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  • 1 passer

    passer [pαse]
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    ➭ TABLE 1
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    passer is conjugated with être unless it has an object, when the auxiliary is avoir.
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    ► Lorsque passer fait partie d'une locution comme passer sous le nez de qn, reportez-vous à l'autre mot.
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    1. <
    où passe la route ? where does the road go?
    passer à ( = passer par, aller à)
    si nous passions au salon ? shall we go into the sitting room?
    le confort, ça passe après comfort is less important passer avant
    passez donc devant ! you go first!
    pour y aller, je passe par Amiens I go there via Amiens
    par où êtes-vous passé ? (pour venir ici) which way did you come? ; (pour aller ailleurs) which way did you go?
    pour téléphoner, il faut passer par le standard you have to go through the switchboard to make a call
    ça fait du bien par où ça passe ! (inf) that's just what the doctor ordered! (inf) passer sous to go under
    et je passe sur la saleté du lieu ! not to mention how dirty the place was! laisser passer [+ air, lumière] to let in ; [+ personne, procession] to let through ; [+ erreur, occasion] to miss
       b. ( = faire une halte rapide) passer au bureau to call in at the office
    passer + infinitif
    puis-je passer te voir en vitesse ? can I pop round? en passant ( = sur le chemin) on the way ; ( = dans la conversation) in passing
    il aime tous les sports, du football à la boxe en passant par le golf he likes all sports, from football to golf to boxing
       d. ( = franchir un obstacle) [véhicule] to get through ; [cheval, sauteur] to get over
       e. ( = s'écouler) [temps] to go by
    comme le temps passe ! how time flies!
       f. ( = être digéré) to go down
       g. ( = être accepté) [demande, proposition] to be accepted
    l'équipe est passée en 2e division the team have moved up to the second division
       h. ( = devenir) to become
       i. ( = être montré) [film, émission, personne] to be on
       j. ( = disparaître) [douleur] to pass ; [orage] to blow over ; [beauté, couleur] to fade ; [colère] to subside ; [mode] to die out
       k. (Cards) to pass
       l. (locutions) qu'il soit menteur, passe encore,... he may be a liar, that's one thing,...
    se faire passer pour to pass o.s. off as
    tu veux me faire passer pour un idiot ! do you want to make me look stupid? y passer (inf)
    on a eu la grippe, tout le monde y est passé we've all had flu
    si elle veut une promotion, il faudra bien qu'elle y passe (sexuellement) if she wants to be promoted, she'll have to sleep with the boss passons let's say no more about it
    2. <
       a. ( = franchir) [+ frontière] to cross ; [+ porte] to go through
       b. ( = donner, transmettre) to give ; [+ consigne, message] to pass on
    je vous passe M. Duroy [standard] I'm putting you through to Mr Duroy ; ( = je lui passe l'appareil) here's Mr Duroy
       c. ( = mettre) [+ vêtement] to put on
       d. ( = dépasser) [+ gare, maison] to pass
       e. ( = omettre) [+ mot, ligne] to leave out
    et j'en passe ! and that's not all!
       f. ( = permettre) passer un caprice à qn to humour sb
    on lui passe tout [+ bêtises] he gets away with anything ; [+ désirs] he gets everything he wants
       g. [+ examen] to take
       h. [+ temps, vacances] to spend
       i. [+ film, diapositives] to show ; [+ disque] to play
       j. [+ commande] to place
    qu'est-ce qu'il lui a passé comme savon ! (inf) he gave him a really rough time! (inf)
    3. <
       a. ( = avoir lieu) to happen
    qu'est-ce qui s'est passé ? what happened?
    que se passe-t-il ? what's going on?
    ça ne se passera pas comme ça ! I won't stand for that!
       c. (se transmettre) [+ ballon] to pass to each other ; [+ notes de cours, livre, plat] to pass around
       e. ► se passer de [+ chose] to do without ; [+ personne] to manage without
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    +1! La traduction la plus courante de passer n'est pas to pass ; passer un examen se traduit par to take an exam.
    * * *
    pɑse
    1.
    1) ( franchir) to cross [fleuve, frontière]; to go through [porte, douane]; to get over [obstacle]
    3) ( dépasser) to go past, to pass

    quand vous aurez passé le feu, tournez à droite — turn right after the lights

    4) ( mettre)
    5) ( transmettre) to pass [objet] (à to); to pass [something] on [consigne, maladie] (à to); ( prêter) (colloq) to lend ( à quelqu'un to somebody); ( donner) (colloq) to give ( à quelqu'un to somebody)

    attends, je te la passe — hold on, here she is, I'll put her on

    je vous le passe — ( sur un autre poste) I'm putting you through

    7) ( se présenter à) to take, to sit [examen scolaire, test]; to have [visite médicale, entretien]
    8) ( réussir) to pass [examen, test]
    9) ( dans le temps) to spend [temps] ( à faire doing)

    dépêche-toi, on ne va pas y passer la nuit! — (colloq) hurry up, or we'll be here all night!

    10) ( pardonner)
    11) ( omettre) to skip [mot, page, paragraphe]

    j'en passe et des meilleures — (colloq) ( après énumération) and so on and so forth, I could go on

    12) ( utiliser)

    passer l'aspirateur dans le salon — to hoover® GB ou vacuum the lounge

    13) ( étendre)
    14) ( soumettre)

    qu'est-ce qu'elle nous a passé! — (colloq) she really went for us! (colloq)

    15) ( à travers une grille) to filter [café]; to strain [jus, sauce]; to purée [légumes]
    16) ( enfiler) to slip [something] on [vêtement, anneau]; to slip into [robe]
    17) ( faire jouer) to play [disque, cassette audio]; ( projeter) to show [film, diapositives, cassette vidéo]; ( diffuser) to place [annonce]
    18) ( signer) to sign [contrat]; to enter into [accord]; to place [commande]; to pass [loi, décret]

    passer un marché — (colloq) to make a deal

    passer la troisième/la marche arrière — to go into third gear/into reverse

    20) Jeux

    2.
    verbe intransitif
    1) ( parcourir son chemin) [personne, animal, véhicule, ballon] to go past ou by, to pass

    passer à pied/à bicyclette — to walk/to cycle past

    2) (se trouver, s'étendre)

    ligne qui passe par les centres de deux cercles — line that goes through the centres [BrE] of two circles

    je ne fais que passerI've just popped in GB ou dropped by for a minute

    passer dans la matinéeto call in the morning GB, to come over in the morning

    passer prendre quelqu'un/qch — to pick somebody/sth up

    4) ( se rendre) to go

    il est passé devant moi — ( dans une queue) he pushed in front of me

    5) ( aller au-delà) to get through

    vas-y, ça passe! — go on, there's plenty of room!

    il est passé par la fenêtre — ( par accident) he fell out of the window; ( pour entrer) he got in through the window

    passer derrière la maisonto get round GB ou around US the back of the house

    6) ( transiter)

    passer par[personne] lit to pass ou go through; fig to go through

    qu'est-ce qui lui est passé par la tête? — what was he/she thinking of?

    un sourire passa sur ses lèvres — he/she smiled briefly

    des reptiles à l'homme, en passant par le singe — from reptiles to man, including apes

    7) (colloq) ( avoir son tour)

    il accuse le patron, ses collègues, bref, tout le monde y passe — he's accusing the boss, his colleagues - in other words, everyone in sight

    que ça te plaise ou non, il va falloir y passer — whether you like it or not, there's no alternative

    je sais, j'en suis déjà passé par là — I know all about that, I've been there (colloq)

    8) ( négliger)

    passons! — ( injonction) let's hear no more about it!

    laisser passer quelque chose — ( délibérément) to overlook something

    laisser passer plusieurs fautes — ( par inadvertance) to let several mistakes slip through

    10) (être admis, supporté) [aliment, repas] to go down; [commentaires, discours, critiques] to go down well ( auprès de with); [loi, candidat] to get through; [attitude, pensée] to be accepted

    prends un peu de cognac, ça fait passer! — have a drop of brandy, it's good for the digestion

    que je sois critiqué, passe encore, mais calomnié, non! — criticism is one thing, but I draw the line at slander

    avec lui, la flatterie, ça ne passe pas — flattery won't work with him

    passer au premier tourPolitique to be elected in the first round

    (ça) passe pour cette fois — (colloq) I'll let it go this time

    12) ( être pris)

    faire passer quelqu'un/qch pour exceptionnel — to make somebody/sth out to be exceptional

    13) ( disparaître) [douleur, événement] to pass

    quand l'orage sera or aura passé — lit when the storm is over; fig when the storm dies down

    ça passera — ( sa mauvaise humeur) it'll pass; ( ton chagrin) you'll get over it

    la première réaction passée — once we/they calmed down

    nous avons dû attendre que sa colère soit passée — we had to wait for his/her anger to subside

    14) (apparaître, être projeté, diffusé) [artiste, groupe] ( sur une scène) to be appearing; (à la télévision, radio) to be on; [spectacle, film] to be on; [cassette, musique] to be playing

    passer avant/après — ( en importance) to come before/after

    16) (colloq) ( disparaître)
    17) ( s'écouler) [temps] to pass, to go by
    18) ( se mettre à) to turn to
    20) ( être promu) to be promoted to
    21) ( être dépensé) [argent, somme] to go on ou in ou into; [produit, matière] to go into
    22) (colloq) ( mourir)

    si tu continues à conduire comme ça, tu vas finir par y passer — if you keep driving like that, you'll kill yourself

    on y passera tous, mais le plus tard sera le mieux — we've all got to go sometime, the later the better

    23) ( se décolorer) [teinte, tissu] to fade
    24) ( filtrer) [café] to filter

    passer en troisième/marche arrière — to go into third/reverse

    la troisième passe mal or a du mal à passer — third gear is a bit stiff

    26) Jeux (au bridge, poker) to pass

    3.
    se passer verbe pronominal
    1) ( se produire) to happen
    2) ( être situé) to take place
    3) ( se dérouler) [opération, examen, négociations] to go
    4) ( s'écouler) [période] to go by, to pass

    se passer de[personne] to do without [objet, activité, personne]; to go without [repas, nourriture, sommeil]

    6) ( se mettre)
    * * *
    pɒse
    1. vi
    1) (= aller) to go, to pass, to pass by, to go by

    Ils sont passés par Paris. — They went through Paris.

    2) (= faire une halte rapide) [facteur] to come, to call, (pour rendre visite) to call in, to drop in

    Je passerai chez vous ce soir. — I'll call in this evening., I'll drop in this evening.

    Je lui ai dit en passant que j'allais me marier. — I told him in passing that I was getting married.

    3) CARTES to pass
    4)

    passe encore de le penser, mais de le dire! — it's one thing to think it, but to say it!

    passer sur qch [faute, détail inutile]to pass over sth

    5) (= s'écouler) [temps, jours] to go by, to pass
    6) (= disparaître) [douleur] to pass, to go away, [mode] to die out, [couleur, papier] to fade

    faire passer à qn le goût de qch [homme] — to cure sb of his taste for sth, [femme] to cure sb of her taste for sth

    7) (= franchir un obstacle, traverser) [personne] to get through, [courant, air, lumière] to get through, [liquide, café] to go through

    faire passer [message] — to get over, to get across

    laisser passer [air, lumière, personne] — to let through, [occasion] to miss, [erreur] to overlook

    Il m'a laissé passer. — He let me through.

    8) (= être digéré, avalé) to go down
    9) ÉDUCATION, [personne] to move up (to the next class)
    10) (= être diffusé) [film, émission] to be on

    "Titanic" passe à la télé ce soir. — "Titanic" is on TV tonight.

    Mon père passe à la radio demain soir. — My father's on the radio tomorrow night.

    passer à [ennemi, opposition]to go over to

    passer aux aveux — to confess, to make a confession

    passer avant qch/qn fig — to come before sth/sb

    passer pour; Il passe pour riche. — He is thought to be rich.

    faire passer qn/qch pour — to make sb/sth out to be

    2. vt
    1) (= franchir) [frontière, rivière] to cross, [douane] to go through

    Nous avons passé la frontière belge. — We crossed the Belgian border.

    2) (= transmettre, donner)

    passer qch à qn — to pass sth to sb, to give sb sth

    Passe-moi le sel, s'il te plaît. — Pass me the salt, please.

    passer qch en fraude (= faire entrer) — to smuggle sth in, (= faire sortir) to smuggle sth out

    3) [temps, journée] to spend

    Elle a passé la journée à ne rien faire. — She spent the day doing nothing.

    Ils passent toujours leurs vacances au Danemark. — They always spend their holidays in Denmark.

    4) (= subir) [examen] to sit, to take, [visite médicale] to have

    Gordon a passé ses examens la semaine dernière. — Gordon took his exams last week.

    5) (= mettre) [vêtement] to slip on
    6) (= faire passer) [thé, soupe] to strain
    7) (= jouer) [film] to show, [disque, CD] to play, to put on

    On passe "Le Kid" au cinéma cette semaine. — They're showing "The Kid" at the cinema this week.

