau?“ fragte der Kellnerto \be able to do sth etw tun können, in der Lage sein, etw zu tunto \be from a country/a town aus einem Land/einer Stadt kommen2. (composition) sein, bestehen ausis this plate pure gold? ist dieser Teller aus reinem Gold?3. (opinion)4. (calculation) sein, machen, kostentwo and two is four zwei und zwei ist vierthese books are 50p each diese Bücher kosten jeweils 50p5. (timing)to \be late/[right] on time zu spät/[genau] rechtzeitig kommenthe keys are in that box die Schlüssel befinden sich in der Schachtelthe food was on the table das Essen stand auf dem Tischhe's not here er ist nicht dato \be in a bad situation/trouble in einer schwierigen Situation/Schwierigkeiten seinthe postman hasn't been yet der Briefträger war noch nicht daI've never been to Kenya ich bin noch nie in Kenia gewesen8. (take place) stattfindenthe meeting is next Tuesday die Konferenz findet am nächsten Montag statt9. (do) seinto \be on benefit [or AM welfare] Sozialhilfe bekommen [o SCHWEIZ beziehen], Sozialhilfeempfänger/Sozialhilfeempfängerin seinto \be on a diet auf Diät seinto \be on the pill die Pille nehmento \be on standby/on holiday in [Ruf]bereitschaft/im Urlaub sein▪ to \be up to sth etw im Schild[e] führenlet her \be! lass sie in Ruhe!to \be or not to \be, that is the question Sein oder Nichtsein, das ist die Fragethere is/are... es gibt...can it [really] \be that...? ( form) ist es [tatsächlich] möglich, dass...?is it that...? ( form) kann es sein, dass...?12. (expresses ability)sth is to \be done etw kann getan werdenthe exhibition is currently to \be seen at the City Gallery die Ausstellung ist zurzeit in der Stadtgalerie zu besichtigen13.▪ to not \be to do sth etw nicht dürfenwhat are we to do? was sollen wir tun?you're to sit in the corner and keep quiet du sollst dich in die Ecke setzen und ruhig sein14.we are to visit Australia in the spring im Frühling reisen wir nach Australien; (expresses future in past)she was never to see her brother again sie sollte ihren Bruder nie mehr wiedersehen; (in conditionals)if I were you, I'd... an deiner Stelle würde ich...if he was to work harder, he'd get better grades wenn er härter arbeiten würde, bekäme er bessere Notenwere sb to do sth,... ( form) würde jd etw tun,...were I to refuse, they'd be very annoyed würde ich mich weigern, wären sie äußerst verärgert15. (impersonal use)what is it? was ist?what's it to \be? (what are you drinking) was möchten Sie trinken?; (please decide now) was soll es denn [nun] sein?it is only fair for me es erscheint mir nur fairis it true that you were asked to resign? stimmt es, dass man dir nahegelegt hat, dein Amt niederzulegen?it's not that I don't like her — it's just that we rarely agree on anything es ist nicht so, dass ich sie nicht mag — wir sind nur selten einer Meinungas it were sozusagen, gleichsam\be quiet or I'll...! sei still oder ich...!\be yourself! sei du selbst! [o ganz natürlich!17. (expresses continuation)▪ to \be doing sth gerade etw tundon't talk about that while I'm eating sprich nicht davon, während ich beim Essen binshe's studying to be a lawyer sie studiert, um Rechtsanwältin zu werdenit's raining es regnetyou're always complaining du beklagst dich dauernd18. (expresses passive)to \be asked/pushed gefragt/gestoßen werdento \be be discovered by sb von jdm gefunden werdento \be left an orphan als Waise zurückbleibento \be left speechless sprachlos sein19.▶ the \be-all and end-all das Ein und Alles [o A und O]▶ far \be it from sb to do sth nichts liegt jdm ferner, als etw zu tun▶ to \be off form nicht in Form sein▶ the joke is on sb jd ist der Dumme▶ \be that as it may wie dem auch sei\be off with you! go away! geh! hau ab! fam* * *[biː] pres am, is, are, pret was, were, ptp been1. COPULATIVE VERB1) with adjective, noun, pronoun seinwho's that? – it's me/that's Mary — wer ist das? – ich bins/das ist Mary
he is a soldier/a German — er ist Soldat/Deutscher
he wants to be a doctor — er möchte Arzt werden Note that the article is used in German only when the noun is qualified by an adjective.