    8) (= conclure) [marché] to agree on, [accord] to reach
    9) (= tolérer)
    10) (= devenir)
    * * *
    passer verb table: aimer
    A vtr
    1 ( franchir) to cross [fleuve, pont, frontière, col]; to go through [porte, douane]; to get over [haie, obstacle]; ils ont fait passer la rivière au troupeau they took the herd across the river; il m'a fait passer la frontière he got me across the border;
    2 ( faire franchir) passer qch à la douane to get sth through customs; passer qch en fraude or contrebande to smuggle sth; passer qn en fraude ( vers l'intérieur) to smuggle sb in; ( vers l'extérieur) to smuggle sb out; ⇒ gauche;
    3 ( dépasser) to go past, to pass; quand vous aurez passé le feu, tournez à droite turn right after the lights; passer la barre des dix euros to pass the ten-euro mark; on a passé l'heure it's too late; j'ai passé l'âge I'm too old; le malade ne passera pas la nuit the patient won't last the night;
    4 ( mettre) passer le doigt sur la table to run one's finger over the table-top; passer la tête à la fenêtre to stick one's head out of the window; elle m'a passé le bras autour des épaules she put her arm around my shoulders; elle m'a passé la main dans les cheveux she ran her fingers through my hair;
    5 ( transmettre) to pass [objet] (à to); to pass [sth] on [consigne, maladie] (à to); ( prêter) to lend (à qn to sb); ( donner) to give (à qn to sb); passer le ballon au gardien de but to pass the ball to the goalkeeper; passe-moi le sel pass me the salt; passe le vin à ton père pass your father the wine; faites passer le plat entre vous pass the dish around; fais passer la bonne nouvelle à tes amis pass the good news on to your friends; elle a attrapé la grippe et l'a passée à son mari she caught flu and gave it to her husband; il m'a passé son vélo ( prêté) he lent me his bike; ( donné) he gave me his bike; il m'a passé son rhume he's given me his cold;
    6 ( au téléphone) tu peux me passer Chris? can you put Chris on?; attends, je te la passe hold on, here she is, I'll put her on; je vous le passe ( sur un autre poste) I'm putting you through; pourriez-vous me passer le poste 4834/le service de traduction? could you put me through to extension 4834/the translation department, please?; il est sorti, je vous passe sa secrétaire he's out, I'll put you through to his secretary;
    7 ( se présenter à) to take, to sit [examen scolaire, test]; to have [visite médicale, entretien]; passer son permis de conduire to take one's driving test; faire passer un test à qn to give sb a test; c'est moi qui fais passer l'oral de français aux nouveaux I'm taking the new pupils for the French oral;
    8 ( réussir) to pass [examen, test];
    9 ( dans le temps) to spend [temps, jour, vie, vacances] (à faire doing); passer une nuit à l'hôtel to spend a night at a hotel; nous avons passé de bons moments ensemble we've had some good times together; dépêche-toi, on ne va pas y passer la nuit! hurry up, or we'll be here all night!; passer sa colère sur son chat/ses collègues to take one's anger out on the cat/one's colleagues;
    10 ( pardonner) passer qch à qn to let sb get away with sth; il ne me passe rien he doesn't let me get away with anything; elle leur passe tout she lets them get away with murder; passez-lui ses écarts de langage excuse his/her strong language; il passe tous ses caprices à sa fille he indulges his daughter's every whim; passez-moi l'expression/le terme if you'll pardon the expression/the word;
    11 ( omettre) to skip [mot, page, paragraphe]; je vous passe les détails I'll spare you the details; j'en passe et des meilleures ( après énumération) and so on and so forth, I could go on;
    12 ( utiliser) passer un chiffon humide sur les meubles to go over the furniture with a damp cloth; passer un coup de fer sur une chemise to give a shirt a quick press; n'oublie pas de passer l'aspirateur dans le salon don't forget to hoover® GB ou vacuum the lounge;
    13 ( étendre) en passant un peu de cire, les rayures disparaîtront if you go over it with a bit of wax, the scratches will disappear; passer un peu de baume sur une brûlure to dab some ointment on a burn; passer une couche de peinture sur qch to give sth a coat of paint;
    14 ( soumettre) passez le plat au four put the dish in the oven; passer la pointe d'une aiguille à la flamme to hold the point of a needle over a flame; passer le plancher à la cire to put some wax on the floor; passer qch à l'eau ( pour rincer) to give sth a rinse; ( pour obtenir une réaction) to soak sth briefly in water; qu'est-ce qu'elle nous a passé! she really went for us!; ⇒ peigne;
    15 ( à travers une grille) to filter [café]; to strain [jus de fruit, sauce]; to purée [légumes]; passer des légumes au moulin à légumes to purée vegetables;
    16 ( enfiler) to slip [sth] on [vêtement, anneau]; to slip into [robe]; ils ont essayé de me passer la camisole they tried to put me in a straitjacket;
    17 ( faire jouer) to play [disque, cassette audio]; ( projeter) to show [film, diapositives, cassette vidéo]; ( diffuser) to place [annonce];
    18 ( signer) to sign [contrat]; to enter into [accord]; to place [commande]; to pass [loi, décret]; passer un marché to make a deal;
    19 Compta ( entrer) to enter, to post spéc [somme, dépense];
    20 Aut ( enclencher) to go into [vitesse]; passer la troisième/la marche arrière to go into third gear/into reverse;
    B vi
    1 ( parcourir son chemin) [personne, animal, véhicule, ballon] to go past ou by, to pass; passer entre to pass between; regarder passer les trains to watch the trains go past ou by; nous sommes passés devant le palais/près du lac we went past the palace/the lake; passer sous/sur un pont to go under/over a bridge; l'autobus vient juste de passer the bus has just gone; le facteur n'est pas encore passé the postman hasn't been yet; quand passe le prochain car pour Caen? when is the next coach GB ou bus for Caen?; je suis passé à côté de lui/du monument I passed him/the monument; nous sommes passés près de chez toi ce matin we were near your house this morning; passer à pied/à cheval/en voiture/à bicyclette to walk/ride/drive/cycle past; un avion est passé a plane flew past overhead; il est passé en courant/boitant he ran/limped past; j'ai renversé le vase en passant I knocked over the vase as I went by; en passant, achète du lait buy some milk while you're out; le ballon est passé tout près des buts the ball narrowly missed the goal;
    2 (se trouver, s'étendre) la route passe à côté du lac the road runs alongside the lake; le ruisseau passe derrière la maison the stream runs behind the house; ils ont fait passer la route devant chez nous/près de l'église/derrière le village they built the road in front of our house/near the church/behind the village; ligne qui passe par les centres de deux cercles line that connects the centresGB of two circles; en faisant passer une ligne par ces deux villes drawing a line through these two towns;
    3 ( faire un saut) je ne fais que passer I've just popped in GB ou dropped by for a minute; quand je suis passé au marché when I went down to the market; quand je suis passé à l'école when I dropped by the school; quand je suis passé chez lui when I called in to see him GB, when I dropped by his place; passer à la banque to call in at the bank GB, to drop by the bank; il est passé déposer un dossier he came to drop off a file; il est passé quelqu'un pour toi someone was looking for you; je passerai un de ces jours I'll drop by one of these days; passer dans la matinée [plombier, représentant] to call in the morning GB, to come over in the morning; passe nous voir plus souvent! come and see us more often!; passer prendre qn/qch to pick sb/sth up; je passerai te prendre à six heures I'll pick you up at six; je passerai prendre le gâteau dans une heure I'll pick up the cake in an hour;
    4 ( se rendre) to go; passez au guichet numéro 3 go to counter 3; passons au salon let's go into ou through to the lounge; les contrebandiers sont passés en Espagne the smugglers have crossed into Spain; passez derrière moi, je vous montrerai le chemin follow me, I'll show you the way; il est passé devant moi, il m'est passé devant ( dans une queue) he pushed in front of me; passer à la visite médicale to go for a medical examination; passer devant une commission to come before a committee;
    5 ( aller au-delà) to get through; tu ne passeras pas, c'est trop étroit you'll never get through, it's too narrow; on ne peut pas passer à cause de la neige we can't get through because of the snow; impossible de passer tant il y avait de monde you couldn't get through, there were so many people; il est passé au rouge he went through the red lights; il n'a pas attendu le feu vert pour passer he didn't wait for the lights to turn green; il m'a fait signe de passer he waved me on; il a fait passer la vieille dame devant lui he let the old lady go first; vas-y, ça passe! ( à un automobiliste) go on, there's plenty of room!; laisser passer qn to let sb through; laisser passer une ambulance to let an ambulance through; le volet laisse passer un peu de lumière the shutter lets in a chink of light; la cloison laisse passer le bruit the partition doesn't keep the noise out; passer par-dessus bord to fall overboard; il est passé par la fenêtre ( par accident) he fell out of the window; ( pour entrer) he got in through the window; il est passé sous un train he was run over by a train; nous n'avons pas pu faire passer l'armoire par la porte we couldn't get the wardrobe through the door; à cause des travaux, on ne peut pas passer derrière la maison because of the road works, we can't get round GB ou around US the back of the house; ⇒ caravane, casser;
    6 ( transiter) passer par [personne] lit to pass ou go through; fig to go through; nous sommes passés par Édimbourg we went via Edinburgh; ça ira plus vite en passant par la Belgique it'll be quicker to go via Belgium; la manifestation passera dans cette avenue the demonstration will come along this avenue; passer par qn pour faire qch to do sth through sb; passer par de rudes épreuves to go through the mill, to have a rough time; passer par l'opératrice to go through the operator; passer par une rue to go along a street; passer par l'escalier de service to use the service stairs; nous sommes passés par une agence matrimoniale we met through a marriage bureau; il est passé par tous les stades de la formation he went through the various different stages of training; passer au bord de la faillite to come very close to bankruptcy; il est passé par une très bonne école he went to a very good school; la formation par laquelle il est passé the training (that) he had; il dit tout ce qui lui passe par la tête he always says the first thing that comes into his head; je ne sais jamais ce qui te passe par la tête I never know what's going on in your head; une idée m'est passée par la tête an idea occurred to me; mais qu'est-ce qui lui est passé par la tête? what on earth was he/she thinking of?; ça fait du bien par où ça passe! [aliment, boisson] I needed that!; un éclair de malice passa dans ses yeux his/her eyes gleamed with mischief, he/she had a mischievous glint in his/her eyes; un sourire passa sur ses lèvres he/she smiled for a second; en passant par including; des reptiles à l'homme, en passant par le singe from reptiles to man, including apes; ⇒ maire;
    7 ( avoir son tour) il accuse le patron, ses collègues, le cuisinier, bref, tout le monde y passe he's accusing the boss, his colleagues, the cook-in other words, everyone in sight; le rock, le blues, la musique classique, tout y passe rock, blues, classical music, you name it; que ça te plaise ou non, il va falloir y passer whether you like it or not, there's no alternative; la nouvelle secrétaire va y passer aussi the new secretary will get it as well; on ne peut pas faire autrement que d'en passer par là there is no other way around it; je sais, j'en suis déjà passé par là I know all about that, I've been there;
    8 ( négliger) passer sur to pass over [question, défaut, erreur]; je préfère passer sur ce point pour l'instant I'd rather not dwell on that point for the moment; il est or a passé sur les détails he didn't go into the details; si l'on passe sur les frais de déplacement if we ignore the travel expenses; passons (là-dessus)! ( injonction) let's hear no more about it!; ( pardon) let's say no more about it!; passer à côté d'une question ( volontairement) to sidestep a question; ( involontairement) to miss the point; laisser passer qch ( délibérément) to let sth pass, to overlook sth; ( par inadvertance) to let sth slip through, to overlook sth; laisser passer une occasion, passer à côté d'une occasion to miss an opportunity, to let an opportunity slip ou go by; laisser passer quelques erreurs par gentillesse to overlook a few errors out of soft-heartedness; on ne peut pas laisser passer une telle erreur we cannot let a mistake like that through; le réviseur a laissé passer plusieurs fautes the proofreader let several mistakes slip through; il leur laisse passer tous leurs caprices he indulges their every whim;
    9 ( ne pas approfondir) en passant in passing; notons en passant que we should note in passing that; en passant, il a ajouté que in passing, he added that; soit dit en passer incidentally;
    10 (être admis, supporté) [aliment, repas] to go down; [commentaires, discours, critiques] to go down well (auprès de with); [loi, règlement, mesure] to get through; [attitude, pensée, doctrine] to be accepted; [candidat] to get through; je ne me sens pas bien, ce doit être le concombre qui passe mal I don't feel well, it must be the cucumber; prends un peu de cognac, ça fait passer! have a drop of brandy, it's good for the digestion; vos critiques sont mal passées/ne sont pas passées your criticism went down badly/didn't go down well; ils n'ont jamais pu faire passer leur réforme/leurs idées they never managed to get their reform through/their ideas accepted; que je sois critiqué, passe encore, mais calomnié, non! criticism is one thing, but I draw the line at slander; avec lui, la flatterie, ça ne passe pas flattery won't work with him; passer au premier tour Pol to be elected in the first round; passer dans la classe supérieure to move up to the next year ou grade US; (ça) passe pour cette fois this time, I'll let it go;
    11 ( se déplacer) passer de France en Espagne to leave France and enter Spain; passer de la salle à manger au salon to move from the dining room to the lounge; passer à l'ennemi to go over to the enemy; passer dans le camp adverse to go over to the other side; passer sous contrôle de l'ONU/de l'État to be taken over by the UN/the government; passer sous contrôle ennemi to fall into enemy hands; passer de main en main to be passed around; passer constamment d'un sujet à l'autre to flit from one subject to another; passer d'un amant à un autre to go from one lover to the next; passer de l'opulence à la misère to go from extreme wealth to extreme poverty; passer de la théorie à la pratique to put theory into practice; leur nombre pourrait passer à 700 their number could reach 700; passer à un taux supérieur/inférieur to go up to a higher rate/down to a lower rate; faire passer qch de 200 à 300 to increase sth from 200 to 300; faire passer qch de 300 à 200 to decrease sth from 300 to 200; expression passée en proverbe expression that has become a proverb;
    12 ( être pris) passer pour un imbécile/pour être une belle ville to be generally thought of as stupid/as a beautiful town (auprès de by); passer pour un génie to pass as a genius; son excentricité passe pour de l'intelligence his/her eccentricity passes for intelligence; il passe pour l'inventeur de l'ordinateur he's supposed to have invented computers; passer pour quelqu'un d'autre to be taken for someone else; il pourrait passer pour un Américain he could be taken for an American; il veut passer pour un grand homme he wants to be seen as a great man; faire passer qn/qch pour exceptionnel/exemplaire to make sb/sth out to be exceptional/a model of perfection; se faire passer pour malade to pretend to be ill; se faire passer pour mort to fake one's own death; il se fait passer pour mon frère he passes himself off as my brother; se faisant passer pour un agent d'assurance by passing himself off as ou by impersonating an insurance salesman; il m'a fait passer pour un imbécile he made me look like a fool;
    13 ( disparaître) [douleur, événement] to pass; quand l'orage sera or aura passé lit when the storm is over; fig when the storm dies down; ça passera ( sa mauvaise humeur) it'll pass; ( ton chagrin) you'll get over it; la première réaction passée, il a été possible de faire once we/they calmed down it was possible to do; nous avons dû attendre que sa colère soit passée we had to wait for his/her anger to subside; passer de mode [vêtement, style, chanson, expression] to go out of fashion; cette mode est vite passée or a vite passé that fashion was short-lived; faire passer à qn l'envie or le goût de faire to cure sb of the desire to do; les sales gosses, je vais leur faire passer l'envie or l'habitude de tirer sur ma sonnette! those damn kids, I'll teach them to ring my bell!; ce médicament fait passer les maux d'estomac this medicine relieves stomach ache; cette mauvaise habitude te passera it's a bad habit you'll grow out of; ça lui passera avant que ça me reprenne it won't last;
    14 (apparaître, être projeté, diffusé) [artiste, groupe] ( sur une scène) to be appearing; (à la télévision, radio) to be on; [spectacle, film] to be on; [cassette, musique] to be playing; mon ami passe à la télévision ce soir my friend is on television tonight; les films portugais qui passent à la télévision/au Rex/à Paris the Portuguese films (that are) on television/on at the Rex/on in Paris;
    15 ( être placé) passer avant/après ( en importance) to come before/after; la santé passe avant tout health comes first; il fait passer sa famille avant ses amis he puts his family before his friends;
    16 ( disparaître) où étais-tu (encore) passé? where (on earth) did you get to?; où est passé mon livre/le chat? where has my book/the cat got to?;
    17 ( s'écouler) [temps] to pass, to go by; deux ans ont passé depuis l'événement two years have passed since it happened; le temps a passé, et les gens ont oublié time has passed and people have forgotten; je ne vois pas le temps passer I don't know where the time goes; le week-end a or est passé trop vite the weekend went too quickly;
    18 ( se mettre à) to turn to; passons aux choses sérieuses let's turn to serious matters; nous pouvons passer à l'étape suivante we can move on to the next stage; passons à autre chose let's change the subject; nous allons passer au vote let's vote now; passer à l'offensive to take the offensive;
    19 ( être transmis) passer de père en fils/de génération en génération/à ses héritiers to be handed down from father to son/from generation to generation/to one's heirs; l'expression est passée dans la langue the expression has become part of the language; ça finira par passer dans les mœurs it'll eventually become common practice; il a fait passer son émotion dans la salle he transmitted his emotion to the audience;
    20 ( être promu) to be promoted to; il est passé général he's been promoted to general; elle est passée maître dans l'art de mentir she's an accomplished liar;
    21 ( être dépensé) [argent, somme] to go on ou in ou into; [produit, matière] to go into; la moitié de mon salaire passe en remboursement de mes dettes half my salary goes on paying off my debts; toutes mes économies y sont passées all my savings went into it;
    22 ( mourir) y passer to die; si tu continues à conduire comme ça, tu vas finir par y passer if you keep driving like that, you'll kill yourself; on y passera tous, mais le plus tard sera le mieux we've all got to go sometime, the later the better;
    23 ( se décolorer) [teinte, tissu] to fade; passer au soleil to fade in the sun;
    24 ( filtrer) [café] to brew; faire passer la soupe to put the soup through the vegetable mill;
    25 ( changer de vitesse) passer en troisième/marche arrière to go into third/reverse; la troisième passe mal or a du mal à passer third gear is a bit stiff; passer de seconde en troisième to go from second into third;
    26 Jeux (au bridge, poker) to pass.
    C se passer vpr
    1 ( se produire) to happen; ça s'est passé en Chine/à Pékin/le matin/au bon moment it happened in China/in Beijing/in the morning/at the right time; il ne se passe jamais rien dans ce village nothing ever happens in this village; que se passe-t-il?, qu'est-ce qui se passe? what's happening, what's going on?; tout se passe comme si le dollar avait été dévalué it's as if the dollar was devalued;
    2 ( être situé) to take place; la scène se passe au Viêt Nam/dans les années trente/de nos jours the scene is set in Vietnam/in the thirties/in the present day;
    3 ( se dérouler) [opération, examen, négociations] to go; comment s'est passée la réunion? how did the meeting go?; tout s'est bien passé everything went well; ça s'est mal passé it didn't go well; la réunion s'est très mal passée the meeting went very badly; tout s'est passé très vite it all happened very fast; ça va mal se passer pour toi si tu continues! you're going to be in trouble if you carry on GB ou continue doing that!; ça ne se passera pas comme ça! I won't leave it at that!;
    4 ( s'écouler) [période] to go by, to pass; il s'est passé deux ans depuis, deux ans se sont passés depuis that was two years ago; il ne se passe guère de jour (sans) qu'elle ne trouve à se plaindre hardly a day goes by without her finding something to complain about; attendons que ça se passe let's wait till it's over; nos soirées se passaient à regarder la télévision we spent the evenings watching television; ⇒ jeunesse;
    5 ( se dispenser) se passer de [personne] to do without [objet, activité, personne]; to go without [repas, nourriture, sommeil]; nous nous sommes passés de voiture we did without a car; nous nous passerons de lui we'll do without him; je me passerais bien de tes remarques I can do without your comments; se passer de commentaires to speak for itself; ne pas pouvoir se passer de faire not to be able to help oneself from doing; se passer des services de qn to do without sb's services;
    6 ( se mettre) se passer la langue sur les lèvres/la main dans les cheveux to run one's tongue over one's lips/one's fingers through one's hair; se passer la main sur le front to put a hand to one's forehead;
    7 ( l'un à l'autre) ils se sont passé des documents they exchanged some documents; nous nous sommes passé le virus we caught the virus from each other.
    [pase] verbe intransitif (auxiliaire être)
    A.[EXPRIME UN DÉPLACEMENT]
    1. [se déplacer - personne, véhicule] to pass (by), to go ou to come past
    passer à: passer à droite/gauche to go right/left
    b. [devant tout le monde] go to the front if you can't see
    [fugitivement]
    un sourire passa sur ses lèvres a smile played about her lips, she smiled briefly
    2. [s'écouler - fluide] to flow, to run
    3. [emprunter un certain itinéraire]
    si vous passez à Paris, venez me voir come and see me if you're in Paris
    [fleuve, route] to go, to run
    5. [sur un parcours régulier - démarcheur, représentant] to call ; [ - bateau, bus, train] to come ou to go past
    le bateau/train est déjà passé the boat/train has already gone ou left
    6. [faire une visite] to call
    7. [franchir une limite] to get through
    8. [s'infiltrer] to pass
    passer dans le sang to pass into ou to enter the bloodstream
    9. [aller, se rendre] to go
    passer de Suisse en France to cross over ou to go from Switzerland to France
    10. CHASSE to pass, to go ou to come past
    B.[EXPRIME UNE ACTION]
    1. [se soumettre à]
    avec lui, toutes les femmes du service y sont passées he's had all the women in his department
    2. [être accepté] to pass
    elle est passée à l'écrit mais pas à l'oral she got through ou she passed the written exam but not the oral
    le film passe mal sur le petit écran/en noir et blanc the film just isn't the same on TV/in black and white
    passe (encore): l'injurier, passe encore, mais le frapper! it's one thing to insult him, but quite another to hit him!
    3. [être transmis] to go
    4. [entrer] to pass
    c'est passé dans le langage courant it's passed into ou it's now part of everyday speech
    5. [être utilisé, absorbé] to go
    6. POLITIQUE [être adopté - projet de loi, amendement] to pass, to be passed
    [être élu - député] to be elected, to get in
    RADIO & TÉLÉVISION
    passer à la radio [émission, personne] to be on the radio ou the air
    a. [personne] to be ou to appear on television
    8. DROIT [comparaître]
    passer devant le tribunal to come up ou to go before the court
    passer en correctionnelle ≃ to go before the magistrate's court
    C.[EXPRIME UN CHANGEMENT D'ÉTAT]
    1. [accéder - à un niveau]
    2. [devenir] to become
    3. [dans des locutions verbales]
    passer de... à [changer d'état]: passer de l'état liquide à l'état gazeux to pass ou to change from the liquid to the gaseous state
    la production est passée de 20 à 30/de 30 à 20 tonnes output has gone (up) from 20 to 30/(down) from 30 to 20 tonnes
    comment êtes-vous passé du cinéma au théâtre? how did you move ou make the transition from the cinema to the stage?
    il passe d'une idée à l'autre he jumps ou flits from one idea to another
    passer en troisième to change ou go into third (gear)
    D.[EXPRIME UNE ÉVOLUTION DANS LE TEMPS]
    1. [s'écouler - temps] to pass, to go by
    2. [s'estomper - douleur] to fade (away), to wear off ; [ - malaise] to disappear ; [ - mode, engouement] to die out ; [ - enthousiasme] to wear off, to fade ; [ - beauté] to fade, to wane ; [ - chance, jeunesse] to pass ; [ - mauvaise humeur] to pass, to vanish ; [ - rage, tempête] to die down ; [ - averse] to die down, to stop
    3. [s'altérer - fruit, denrées] to go off (UK), to spoil, to go bad
    [se faner - fleur] to wilt
    [pâlir - teinte]
    ————————
    [pase] verbe transitif (auxiliaire avoir)
    A.[EXPRIME UN DÉPLACEMENT]
    1. [traverser - pont, col de montagne] to go over (inseparable), to cross ; [ - écluse] to go through (inseparable)
    2. [franchir - frontière, ligne d'arrivée] to cross
    3. [dépasser - point de repère] to pass, to go past (inseparable)
    passer le cap Horn to (go) round Cape Horn, to round the Cape
    quand on passe les 1 000 mètres d'altitude when you go over 1,000 metres high
    l'or a passé les 400 dollars l'once gold has broken through the $ 400 an ounce mark
    4. [transporter] to ferry ou to take across (separable)
    5. [introduire]
    passer de la drogue/des cigarettes en fraude to smuggle drugs/cigarettes
    6. [engager - partie du corps] to put
    passer son bras autour de la taille de quelqu'un to put ou to slip one's arm round somebody's waist
    7. [faire aller - instrument] to run
    passer l'aspirateur to vacuum, to hoover (UK)
    passe le balai dans l'escalier give the stairs a sweep, sweep the stairs
    9. SPORT [franchir - obstacle, haie] to jump (over)
    passer tous les obstacles (figuré) to overcome ou to surmount all the obstacles
    [transmettre - ballon] to pass
    [dépasser - coureurs] to overtake, to pass
    B.[EXPRIME UNE ACTION]
    1. [se soumettre à - permis de conduire] to take ; [ - examen] to take, to sit (UK) ; [ - entretien] to have ; [ - scanner, visite médicale] to have, to go for (inseparable)
    2. (vieilli) [réussir - examen] to pass ; [ - épreuve éliminatoire] to get through (inseparable)
    il a passé l'écrit, mais attendons l'oral he's passed the written exam, but let's see what happens in the oral
    3. [omettre] to miss ou to leave out (separable), to omit
    je passe toutes les descriptions dans ses romans I miss out ou I skip all the descriptions in her novels
    4. [tolérer]
    passez-moi l'expression/le mot if you'll pardon the expression/excuse the term
    5. [soumettre à l'action de]
    passer des légumes au mixeur to put vegetables through the blender, to blend vegetables
    passer quelque chose sous l'eau to rinse something ou to give something a rinse under the tap
    passer quelque chose à quelqu'un (familier) to give somebody a good dressing-down, to tick somebody off (UK)
    6. [donner, transmettre - généralement] to pass, to hand, to give ; [ - maladie] to give ; [ - au téléphone] to put through (separable)
    je te passe Fred here's Fred, I'll hand you over to Fred
    passe-moi Annie let me talk to Annie, put Annie on
    7. [rendre public - annonce]
    8. (familier) [prêter] to lend
    9. [appliquer - substance] to apply, to put on (separable)
    10. [filtrer, tamiser - thé, potage] to strain ; [ - farine] to sieve
    11. [enfiler - vêtement] to slip ou to put on (separable)
    passer la troisième to change ou to shift into third gear
    13. CINÉMA & TÉLÉVISION [film] to show, to screen
    [diapositive] to show
    RADIO [émission] to broadcast
    [cassette, disque] to play, to put on (separable)
    14. COMMERCE [conclure - entente] to conclude, to come to (inseparable), to reach ; [ - marché] to agree on (inseparable), to strike, to reach ; [ - commande] to place
    15. [en comptabilité] to enter, to post
    16. DROIT [faire établir - acte juridique] to draw up (separable)
    C.[EXPRIME UNE NOTION TEMPORELLE]
    1. [employer - durée] to spend
    passez un bon week-end/une bonne soirée! have a nice weekend/evening!
    as-tu passé une bonne nuit? did you sleep well last night?, did you have a good night?
    2. [aller au-delà de - durée] to get through (inseparable), to survive
    elle ne passera pas la nuit she won't see the night out, she won't last the night
    3. [assouvir - envie] to satisfy
    ————————
    passer après verbe plus préposition
    il faut le faire libérer, le reste passe après we must get him released, everything else is secondary
    ————————
    passer avant verbe plus préposition
    to go ou to come before
    ses intérêts passent avant tout his own interests come before anything else, he puts his own interests before everything else
    ————————
    passer par verbe plus préposition
    1. [dans une formation] to go through
    2. [dans une évolution] to go through, to undergo
    3. [recourir à] to go through
    passer par là: je suis passé par là it's happened to me too, I've been through that too
    pour comprendre, il faut être passé par là you have to have experienced it to understand
    ————————
    passer pour verbe plus préposition
    1. [avec nom] to be thought of as
    je vais passer pour un idiot I'll be taken for ou people will take me for an idiot
    2. [avec adj]
    3. [avec verbe]
    ————————
    passer sur verbe plus préposition
    [ne pas mentionner] to pass over, to skip
    [excuser] to overlook
    passons! let's say no more about it!, let's drop it!
    tu me l'avais promis, mais passons! you promised me, but never mind!
    ————————
    se passer verbe pronominal intransitif
    1. [s'écouler - heures, semaines] to go by, to pass
    2. [survenir - événement] to take place, to happen
    qu'est-ce qui se passe? what's happening?, what's going on?
    il se passe que ton frère vient d'être arrêté, (voilà ce qui se passe)! your brother's just been arrested, that's what's!
    3. [se dérouler - dans certaines conditions] to go (off)
    l'opération s'est bien/mal passée the operation went (off) smoothly/badly
    si tout se passe bien, nous y serons demain if all goes well, we'll be there tomorrow
    ————————
    se passer verbe pronominal transitif
    [s'appliquer, se mettre - produit] to apply, to put on (separable)
    il se passa un peigne/la main dans les cheveux he ran a comb/his fingers through his hair
    ————————
    se passer de verbe pronominal plus préposition
    1. [vivre sans] to do ou to go without
    2. [s'abstenir]
    3. [ne pas avoir besoin de]
    ————————
    en passant locution adverbiale
    1. [dans la conversation] in passing
    faire une remarque en passant to remark in passing, to make a casual remark
    2. [sur son chemin]
    ————————
    en passant par locution prépositionnelle
    ————————
    1. [dans l'espace] via
    2. [dans une énumération] (and) including