he's a good student/a true Englishman — er ist ein guter Student/ein echter Engländer
2)referring to physical, mental state
how are you? — wie gehts?she's not at all well — es geht ihr gar nicht gut
to be hungry/thirsty — Hunger/Durst haben, hungrig/durstig sein
I am hot/cold/frozen — mir ist heiß/kalt/eiskalt
3) age seinhow old is she? —
4) = cost kostentwo times two is or are four — zwei mal zwei ist or sind or gibt vier
6) with possessive gehören (+dat)that book is your brother's/his — das Buch gehört Ihrem Bruder/ihm, das ist das Buch Ihres Bruders/das ist sein Buch
7)was he pleased to hear it! — er war vielleicht froh, das zu hören!but wasn't she glad when... — hat sie sich vielleicht gefreut, als...
8) Brit infhow are you for a beer? — hast du Lust auf ein Bier?
2. AUXILIARY VERB1)Note how German uses the simple tense:what are you doing? — was machst du da?they're coming tomorrow — sie kommen morgen Note how German uses the present tense:
you will be hearing from us — Sie hören von uns, Sie werden von uns hören Note the use of bei + infinitive:
we're just drinking coffee —
I was packing my case when... — ich war gerade beim Kofferpacken, als...
2) in passive constructions werdenhe was run over — er ist überfahren worden, er wurde überfahren
it is/was being repaired — es wird/wurde gerade repariert
I will not be intimidated — ich lasse mich nicht einschüchtern __diams; to be/not to be...
they are shortly to be married — sie werden bald heiraten
she was to be/was to have been dismissed but... — sie sollte entlassen werden, aber.../sie hätte entlassen werden sollen, aber...
he is to be pitied/not to be envied —
what is to be done? — was ist zu tun?, was soll geschehen?
I wasn't to tell you his name — ich sollte or durfte Ihnen nicht sagen, wie er heißt; (but I did) ich hätte Ihnen eigentlich nicht sagen sollen or dürfen, wie er heißt
he was not to be persuaded — er war nicht zu überreden, er ließ sich nicht überreden
if it were or was to snow — falls or wenn es schneien sollte
3)in tag questions/short answers
he's always late, isn't he? – yes he is — er kommt doch immer zu spät, nicht? – ja, das stimmtyou're not ill, are you? – yes I am/no I'm not — Sie sind doch nicht (etwa) krank? – doch!/nein
it's all done, is it? – yes it is/no it isn't — es ist also alles erledigt? – ja/nein
3. INTRANSITIVE VERB1) sein; (= remain) bleibenI'm going to Berlin – how long will you be there? — ich gehe nach Berlin – wie lange wirst du dort bleiben?
he is there at the moment but he won't be much longer — im Augenblick ist er dort, aber nicht mehr lange
we've been here a long time —
let me/him be — lass mich/ihn (in Ruhe)
3)= visit, call
I've been to Paris — ich war schon (ein)mal in Parishe has been and gone — er war da und ist wieder gegangen
I've just been and (gone and) broken it! — jetzt hab ichs tatsächlich kaputt gemacht (inf)
4)= like to have
who's for coffee/tee/biscuits? — wer möchte (gerne)Kaffee/Tee/Kekse?here is a book/are two books — hier ist ein Buch/sind zwei Bücher
there he was sitting at the table — da saß er nun am Tisch
4. IMPERSONAL VERBseinit is dark/morning — es ist dunkel/Morgen
tomorrow is Friday/the 14th of June — morgen ist Freitag/der 14. Juni, morgen haben wir Freitag/den 14. Juni
it is 5 km to the nearest town — es sind 5 km bis zur nächsten Stadt
who found it —
it was me or I (form) who said it first — ICH habe es zuerst gesagt, ich war derjenige, der es zuerst gesagt hat
were it not for the fact that I am a teacher, I would... —
were it not for him, if it weren't or wasn't for him — wenn er nicht wäre