    Dictionnaire Français-Anglais > passer

  • 2 Historical Portugal

       Before Romans described western Iberia or Hispania as "Lusitania," ancient Iberians inhabited the land. Phoenician and Greek trading settlements grew up in the Tagus estuary area and nearby coasts. Beginning around 202 BCE, Romans invaded what is today southern Portugal. With Rome's defeat of Carthage, Romans proceeded to conquer and rule the western region north of the Tagus, which they named Roman "Lusitania." In the fourth century CE, as Rome's rule weakened, the area experienced yet another invasion—Germanic tribes, principally the Suevi, who eventually were Christianized. During the sixth century CE, the Suevi kingdom was superseded by yet another Germanic tribe—the Christian Visigoths.
       A major turning point in Portugal's history came in 711, as Muslim armies from North Africa, consisting of both Arab and Berber elements, invaded the Iberian Peninsula from across the Straits of Gibraltar. They entered what is now Portugal in 714, and proceeded to conquer most of the country except for the far north. For the next half a millennium, Islam and Muslim presence in Portugal left a significant mark upon the politics, government, language, and culture of the country.
       Islam, Reconquest, and Portugal Created, 714-1140
       The long frontier struggle between Muslim invaders and Christian communities in the north of the Iberian peninsula was called the Reconquista (Reconquest). It was during this struggle that the first dynasty of Portuguese kings (Burgundian) emerged and the independent monarchy of Portugal was established. Christian forces moved south from what is now the extreme north of Portugal and gradually defeated Muslim forces, besieging and capturing towns under Muslim sway. In the ninth century, as Christian forces slowly made their way southward, Christian elements were dominant only in the area between Minho province and the Douro River; this region became known as "territorium Portu-calense."
       In the 11th century, the advance of the Reconquest quickened as local Christian armies were reinforced by crusading knights from what is now France and England. Christian forces took Montemor (1034), at the Mondego River; Lamego (1058); Viseu (1058); and Coimbra (1064). In 1095, the king of Castile and Léon granted the country of "Portu-cale," what became northern Portugal, to a Burgundian count who had emigrated from France. This was the foundation of Portugal. In 1139, a descendant of this count, Afonso Henriques, proclaimed himself "King of Portugal." He was Portugal's first monarch, the "Founder," and the first of the Burgundian dynasty, which ruled until 1385.
       The emergence of Portugal in the 12th century as a separate monarchy in Iberia occurred before the Christian Reconquest of the peninsula. In the 1140s, the pope in Rome recognized Afonso Henriques as king of Portugal. In 1147, after a long, bloody siege, Muslim-occupied Lisbon fell to Afonso Henriques's army. Lisbon was the greatest prize of the 500-year war. Assisting this effort were English crusaders on their way to the Holy Land; the first bishop of Lisbon was an Englishman. When the Portuguese captured Faro and Silves in the Algarve province in 1248-50, the Reconquest of the extreme western portion of the Iberian peninsula was complete—significantly, more than two centuries before the Spanish crown completed the Reconquest of the eastern portion by capturing Granada in 1492.
       Consolidation and Independence of Burgundian Portugal, 1140-1385
       Two main themes of Portugal's early existence as a monarchy are the consolidation of control over the realm and the defeat of a Castil-ian threat from the east to its independence. At the end of this period came the birth of a new royal dynasty (Aviz), which prepared to carry the Christian Reconquest beyond continental Portugal across the straits of Gibraltar to North Africa. There was a variety of motives behind these developments. Portugal's independent existence was imperiled by threats from neighboring Iberian kingdoms to the north and east. Politics were dominated not only by efforts against the Muslims in
       Portugal (until 1250) and in nearby southern Spain (until 1492), but also by internecine warfare among the kingdoms of Castile, Léon, Aragon, and Portugal. A final comeback of Muslim forces was defeated at the battle of Salado (1340) by allied Castilian and Portuguese forces. In the emerging Kingdom of Portugal, the monarch gradually gained power over and neutralized the nobility and the Church.
       The historic and commonplace Portuguese saying "From Spain, neither a good wind nor a good marriage" was literally played out in diplomacy and war in the late 14th-century struggles for mastery in the peninsula. Larger, more populous Castile was pitted against smaller Portugal. Castile's Juan I intended to force a union between Castile and Portugal during this era of confusion and conflict. In late 1383, Portugal's King Fernando, the last king of the Burgundian dynasty, suddenly died prematurely at age 38, and the Master of Aviz, Portugal's most powerful nobleman, took up the cause of independence and resistance against Castile's invasion. The Master of Aviz, who became King João I of Portugal, was able to obtain foreign assistance. With the aid of English archers, Joao's armies defeated the Castilians in the crucial battle of Aljubarrota, on 14 August 1385, a victory that assured the independence of the Portuguese monarchy from its Castilian nemesis for several centuries.
       Aviz Dynasty and Portugal's First Overseas Empire, 1385-1580
       The results of the victory at Aljubarrota, much celebrated in Portugal's art and monuments, and the rise of the Aviz dynasty also helped to establish a new merchant class in Lisbon and Oporto, Portugal's second city. This group supported King João I's program of carrying the Reconquest to North Africa, since it was interested in expanding Portugal's foreign commerce and tapping into Muslim trade routes and resources in Africa. With the Reconquest against the Muslims completed in Portugal and the threat from Castile thwarted for the moment, the Aviz dynasty launched an era of overseas conquest, exploration, and trade. These efforts dominated Portugal's 15th and 16th centuries.
       The overseas empire and age of Discoveries began with Portugal's bold conquest in 1415 of the Moroccan city of Ceuta. One royal member of the 1415 expedition was young, 21-year-old Prince Henry, later known in history as "Prince Henry the Navigator." His part in the capture of Ceuta won Henry his knighthood and began Portugal's "Marvelous Century," during which the small kingdom was counted as a European and world power of consequence. Henry was the son of King João I and his English queen, Philippa of Lancaster, but he did not inherit the throne. Instead, he spent most of his life and his fortune, and that of the wealthy military Order of Christ, on various imperial ventures and on voyages of exploration down the African coast and into the Atlantic. While mythology has surrounded Henry's controversial role in the Discoveries, and this role has been exaggerated, there is no doubt that he played a vital part in the initiation of Portugal's first overseas empire and in encouraging exploration. He was naturally curious, had a sense of mission for Portugal, and was a strong leader. He also had wealth to expend; at least a third of the African voyages of the time were under his sponsorship. If Prince Henry himself knew little science, significant scientific advances in navigation were made in his day.
       What were Portugal's motives for this new imperial effort? The well-worn historical cliche of "God, Glory, and Gold" can only partly explain the motivation of a small kingdom with few natural resources and barely 1 million people, which was greatly outnumbered by the other powers it confronted. Among Portuguese objectives were the desire to exploit known North African trade routes and resources (gold, wheat, leather, weaponry, and other goods that were scarce in Iberia); the need to outflank the Muslim world in the Mediterranean by sailing around Africa, attacking Muslims en route; and the wish to ally with Christian kingdoms beyond Africa. This enterprise also involved a strategy of breaking the Venetian spice monopoly by trading directly with the East by means of discovering and exploiting a sea route around Africa to Asia. Besides the commercial motives, Portugal nurtured a strong crusading sense of Christian mission, and various classes in the kingdom saw an opportunity for fame and gain.
       By the time of Prince Henry's death in 1460, Portugal had gained control of the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeiras, begun to colonize the Cape Verde Islands, failed to conquer the Canary Islands from Castile, captured various cities on Morocco's coast, and explored as far as Senegal, West Africa, down the African coast. By 1488, Bar-tolomeu Dias had rounded the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa and thereby discovered the way to the Indian Ocean.
       Portugal's largely coastal African empire and later its fragile Asian empire brought unexpected wealth but were purchased at a high price. Costs included wars of conquest and defense against rival powers, manning the far-flung navel and trade fleets and scattered castle-fortresses, and staffing its small but fierce armies, all of which entailed a loss of skills and population to maintain a scattered empire. Always short of capital, the monarchy became indebted to bankers. There were many defeats beginning in the 16th century at the hands of the larger imperial European monarchies (Spain, France, England, and Holland) and many attacks on Portugal and its strung-out empire. Typically, there was also the conflict that arose when a tenuously held world empire that rarely if ever paid its way demanded finance and manpower Portugal itself lacked.
       The first 80 years of the glorious imperial era, the golden age of Portugal's imperial power and world influence, was an African phase. During 1415-88, Portuguese navigators and explorers in small ships, some of them caravelas (caravels), explored the treacherous, disease-ridden coasts of Africa from Morocco to South Africa beyond the Cape of Good Hope. By the 1470s, the Portuguese had reached the Gulf of Guinea and, in the early 1480s, what is now Angola. Bartolomeu Dias's extraordinary voyage of 1487-88 to South Africa's coast and the edge of the Indian Ocean convinced Portugal that the best route to Asia's spices and Christians lay south, around the tip of southern Africa. Between 1488 and 1495, there was a hiatus caused in part by domestic conflict in Portugal, discussion of resources available for further conquests beyond Africa in Asia, and serious questions as to Portugal's capacity to reach beyond Africa. In 1495, King Manuel and his council decided to strike for Asia, whatever the consequences. In 1497-99, Vasco da Gama, under royal orders, made the epic two-year voyage that discovered the sea route to western India (Asia), outflanked Islam and Venice, and began Portugal's Asian empire. Within 50 years, Portugal had discovered and begun the exploitation of its largest colony, Brazil, and set up forts and trading posts from the Middle East (Aden and Ormuz), India (Calicut, Goa, etc.), Malacca, and Indonesia to Macau in China.
       By the 1550s, parts of its largely coastal, maritime trading post empire from Morocco to the Moluccas were under siege from various hostile forces, including Muslims, Christians, and Hindi. Although Moroccan forces expelled the Portuguese from the major coastal cities by 1550, the rival European monarchies of Castile (Spain), England, France, and later Holland began to seize portions of her undermanned, outgunned maritime empire.
       In 1580, Phillip II of Spain, whose mother was a Portuguese princess and who had a strong claim to the Portuguese throne, invaded Portugal, claimed the throne, and assumed control over the realm and, by extension, its African, Asian, and American empires. Phillip II filled the power vacuum that appeared in Portugal following the loss of most of Portugal's army and its young, headstrong King Sebastião in a disastrous war in Morocco. Sebastiao's death in battle (1578) and the lack of a natural heir to succeed him, as well as the weak leadership of the cardinal who briefly assumed control in Lisbon, led to a crisis that Spain's strong monarch exploited. As a result, Portugal lost its independence to Spain for a period of 60 years.
       Portugal under Spanish Rule, 1580-1640
       Despite the disastrous nature of Portugal's experience under Spanish rule, "The Babylonian Captivity" gave birth to modern Portuguese nationalism, its second overseas empire, and its modern alliance system with England. Although Spain allowed Portugal's weakened empire some autonomy, Spanish rule in Portugal became increasingly burdensome and unacceptable. Spain's ambitious imperial efforts in Europe and overseas had an impact on the Portuguese as Spain made greater and greater demands on its smaller neighbor for manpower and money. Portugal's culture underwent a controversial Castilianization, while its empire became hostage to Spain's fortunes. New rival powers England, France, and Holland attacked and took parts of Spain's empire and at the same time attacked Portugal's empire, as well as the mother country.
       Portugal's empire bore the consequences of being attacked by Spain's bitter enemies in what was a form of world war. Portuguese losses were heavy. By 1640, Portugal had lost most of its Moroccan cities as well as Ceylon, the Moluccas, and sections of India. With this, Portugal's Asian empire was gravely weakened. Only Goa, Damão, Diu, Bombay, Timor, and Macau remained and, in Brazil, Dutch forces occupied the northeast.
       On 1 December 1640, long commemorated as a national holiday, Portuguese rebels led by the duke of Braganza overthrew Spanish domination and took advantage of Spanish weakness following a more serious rebellion in Catalonia. Portugal regained independence from Spain, but at a price: dependence on foreign assistance to maintain its independence in the form of the renewal of the alliance with England.
       Restoration and Second Empire, 1640-1822
       Foreign affairs and empire dominated the restoration era and aftermath, and Portugal again briefly enjoyed greater European power and prestige. The Anglo-Portuguese Alliance was renewed and strengthened in treaties of 1642, 1654, and 1661, and Portugal's independence from Spain was underwritten by English pledges and armed assistance. In a Luso-Spanish treaty of 1668, Spain recognized Portugal's independence. Portugal's alliance with England was a marriage of convenience and necessity between two monarchies with important religious, cultural, and social differences. In return for legal, diplomatic, and trade privileges, as well as the use during war and peace of Portugal's great Lisbon harbor and colonial ports for England's navy, England pledged to protect Portugal and its scattered empire from any attack. The previously cited 17th-century alliance treaties were renewed later in the Treaty of Windsor, signed in London in 1899. On at least 10 different occasions after 1640, and during the next two centuries, England was central in helping prevent or repel foreign invasions of its ally, Portugal.
       Portugal's second empire (1640-1822) was largely Brazil-oriented. Portuguese colonization, exploitation of wealth, and emigration focused on Portuguese America, and imperial revenues came chiefly from Brazil. Between 1670 and 1740, Portugal's royalty and nobility grew wealthier on funds derived from Brazilian gold, diamonds, sugar, tobacco, and other crops, an enterprise supported by the Atlantic slave trade and the supply of African slave labor from West Africa and Angola. Visitors today can see where much of that wealth was invested: Portugal's rich legacy of monumental architecture. Meanwhile, the African slave trade took a toll in Angola and West Africa.
       In continental Portugal, absolutist monarchy dominated politics and government, and there was a struggle for position and power between the monarchy and other institutions, such as the Church and nobility. King José I's chief minister, usually known in history as the marquis of Pombal (ruled 1750-77), sharply suppressed the nobility and the
       Church (including the Inquisition, now a weak institution) and expelled the Jesuits. Pombal also made an effort to reduce economic dependence on England, Portugal's oldest ally. But his successes did not last much beyond his disputed time in office.
       Beginning in the late 18th century, the European-wide impact of the French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon placed Portugal in a vulnerable position. With the monarchy ineffectively led by an insane queen (Maria I) and her indecisive regent son (João VI), Portugal again became the focus of foreign ambition and aggression. With England unable to provide decisive assistance in time, France—with Spain's consent—invaded Portugal in 1807. As Napoleon's army under General Junot entered Lisbon meeting no resistance, Portugal's royal family fled on a British fleet to Brazil, where it remained in exile until 1821. In the meantime, Portugal's overseas empire was again under threat. There was a power vacuum as the monarch was absent, foreign armies were present, and new political notions of liberalism and constitutional monarchy were exciting various groups of citizens.
       Again England came to the rescue, this time in the form of the armies of the duke of Wellington. Three successive French invasions of Portugal were defeated and expelled, and Wellington succeeded in carrying the war against Napoleon across the Portuguese frontier into Spain. The presence of the English army, the new French-born liberal ideas, and the political vacuum combined to create revolutionary conditions. The French invasions and the peninsular wars, where Portuguese armed forces played a key role, marked the beginning of a new era in politics.
       Liberalism and Constitutional Monarchy, 1822-1910
       During 1807-22, foreign invasions, war, and civil strife over conflicting political ideas gravely damaged Portugal's commerce, economy, and novice industry. The next terrible blow was the loss of Brazil in 1822, the jewel in the imperial crown. Portugal's very independence seemed to be at risk. In vain, Portugal sought to resist Brazilian independence by force, but in 1825 it formally acknowledged Brazilian independence by treaty.
       Portugal's slow recovery from the destructive French invasions and the "war of independence" was complicated by civil strife over the form of constitutional monarchy that best suited Portugal. After struggles over these issues between 1820 and 1834, Portugal settled somewhat uncertainly into a moderate constitutional monarchy whose constitution (Charter of 1826) lent it strong political powers to exert a moderating influence between the executive and legislative branches of the government. It also featured a new upper middle class based on land ownership and commerce; a Catholic Church that, although still important, lived with reduced privileges and property; a largely African (third) empire to which Lisbon and Oporto devoted increasing spiritual and material resources, starting with the liberal imperial plans of 1836 and 1851, and continuing with the work of institutions like the Lisbon Society of Geography (established 1875); and a mass of rural peasants whose bonds to the land weakened after 1850 and who began to immigrate in increasing numbers to Brazil and North America.
       Chronic military intervention in national politics began in 19th-century Portugal. Such intervention, usually commencing with coups or pronunciamentos (military revolts), was a shortcut to the spoils of political office and could reflect popular discontent as well as the power of personalities. An early example of this was the 1817 golpe (coup) attempt of General Gomes Freire against British military rule in Portugal before the return of King João VI from Brazil. Except for a more stable period from 1851 to 1880, military intervention in politics, or the threat thereof, became a feature of the constitutional monarchy's political life, and it continued into the First Republic and the subsequent Estado Novo.
       Beginning with the Regeneration period (1851-80), Portugal experienced greater political stability and economic progress. Military intervention in politics virtually ceased; industrialization and construction of railroads, roads, and bridges proceeded; two political parties (Regenerators and Historicals) worked out a system of rotation in power; and leading intellectuals sparked a cultural revival in several fields. In 19th-century literature, there was a new golden age led by such figures as Alexandre Herculano (historian), Eça de Queirós (novelist), Almeida Garrett (playwright and essayist), Antero de Quental (poet), and Joaquim Oliveira Martins (historian and social scientist). In its third overseas empire, Portugal attempted to replace the slave trade and slavery with legitimate economic activities; to reform the administration; and to expand Portuguese holdings beyond coastal footholds deep into the African hinterlands in West, West Central, and East Africa. After 1841, to some extent, and especially after 1870, colonial affairs, combined with intense nationalism, pressures for economic profit in Africa, sentiment for national revival, and the drift of European affairs would make or break Lisbon governments.
       Beginning with the political crisis that arose out of the "English Ultimatum" affair of January 1890, the monarchy became discredtted and identified with the poorly functioning government, political parties splintered, and republicanism found more supporters. Portugal participated in the "Scramble for Africa," expanding its African holdings, but failed to annex territory connecting Angola and Mozambique. A growing foreign debt and state bankruptcy as of the early 1890s damaged the constitutional monarchy's reputation, despite the efforts of King Carlos in diplomacy, the renewal of the alliance in the Windsor Treaty of 1899, and the successful if bloody colonial wars in the empire (1880-97). Republicanism proclaimed that Portugal's weak economy and poor society were due to two historic institutions: the monarchy and the Catholic Church. A republic, its stalwarts claimed, would bring greater individual liberty; efficient, if more decentralized government; and a stronger colonial program while stripping the Church of its role in both society and education.
       As the monarchy lost support and republicans became more aggressive, violence increased in politics. King Carlos I and his heir Luís were murdered in Lisbon by anarchist-republicans on 1 February 1908. Following a military and civil insurrection and fighting between monarchist and republican forces, on 5 October 1910, King Manuel II fled Portugal and a republic was proclaimed.
       First Parliamentary Republic, 1910-26
       Portugal's first attempt at republican government was the most unstable, turbulent parliamentary republic in the history of 20th-century Western Europe. During a little under 16 years of the republic, there were 45 governments, a number of legislatures that did not complete normal terms, military coups, and only one president who completed his four-year term in office. Portuguese society was poorly prepared for this political experiment. Among the deadly legacies of the monarchy were a huge public debt; a largely rural, apolitical, and illiterate peasant population; conflict over the causes of the country's misfortunes; and lack of experience with a pluralist, democratic system.
       The republic had some talented leadership but lacked popular, institutional, and economic support. The 1911 republican constitution established only a limited democracy, as only a small portion of the adult male citizenry was eligible to vote. In a country where the majority was Catholic, the republic passed harshly anticlerical laws, and its institutions and supporters persecuted both the Church and its adherents. During its brief disjointed life, the First Republic drafted important reform plans in economic, social, and educational affairs; actively promoted development in the empire; and pursued a liberal, generous foreign policy. Following British requests for Portugal's assistance in World War I, Portugal entered the war on the Allied side in March 1916 and sent armies to Flanders and Portuguese Africa. Portugal's intervention in that conflict, however, was too costly in many respects, and the ultimate failure of the republic in part may be ascribed to Portugal's World War I activities.
       Unfortunately for the republic, its time coincided with new threats to Portugal's African possessions: World War I, social and political demands from various classes that could not be reconciled, excessive military intervention in politics, and, in particular, the worst economic and financial crisis Portugal had experienced since the 16th and 17th centuries. After the original Portuguese Republican Party (PRP, also known as the "Democrats") splintered into three warring groups in 1912, no true multiparty system emerged. The Democrats, except for only one or two elections, held an iron monopoly of electoral power, and political corruption became a major issue. As extreme right-wing dictatorships elsewhere in Europe began to take power in Italy (1922), neighboring Spain (1923), and Greece (1925), what scant popular support remained for the republic collapsed. Backed by a right-wing coalition of landowners from Alentejo, clergy, Coimbra University faculty and students, Catholic organizations, and big business, career military officers led by General Gomes da Costa executed a coup on 28 May 1926, turned out the last republican government, and established a military government.
       The Estado Novo (New State), 1926-74
       During the military phase (1926-32) of the Estado Novo, professional military officers, largely from the army, governed and administered Portugal and held key cabinet posts, but soon discovered that the military possessed no magic formula that could readily solve the problems inherited from the First Republic. Especially during the years 1926-31, the military dictatorship, even with its political repression of republican activities and institutions (military censorship of the press, political police action, and closure of the republic's rowdy parliament), was characterized by similar weaknesses: personalism and factionalism; military coups and political instability, including civil strife and loss of life; state debt and bankruptcy; and a weak economy. "Barracks parliamentarism" was not an acceptable alternative even to the "Nightmare Republic."
       Led by General Óscar Carmona, who had replaced and sent into exile General Gomes da Costa, the military dictatorship turned to a civilian expert in finance and economics to break the budget impasse and bring coherence to the disorganized system. Appointed minister of finance on 27 April 1928, the Coimbra University Law School professor of economics Antônio de Oliveira Salazar (1889-1970) first reformed finance, helped balance the budget, and then turned to other concerns as he garnered extraordinary governing powers. In 1930, he was appointed interim head of another key ministry (Colonies) and within a few years had become, in effect, a civilian dictator who, with the military hierarchy's support, provided the government with coherence, a program, and a set of policies.
       For nearly 40 years after he was appointed the first civilian prime minister in 1932, Salazar's personality dominated the government. Unlike extreme right-wing dictators elsewhere in Europe, Salazar was directly appointed by the army but was never endorsed by a popular political party, street militia, or voter base. The scholarly, reclusive former Coimbra University professor built up what became known after 1932 as the Estado Novo ("New State"), which at the time of its overthrow by another military coup in 1974, was the longest surviving authoritarian regime in Western Europe. The system of Salazar and the largely academic and technocratic ruling group he gathered in his cabinets was based on the central bureaucracy of the state, which was supported by the president of the republic—always a senior career military officer, General Óscar Carmona (1928-51), General Craveiro Lopes (1951-58), and Admiral Américo Tómaz (1958-74)—and the complicity of various institutions. These included a rubber-stamp legislature called the National Assembly (1935-74) and a political police known under various names: PVDE (1932-45), PIDE (1945-69),
       and DGS (1969-74). Other defenders of the Estado Novo security were paramilitary organizations such as the National Republican Guard (GNR); the Portuguese Legion (PL); and the Portuguese Youth [Movement]. In addition to censorship of the media, theater, and books, there was political repression and a deliberate policy of depoliticization. All political parties except for the approved movement of regime loyalists, the União Nacional or (National Union), were banned.
       The most vigorous and more popular period of the New State was 1932-44, when the basic structures were established. Never monolithic or entirely the work of one person (Salazar), the New State was constructed with the assistance of several dozen top associates who were mainly academics from law schools, some technocrats with specialized skills, and a handful of trusted career military officers. The 1933 Constitution declared Portugal to be a "unitary, corporative Republic," and pressures to restore the monarchy were resisted. Although some of the regime's followers were fascists and pseudofascists, many more were conservative Catholics, integralists, nationalists, and monarchists of different varieties, and even some reactionary republicans. If the New State was authoritarian, it was not totalitarian and, unlike fascism in Benito Mussolini's Italy or Adolf Hitler's Germany, it usually employed the minimum of violence necessary to defeat what remained a largely fractious, incoherent opposition.
       With the tumultuous Second Republic and the subsequent civil war in nearby Spain, the regime felt threatened and reinforced its defenses. During what Salazar rightly perceived as a time of foreign policy crisis for Portugal (1936-45), he assumed control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From there, he pursued four basic foreign policy objectives: supporting the Nationalist rebels of General Francisco Franco in the Spanish Civil War (1936-39) and concluding defense treaties with a triumphant Franco; ensuring that General Franco in an exhausted Spain did not enter World War II on the Axis side; maintaining Portuguese neutrality in World War II with a post-1942 tilt toward the Allies, including granting Britain and the United States use of bases in the Azores Islands; and preserving and protecting Portugal's Atlantic Islands and its extensive, if poor, overseas empire in Africa and Asia.
       During the middle years of the New State (1944-58), many key Salazar associates in government either died or resigned, and there was greater social unrest in the form of unprecedented strikes and clandestine Communist activities, intensified opposition, and new threatening international pressures on Portugal's overseas empire. During the earlier phase of the Cold War (1947-60), Portugal became a steadfast, if weak, member of the US-dominated North Atlantic Treaty Organization alliance and, in 1955, with American support, Portugal joined the United Nations (UN). Colonial affairs remained a central concern of the regime. As of 1939, Portugal was the third largest colonial power in the world and possessed territories in tropical Africa (Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe Islands) and the remnants of its 16th-century empire in Asia (Goa, Damão, Diu, East Timor, and Macau). Beginning in the early 1950s, following the independence of India in 1947, Portugal resisted Indian pressures to decolonize Portuguese India and used police forces to discourage internal opposition in its Asian and African colonies.
       The later years of the New State (1958-68) witnessed the aging of the increasingly isolated but feared Salazar and new threats both at home and overseas. Although the regime easily overcame the brief oppositionist threat from rival presidential candidate General Humberto Delgado in the spring of 1958, new developments in the African and Asian empires imperiled the authoritarian system. In February 1961, oppositionists hijacked the Portuguese ocean liner Santa Maria and, in following weeks, African insurgents in northern Angola, although they failed to expel the Portuguese, gained worldwide media attention, discredited the New State, and began the 13-year colonial war. After thwarting a dissident military coup against his continued leadership, Salazar and his ruling group mobilized military repression in Angola and attempted to develop the African colonies at a faster pace in order to ensure Portuguese control. Meanwhile, the other European colonial powers (Britain, France, Belgium, and Spain) rapidly granted political independence to their African territories.
       At the time of Salazar's removal from power in September 1968, following a stroke, Portugal's efforts to maintain control over its colonies appeared to be successful. President Americo Tomás appointed Dr. Marcello Caetano as Salazar's successor as prime minister. While maintaining the New State's basic structures, and continuing the regime's essential colonial policy, Caetano attempted wider reforms in colonial administration and some devolution of power from Lisbon, as well as more freedom of expression in Lisbon. Still, a great deal of the budget was devoted to supporting the wars against the insurgencies in Africa. Meanwhile in Asia, Portuguese India had fallen when the Indian army invaded in December 1961. The loss of Goa was a psychological blow to the leadership of the New State, and of the Asian empire only East Timor and Macau remained.
       The Caetano years (1968-74) were but a hiatus between the waning Salazar era and a new regime. There was greater political freedom and rapid economic growth (5-6 percent annually to late 1973), but Caetano's government was unable to reform the old system thoroughly and refused to consider new methods either at home or in the empire. In the end, regime change came from junior officers of the professional military who organized the Armed Forces Movement (MFA) against the Caetano government. It was this group of several hundred officers, mainly in the army and navy, which engineered a largely bloodless coup in Lisbon on 25 April 1974. Their unexpected action brought down the 48-year-old New State and made possible the eventual establishment and consolidation of democratic governance in Portugal, as well as a reorientation of the country away from the Atlantic toward Europe.
       Revolution of Carnations, 1974-76
       Following successful military operations of the Armed Forces Movement against the Caetano government, Portugal experienced what became known as the "Revolution of Carnations." It so happened that during the rainy week of the military golpe, Lisbon flower shops were featuring carnations, and the revolutionaries and their supporters adopted the red carnation as the common symbol of the event, as well as of the new freedom from dictatorship. The MFA, whose leaders at first were mostly little-known majors and captains, proclaimed a three-fold program of change for the new Portugal: democracy; decolonization of the overseas empire, after ending the colonial wars; and developing a backward economy in the spirit of opportunity and equality. During the first 24 months after the coup, there was civil strife, some anarchy, and a power struggle. With the passing of the Estado Novo, public euphoria burst forth as the new provisional military government proclaimed the freedoms of speech, press, and assembly, and abolished censorship, the political police, the Portuguese Legion, Portuguese Youth, and other New State organizations, including the National Union. Scores of political parties were born and joined the senior political party, the Portuguese Community Party (PCP), and the Socialist Party (PS), founded shortly before the coup.
       Portugal's Revolution of Carnations went through several phases. There was an attempt to take control by radical leftists, including the PCP and its allies. This was thwarted by moderate officers in the army, as well as by the efforts of two political parties: the PS and the Social Democrats (PPD, later PSD). The first phase was from April to September 1974. Provisional president General Antonio Spínola, whose 1974 book Portugal and the Future had helped prepare public opinion for the coup, met irresistible leftist pressures. After Spinola's efforts to avoid rapid decolonization of the African empire failed, he resigned in September 1974. During the second phase, from September 1974 to March 1975, radical military officers gained control, but a coup attempt by General Spínola and his supporters in Lisbon in March 1975 failed and Spínola fled to Spain.
       In the third phase of the Revolution, March-November 1975, a strong leftist reaction followed. Farm workers occupied and "nationalized" 1.1 million hectares of farmland in the Alentejo province, and radical military officers in the provisional government ordered the nationalization of Portuguese banks (foreign banks were exempted), utilities, and major industries, or about 60 percent of the economic system. There were power struggles among various political parties — a total of 50 emerged—and in the streets there was civil strife among labor, military, and law enforcement groups. A constituent assembly, elected on 25 April 1975, in Portugal's first free elections since 1926, drafted a democratic constitution. The Council of the Revolution (CR), briefly a revolutionary military watchdog committee, was entrenched as part of the government under the constitution, until a later revision. During the chaotic year of 1975, about 30 persons were killed in political frays while unstable provisional governments came and went. On 25 November 1975, moderate military forces led by Colonel Ramalho Eanes, who later was twice elected president of the republic (1976 and 1981), defeated radical, leftist military groups' revolutionary conspiracies.
       In the meantime, Portugal's scattered overseas empire experienced a precipitous and unprepared decolonization. One by one, the former colonies were granted and accepted independence—Guinea-Bissau (September 1974), Cape Verde Islands (July 1975), and Mozambique (July 1975). Portugal offered to turn over Macau to the People's Republic of China, but the offer was refused then and later negotiations led to the establishment of a formal decolonization or hand-over date of 1999. But in two former colonies, the process of decolonization had tragic results.
       In Angola, decolonization negotiations were greatly complicated by the fact that there were three rival nationalist movements in a struggle for power. The January 1975 Alvor Agreement signed by Portugal and these three parties was not effectively implemented. A bloody civil war broke out in Angola in the spring of 1975 and, when Portuguese armed forces withdrew and declared that Angola was independent on 11 November 1975, the bloodshed only increased. Meanwhile, most of the white Portuguese settlers from Angola and Mozambique fled during the course of 1975. Together with African refugees, more than 600,000 of these retornados ("returned ones") went by ship and air to Portugal and thousands more to Namibia, South Africa, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.
       The second major decolonization disaster was in Portugal's colony of East Timor in the Indonesian archipelago. Portugal's capacity to supervise and control a peaceful transition to independence in this isolated, neglected colony was limited by the strength of giant Indonesia, distance from Lisbon, and Portugal's revolutionary disorder and inability to defend Timor. In early December 1975, before Portugal granted formal independence and as one party, FRETILIN, unilaterally declared East Timor's independence, Indonesia's armed forces invaded, conquered, and annexed East Timor. Indonesian occupation encountered East Timorese resistance, and a heavy loss of life followed. The East Timor question remained a contentious international issue in the UN, as well as in Lisbon and Jakarta, for more than 20 years following Indonesia's invasion and annexation of the former colony of Portugal. Major changes occurred, beginning in 1998, after Indonesia underwent a political revolution and allowed a referendum in East Timor to decide that territory's political future in August 1999. Most East Timorese chose independence, but Indonesian forces resisted that verdict until
       UN intervention in September 1999. Following UN rule for several years, East Timor attained full independence on 20 May 2002.
       Consolidation of Democracy, 1976-2000
       After several free elections and record voter turnouts between 25 April 1975 and June 1976, civil war was averted and Portugal's second democratic republic began to stabilize. The MFA was dissolved, the military were returned to the barracks, and increasingly elected civilians took over the government of the country. The 1976 Constitution was revised several times beginning in 1982 and 1989, in order to reempha-size the principle of free enterprise in the economy while much of the large, nationalized sector was privatized. In June 1976, General Ram-alho Eanes was elected the first constitutional president of the republic (five-year term), and he appointed socialist leader Dr. Mário Soares as prime minister of the first constitutional government.
       From 1976 to 1985, Portugal's new system featured a weak economy and finances, labor unrest, and administrative and political instability. The difficult consolidation of democratic governance was eased in part by the strong currency and gold reserves inherited from the Estado Novo, but Lisbon seemed unable to cope with high unemployment, new debt, the complex impact of the refugees from Africa, world recession, and the agitation of political parties. Four major parties emerged from the maelstrom of 1974-75, except for the Communist Party, all newly founded. They were, from left to right, the Communists (PCP); the Socialists (PS), who managed to dominate governments and the legislature but not win a majority in the Assembly of the Republic; the Social Democrats (PSD); and the Christian Democrats (CDS). During this period, the annual growth rate was low (l-2 percent), and the nationalized sector of the economy stagnated.
       Enhanced economic growth, greater political stability, and more effective central government as of 1985, and especially 1987, were due to several developments. In 1977, Portugal applied for membership in the European Economic Community (EEC), now the European Union (EU) since 1993. In January 1986, with Spain, Portugal was granted membership, and economic and financial progress in the intervening years has been significantly influenced by the comparatively large investment, loans, technology, advice, and other assistance from the EEC. Low unemployment, high annual growth rates (5 percent), and moderate inflation have also been induced by the new political and administrative stability in Lisbon. Led by Prime Minister Cavaco Silva, an economist who was trained abroad, the PSD's strong organization, management, and electoral support since 1985 have assisted in encouraging economic recovery and development. In 1985, the PSD turned the PS out of office and won the general election, although they did not have an absolute majority of assembly seats. In 1986, Mário Soares was elected president of the republic, the first civilian to hold that office since the First Republic. In the elections of 1987 and 1991, however, the PSD was returned to power with clear majorities of over 50 percent of the vote.
       Although the PSD received 50.4 percent of the vote in the 1991 parliamentary elections and held a 42-seat majority in the Assembly of the Republic, the party began to lose public support following media revelations regarding corruption and complaints about Prime Minister Cavaco Silva's perceived arrogant leadership style. President Mário Soares voiced criticism of the PSD's seemingly untouchable majority and described a "tyranny of the majority." Economic growth slowed down. In the parliamentary elections of 1995 and the presidential election of 1996, the PSD's dominance ended for the time being. Prime Minister Antônio Guterres came to office when the PS won the October 1995 elections, and in the subsequent presidential contest, in January 1996, socialist Jorge Sampaio, the former mayor of Lisbon, was elected president of the republic, thus defeating Cavaco Silva's bid. Young and popular, Guterres moved the PS toward the center of the political spectrum. Under Guterres, the PS won the October 1999 parliamentary elections. The PS defeated the PSD but did not manage to win a clear, working majority of seats, and this made the PS dependent upon alliances with smaller parties, including the PCP.
       In the local elections in December 2001, the PSD's criticism of PS's heavy public spending allowed the PSD to take control of the key cities of Lisbon, Oporto, and Coimbra. Guterres resigned, and parliamentary elections were brought forward from 2004 to March 2002. The PSD won a narrow victory with 40 percent of the votes, and Jose Durão Barroso became prime minister. Having failed to win a majority of the seats in parliament forced the PSD to govern in coalition with the right-wing Popular Party (PP) led by Paulo Portas. Durão Barroso set about reducing government spending by cutting the budgets of local authorities, freezing civil service hiring, and reviving the economy by accelerating privatization of state-owned enterprises. These measures provoked a 24-hour strike by public-sector workers. Durão Barroso reacted with vows to press ahead with budget-cutting measures and imposed a wage freeze on all employees earning more than €1,000, which affected more than one-half of Portugal's work force.
       In June 2004, Durão Barroso was invited by Romano Prodi to succeed him as president of the European Commission. Durão Barroso accepted and resigned the prime ministership in July. Pedro Santana Lopes, the leader of the PSD, became prime minister. Already unpopular at the time of Durão Barroso's resignation, the PSD-led government became increasingly unpopular under Santana Lopes. A month-long delay in the start of the school year and confusion over his plan to cut taxes and raise public-sector salaries, eroded confidence even more. By November, Santana Lopes's government was so unpopular that President Jorge Sampaio was obliged to dissolve parliament and hold new elections, two years ahead of schedule.
       Parliamentary elections were held on 20 February 2005. The PS, which had promised the electorate disciplined and transparent governance, educational reform, the alleviation of poverty, and a boost in employment, won 45 percent of the vote and the majority of the seats in parliament. The leader of the PS, José Sôcrates became prime minister on 12 March 2005. In the regularly scheduled presidential elections held on 6 January 2006, the former leader of the PSD and prime minister, Aníbal Cavaco Silva, won a narrow victory and became president on 9 March 2006. With a mass protest, public teachers' strike, and street demonstrations in March 2008, Portugal's media, educational, and social systems experienced more severe pressures. With the spreading global recession beginning in September 2008, Portugal's economic and financial systems became more troubled.
       Owing to its geographic location on the southwestern most edge of continental Europe, Portugal has been historically in but not of Europe. Almost from the beginning of its existence in the 12th century as an independent monarchy, Portugal turned its back on Europe and oriented itself toward the Atlantic Ocean. After carving out a Christian kingdom on the western portion of the Iberian peninsula, Portuguese kings gradually built and maintained a vast seaborne global empire that became central to the way Portugal understood its individuality as a nation-state. While the creation of this empire allows Portugal to claim an unusual number of "firsts" or distinctions in world and Western history, it also retarded Portugal's economic, social, and political development. It can be reasonably argued that the Revolution of 25 April 1974 was the most decisive event in Portugal's long history because it finally ended Portugal's oceanic mission and view of itself as an imperial power. After the 1974 Revolution, Portugal turned away from its global mission and vigorously reoriented itself toward Europe. Contemporary Portugal is now both in and of Europe.
       The turn toward Europe began immediately after 25 April 1974. Portugal granted independence to its African colonies in 1975. It was admitted to the European Council and took the first steps toward accession to the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1976. On 28 March 1977, the Portuguese government officially applied for EEC membership. Because of Portugal's economic and social backwardness, which would require vast sums of EEC money to overcome, negotiations for membership were long and difficult. Finally, a treaty of accession was signed on 12 June 1985. Portugal officially joined the EEC (the European Union [EU] since 1993) on 1 January 1986. Since becoming a full-fledged member of the EU, Portugal has been steadily overcoming the economic and social underdevelopment caused by its imperial past and is becoming more like the rest of Europe.
       Membership in the EU has speeded up the structural transformation of Portugal's economy, which actually began during the Estado Novo. Investments made by the Estado Novo in Portugal's economy began to shift employment out of the agricultural sector, which, in 1950, accounted for 50 percent of Portugal's economically active population. Today, only 10 percent of the economically active population is employed in the agricultural sector (the highest among EU member states); 30 percent in the industrial sector (also the highest among EU member states); and 60 percent in the service sector (the lowest among EU member states). The economically active population numbers about 5,000,000 employed, 56 percent of whom are women. Women workers are the majority of the workforce in the agricultural and service sectors (the highest among the EU member states). The expansion of the service sector has been primarily in health care and education. Portugal has had the lowest unemployment rates among EU member states, with the overall rate never being more than 10 percent of the active population. Since joining the EU, the number of employers increased from 2.6 percent to 5.8 percent of the active population; self-employed from 16 to 19 percent; and employees from 65 to 70 percent. Twenty-six percent of the employers are women. Unemployment tends to hit younger workers in industry and transportation, women employed in domestic service, workers on short-term contracts, and poorly educated workers. Salaried workers earn only 63 percent of the EU average, and hourly workers only one-third to one-half of that earned by their EU counterparts. Despite having had the second highest growth of gross national product (GNP) per inhabitant (after Ireland) among EU member states, the above data suggest that while much has been accomplished in terms of modernizing the Portuguese economy, much remains to be done to bring Portugal's economy up to the level of the "average" EU member state.
       Membership in the EU has also speeded up changes in Portuguese society. Over the last 30 years, coastalization and urbanization have intensified. Fully 50 percent of Portuguese live in the coastal urban conurbations of Lisbon, Oporto, Braga, Aveiro, Coimbra, Viseu, Évora, and Faro. The Portuguese population is one of the oldest among EU member states (17.3 percent are 65 years of age or older) thanks to a considerable increase in life expectancy at birth (77.87 years for the total population, 74.6 years for men, 81.36 years for women) and one of the lowest birthrates (10.59 births/1,000) in Europe. Family size averages 2.8 persons per household, with the strict nuclear family (one or two generations) in which both parents work being typical. Common law marriages, cohabitating couples, and single-parent households are more and more common. The divorce rate has also increased. "Youth Culture" has developed. The young have their own meeting places, leisure-time activities, and nightlife (bars, clubs, and discos).
       All Portuguese citizens, whether they have contributed or not, have a right to an old-age pension, invalidity benefits, widowed persons' pension, as well as payments for disabilities, children, unemployment, and large families. There is a national minimum wage (€385 per month), which is low by EU standards. The rapid aging of Portugal's population has changed the ratio of contributors to pensioners to 1.7, the lowest in the EU. This has created deficits in Portugal's social security fund.
       The adult literacy rate is about 92 percent. Illiteracy is still found among the elderly. Although universal compulsory education up to grade 9 was achieved in 1980, only 21.2 percent of the population aged 25-64 had undergone secondary education, compared to an EU average of 65.7 percent. Portugal's higher education system currently consists of 14 state universities and 14 private universities, 15 state polytechnic institutions, one Catholic university, and one military academy. All in all, Portugal spends a greater percentage of its state budget on education than most EU member states. Despite this high level of expenditure, the troubled Portuguese education system does not perform well. Early leaving and repetition rates are among the highest among EU member states.
       After the Revolution of 25 April 1974, Portugal created a National Health Service, which today consists of 221 hospitals and 512 medical centers employing 33,751 doctors and 41,799 nurses. Like its education system, Portugal's medical system is inefficient. There are long waiting lists for appointments with specialists and for surgical procedures.
       Structural changes in Portugal's economy and society mean that social life in Portugal is not too different from that in other EU member states. A mass consumption society has been created. Televisions, telephones, refrigerators, cars, music equipment, mobile phones, and personal computers are commonplace. Sixty percent of Portuguese households possess at least one automobile, and 65 percent of Portuguese own their own home. Portuguese citizens are more aware of their legal rights than ever before. This has resulted in a trebling of the number of legal proceeding since 1960 and an eight-fold increase in the number of lawyers. In general, Portuguese society has become more permissive and secular; the Catholic Church and the armed forces are much less influential than in the past. Portugal's population is also much more culturally, religiously, and ethnically diverse, a consequence of the coming to Portugal of hundreds of thousands of immigrants, mainly from former African colonies.
       Portuguese are becoming more cosmopolitan and sophisticated through the impact of world media, the Internet, and the World Wide Web. A prime case in point came in the summer and early fall of 1999, with the extraordinary events in East Timor and the massive Portuguese popular responses. An internationally monitored referendum in East Timor, Portugal's former colony in the Indonesian archipelago and under Indonesian occupation from late 1975 to summer 1999, resulted in a vote of 78.5 percent for rejecting integration with Indonesia and for independence. When Indonesian prointegration gangs, aided by the Indonesian military, responded to the referendum with widespread brutality and threatened to reverse the verdict of the referendum, there was a spontaneous popular outpouring of protest in the cities and towns of Portugal. An avalanche of Portuguese e-mail fell on leaders and groups in the UN and in certain countries around the world as Portugal's diplomats, perhaps to compensate for the weak initial response to Indonesian armed aggression in 1975, called for the protection of East Timor as an independent state and for UN intervention to thwart Indonesian action. Using global communications networks, the Portuguese were able to mobilize UN and world public opinion against Indonesian actions and aided the eventual independence of East Timor on 20 May 2002.
       From the Revolution of 25 April 1974 until the 1990s, Portugal had a large number of political parties, one of the largest Communist parties in western Europe, frequent elections, and endemic cabinet instability. Since the 1990s, the number of political parties has been dramatically reduced and cabinet stability increased. Gradually, the Portuguese electorate has concentrated around two larger parties, the right-of-center Social Democrats (PSD) and the left-of-center Socialist (PS). In the 1980s, these two parties together garnered 65 percent of the vote and 70 percent of the seats in parliament. In 2005, these percentages had risen to 74 percent and 85 percent, respectively. In effect, Portugal is currently a two-party dominant system in which the two largest parties — PS and PSD—alternate in and out of power, not unlike the rotation of the two main political parties (the Regenerators and the Historicals) during the last decades (1850s to 1880s) of the liberal constitutional monarchy. As Portugal's democracy has consolidated, turnout rates for the eligible electorate have declined. In the 1970s, turnout was 85 percent. In Portugal's most recent parliamentary election (2005), turnout had fallen to 65 percent of the eligible electorate.
       Portugal has benefited greatly from membership in the EU, and whatever doubts remain about the price paid for membership, no Portuguese government in the near future can afford to sever this connection. The vast majority of Portuguese citizens see membership in the EU as a "good thing" and strongly believe that Portugal has benefited from membership. Only the Communist Party opposed membership because it reduces national sovereignty, serves the interests of capitalists not workers, and suffers from a democratic deficit. Despite the high level of support for the EU, Portuguese voters are increasingly not voting in elections for the European Parliament, however. Turnout for European Parliament elections fell from 40 percent of the eligible electorate in the 1999 elections to 38 percent in the 2004 elections.
       In sum, Portugal's turn toward Europe has done much to overcome its backwardness. However, despite the economic, social, and political progress made since 1986, Portugal has a long way to go before it can claim to be on a par with the level found even in Spain, much less the rest of western Europe. As Portugal struggles to move from underde-velopment, especially in the rural areas away from the coast, it must keep in mind the perils of too rapid modern development, which could damage two of its most precious assets: its scenery and environment. The growth and future prosperity of the economy will depend on the degree to which the government and the private sector will remain stewards of clean air, soil, water, and other finite resources on which the tourism industry depends and on which Portugal's world image as a unique place to visit rests. Currently, Portugal is investing heavily in renewable energy from solar, wind, and wave power in order to account for about 50 percent of its electricity needs by 2010. Portugal opened the world's largest solar power plant and the world's first commercial wave power farm in 2006.
       An American documentary film on Portugal produced in the 1970s described this little country as having "a Past in Search of a Future." In the years after the Revolution of 25 April 1974, it could be said that Portugal is now living in "a Present in Search of a Future." Increasingly, that future lies in Europe as an active and productive member of the EU.