* * *be [biː] 1. sg präs am [æm], 2. sg präs are [ɑː(r)], obs art [ɑː(r)t], 3. sg präs is [ız], pl präs are [ɑː(r)], 1. und 3. sg prät was [wɒz; wəz; US wɑz], 2. sg prät were [wɜː; US wɜr], pl prät were [wɜː; US wɜr], pperf been [biːn; bın], ppr being [ˈbiːıŋ]A v/aux1. sein (mit dem pperf zur Bildung des Passivs):he is gone er ist weg;I am come obs ich bin da2. werden (mit dem pperf zur Bildung des passiv):the register was signed das Protokoll wurde unterzeichnet;we were appealed to man wandte sich an uns;you will be sent for man wird Sie holen lassenhe is to be pitied er ist zu bedauern;he is to die er muss oder soll sterben;it is not to be seen es ist nicht zu sehen;he was to become a great writer er sollte ein großer Schriftsteller werden;it was not to be es sollte nicht sein, es hat nicht sollen sein;if I were to die wenn ich sterben sollte4. (mit dem ppr eines anderen Verbs zur Bildung der Verlaufsform):he is reading er liest (eben oder gerade), er ist beim Lesen;he was smoking when the teacher entered er rauchte (gerade), als der Lehrer hereinkam;I am going to Paris tomorrow ich fahre morgen nach Paris6. (als Kopula) sein:B v/i1. (Zustand oder Beschaffenheit bezeichnend) sein, sich befinden, der Fall sein:the mirror is too high der Spiegel hängt zu hoch;they are for export only sie sind nur für den Export bestimmt;where was I? wo war ich stehen geblieben?;let him be lass ihn in Ruhe!;be it so, so be it, let it be so gut so, so sei es;be it that … gesetzt den Fall, (dass) …;how is it that …? wie kommt es, dass …?;be that as it may wie dem auch sei2. (vorhanden) sein, bestehen, existieren:I think, therefore I am ich denke, also bin ich;he is no more er ist (lebt) nicht mehr;to be or not to be, that is the question Sein oder Nichtsein, das ist hier die Frage3. a) geschehen, stattfinden, vor sich gehen, sein:when will the meeting be? wann findet die Versammlung statt?b) gehen, fahren (Bus etc):when is the next bus?4. (beruflich oder altersmäßig) werden:I’ll be an engineer ich werde Ingenieur (wenn ich erwachsen bin);what do you want to be when you grow up? was willst du einmal werden?;you should have been a priest du hättest Priester werden sollen;I’ll be 50 next month ich werde nächsten Monat 50;she was 26 last month sie wurde letzten Monat 265. (eine bestimmte Zeit) her sein:it is ten years since he died es ist zehn Jahre her, dass er starb; er starb vor zehn Jahren6. (aus)gegangen sein (mit Formen der Vergangenheit und Angabe des Zieles der Bewegung):he had been to town er war in die Stadt gegangen;he had been bathing er war baden (gegangen);I won’t be long ich werde nicht lange wegbleiben7. (mit dem Possessiv) gehören:this book is my sister’s das Buch gehört meiner Schwester;are these glasses yours? gehört die Brille dir?, ist das deine Brille?8. stammen ( from aus):he is from Liverpool er ist oder stammt aus Liverpool9. a) kosten:how much are the gloves? was kosten die Handschuhe?b) betragen (Preis):that’ll be £4.15 das macht 4 Pfund 1510. bedeuten:what is that to me? was kümmert mich das?11. zur Bekräftigung der bejahenden oder verneinenden Antwort: are these your cigarettes? yes, they are (no, they aren’t) ja (nein)12. dauern:it will probably be some time before … es wird wahrscheinlich einige Zeit dauern, bis …13. FILM, TV mitwirken (in in dat):be an hour in going to … eine Stunde brauchen, um nach … zu gehen;has any one been? umg ist jemand da gewesen?;the government that is (was) die gegenwärtige (vergangene) Regierung;my wife that is to be obs meine zukünftige Frau;I am next, am I not (od umg aren’t I) ? ich bin der Nächste, nicht wahr?;he is not dead, is he? er ist doch nicht (etwa) tot?;have you ever been to Rome? sind Sie schon einmal in Rom gewesen?;we have been into the matter wir haben uns damit (bereits) befasst;I’ve been through all this before ich hab das alles schon einmal mitgemacht* * *1. verb,Ex:we are — neg. (coll.) aren't; p.t. I was, neg. (coll.) wasn't, we were, neg. (coll.) weren't; pres. p. being; p.p. been copula/Ex:she is a mother/an Italian — sie ist Mutter/Italienerin
being a Frenchman, he likes wine — als Franzose trinkt er gern Wein
he is being nice to them/sarcastic — er ist nett zu ihnen/jetzt ist er sarkastisch
2) in exclamationwas she pleased! — war sie [vielleicht] froh!