    Historical dictionary of Portugal > Historical Portugal

  • 3 Edison, Thomas Alva

    [br]
    b. 11 February 1847 Milan, Ohio, USA
    d. 18 October 1931 Glenmont
    [br]
    American inventor and pioneer electrical developer.
    [br]
    He was the son of Samuel Edison, who was in the timber business. His schooling was delayed due to scarlet fever until 1855, when he was 8½ years old, but he was an avid reader. By the age of 14 he had a job as a newsboy on the railway from Port Huron to Detroit, a distance of sixty-three miles (101 km). He worked a fourteen-hour day with a stopover of five hours, which he spent in the Detroit Free Library. He also sold sweets on the train and, later, fruit and vegetables, and was soon making a profit of $20 a week. He then started two stores in Port Huron and used a spare freight car as a laboratory. He added a hand-printing press to produce 400 copies weekly of The Grand Trunk Herald, most of which he compiled and edited himself. He set himself to learn telegraphy from the station agent at Mount Clements, whose son he had saved from being run over by a freight car.
    At the age of 16 he became a telegraphist at Port Huron. In 1863 he became railway telegraphist at the busy Stratford Junction of the Grand Trunk Railroad, arranging a clock with a notched wheel to give the hourly signal which was to prove that he was awake and at his post! He left hurriedly after failing to hold a train which was nearly involved in a head-on collision. He usually worked the night shift, allowing himself time for experiments during the day. His first invention was an arrangement of two Morse registers so that a high-speed input could be decoded at a slower speed. Moving from place to place he held many positions as a telegraphist. In Boston he invented an automatic vote recorder for Congress and patented it, but the idea was rejected. This was the first of a total of 1180 patents that he was to take out during his lifetime. After six years he resigned from the Western Union Company to devote all his time to invention, his next idea being an improved ticker-tape machine for stockbrokers. He developed a duplex telegraphy system, but this was turned down by the Western Union Company. He then moved to New York.
    Edison found accommodation in the battery room of Law's Gold Reporting Company, sleeping in the cellar, and there his repair of a broken transmitter marked him as someone of special talents. His superior soon resigned, and he was promoted with a salary of $300 a month. Western Union paid him $40,000 for the sole rights on future improvements on the duplex telegraph, and he moved to Ward Street, Newark, New Jersey, where he employed a gathering of specialist engineers. Within a year, he married one of his employees, Mary Stilwell, when she was only 16: a daughter, Marion, was born in 1872, and two sons, Thomas and William, in 1876 and 1879, respectively.
    He continued to work on the automatic telegraph, a device to send out messages faster than they could be tapped out by hand: that is, over fifty words per minute or so. An earlier machine by Alexander Bain worked at up to 400 words per minute, but was not good over long distances. Edison agreed to work on improving this feature of Bain's machine for the Automatic Telegraph Company (ATC) for $40,000. He improved it to a working speed of 500 words per minute and ran a test between Washington and New York. Hoping to sell their equipment to the Post Office in Britain, ATC sent Edison to England in 1873 to negotiate. A 500-word message was to be sent from Liverpool to London every half-hour for six hours, followed by tests on 2,200 miles (3,540 km) of cable at Greenwich. Only confused results were obtained due to induction in the cable, which lay coiled in a water tank. Edison returned to New York, where he worked on his quadruplex telegraph system, tests of which proved a success between New York and Albany in December 1874. Unfortunately, simultaneous negotiation with Western Union and ATC resulted in a lawsuit.
    Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent for a telephone in March 1876 while Edison was still working on the same idea. His improvements allowed the device to operate over a distance of hundreds of miles instead of only a few miles. Tests were carried out over the 106 miles (170 km) between New York and Philadelphia. Edison applied for a patent on the carbon-button transmitter in April 1877, Western Union agreeing to pay him $6,000 a year for the seventeen-year duration of the patent. In these years he was also working on the development of the electric lamp and on a duplicating machine which would make up to 3,000 copies from a stencil. In 1876–7 he moved from Newark to Menlo Park, twenty-four miles (39 km) from New York on the Pennsylvania Railway, near Elizabeth. He had bought a house there around which he built the premises that would become his "inventions factory". It was there that he began the use of his 200- page pocket notebooks, each of which lasted him about two weeks, so prolific were his ideas. When he died he left 3,400 of them filled with notes and sketches.
    Late in 1877 he applied for a patent for a phonograph which was granted on 19 February 1878, and by the end of the year he had formed a company to manufacture this totally new product. At the time, Edison saw the device primarily as a business aid rather than for entertainment, rather as a dictating machine. In August 1878 he was granted a British patent. In July 1878 he tried to measure the heat from the solar corona at a solar eclipse viewed from Rawlins, Wyoming, but his "tasimeter" was too sensitive.
    Probably his greatest achievement was "The Subdivision of the Electric Light" or the "glow bulb". He tried many materials for the filament before settling on carbon. He gave a demonstration of electric light by lighting up Menlo Park and inviting the public. Edison was, of course, faced with the problem of inventing and producing all the ancillaries which go to make up the electrical system of generation and distribution-meters, fuses, insulation, switches, cabling—even generators had to be designed and built; everything was new. He started a number of manufacturing companies to produce the various components needed.
    In 1881 he built the world's largest generator, which weighed 27 tons, to light 1,200 lamps at the Paris Exhibition. It was later moved to England to be used in the world's first central power station with steam engine drive at Holborn Viaduct, London. In September 1882 he started up his Pearl Street Generating Station in New York, which led to a worldwide increase in the application of electric power, particularly for lighting. At the same time as these developments, he built a 1,300yd (1,190m) electric railway at Menlo Park.
    On 9 August 1884 his wife died of typhoid. Using his telegraphic skills, he proposed to 19-year-old Mina Miller in Morse code while in the company of others on a train. He married her in February 1885 before buying a new house and estate at West Orange, New Jersey, building a new laboratory not far away in the Orange Valley.
    Edison used direct current which was limited to around 250 volts. Alternating current was largely developed by George Westinghouse and Nicola Tesla, using transformers to step up the current to a higher voltage for long-distance transmission. The use of AC gradually overtook the Edison DC system.
    In autumn 1888 he patented a form of cinephotography, the kinetoscope, obtaining film-stock from George Eastman. In 1893 he set up the first film studio, which was pivoted so as to catch the sun, with a hinged roof which could be raised. In 1894 kinetoscope parlours with "peep shows" were starting up in cities all over America. Competition came from the Latham Brothers with a screen-projection machine, which Edison answered with his "Vitascope", shown in New York in 1896. This showed pictures with accompanying sound, but there was some difficulty with synchronization. Edison also experimented with captions at this early date.
    In 1880 he filed a patent for a magnetic ore separator, the first of nearly sixty. He bought up deposits of low-grade iron ore which had been developed in the north of New Jersey. The process was a commercial success until the discovery of iron-rich ore in Minnesota rendered it uneconomic and uncompetitive. In 1898 cement rock was discovered in New Village, west of West Orange. Edison bought the land and started cement manufacture, using kilns twice the normal length and using half as much fuel to heat them as the normal type of kiln. In 1893 he met Henry Ford, who was building his second car, at an Edison convention. This started him on the development of a battery for an electric car on which he made over 9,000 experiments. In 1903 he sold his patent for wireless telegraphy "for a song" to Guglielmo Marconi.
    In 1910 Edison designed a prefabricated concrete house. In December 1914 fire destroyed three-quarters of the West Orange plant, but it was at once rebuilt, and with the threat of war Edison started to set up his own plants for making all the chemicals that he had previously been buying from Europe, such as carbolic acid, phenol, benzol, aniline dyes, etc. He was appointed President of the Navy Consulting Board, for whom, he said, he made some forty-five inventions, "but they were pigeonholed, every one of them". Thus did Edison find that the Navy did not take kindly to civilian interference.
    In 1927 he started the Edison Botanic Research Company, founded with similar investment from Ford and Firestone with the object of finding a substitute for overseas-produced rubber. In the first year he tested no fewer than 3,327 possible plants, in the second year, over 1,400, eventually developing a variety of Golden Rod which grew to 14 ft (4.3 m) in height. However, all this effort and money was wasted, due to the discovery of synthetic rubber.
    In October 1929 he was present at Henry Ford's opening of his Dearborn Museum to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the incandescent lamp, including a replica of the Menlo Park laboratory. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and was elected to the American Academy of Sciences. He died in 1931 at his home, Glenmont; throughout the USA, lights were dimmed temporarily on the day of his funeral.
    [br]
    Principal Honours and Distinctions
    Member of the American Academy of Sciences. Congressional Gold Medal.
    Further Reading
    M.Josephson, 1951, Edison, Eyre \& Spottiswode.
    R.W.Clark, 1977, Edison, the Man who Made the Future, Macdonald \& Jane.
    IMcN