3) will be (indicating supposition)[I dare say] you'll be a big boy by now — du bist jetzt sicher schon ein großer Junge
you'll be relieved to hear that — du wirst erleichtert sein, das zu hören
4) (indicating physical or mental welfare or state) sein; sich fühlenhow are you/is she? — wie geht's (ugs.) /geht es ihr?
it is she, it's her — sie ist's
6) (indicating profession, pastime, etc.)be a teacher/a footballer — Lehrer/Fußballer sein
7) with possessiveit is hers — es ist ihrs; es gehört ihr
8) (cost) kosten9) (equal) seintwo times three is six, two threes are six — zweimal drei ist od. sind od. gibt sechs
sixteen ounces is a pound — sechzehn Unzen sind od. ergeben ein Pfund
10) (constitute) bildenLondon is not England — London ist nicht [gleich] England
11) (mean) bedeuten2. intransitive verb1) (exist) [vorhanden] sein; existierencan such things be? — kann es so etwas geben?; kann so etwas vorkommen?
I think, therefore I am — ich denke, also bin ich
there is/are... — es gibt...
2) (remain) bleibenI shan't be a moment or second — ich komme gleich; noch eine Minute
let him/her be — lass ihn/sie in Ruhe
3) (happen) stattfinden; seinwhere will the party be? — wo ist die Party?; wo findet die Party statt?
4) (go, come)be off with you! — geh/geht!
I'm off or for home — ich gehe jetzt nach Hause
she's from Australia — sie stammt od. ist aus Australien
5) (on visit etc.) seinhave you [ever] been to London? — bist du schon einmal in London gewesen?
6)3. auxiliary verbshe's been and tidied the room — (coll.) sie hat doch wirklich das Zimmer aufgeräumt
1) forming passive werden2) forming continuous tenses, activehe is reading — er liest [gerade]; er ist beim Lesen
I am leaving tomorrow — ich reise morgen [ab]
the train was departing when I got there — der Zug fuhr gerade ab, als ich ankam
3) forming continuous tenses, passivethe house is/was being built — das Haus wird/wurde [gerade] gebaut
4) (expr. obligation)5) (expr. arrangement)the Queen is to arrive at 3 p.m. — die Königin soll um 15 Uhr eintreffen
6) (expr. possibility)7) (expr. destiny)8) (expr. condition)4.if I were to tell you that..., were I to tell you that... — wenn ich dir sagen würde, dass...