    Biographical history of technology > Edison, Thomas Alva

  • 4 Á

    * * *
    a negative suffix to verbs, not;
    era útmakligt, at it is not unmeet that.
    * * *
    1.
    á, prep., often used elliptically, or even adverbially, [Goth. ana; Engl. on; Germ. an. In the Scandinavian idioms the liquid n is absorbed. In English the same has been supposed to happen in adverbial phrases, e. g. ‘along, away, abroad, afoot, again, agate, ahead, aloft, alone, askew, aside, astray, awry,’ etc. It is indeed true that the Ormulum in its northern dialect freq. uses o, even in common phrases, such as ‘o boke, o land, o life, o slæpe, o strande, o write, o naht, o loft,’ etc., v. the glossary; and we may compare on foot and afoot, on sleep (Engl. Vers. of Bible) and asleep; A. S. a-butan and on-butan (about); agen and ongean (again, against); on bæc, aback; on life, alive; on middan, amid. But it is more than likely that in the expressions quoted above, as well as in numberless others, as well in old as in modern English, the English a- as well as the o- of the Ormulum and the modern Scottish and north of England o- are in reality remains of this very á pronounced au or ow, which was brought by the Scandinavian settlers into the north of England. In the struggle for supremacy between the English dialects after the Conquest, the Scandinavian form á or a won the day in many cases to the exclusion of the Anglo-Saxon on. Some of these adverbs have representatives only in the Scandinavian tongues, not in Anglo-Saxon; see below, with dat. B. II, C. VII; with acc. C. I. and VI. The prep. á denotes the surface or outside; í and ór the inside; at, til, and frá, nearness measured to or from an object: á thus answers to the Gr. επί; the Lat. in includes á and i together.]
    With dat. and acc.: in the first case with the notion of remaining on a place, answering to Lat. in with abl.; in the last with the notion of motion to the place, = Lat. in with acc.
    WITH DAT.
    A. Loc.
    I. generally on, upon; á gólfi, on the floor, Nj. 2; á hendi, on the hand (of a ring), 48, 225; á palli, 50; á steini, 108; á vegg, 115; á sjá ok á landi, on sea and land. In some instances the distinction between d and i is loose and wavering, but in most cases common sense and usage decide; thus ‘á bók’ merely denotes the letters, the penmanship, ‘í’ the contents of a book; mod. usage, however, prefers ‘í,’ lesa í bók, but stafr á bók. Old writers on the other hand; á bókum Enskum, in English books, Landn. 24, but í Aldafars bók, 23 (in the book De Mensurâ Temporum, by Bede), cp. Grág. i. 76, where á is a false reading instead of at; á bréfi, the contents of a letter: of clothing or arms, mítr á höfði, sverð á hlið, mitre on head, sword on side, Fms. i. 266, viii. 404; hafa lykil á sér, on one’s person, 655 xxvii. 22; möttull á tyglum, a mantle hanging on (i. e. fastened by) laces, Fms. vii. 201: á þingi means to be present at a meeting; í þingi, to abide within a jurisdiction; á himni, á jörðu, on (Engl. in) heaven and earth, e. g. in the Lord’s Prayer, but í helviti, in hell; á Gimli, Edda (of a heavenly abode); á báti, á skipi denote crew and cargo, ‘í’ the timber or materials of which a ship is built, Eg. 385; vera í stafni á skipi, 177: á skógi, to be abroad in a wood (of a hunter, robber, deer); but to be situated (a house), at work (to fell timber), í skógi, 573, Fs. 5, Fms. iii. 122, viii. 31, xi. 1, Glúm. 330, Landn. 173; á mörkinni, Fms. i. 8, but í mörk, of a farm; á firðinum means lying in a firth, of ships or islands (on the surface of the water), þær eyjar liggja á Breiðafirði, Ld. 36; but í firði, living in a district named Firth; á landi, Nj. 98, Fms. xi. 386.
    II. á is commonly used in connection with the pr. names or countries terminating in ‘land,’ Engl. in, á Englandi, Írlandi, Skotlandi, Bretlandi, Saxlandi, Vindlandi, Vínlandi, Grænalandi, Íslandi, Hálogalandi, Rogalandi, Jótlandi, Frakklandi, Hjaltlandi, Jamtalandi, Hvítramannalandi, Norðrlöndum, etc., vide Landn. and the index to Fms. xii. In old writers í is here very rare, in modern authors more frequent; taste and the context in many instances decide. An Icelander would now say, speaking of the queen or king, ‘á Englandi,’ ruling over, but to live ‘í Englandi,’ or ‘á Englandi;’ the rule in the last case not being quite fixed.
    2. in connection with other names of countries: á Mæri, Vörs, Ögðum, Fjölum, all districts of Norway, v. Landn.; á Mýrum (in Icel.), á Finnmörk, Landn., á Fjóni (a Danish island); but í Danmörk, Svíþjóð (á Svíþjóðu is poët., Gs. 13).
    3. before Icel. farms denoting open and elevated slopes and spaces (not too high, because then ‘at’ must be used), such as ‘staðr, völlr, ból, hjalli, bakki, heimr, eyri,’ etc.; á Veggjum, Landn. 69; á Hólmlátri, id.: those ending in ‘-staðr,’ á Geirmundarstöðum, Þórisstöðum, Jarðlangsstöðum…, Landn.: ‘-völlr,’ á Möðruvöllum: á Fitjum (the farm) í Storð (the island), í Fenhring (the island) á Aski (the farm), Landn., Eg.: ‘-nes’ sometimes takes á, sometimes í (in mod. usage always ‘í’), á Nesi, Eb. 14, or í Krossnesi, 30; in the last case the notion of island, νησος, prevails: so also, ‘fjörðr,’ as, þeir börðust á Vigrafirði (of a fight o n the ice), Landn. 101, but orusta í Hafrsfirði, 122: with ‘-bær,’ á is used in the sense of a farm or estate, hón sa á e-m bæ mikit hús ok fagrt, Edda 22; ‘í bæ’ means within doors, of the buildings: with ‘Bær’ as pr. name Landn. uses ‘í,’ 71, 160, 257, 309, 332.
    4. denoting on or just above; of the sun, when the time is fixed by regarding the sun in connection with points in the horizon, a standing phrase in Icel.; sól á gjáhamri, when the sun is on the crag of the Rift, Grág. i. 26, cp. Glúm. 387; so, brú á á, a bridge on a river, Fms. viii. 179, Hrafn. 20; taka hús á e-m, to surprise one, to take the house over his head, Fms. i. 11.
    III. á is sometimes used in old writers where we should now expect an acc., esp. in the phrase, leggja sverði (or the like) á e-m, or á e-m miðjum, to stab, Eg. 216, Gísl. 106, Band. 14; þá stakk Starkaðr sprotanum á konungi, then Starkad stabbed the king with the wand, Fas. iii. 34; bíta á kampi (vör), to bite the lips, as a token of pain or emotion, Nj. 209, 68; taka á e-u, to touch a thing, lay hold of it, v. taka; fá á e-u, id. (poët.); leggja hendr á (better at) síðum, in wrestling, Fms. x. 331; koma á úvart á e-m, to come on one unawares, ix. 407 (rare).
    B. TEMP. of a particular point or period of time, at, on, in:
    I. gener. denoting during, in the course of; á nótt, degi, nætrþeli …, Bs. i. 139; or spec. adding a pron. or an adject., á næsta sumri, the next summer; á því ári, þingi, misseri, hausti, vári, sumri …, during, in that year …, Bs. i. 679, etc.; á þrem sumrum, in the course of three summers, Grág. i. 218; á þrem várum, Fms. ii. 114; á hálfs mánaðar fresti, within half a month’s delay, Nj. 99; á tvítugs, sextugs … aldri, á barns, gamals aldri, etc., at the age of …, v. aldr: á dögum e-s, in the days of, in his reign or time, Landn. 24, Hrafn. 3, Fms. ix. 229.
    II. used of a fixed recurrent period or season; á várum, sumrum, haustum, vetrum, á kveldum, every spring, summer …, in the evenings, Eg. 711, Fms. i. 23, 25, vi. 394, Landn. 292: with the numeral adverbs, cp. Lat. ter in anno, um sinn á mánuði, ári, once a month, once a year, where the Engl. a is not the article but the preposition, Grág. i. 89.
    III. of duration; á degi, during a whole day, Fms. v. 48; á sjau nóttum, Bárð. 166; á því meli, during that time, in the meantime, Grág. i. 259.
    IV. connected with the seasons (á vetri, sumri, vári, hausti), ‘á’ denotes the next preceding season, the last winter, summer, autumn, Eb. 40, 238, Ld. 206: in such instances ‘á’ denotes the past, ‘at’ the future, ‘í’ the present; thus í vetri in old writers means this winter; á vetri, last winter; at vetri, next winter, Eb. 68 (in a verse), etc.
    C. In various other relations, more or less metaphorically, on, upon, in, to, with, towards, against:
    I. denoting object, in respect of, against, almost periphrastically; dvelja á náðum e-s, under one’s protection, Fms. i. 74; hafa metnað á e-u, to be proud of, to take pride in a thing, 127.
    2. denoting a personal relation, in; bæta e-t á e-m, to make amends, i. e. to one personally; misgöra e-t á e-m, to inflict wrong on one; hafa elsku (hatr) á e-m, to bear love ( hatred) to one, Fms. ix. 242; hefna sín á e-m, to take revenge on one’s person, on anyone; rjúfa sætt á e-m, to break truce on the person of any one, to offend against his person, Nj. 103; hafa sár á sér, 101; sjá á e-m, to read on or in one’s face; sér hann á hverjum manni hvárt til þín er vel eðr illa, 106; var þat brátt auðséð á hennar högum, at …, it could soon be seen in all her doings, that …, Ld. 22.
    3. also generally to shew signs of a thing; sýna fáleika á sér, to shew marks of displeasure, Nj. 14, Fs. 14; taka vel, illa, lítt, á e-u, to take a thing well, ill, or indifferently, id.; finna á sér, to feel in oneself; fann lítt á honum, hvárt …, it could hardly be seen in his face, whether …, Eb. 42; líkindi eru á, it is likely, Ld. 172; göra kost á e-u, to give a choice, chance of it, 178; eiga vald á e-u, to have power over …, Nj. 10.
    II. denoting encumbrance, duty, liability; er fimtardómsmál á þeim, to be subject to …, Nj. 231; the phrase, hafa e-t á hendi, or vera á hendi e-m, on one’s hands, of work or duty to be done; eindagi á fé, term, pay day, Grág. i. 140; ómagi (skylda, afvinna) á fé, of a burden or encumbrance, D. I. and Grág. in several passages.
    III. with a personal pronoun, sér, mér, honum …, denoting personal appearance, temper, character, look, or the like; vera þungr, léttr … á sér, to be heavy or light, either bodily or mentally; þungr á sér, corpulent, Sturl. i. 112; kátr ok léttr á sér, of a gay and light temper, Fms. x. 152; þat bragð hafði hann á sér, he looked as if, … the expression of his face was as though …, Ld., cp. the mod. phrase, hafa á sér svip, bragð, æði, sið, of one’s manner or personal appearance, to bear oneself as, or the like; skjótr (seinn) á fæti, speedy ( slow) of foot, Nj. 258.
    IV. as a periphrasis of the possessive pronoun connected with the limbs or parts of the body. In common Icel. such phrases as my hands, eyes, head … are hardly ever used, but höfuð, eyru, hár, nef, munnr, hendr, fætr … á mér; so ‘í’ is used of the internal parts, e. g. hjarta, bein … í mér; the eyes are regarded as inside the body, augun í honum: also without the possessive pronoun, or as a periphrasis for a genitive, brjóstið á e-m, one’s breast, Nj. 95, Edda 15; súrnar í augum, it smarts in my eyes, my eyes smart, Nj. 202; kviðinn á sér, its belly, 655 xxx. 5, Fms. vi. 350; hendr á henni, her hands, Gísl. (in a verse); í vörunum á honum, on his lips, Band. 14; ristin á honum, his step, Fms. viii. 141; harðr í tungu, sharp of tongue, Hallfred (Fs. 114); kalt (heitt) á fingrum, höndum, fótum …, cold ( warm) in the fingers, hands, feet …, i. e. with cold fingers, etc.; cp. also the phrase, verða vísa (orð) á munni, of extemporising verses or speeches, freq. in the Sagas; fastr á fótum, fast by the leg, of a bondsman, Nj. 27: of the whole body, díla fundu þeir á honum, 209. The pers. pron. is used only in solemn style (poetry, hymns, the Bible), and perhaps only when influenced by foreign languages, e. g. mitt hjarta hví svo hryggist þú, as a translation of ‘warumb betrübst du dich mein Herz?’ the famous hymn by Hans Sachs; instead of the popular hjartað í mér, Sl. 43, 44: hjartað mitt is only used as a term of endearment, as by a husband to his wife, parents to their child, or the like, in a metaphorical sense; the heart proper is ‘í mér,’ not ‘mitt.’
    2. of other things, and as a periphrasis of a genitive, of a part belonging to the whole, e. g. dyrr á husi = húsdyrr, at the house-doors; turn á kirkju = kirkju turn; stafn, skutr, segl, árar … á skipi, the stem, stern, sail … of a ship, Fms. ix. 135; blöð á lauk, á tré …, leaves of a leek, of a tree …, Fas. i. 469; egg á sverði = sverðs egg; stafr á bók; kjölr á bók, and in endless other instances.
    V. denoting instrumentality, by, on, or a-, by means of; afla fjár á hólmgöngum, to make money a-duelling, by means of duels, Eg. 498; á verkum sínum, to subsist on one’s own work, Njarð. 366: as a law term, sekjast á e-ju, to be convicted upon …, Grág. i. 123; sekst maðr þar á sínu eigini ( a man is guilty in re sua), ef hann tekr af þeim manni er heimild ( possessio) hefir til, ii. 191; falla á verkum sínum, to be killed flagranti delicto, v. above; fella e-n á bragði, by a sleight in wrestling; komast undan á flótta, to escape by flight, Eg. 11; á hlaupi, by one’s feet, by speed, Hkr. ii. 168; lifa á e-u, to feed on; bergja á e-u, to taste of a thing; svala sér á e-u, to quench the thirst on.
    VI. with subst. numerals; á þriðja tigi manna, up to thirty, i. e. from about twenty to thirty, Ld. 194; á öðru hundraði skipa, from one to two hundred sail strong, Fms. x. 126; á níunda tigi, between eighty and ninety years of age, Eg. 764, v. above: used as prep., á hendi, on one’s hand, i. e. bound to do it, v. hönd.
    VII. in more or less adverbial phrases it may often be translated in Engl. by a participle and a- prefixed; á lopti, aloft; á floti, afloat; á lífi, alive; á verðgangi, a-begging; á brautu, away; á baki, a-back, behind, past; á milli, a-tween; á laun, alone, secretly; á launungu, id.; á móti, against; á enda, at an end, gone; á huldu, hidden; fara á hæli, to go a-heel, i. e. backwards, Fms. vii. 70;—but in many cases these phrases are transl. by the Engl. partic. with a, which is then perh. a mere prefix, not a prep., á flugi, a-flying in the air, Nj. 79; vera á gangi, a-going; á ferli, to be about; á leiki, a-playing, Fms. i. 78; á sundi, a-swimming, ii. 27; á verði, a-watching, x. 201; á hrakningi, a-wandering; á reiki, a-wavering; á skjálfi, a-shivering; á-hleri, a-listening; á tali, a-talking, Ísl. ii. 200; á hlaupi, a-running, Hkr. ii. 268; á verki, a-working; á veiðum, a-hunting; á fiski, a-fishing; á beit, grazing: and as a law term it even means in flagranti, N. G. L. i. 348.
    VIII. used absolutely without a case in reference to the air or the weather, where ‘á’ is almost redundant; þoka var á mikil, a thick fog came on, Nj. 267; niðamyrkr var á, pitch darkness came on, Eg. 210; allhvast á norðan, a very strong breeze from the north, Fms. ix. 20; þá var á norðrænt, a north wind came on, 42, Ld. 56; hvaðan sem á er, from whatever point the wind is; var á hríð veðrs, a snow storm came on, Nj. 282; görði á regn, rain came on, Fms. vi. 394, xi. 35, Ld. 156.
    WITH ACC.
    A. Loc.
    I. denoting simple direction towards, esp. connected with verbs of motion, going, or the like; hann gékk á bergsnös, Eg. 389; á hamar, Fas. ii. 517.
    2. in phrases denoting direction; liggja á útborða, lying on the outside of the ship, Eg. 354; á annat borð skipinu, Fms. vii. 260; á bæði borð, on both sides of the ship, Nj. 124, Ld. 56; á tvær hliðar, on both sides, Fms. v. 73. Ísl. ii. 159; á hlið, sidewards; út á hlið, Nj. 262, Edda 44; á aðra hönd henni, Nj. 50, Ld. 46; höggva á tvær hendr, to hew or strike right and left, Ísl. ii. 368, Fas. i. 384, Fms. viii. 363, x. 383.
    3. upp á, upon; hann tók augu Þjaza ok kastaði upp á himin, Edda 47: with verbs denoting to look, see, horfa, sjá, líta, etc.; hann rak skygnur á land, he cast glances towards the land, Ld. 154.
    II. denoting direction with or without the idea of arriving:
    1. with verbs denoting to aim at; of a blow or thrust, stefna á fótinn, Nj. 84; spjótið stefnir á hann miðjan, 205: of the wind, gékk veðrit á vestr, the wind veered to west, Fms. ix. 28; sigla á haf, to stand out to sea, Hkr. i. 146, Fms. i. 39: with ‘út’ added, Eg. 390, Fms. x. 349.
    2. conveying the notion of arriving, or the intervening space being traversed; spjótið kom á miðjan skjöldinn, Eg. 379, Nj. 96, 97; langt upp á land, far up inland, Hkr. i. 146: to reach, taka ofan á belti, of the long locks of a woman, to reach down to the belt, Nj. 2; ofan á bringu, 48; á þa ofan, 91.
    III. without reference to the space traversed, connected with verbs denoting to go, turn, come, ride, sail, throw, or the like, motion of every kind; hann kastar honum á völlinn, he flings him down, Nj. 91; hlaupa á skip sitt, to leap on board his ship, 43; á hest, to mount quickly, Edda 75; á lend hestinum, Nj. 91; hann gengr á sáðland sitt, he walks on to his fields, 82: on, upon, komast á fætr, to get upon one’s legs, 92; ganga á land, to go a-shore, Fms. i. 40; ganga á þing, vii. 242, Grág. (often); á skóg, á merkr ok skóga, into a wood, Fb. i. 134, 257, Fms. xi. 118, Eg. 577, Nj. 130; fara á Finnmörk, to go travelling in Finmark, Fms. i. 8; koma, fara á bæ, to arrive at the farm-house; koma á veginn, Eg. 578; stíga á bát, skip, to go on board, 158; hann gékk upp á borg, he went up to the burg (castle), 717; en er þeir komu á loptriðið, 236; hrinda skipum á vatn, to float the ships down into the water, Fms. i. 58; reka austr á haf, to drift eastwards on the sea, x. 145; ríða ofan á, to ride down or over, Nj. 82.
    IV. in some cases the acc. is used where the dat. would be used, esp. with verbs denoting to see or hear, in such phrases as, þeir sá boða mikinn inn á fjörðinn, they saw great breakers away up in the bight of the firth, the acc. being due perhaps to a motion or direction of the eye or ear towards the object, Nj. 124; sá þeir fólkit á land, they saw the people in the direction of land, Fas. ii. 517: in phrases denoting to be placed, to sit, to be seated, the seat or bench is freq. in the acc. where the dat. would now be used; konungr var þar á land upp, the king was then up the country, the spectator or narrator is conceived as looking from the shore or sea-side, Nj. 46; sitja á miðjan bekk, to be seated on the middle bench, 50; skyldi konungs sæti vera á þann bekk … annat öndvegi var á hinn úæðra pall; hann setti konungs hásæti á miðjan þverpall, Fms. vi. 439, 440, cp. Fagrsk. l. c., Sturl. iii. 182; eru víða fjallbygðir upp á mörkina, in the mark or forest, Eg. 58; var þar mörk mikil á land upp, 229; mannsafnaðr er á land upp (viewed from the sea), Ld. 76; stóll var settr á mótið, Fas. i. 58; beiða fars á skip, to beg a passage, Grág. i. 90.
    V. denoting parts of the body; bíta e-n á barka, to bite one in the throat, Ísl. ii. 447; skera á háls, to cut the throat of any one, Nj. 156; brjóta e-n á háls, to break any one’s neck; brjóta e-n á bak, to break any one’s back, Fms. vii. 119; kalinn á kné, frozen to the knees with cold, Hm. 3.
    VI. denoting round; láta reipi á háls hesti, round his horse’s neck, 623. 33; leggja söðul á hest, Nj. 83; and ellipt., leggja á, to saddle; breiða feld á hofuð sér, to wrap a cloak over his head, 164; reyta á sik mosa, to gather moss to cover oneself with, 267; spenna hring á hönd, á fingr, Eg. 300.
    VII. denoting a burden; stela mat á tvá hesta, hey á fimtán hesta, i. e. a two, a fifteen horse load, Nj. 74: metaph., kjósa feigð á menn, to choose death upon them, i. e. doom them to death, Edda 22.
    B. TEMP.
    I. of a period of time, at, to; á morgun, to-morrow (í morgun now means the past morning, the morning of to-day), Ísl. ii. 333.
    II. if connected with the word day, ‘á’ is now used before a fixed or marked day, a day of the week, a feast day, or the like; á Laugardag, á Sunnudag …, on Saturday, Sunday, the Old Engl. a-Sunday, a-Monday, etc.; á Jóladaginn, Páskadaginn, on Yule and Easter-day; but in old writers more often used ellipt. Sunnudaginn, Jóladaginn …, by dropping the prep. ‘á,’ Fms. viii. 397, Grág. i. 18.
    III. connected with ‘dagr’ with the definite article suffixed, ‘á’ denotes a fixed, recurring period or season, in; á daginn, during the day-time, every day in turn, Grett. 91 A.
    IV. connected with ‘evening, morning, the seasons,’ with the article; á kveldit, every evening, Ld. 14; á sumarit, every summer, Vd. 128, where the new Ed. Fs. 51 reads sumrum; á haust, every autumn, Eg. 741 (perh. a misprint instead of á haustin or á haustum); á vetrinn, in the winter time, 710; á várit, every spring, Gþl. 347; the sing., however, is very rare in such cases, the old as well as mod. usage prefers the plur.; á nætrnar, by night, Nj. 210; á várin, Eg. 710; á sumrin, haustin, á morgnana, in the morning (á morgin, sing., means to-morrow); á kveldin, in the evening, only ‘dagr’ is used in sing., v. above (á daginn, not á dagana); but elliptically and by dropping the article, Icelanders say, kveld og morgna, nótt og dag, vetr sumar vor og haust, in the same sense as those above mentioned.
    V. denoting duration, the article is dropped in the negative phrase, aldri á sinn dag, never during one’s life; aldri á mína daga, never in my life, Bjarn. 8, where a possess. pron. is put between noun and prep., but this phrase is very rare. Such phrases as, á þann dag, that day, and á þenna dag, Stj. 12, 655 xxx. 2. 20, are unclassical.
    VI. á dag without article can only be used in a distributive sense, e. g. tvisvar á dag, twice a-day; this use is at present freq. in Icel., yet instances from old writers are not on record.
    VII. denoting a movement onward in time, such as, liðið á nótt, dag, kveld, morgun, sumar, vetr, vár, haust (or nóttina, daginn …), jól, páska, föstu, or the like, far on in the night, day …, Edda 33; er á leið vetrinn, when the winter was well on, as the winter wore on, Nj. 126; cp. áliðinn: also in the phrase, hniginn á inn efra aldr, well stricken in years, Ld. 68.
    C. Metaph. and in various relations:
    I. somewhat metaphorically, denoting an act only (not the place); fara á fund, á vit e-s, to call for one, Eg. 140; koma á ræðu við e-n, to come to a parley with, to speak, 173; ganga á tal, Nj. 103; skora á hólm, to challenge to a duel on an island; koma á grið, to enter into a service, to be domiciled, Grág. i. 151; fara á veiðar, to go a-hunting, Fms. i. 8.
    β. generally denoting on, upon, in, to; bjóða vöxtu á féit, to offer interest on the money, Grág. i. 198; ganga á berhögg, to come to blows, v. berhögg; fá á e-n, to make an impression upon one, Nj. 79; ganga á vápn e-s, to throw oneself on an enemy’s weapon, meet him face to face, Rd. 310; ganga á lagið, to press on up the spear-shaft after it has passed through one so as to get near one’s foe, i. e. to avail oneself of the last chance; bera fé á e-n, to bribe, Nj. 62; bera öl á e-n, to make drunk, Fas. i. 13; snúinn á e-t, inclined to, Fms. x. 142; sammælast á e-t, to agree upon, Nj. 86; sættast, verða sáttr á e-t, in the same sense, to come to an agreement, settlement, or atonement, 78, Edda 15, Eb. 288, Ld. 50, Fms. i. 279; ganga á mála, to serve for pay as a soldier, Nj. 121; ganga á vald e-s, to put oneself in his power, 267; ganga á sætt, to break an agreement; vega á veittar trygðir, to break truce, Grág. ii. 169.
    II. denoting in regard to, in respect to:
    1. of colour, complexion, the hue of the hair, or the like; hvítr, jarpr, dökkr … á hár, having white, brown, or dark … hair, Ísl. ii. 190, Nj. 39; svartr á brún ok brá, dark of brow and eyebrow; dökkr á hörund, id., etc.
    2. denoting skill, dexterity; hagr á tré, a good carpenter; hagr á járn, málm, smíðar …, an expert worker in iron, metals …, Eg. 4; fimr á boga, good at the bow: also used of mastership in science or arts, meistari á hörpuslátt, a master in striking the harp, Fas. iii. 220; fræðimaðr á kvæði, knowing many poems by heart, Fms. vi. 391; fræðimaðr á landnámssögur ok forna fræði, a learned scholar in histories and antiquities (of Are Frode), Ísl. ii. 189; mikill á íþrótt, skilful in an art, Edda (pref.) 148; but dat. in the phrase, kunna (vel) á skíðum, to be a cunning skater, Fms. i. 9, vii. 120.
    3. denoting dimensions; á hæð, lengd, breidd, dýpt …, in the heighth, length, breadth, depth …, Eg. 277; á hvern veg, on each side, Edda 41 (square miles); á annan veg, on the one side, Grág. i. 89.
    β. the phrase, á sik, in regard to oneself, vel (illa) á sik kominn, of a fine ( ugly) appearance, Ld. 100, Fas. iii. 74.
    III. denoting instrumentality; bjargast á sínar hendr, to live on the work of one’s own hands, (á sínar spýtur is a mod. phrase in the same sense); (vega) á skálir, pundara, to weigh in scales, Grág. ii. 370; at hann hefði tvá pundara, ok hefði á hinn meira keypt en á hinn minna selt, of a man using two scales, a big one for buying and a little one for selling, Sturl. i. 91; á sinn kostnað, at one’s own expense; nefna e-n á nafn, by name, Grág. i. 17, etc. The Icel. also say, spinna á rokk, snældu, to spin on or with a rock or distaff; mala á kvern, to grind in a ‘querne,’ where Edda 73 uses dat.; esp. of musical instruments, syngja, leika á hljóðfæri, hörpu, gígju …; in the old usage, leika hörpu …, Stj. 458.
    IV. denoting the manner or way of doing:
    1. á þessa lund, in this wise, Grág. ii. 22; á marga vega, á alla, ymsa vega, in many, all, respects, Fms. i. 114; á sitt hóf, in its turn, respectively, Ld. 136, where the context shews that the expression answers to the Lat. mutatis mutandis; á Þýðersku, after German fashion, Sks. 288.
    2. esp. of language; mæla, rita á e-a tungu, to speak, write in a tongue; á Írsku, in Irish, Ld. 76; Norrænu, in Norse, Eb. 330, Vm. 35; a Danska tungu, in Danish, i. e. Scandinavian, Norse, or Icelandic, Grág. i. 18; á Vára tungu, i. e. in Icelandic, 181; rita á Norræna tungu, to write in Norse, Hkr. (pref.), Bs. i. 59:—at present, dat. is sometimes used.
    3. in some phrases the acc. is used instead of the dat.; hann sýndi á sik mikit gaman, Fms. x. 329; hann lét ekki á sik finna, he shewed no sign of motion, Nj. 111; skaltú önga fáleika á þik gera (Cod. Kalf.), 14.
    V. used in a distributive sense; skal mörk kaupa gæzlu á kú, eðr oxa fim vetra gamlan, a mark for every cow, Grág. i. 147; alin á hvert hross, 442; á mann, per man (now freq.): cp. also á dag above, lit. B.
    VI. connected with nouns,
    1. prepositional; á hendr (with dat.), against; á hæla, at heel, close behind; á bak, at back, i. e. past, after; á vit (with gen.), towards.
    2. adverbially; á braut, away, abroad; á víxl, in turns; á mis, amiss; á víð ok dreif, a-wide and a-drift, i. e. dispersedly.
    3. used almost redundantly before the following prep.; á eptir, after, behind; á undan, in front of; á meðal, á milli, among; á mót, against; á við, about, alike; á frá (cp. Swed. ifrån), from (rare); á fyrir = fyrir, Haustl. 1; á hjá, beside (rare); á fram, a-head, forwards; á samt, together; ávalt = of allt, always: following a prep., upp á, upon; niðr á, down upon; ofan á, eptir á, post eventum, (temp.) á eptir is loc., id., etc.
    VII. connected with many transitive verbs, answering to the Lat. ad- or in-, in composition, in many cases periphrastically for an objective case. The prep. generally follows after the verb, instead of being prefixed to it as in Lat., and answers to the Engl. on, to; heita kalla, hrópa á, to call on; heyra, hlusta, hlyða á, to hearken to, listen to; hyggja, hugsa á, to think on; minna á, to remind; sjá, líta, horfa, stara, mæna, glápa, koma auga … á, to look on; girnast á, to wish for; trúa á, to believe on; skora á, to call on any one to come out, challenge; kæra á, to accuse; heilsa á, to greet; herja, ganga, ríða, hlaupa, ráða … á, to fall on, attack, cp. ágangr, áreið, áhlaup; ljúga á, to tell lies of, to slander; telja á, to carp at; ausa, tala, hella, kasta, verpa … á, to pour, throw on; ríða, bera, dreifa á, to sprinkle on; vanta, skorta á, to fall short of; ala á, to plead, beg; leggja á, to throw a spell on, lay a saddle on; hætta á, to venture on; gizka á, to guess at; kveða á, to fix on, etc.: in a reciprocal sense, haldast á, of mutual strife; sendast á, to exchange presents; skrifast á, to correspond (mod.); kallast á, to shout mutually; standast á, to coincide, so as to be just opposite one another, etc.
    2.
    f. [Lat. aqua; Goth. ahva; Hel. aha; A. S. eâ; O. H. G. aha, owa; cp. Germ. ach and aue; Fr. eau, eaux; Engl. Ax-, Ex-, etc., in names of places; Swed.-Dan. å; the Scandinavians absorb the hu, so that only a single vowel or diphthong remains of the whole word]:—a river. The old form in nom. dat. acc. sing. is , v. the introduction to A, page 1, Bs. i. 333 sq., where ́n, ́ (acc.), and ́na; so also Greg. 677; the old fragm. of Grág. ii. 222, 223, new Ed. In the Kb. of the Edda the old form occurs twice, viz. page 75, ́na (acc.), (but two lines below, ána), í ́nni (dat.) The old form also repeatedly occurs in the Kb. and Sb. of the Grág., e. g. ii. 266, 267: gen. sing. ár; nom. pl. ár, gen. á contracted, dat. ám, obsolete form ́m; Edda 43, Eg. 80, 99, 133, 185: proverbs, at ósi skal á stemma, answering to the Lat. principiis obsta, Edda 60; hér kemr á til sæfar, here the river runs into the sea, metaph. = this is the very end, seems to have been a favourite ending of old poems; it is recorded in the Húsdrápa and the Norðsetadrápa, v. Edda 96, Skálda 198; cp. the common saying, oil vötn renna til sævar, ‘all waters run into the sea.’ Rivers with glacier water are in Icel. called Hvítá, White river, or Jökulsá: Hitá, Hot river, from a hot spring, opp. to Kaldá, v. Landn.: others take a name from the fish in them, as Laxá, Lax or Salmon river (freq.); Örriða á, etc.: a tributary river is þverá, etc.: ár in the Njála often means the great rivers Ölfusá and Þjórsá in the south of Iceland. Áin helga, a river in Sweden, Hkr. ii: á is also suffixed to the names of foreign rivers, Tempsá = Thames; Dóná, Danube (Germ. Don-au), (mod.), etc. Vide Edda (Gl.) 116, 117, containing the names of over a hundred North-English and Scottish rivers.
    COMPDS: áráll, árbakki, árbrot, ardjúp, árfarvegr, árfors, árgljúfr, árhlutr, ármegin, árminni, ármót, áróss, árreki, árstraumr, árströnd, árvað, árvegr, árvöxtr.

    Íslensk-ensk orðabók > Á

  • 5 el

    art.
    el coche the car
    la casa the house
    los niños the children
    el agua/hacha/águila the water/ax/eagle
    fui a recoger a los niños I went to pick up the children
    * * *
    el
    1 the
    la Sra. Rodríguez Mrs. Rodríguez
    2 el de the one
    3 el que (persona - sujeto) the one who; (- objeto) the one, the one that, the one whom
    4 (cosa) the one, the one that, the one which
    * * *
    1. pron. 2. art.
    * * *
    el; la; los; las
    ART DEF
    1) [con nombres de referente único o concreto] the

    ¿está fría el agua? — is the water cold?

    ¿ha llegado ya el abogado? — has the lawyer arrived yet?

    el tío ese* that chap

    2) [en algunos casos no se traduce]
    a) [con nombres propios]

    ¿qué manda la señora? — what would madam like?

    ha llamado el Sr. Sendra — Mr. Sendra called

    dáselo a la Luisa* give it to Luisa

    b) [con nombres en sentido genérico]
    c) [con infinitivo]

    el hacerlo fue un error — doing it was a mistake, it was a mistake to do it

    d) [con cifras, proporciones]

    ahora gano el 3% más — I now earn 3% more

    3) [traducido por el posesivo]
    4) [con expresiones temporales]
    5) (=uso distributivo)
    6) [en exclamaciones]

    ¡el frío que hacía! — it was freezing!

    7) [posesivo]

    el de, mi libro y el de usted — my book and yours

    el del sombrero rojothe one with o in the red hat

    es un traje bonito, pero prefiero el de Ana — it's a nice suit, but I prefer Ana's

    y el de todos los demás — and that of everybody else, and everybody else's

    8)

    el que

    a) + indic

    él es el que quiere — it's he who wants to, he's the one who wants to

    los que hacen eso son tontos — anyone who does that is a fool, those who do so are foolish

    b) + subjun whoever

    el que quiera, que lo haga — whoever wants to can do it

    * * *
    (pl los), la (pl las) articulo
    [the masculine article el is also used before feminine nouns which begin with accented a or ha, e.g. el agua pura, el hada madrina]
    1)

    ¿ya vas a la escuela? — do you go to school yet?

    el mío/las tuyas — mine/yours

    el rojo/último — the red/last one

    los nacidos entre... — those born between...

    2)
    a)

    el + de...: la del sombrero the one with the hat; el de Valencia the one from Valencia; el de las nueve the nine o'clock one; el de Juan/de mi hijo — Juan's/my son's

    b)

    el + que...: el que acaba de entrar the one who's just come in; las que yo ví the ones I saw; los que estén cansados; those who are tired, anyone who's tired; la que te guste whichever you like; el que lo haya hecho — whoever has done it

    el mes pasado/que viene — last/next month

    4) ( cada)

    $80 el metro/kilo — $80 a meter/a kilo

    5) (con fracciones, porcentajes, números)

    la mitad/la cuarta parte del dinero — half the money/a quarter of the money

    el 20% de... — 20% of...

    el cuarto pisothe fifth floor (AmE) o (BrE) fourth floor

    6) (refiriéndose a partes del cuerpo, prendas de vestir, artículos personales, etc)
    a) (con apellidos acompañados de título, adjetivos, etc)

    el señor Ortiz/la doctora Vidal — Mr Ortiz/Doctor Vidal

    b) ( en plural)
    * * *
    (pl los), la (pl las) articulo
    [the masculine article el is also used before feminine nouns which begin with accented a or ha, e.g. el agua pura, el hada madrina]
    1)

    ¿ya vas a la escuela? — do you go to school yet?

    el mío/las tuyas — mine/yours

    el rojo/último — the red/last one

    los nacidos entre... — those born between...

    2)
    a)

    el + de...: la del sombrero the one with the hat; el de Valencia the one from Valencia; el de las nueve the nine o'clock one; el de Juan/de mi hijo — Juan's/my son's

    b)

    el + que...: el que acaba de entrar the one who's just come in; las que yo ví the ones I saw; los que estén cansados; those who are tired, anyone who's tired; la que te guste whichever you like; el que lo haya hecho — whoever has done it

    el mes pasado/que viene — last/next month

    4) ( cada)

    $80 el metro/kilo — $80 a meter/a kilo

    5) (con fracciones, porcentajes, números)

    la mitad/la cuarta parte del dinero — half the money/a quarter of the money

    el 20% de... — 20% of...

    el cuarto pisothe fifth floor (AmE) o (BrE) fourth floor

    6) (refiriéndose a partes del cuerpo, prendas de vestir, artículos personales, etc)
    a) (con apellidos acompañados de título, adjetivos, etc)

    el señor Ortiz/la doctora Vidal — Mr Ortiz/Doctor Vidal

    b) ( en plural)
    * * *
    el2
    = the, ye.

    Ex: The first institute, 'The Catalog: Its Nature and Prospects,' was held in New York City on October 9 and 10, 1975.