bride-/husband-to-be — zukünftige Braut/zukünftiger Ehemann
mother-/father-to-be — werdende Mutter/werdender Vater
* * *(in a state of) shock expr.einen Schock haben ausdr. (left) stranded expr.auf dem trockenen sitzen ausdr.aufgeschmissen sein ausdr. (on a) level with expr.auf dem gleichen Niveau stehen wie ausdr.auf gleicher Höhe sein mit ausdr.genauso hoch sein wie ausdr. v.(§ p.,p.p.: was, were, been)= sein v.(§ p.,pp.: war, ist gewesen)sich befinden v.sich fühlen v. -
9 escape
------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] be without a means of escape[Swahili Word] -koswa[Part of Speech] verb[Class] passive[Derived Language] Swahili[Derived Word] -kosa------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] cause to escape[Swahili Word] -ambaza[Part of Speech] verb------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] escape[English Plural] escapes[Swahili Word] budi[Swahili Plural] budi[Part of Speech] noun[Class] 9/10[Derived Language] Arabic[Note] usually used in negative constructions------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] escape[Swahili Word] -ambaa[Part of Speech] verb[English Example] They escaped from danger[Swahili Example] waliambaa hatari------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] escape[Swahili Word] -churupuka[Part of Speech] verb------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] escape[Swahili Word] -gandua[Part of Speech] verb------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] escape[Swahili Word] -kimbia[Part of Speech] verb------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] escape[Swahili Word] -toroka[Part of Speech] verb------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] escape[Swahili Word] -toroka[Part of Speech] verb------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] escape[Swahili Word] -vuka[Part of Speech] verb------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] escape[Swahili Word] -kata kamba[Part of Speech] verb[Related Words] -kata------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] escape (unexpectedly)[Swahili Word] -ponyoka[Part of Speech] verb[English Example] "make a slip of the tongue, say the wrong thing".[Swahili Example] ponyoka maneno------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] escape the attention[Swahili Word] -tupika[Part of Speech] verb[Class] intransitive[Derived Language] Swahili[Derived Word] tupa------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] escape without injury[Swahili Word] -pona[Part of Speech] verb------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] get oneself out of a difficult situation[Swahili Word] -okoza[Part of Speech] verb------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] have a lucky escape[Swahili Word] futahi[Part of Speech] noun------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] have no escape[Swahili Word] -wa na hila[Part of Speech] verb[Swahili Example] 4 nifanyeje, sina hila [Abd], hakuwa na hila wala rai ya kujiokoa [Moh]------------------------------------------------------------[English Word] help someone escape[Swahili Word] -kimbiza[Part of Speech] verb[Class] causative[Derived Language] Swahili[Derived Word] -kimbia------------------------------------------------------------
См. также в других словарях:
passive — 1. The passive voice is illustrated by the sentence Brazil were beaten by France in the final, in which the object of the active verb becomes the subject of the passive verb and the subject is expressed as an agent introduced by the preposition… … Modern English usage
English passive voice — This article is about the passive voice in English. For the passive voice generally, including its use in other languages, see Passive voice. English grammar series English grammar Contraction Disputes in English grammar English compound English… … Wikipedia
Impersonal passive voice — The impersonal passive voice is a verb voice that decreases the valency of an intransitive verb (which has valency one) to zero.The impersonal passive deletes the subject of an intransitive verb. In place of the verb s subject, the construction… … Wikipedia
Malagasy language — Malagasy Spoken in Madagascar Comoros … Wikipedia
speak — verb (spoke; spoken; speaking) Etymology: Middle English speken, from Old English sprecan, specan; akin to Old High German sprehhan to speak, Greek spharageisthai to crackle Date: before 12th century intransitive verb 1. a. to utter words or… … New Collegiate Dictionary
betroth — /bi trohdh , trawth /, v.t. 1. to arrange for the marriage of; affiance (usually used in passive constructions): The couple was betrothed with the approval of both families. 2. Archaic. to promise to marry. [1275 1325; ME betrouthe, var. of… … Universalium
comprise — comprisable, adj. comprisal, n. /keuhm pruyz /, v.t., comprised, comprising. 1. to include or contain: The Soviet Union comprised several socialist republics. 2. to consist of; be composed of: The advisory board comprises six members. 3. to form… … Universalium
seize — seizable, adj. seizer; Law. seizor /see zeuhr, zawr/, n. /seez/, v., seized, seizing. v.t. 1. to take hold of suddenly or forcibly; grasp: to seize a weapon. 2. to grasp mentally; understand clearly and completely: to seize an idea … Universalium
comprise — com•prise [[t]kəmˈpraɪz[/t]] v. t. prised, pris•ing 1) to include or contain: The Soviet Union comprised several republics[/ex] 2) to consist of; be composed of: The advisory board comprises six members[/ex] 3) to form or constitute: Seminars and … From formal English to slang
Danish grammar — This article is part of the series on: Danish language Use: Alphabet Phonology Grammar Other topics … Wikipedia
Infinitive — In grammar, infinitive is the name for certain verb forms that exist in many languages. In the usual (traditional) description of English, the infinitive of a verb is its basic form with or without the particle to: therefore, do and to do, be and … Wikipedia