    Ex: The article 'Ye olde smart card' presents an annotated list of information sources on the credit card industry.
    * a lo extremo = to the extreme.
    * aunque no lo creas = believe it or not.
    * barrio de los ricos = upper town.
    * de los mejores = as good as any.
    * el abuelo de = the granddaddy of.
    * el acabose = the last straw.
    * el alcance = comprehensiveness.
    * el amor de + Posesivo + vida = the love of + Posesivo + life.
    * el año próximo = the year ahead.
    * el arte de = the art of, the fine art of.
    * el ataque es la mejor defensa = attack is the best form of defence.
    * el auténtico = the real McCoy.
    * el beneficio de la duda = the benefit of the doubt.
    * el bien de = the good of.
    * el buenazo de + Nombre = good old + Nombre.
    * el bueno de + Nombre = good old + Nombre.
    * el camino a seguir = the way ahead, the way to go.
    * el camino correcto = the way ahead, the way to go.
    * el camino hacia + Nombre + está lleno de + Nombre = the road (to/towards) + Nombre + is paved with + Nombre.
    * el camino hacia + Nombre + está plagado de + Nombre = the road (to/towards) + Nombre + is paved with + Nombre.
    * el camino por recorrer = the way ahead.
    * el camino que lleva a = a/the doorway to.
    * el camino recorrido = the road travelled so far.
    * el camino se hace andando = actions speak louder than words.
    * el centro de atención + ser = all eyes + be + on.
    * el charco = the big pond.
    * el ciudadano de a pie = the average Joe.
    * el ciudadano medio = the average Joe.
    * el cliente siempre tiene la razón = the customer is always right.
    * el colmo = the last straw.
    * el consejo de otra persona = a second opinion.
    * el copón = the dog's bollocks, the bee's knees, the cat's meow, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's whiskers.
    * el corazón de = the heart of.
    * el crecimiento de = the rising tide of.
    * el cual = which.
    * el de = that in, that of.
    * el diablo está en los detalles = the devil (is/lives) in the details.
    * el día del Juicio Final = the Day of Judgement.
    * El Diluvio = the Flood.
    * el dinero es el origen de todos los males = money is the root of all evil.
    * el dinero es la fuente de todos los males = money is the root of all evil.
    * el dinero mueve al mundo = money makes the world go (a)round.
    * el dinero no crece en los árboles = money doesn't grow on trees.
    * el doble = twice + as many.
    * el doble de = twice + the number of.
    * El Dorado = El Dorado.
    * el enemigo en casa = the enemy within.
    * el entonces + Nombre = the then + Nombre.
    * el espíritu de la época = the spirit of the times.
    * el estado de las cosas = the lay of the land [the lie of the land, -UK].
    * el evitar = avoidance.
    * el éxito genera éxito = success breeds success (SBS).
    * el éxito llama al éxito = success breeds success (SBS).
    * el final de = the close of.
    * el final de los problemas = the light at the end of the tunnel.
    * el fin del mundo = the ends of the earth.
    * el fin de semana = over the weekend, at the weekend.
    * el fin de todos los fines = the end of all ends.
    * el fin justifica los medios = the end justifies the means.
    * el fruto de + Nombre = the fruit of + Nombre.
    * el futuro = the way ahead, the way of the future.
    * el futuro + estar + justo a la vuelta de la esquina = the future + be + just around the corner.
    * el Gato con Botas = Puss in Boots.
    * el grado de = the extent of.
    * el grado de + Nombre = the breadth and depth of + Nombre.
    * el grado en que = the extent to which.
    * el gran hermano = big brother.
    * el guapo de + Nombre = good old + Nombre.
    * el hecho es que = fact is, the fact is (that).
    * el hecho es que... = the fact of the matter is that....
    * el hombre de la calle = the average Joe.
    * el hombre no es una isla = no man is an island.
    * el hombre propone y Dios dispone = Man proposes, God disposes.
    * el impulsor de = the power behind.
    * el interés público = the public interest.
    * El Juicio Final = The Last Judgement.
    * el lastre de = the shackles of.
    * el llevar = carrying.
    * el lugar que le corresponde a = the due place of.
    * El Mago de Oz = The Wizard of Oz, The Wizard of Oz.
    * el más = all-time.
    * el más + Adjetivo = the most + Adjetivo.
    * el más allá = hereafter.
    * el más bajo = rock-bottom.
    * el más favorito del mes = pick of the month.
    * el más leído = the most widely read.
    * el más recomendado = best of breed, the.
    * el Mediterráneo = Mediterranean Sea, the, the Med.
    * el mejor = best of breed, the.
    * el mejor de todos = the cream of the crop, crème de la crème.
    * el mejor hasta ahora = the best yet.
    * el mejor modo de = the best way of.
    * el mejor momento de todos = the time of all times.
    * el mejor + Nombre = the best available + Nombre.
    * el mejor que ha hecho hasta ahora = Posesivo + best yet.
    * el mentir = lying.
    * el mes pasado = last month.
    * el mío = mine.
    * el mismo + Nombre (+ que) = every bit as much + Nombre (+ as).
    * el mismo número = as many.
    * el modo como = the way in which.
    * el modo de = the way in which.
    * el modo de + Infinitivo = the way to go about + Gerundio.
    * el momento preciso = the point in time at which.
    * el motor de = the power behind.
    * el movimiento se demuestra andando = actions speak louder than words.
    * el muerto al hoyo y el vivo al bollo = dead men have no friends.
    * el mundo de las noticias = newsmaking.
    * el mundo en la palma de la mano = the world in the palm of + Posesivo + hand.
    * el mundo está a sus pies = the world is + Posesivo + oyster.
    * el mundo es un pañuelo = it's a small world.
    * el + Nombre + correcto al + Nombre + adecuado en el momento oportuno = the right + Nombre + to the right + Nombre + at the right time.
    * el + Nombre + es inestimable = the + Nombre + cannot be overestimated.
    * el + Nombre + más completo = the + Nombre + to end all + Nombre.
    * el no va más = the be all and end all, the bee's knees, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's meow, the cat's whiskers, the dog's bollocks.
    * el nuevo aspecto de = the changing face of, the changing nature of.
    * el orgullo de = showpiece.
    * el otro lado de la barrera = the other side of the fence.
    * el padre de = the father of.
    * el pan nuestro de cada día = all in a day's work.
    * el paso del tiempo = the passage of time, the sands of time.
    * el peor de todos = the worst of the lot.
    * el perro es el mejor amigo del hombre = a dog is man's best friend.
    * el peso de = brunt of, the.
    * el populacho = the great unwashed.
    * el porqué de = the reason behind, the thinking behind, the reasoning behind, the idea behind.
    * el portavoz de = the voice of.
    * el presente = thisness.
    * el primer intento = the first time around.
    * el primer + Nombre = the earliest + Nombre.
    * el primero mencionado = former.
    * el principal = the number one.
    * el principio de = the dawn of.
    * el principio del fin = the beginning of the end.
    * el principio de + Mes/Estación = early + Mes/Estación.
    * el problema no es el qué, sino el cómo = the devil (is/lives) in the details.
    * el problema obvio = the elephant in the room.
    * el proletariado = the great unwashed.
    * el pulmón de = the heart of.
    * el punto más bajo = rock-bottom.
    * el que = that, the one.
    * el que aprende = learner.
    * el que las hace, las paga = you've made your bed, now you must lie in it!.
    * el que lo encuentre se lo queda = finders keepers.
    * el que mantiene a la familia = breadwinner [bread winner].
    * el que mucho abarca poco aprieta = jack of all trades, master of none.
    * el que no llora, no mama = the squeaky (squeaking) wheel gets the grease (the oil/oiled).
    * el que no se aventura no cruza el mar = nothing ventured, nothing gained.
    * el que pregunta = inquirer [enquirer, -UK].
    * el quid de la cuestión = the crux of the problem, the crux of the matter.
    * el registro de los registros = record-of-record.
    * el registro modelo = record-of-record.
    * el resto = rest, the.
    * el resto (de) = the remainder (of), the rest (of).
    * El Salvador = El Salvador.
    * el segundo mencionado = latter.
    * el sendero que lleva a = a/the doorway to.
    * el ser barato = cheapness.
    * el siguiente no, el otro = next but one.
    * el sitio adecuado en el momento adecuado = the right place at the right time.
    * el sueño de toda persona = the stuff dreams are made of.
    * el sueño de todos = the stuff dreams are made of.
    * el sueño de todo ser viviente = the stuff dreams are made of.
    * el súmmum = the bee's knees, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's meow, the cat's whiskers, the dog's bollocks.
    * el tamaño de = the extent of.
    * el tema de la discusión = the focus of the discussion.
    * el tema del debate = the focus of the discussion.
    * el tiempo de Algo = in season.
    * el tiempo es oro = time is money.
    * el tiempo lo dirá = only time will tell.
    * el tiempo vuela = time flies (by).
    * el tipo de = the range of.
    * el todo es más grande que la suma de sus partes = the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
    * el total de = the total sum of, the sum total of.
    * el transcurrir del tiempo = the sands of time.
    * el transcurso del tiempo = as time goes by.
    * el último citado = latter.
    * el último grito = the last word, the cat's meow, the bee's knees, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's whiskers, the dog's bollocks.
    * el último + Nombre = the latest + Nombre.
    * el último pero no el menos importante = the last but by no means least.
    * el único = the one and only.
    * el único e incomparable = the one and only.
    * el único e inimitable = the one and only.
    * el único problema = a fly in the soup, the fly in the ointment.
    * el verdadero = the real McCoy.
    * el verdadero problema = the elephant in the room.
    * el ver televisión = television viewing.
    * el viejo = the elder.
    * el vulgo = the great unwashed.
    * el yugo de = the shackles of.
    * espicharlas = kick + the bucket.
    * la = the, ye.
    * la alternativa + ser = the alternative + be.
    * la belleza es superficial = beauty is only skin deep.
    * La Biblioteca Responde = Ask the Library.
    * la Biblioteca y el Archivo de Canadá = Library and Archives Canada.
    * la buena noticia = the good news.
    * la calidad es nuestro lema = quality is our middle name.
    * la calma que precede a la tormenta = the lull before the storm.
    * la cambiante fisonomía de = the changing face of, the changing nature of.
    * la caridad empieza por uno mismo = charity begins at home.
    * la ciudadana de a pie = the average Jane.
    * la ciudadana media = the average Jane.
    * la ciudad que nunca duerme = the city that never sleeps.
    * la clave de = at the heart of.
    * la clave está en la letra pequeña = the devil (is/lives) in the details.
    * la comunidad en general = the community at large.
    * la Convención de la Haya de 1954 = the 1954 Hague Convention.
    * la copa del árbol = the top of the tree.
    * la cosa es que = the thing is.
    * la cosa principal = the number one thing.
    * la crème de la crème = the cream of the crop, crème de la crème.
    * la cruz de = the bane of.
    * la cuestión es que = the thing is.
    * la década de los + Número = the + Número + s.
    * la demanda de = a call for.
    * la diversidad de = the range of.
    * la diversidad de + Nombre = the many + Nombre.
    * la edad se lleva en el alma = you are as old as you feel.
    * la época de Algo = in season.
    * la escoria de la sociedad = the gutter.
    * la espalda de = the back of.
    * la evidencia = the writing on the wall.
    * la fe mueve montañas = faith will move mountains.
    * la filosofía de = the reason behind, the reasoning behind.
    * la flor de + Nombre = the prime of + Nombre.
    * la flor y nata = the cream of the crop, crème de la crème.
    * la forma correcta de hacer las cosas = the way to go.
    * la forma de = ways and means (of/for/to/in/by).
    * la forma de + Infinitivo = the way to go about + Gerundio.
    * la forma de ver las cosas = the way + to see things.
    * la fuerza de la mayoría = strength in numbers.
    * la gente decía que = rumour had it that.
    * la gente dice que = rumour has it that.
    * la gente se está inquietando = the natives are nervous.
    * la gente se está poniendo nerviosa = the natives are nervous.
    * la gente se puso de pie para aplaudir = standing ovation.
    * la gota que colmó el vaso = the straw that broke the camel's back.
    * la Gran Manzana = the Big Apple.
    * la gran mayoría de = the vast majority of, the bulk of.
    * la historia + repetirse = history + come full circle.
    * la historia + volverse a repetir = history + come full circle.
    * la hostia = the cat's pyjamas, the cat's pyjamas, the bee's knees, the cat's meow, the cat's whiskers, the dog's bollocks.
    * la hoz y el martillo = the hammer and sickle.
    * la idea que hay detrás de = the idea behind.
    * la imaginación no tiene límites = your imagination is the limit.
    * la imitación es la mejor forma de que lo halaguen a uno = imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
    * La Isla del Tesoro = Treasure Island.
    * la joya de = showpiece.
    * la judicatura = the Bench.
    * la justicia = the Bench.
    * la juventud no es cuestión de edad sino de espíritu = you are as old as you feel.
    * la leche = the dog's bollocks, the bee's knees, the cat's meow, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's whiskers.
    * la luz al final del túnel = the light at the end of the tunnel.
    * la magistratura = the Bench.
    * la manera de + Infinitivo = the way to go about + Gerundio.
    * la mano que mece la cuna es la mano que domina el mundo = the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
    * la mano que mece la cuna gobierna el mundo = the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
    * la mar de = a whole slew of.
    * la mayoría con mucho de = the vast majority of.
    * la mayoría de = the majority of, most + Nombre, the main bulk of.
    * la mayoría de la gente = most people, the majority of the people.
    * la mayoría de las personas = most people, the majority of the people.
    * la mayoría de las veces = most of the time, more often than not.
    * la mayoría del mundo = the majority of the world, most people, the majority of the people.
    * la mayoría del tiempo = most of the time.
    * la mayor parte de = the majority of, the main bulk of, the lion's share of.
    * la mayor parte de las veces = more often than not.
    * la medida en que = the extent to which.
    * la mejor forma de hacer Algo = best practices, lessons learned [lessons learnt].
    * la mejor manera = how best.
    * la mejor manera de = the best way of.
    * la mejor oferta = the best deal.
    * la mejor opción = the best bet.
    * la mejor salida = the best way forward.
    * la mejor solución = the best way forward.
    * la menor duda de que = no doubt whatsoever.
    * la mentira = lying.
    * la mirada en = eye(s) on.
    * la misma persona = one and the same person.
    * la mitad (1/2) = one-half (1/2).
    * la necesidad agudiza el ingenio = necessity mothers invention.
    * la ocasión la pintan calva = make + hay while the sun shines.
    * la opinión de otra persona = a second opinion.
    * la oportunidad de + Posesivo + vida = the opportunity of a lifetime.
    * la parte de atrás de = the back of.
    * la parte más dura de = brunt of, the.
    * la parte más importante = the heart of.
    * la parte principal de = the bulk of.
    * la parte superior izquierda de = the upper left of.
    * la parte trasera de = the back of.
    * la personificación de la confianza en uno mismo = confidence personified.
    * la pesadilla de = the bane of.
    * la pesca del día = the day's catch, the catch of the day.
    * la petición de = a call for.
    * la píldora = the pill.
    * la plebe = the great unwashed.
    * la polla = the dog's bollocks, the bee's knees, the cat's meow, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's whiskers.
    * la práctica hace al maestro = practice makes perfect.
    * la primera tentativa = the first time around.
    * la primera vez = the first time around.
    * la proporción mayor de = the lion's share of.
    * la próxima moda = the next hot thing.
    * la puntilla = the final/last nail in + Posesivo + coffin.
    * la que = that, the one.
    * la razón de ser = the reason for being.
    * la realidad es que = the fact remains that..., fact is, the fact is (that).
    * la rehostia = the dog's bollocks, the bee's knees, the cat's meow, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's whiskers.
    * la responsabilidad ahora recae en + Nombre = the ball is in + Posesivo + court.
    * la responsabilidad es de... = the buck + stops....
    * la riqueza de = the wealth of.
    * la ruina de = the bane of.
    * las = the, ye.
    * las 24 horas = round the clock, around the clock.
    * las apariencias engañan = don't judge a book by its cover, there's more to it than meets the eye.
    * las ataduras de = the shackles of.
    * las autoridades = the powers-that-be.
    * las cosas + cambiar = pendulum + swing.
    * las cosas + estar + claras = the (hand)writing + be + on the wall, see it + coming.
    * las cosas no pasan así como así = everything happens for a reason (and a purpose).
    * las cosas no pasan (así) porque sí = everything happens for a reason (and a purpose).
    * las cosas no son tan simples como parecen = there's more to it than meets the eye.
    * las cosas + seguir + igual = business + revolve + as usual.
    * las cosas siguen igual = business as usual.
    * las cosas sólo pasan una vez = lightning never strikes twice.
    * las cosas son más complicadas de lo que parecen = there's more to it than meets the eye.
    * las cosas tal y como son = the birds and the bees.
    * las cosas + volver + a su punto de partida = the wheel + turn + full circle.
    * las de = those for.
    * las doce del mediodía = noon.
    * la segunda mitad de + Fecha = the latter part of + Fecha.
    * la segunda opción = the next best choice.
    * la segunda vez = the second time around.
    * la semana pasada = last week.
    * la senda que lleva a = a/the doorway to.
    * la situación = the course of events.
    * la sociedad en general = society at large.
    * las posibilidades son infinitas = the possibilities are endless.
    * las profundidades del mar = the deep.
    * las profundidades del océano = the deep.
    * las pruebas = the writing on the wall.
    * las raíces se encuentran = roots + lie.
    * las raíces se remontan a = roots + lie.
    * las razones de = the reason behind, the thinking behind, the reasoning behind, the idea behind.
    * las Reglas de Cutter para un Catálogo Diccionario = Cutter's Rules for a Dictionary Catalog.
    * las triquiñuelas de la letra pequeña = the devil (is/lives) in the details.
    * la suerte + cambiar = the tide + turn.
    * la suerte estaba echada = the die was cast, the die had been cast.
    * la suerte está echada = the die is cast.
    * la suma total de = the total sum of, the sum total of.
    * las uvas están verdes = sour grapes.
    * las veinticuatro horas = day and night, day or night, night and day.
    * la temporada de Algo = in season.
    * la tierra de la abundancia = the land of plenty.
    * la tierra de las oportunidades = the land of opportunity.
    * la tira de = a whole slew of.
    * la tira de tiempo = donkey's years.
    * la triste realidad es que = the sad fact is (that).
    * la última palabra = the last word, the last word, the bee's knees, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's meow, the cat's whiskers, the dog's bollocks.
    * la última vez = last time.
    * la última vez que = the last time.
    * la única pega = the fly in the ointment, a fly in the soup.
    * la unión hace la fuerza = strength in numbers.
    * la ventaja de = the beauty of.
    * la ventaja es que = on the positive side, the advantage is that, on the bright side.
    * la verdad = the lowdown (on).
    * la verdad es que = if the truth be known, if the truth be told, the fact is (that), fact is.
    * la verdad es que... = the fact of the matter is that....
    * la verdad sea dicha = to tell the truth.
    * la verdad sea dicha que = if the truth be told.
    * la Vía Láctea = the Milky Way.
    * la vida continúa = the show must go on.
    * la vida + continuar = life + go on.
    * la vida es así = life's like that.
    * ¡la vida no es un camino de rosas! = the course of true love never did run smooth!.
    * la vida + seguir = life + go on.
    * la víspera de = on the eve of.
    * la voz de = the voice of.
    * la voz de la conciencia = the voice within.
    * la voz de la experiencia = the voice of experience.
    * la voz de la razón = the voice of reason.
    * la voz del odio = the voice of hate.
    * la voz interior = the voice within.
    * lo absurdo = ridiculousness.
    * lo adecuado = adequacy.
    * lo + Adjetivo + que sea/esté = how + Adjetivo.
    * lo anodino = blandness.
    * lo anteriormente expuesto = the preceding.
    * lo apropiado = appropriateness.
    * lo barato = inexpensiveness.
    * lo básico = essential, the, nuts and bolts, bare minimum, bare necessities, the, the lowdown (on).
    * lo bastante elevado = high enough.
    * lo bastante extenso = adequately scoped.
    * lo bueno de = the beauty of.
    * lo bueno es que = the good news is (that)..., on the positive side, on the bright side.
    * lo bueno viene en frascos pequeños = small is beautiful.
    * lo bueno y lo malo = the rights and wrongs.
    * lo caro = expensiveness.
    * lo chicano = Chicana.
    * lo chulo = coolness.
    * lo cierto es que = fact is, the fact is (that).
    * lo completo = completeness.
    * lo completo que Algo está = fullness.
    * lo creas o no = believe it or not.
    * lo decisivo = the last word.
    * lo definitivo = the last word.
    * lo desagradable = unpleasantness.
    * ¿lo dices en broma? = you must be joking!, you must be kidding!.
    * lo directo = directness.
    * lo divertido = the fun part.
    * lo engorroso de = cumbersomeness.
    * lo esencial = essential, the, nuts and bolts, bare minimum, bare necessities, the, the lowdown (on).
    * lo estrafalario = zaniness.
    * lo estrambótico = zaniness.
    * lo extenso = comprehensiveness.
    * lo favorable = propitiousness.
    * lo hebraico = Hebraica.
    * lo hecho hecho está = no use crying over spilt/spilled milk.
    * lo importante es lo que eres no cómo te llamas = a rose by any other name.
    * lo imprescindible = bare necessities, the, bare minimum.
    * lo incómodo de = cumbersomeness.
    * lo indefinido = indefiniteness.
    * lo indirecto = indirectness.
    * lo indispensable = bare necessities, the, bare minimum.
    * lo insulso = blandness.
    * lo interesante = the fun part.
    * lo judío = Judaica.
    * lo lindo = cuteness.
    * lo llano = flatness.
    * lo más cercano a = the nearest thing to.
    * lo más conveniente es que = optimally.
    * lo más destacado = highlights.
    * lo más detestado = pet hate.
    * lo más importante = most of all, at its core.
    * lo más interesante = highlights.
    * lo más mínimo = so much as.
    * lo más novedoso = the last word.
    * lo más odiado = pet hate.
    * lo más parecido a = the nearest thing to.
    * lo más probable es que = most probably.
    * lo más recio de = brunt of, the.
    * lo más recóndito = nooks and crannies.
    * lo máximo = the be all and end all, the bee's knees, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's meow, the cat's whiskers, the dog's bollocks.
    * lo mejor = the top of the tree.
    * lo mejor de = the beauty of, showpiece.
    * lo mejor de ambas partes = the best of both worlds.
    * lo mejor de lo mejor = the best of the best.
    * lo mejor de todo = best of all.
    * lo mejor entre lo mejor = the best of the best.
    * lo mejor es que... = the good news is (that)....
    * lo mejor está aún por llegar = the best is yet to come.
    * lo mejor posible = to the best of + Posesivo + ability, at + Posesivo + (very) best, optimally.
    * lo mejor que pueda = to the best of + Posesivo + ability.
    * lo mejor que se puede hacer = the best bet.
    * lo mejor + ser = the beautiful part + be.
    * lo menos posible = as little as possible.
    * lo mínimo = bare minimum, bare necessities, the.
    * lo mismo ocurre con = the same goes for.
    * lo mismo ocurre en el caso de = the same is true (for/of/with).
    * lo mismo que = the same as, along the lines of, in much the same way as.
    * lo mismo que antes = the same as before.
    * lo mismo que para = the same as that for.
    * lo mismo se aplica a = the same is true (for/of/with).
    * lo molesto de = cumbersomeness.
    * lo mucho que = how extensively.
    * lo noble = high-mindedness.
    * lo no convencional = unconventional, the.
    * lo normal + ser + que = there + be + a tendency (to/for), there + be + a tendency (to/for).
    * lo oportuno = timeliness.
    * lo pasado pasado está = let bygones be bygones.
    * lo peor de = brunt of, the.
    * lo peor del = the armpit of the.
    * lo pintoresco = quaintness.
    * lo plano = flatness.
    * lo poco común = rarity, rareness.
    * lo poco convencional = unconventional, the.
    * lo primero = for one, first off.
    * lo primero de todo = first of all, first off.
    * lo prometido es deuda = a promise is a promise.
    * lo propicio = propitiousness.
    * lo público = publicness.
    * lo que = that which, what.
    * lo que aguarda a = what is on store for.
    * lo que Algo o Alguien se merece, lo que le corresponde, bastante = fair share, fair share.
    * lo que a uno cura a otro mata = one man's meat is another man's poison.
    * lo que demuestra que = which (just) goes to show that.
    * lo que el futuro depara a = what is on store for.
    * lo que es aun más inquietante = more disturbingly.
    * lo que es aun más preocupante = more disturbingly.
    * lo que es aun mejor = better still.
    * lo que es aun peor = worse still.
    * lo que es bueno para uno es bueno para otro = what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.
    * lo que es bueno para uno también es bueno para otro = what's good for the goose is good for the gander.
    * lo que es más = what is more, what's more.
    * lo que es más importante = most importantly, more importantly, most of all, most important.
    * lo que es mejor aun = better still.
    * lo que es muy importante = importantly.
    * lo que es peor = what's worse.
    * lo que es peor aun = worse still.
    * lo que espera a = what is on store for.
    * lo que está bien y lo que está mal = rights and wrongs.
    * lo que existe (en el mercado) = what's out there.
    * lo que haya que de ser, será = que sera sera, what's meant to be, will be, whatever will be, will be.
    * lo que hay (en el mercado) = what's out there.
    * lo que hay que hacer = do + the right thing, the way to go.
    * lo que hay que hacer y lo que hay que evitar = do's and don'ts, rights and wrongs.
    * lo que le corresponde = fair share.
    * lo que nos espera = things to come.
    * lo que quiera que = whatever.
    * lo que sea = something or other.
    * lo que se gana por un lado se pierde por otro = swings and roundabouts.
    * lo que se pierda en una cosa se gana en la otra = what you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts.
    * lo que + ser = what + be like.
    * lo que se suele pagar = going rate, the.
    * lo que tenga que pasar, que pase = que sera sera, what's meant to be, will be, whatever will be, will be.
    * lo que tenga que ser, será = que sera sera, whatever will be, will be, what's meant to be, will be.
    * lo que vale para tí también vale para mí = what's good for the goose is good for the gander, what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.
    * lo rural = rurality.
    * los = the, ye.
    * los 365 días del año = year-round.
    * los 40 principales = Top 40 singles chart.
    * los abajo firmantes = the parties hereto.
    * los acontecimientos = the course of events.
    * lo sagrado = sacredness.
    * los albores de = the dawn of.
    * los años cincuenta = fifties.
    * los años treinta = thirties.
    * los árboles no dejan ver el bosque = lose + sight of the forest for the trees.
    * los avatares de la guerra = the tides of war.
    * los buenos tiempos = the good old days.
    * los comienzos de = the dawn of.
    * los constantes cambios de = the changing face of, the changing nature of.
    * los de = those for, those in.
    * los demás = rest, the, everybody else.
    * los detalles de la letra pequeña = the devil (is/lives) in the details.
    * los días antes de = leading up to.
    * los dos = both, both of them, both of which.
    * los efectos negativos se están dejando sentir ahora = chickens come home to roost.
    * los gobernantes = the powers-that-be.
    * los hay para dar y regalar = there's one born every minute.
    * los mandamás = the powers-that-be.
    * los más necesitados = those most in need.
    * los más pobres + Nombre = the poorest + Nombre.
    * los menos locuaces = inarticulate, the.
    * los motivos de = the reason behind, the thinking behind, the reasoning behind, the idea behind.
    * los necesitados = the needy.
    * los orígenes de = the dawn of.
    * los otros con los que aparece(n) = neighbours [neighbors, -USA].
    * los peores + Nombre = the poorest + Nombre.
    * los poderes fáticos = the powers-that-be.
    * los pormenores de la letra pequeña = the devil (is/lives) in the details.
    * Los Principios de París = Paris Principles.
    * los que = those who.
    * los que detentan el poder = the powers-that-be.
    * los que mandan = the powers-that-be.
    * los que no han recibido formación específica = uninstructed, the.
    * los que + Verbo = those + Participio.
    * los tribunales = the Bench.
    * lo suficientemente cerca = within range.
    * lo suficientemente cerca como para oír = within earshot of.
    * lo suficientemente estúpido como para = dumb enough to.
    * lo suficientemente grande = large enough, big enough.
    * lo suficientemente lejos como para no poder oír = out of earshot.
    * los últimos coletazos = fag-end.
    * lo sumo = the bee's knees, the cat's meow, the cat's whiskers, the dog's bollocks, the cat's pyjamas.
    * los unos a costa de los otros = at each other's expense.
    * los viejos tiempos = the good old days.
    * lo tomas o lo dejas = take it or leave it.
    * lo último = the last word.
    * lo uno es tan malo como lo otro = one is as bad as the other.
    * lo vanguardista = cutting edge.
    * lo yidish = Yiddica.
    * parmarlas = kick + the bucket.
    * ser lo que nos espera = be the shape of things to come.

    * * *
    el (pl los), la; (pl las)
    A (con un referente único, conocido o que se define) the
    el sol the sun
    el lápiz/la goma/los lápices/las gomas que compré the pencil/the eraser/the pencils/the erasers I bought
    no, ése no, el que te presté ayer/el de Julio/el rojo no, not that one, the one I lent you yesterday/Julio's/the red one
    en la calle Solís in Solís Street
    prefiero el mío/los tuyos I prefer mine/yours
    me atendió el estúpido del marido that stupid husband of hers served me
    yo soy la arquitecta, ella es lexicógrafa I'm the architect, she's a lexicographer
    yo fui la que lo rompí or rompió I was the one who broke it
    los nacidos entre … those born between …
    los que faltamos ayer those of us who weren't here yesterday
    ¿cuál es Ardiles? — el del sombrero negro which one's Ardiles? — the one with the black hat
    un encuentro al que asistieron muchas personalidades a meeting which was attended by many well known people
    la obra de la que or de la cual hablábamos the play we were talking about
    B
    (con sustantivos en sentido genérico): me encanta la ópera I love opera
    odio el pescado I hate fish
    así es la vida that's life
    (nosotros) los mexicanos lo sabemos muy bien we Mexicans know only too well
    ¿ya vas a la escuela? do you go to school yet?
    ya salió del hospital she's out of the hospital ( AmE) o ( BrE) out of hospital
    en el mar at sea
    viajar por el espacio to travel in space
    C
    (en expresiones de tiempo): ocurrió el domingo de Pascua/en el verano del 76 it happened on Easter Sunday/in the summer of '76
    mi cumpleaños es el 28 de mayo my birthday's on May 28
    el mes pasado/que viene last/next month
    no trabaja los sábados she doesn't work (on) Saturdays
    estudió toda la mañana he studied all morning
    a las ocho at eight o'clock, at eight
    a eso de las seis around six o'clock
    D
    (cada): lo venden a $80 el kilo/metro they're selling it at $80 a kilo/a meter o at $80 per kilo/meter
    ¿cuánto cuesta el paquete de diez? how much does a packet of ten cost?
    E
    (con fracciones, porcentajes, números): me dio la mitad/la cuarta parte del dinero she gave me half the money/a quarter of the money
    el 20% de los peruanos 20% of Peruvians
    vivo en el cuarto I live on the fifth floor ( AmE) o ( BrE) fourth floor
    (refiriéndose a partes del cuerpo, prendas de vestir, artículos personales, etc): con las manos en los bolsillos with my/your/his hands in my/your/his pockets
    ¡te cortaste el pelo! you've had your hair cut!
    tienes la falda sucia your skirt is dirty
    tienes el suéter puesto al revés you've got your sweater on inside out
    tiene el pelo largo/los ojos azules he has long hair/blue eyes
    1
    (con apellidos acompañados de título, adjetivos, etc): llamó el señor Ortiz/la doctora Vidal/el general Santos Mr Ortiz/Doctor Vidal/General Santos phoned
    el gran Caruso the Great Caruso
    2
    (con nombres de mujeres famosas): la última película de la Monroe Monroe's last movie
    3
    (en plural): los Ortega (matrimonio) the Ortegas, Mr and Mrs Ortega; (familia) the Ortegas, the Ortega family
    a los Josés se les suele llamar Pepe people called José are often known as Pepe
    4 (fam: en muchas regiones crit)
    (con nombres de pila): pregúntale a la Carmen/al Ricardo ask Carmen/Ricardo
    5
    (con algunos nombres geográficos): en la India in India
    en (el) Perú in Peru
    6
    (al calificar): la España de Franco Franco's Spain
    el Buñuel que todos conocemos the Buñuel we all know
    la Italia del siglo pasado Italy in the last century
    7
    (con algunos equipos deportivos): juegan contra el Juventus/el Barcelona they're playing against Juventus/Barcelona
    H el
    (con infinitivo): odiaba el tener que pedírselo he hated having to ask her
    es cuidadoso y pausado en el hablar he's careful and deliberate in the way he speaks
    el frenético girar de los bailarines the frenzied spinning of the dancers
    al + INF ver a prep B 2. (↑ a 3)
    * * *

     

    Multiple Entries:
    el    
    él
    el (pl
    los), la (pl las) art the masculine article el is also used before feminine nouns which begin with accented a or ha, e.g. el agua pura, el hada madrina

    1




    así es la vida that's life;
    (nosotros) los mexicanos we Mexicans;
    ¿ya vas a la escuela? do you go to school yet?


    las tuyas yours;
    el último the last one;
    el estúpido del marido that stupid husband of hers
    2
    a) el + de:


    el de las nueve the nine o'clock one;
    el de mi hijo my son's
    b) el + que:


    los que estén cansados;
    those who are tired, anyone who's tired;
    la que te guste whichever you like
    3 ( en expresiones de tiempo):

    mi cumpleaños es el 28 de mayo my birthday's on May 28;
    el mes pasado last month;
    toda la mañana all morning;
    a las ocho at eight o'clock
    4 ( cada):
    $80 el metro/kilo $80 a meter/a kilo, $80 per kilo/meter

    5 (con fracciones, porcentajes, números):
    la mitad/la cuarta parte del dinero half the money/a quarter of the money;

    el 20% de … 20% of …
    6 (con partes del cuerpo, prendas de vestir, artículos personales, etc):

    ¡te cortaste el pelo! you've had your hair cut!;
    tiene los ojos azules he has blue eyes
    7
    a) (con apellidos acompañados de título, adjetivos, etc):

    el señor Ortiz/la doctora Vidal Mr Ortiz/Doctor Vidal;

    los Ortega the Ortegas


    ver África, Argentina, etc
    él pron pers
    a) ( como sujeto) he;

    ¿quién se lo va a decir? — él who's going to tell her?he is;

    lo hizo él mismo he did it himself;
    fue él it was him
    b) (en comparaciones, con preposiciones) him;

    ( refiriéndose a cosas) it;
    llegué antes que él I arrived before him o before he did;

    con/para él with/for him;
    son de él they're his
    el art def m
    1 the
    2 (no se traduce) (ante un tratamiento formal) el sr. Gómez, Mr Gomez
    (cuando el sustantivo es general) el hambre/tiempo, hunger/time
    3 (se traduce por un posesivo) (con partes del cuerpo) se ha cortado el pelo, she's cut her hair
    (prendas) se lo metió en el bolsillo, he put it in his pocket
    (pertenencias) guarda el diario en el cajón, put your diary into the drawer
    4 (con días de la semana) iré el miércoles, I'll go on Wednesday
    5 (cuando el sustantivo está elidido) the one: prefiero el azul, I prefer the blue one
    el de las diez, the ten o'clock one
    el que está en la mesa, the one that's on the table
    el que más nos guste, whichever one we like best
    (delante de un posesivo) el de María, Maria's
    es el mío, it's mine
    él pron pers
    1 (sujeto) (persona) he
    (animal, cosa) it: fue él, it was him, fue él el que..., it was him that... o it was he who...
    2 (complemento) (persona) him
    (animal, cosa) it
    dáselo a él, give it to him, es para él, it's for him
    3 (posesivo) de él, his
    4 (oración comparativa) ella es mejor que él, she's better than him o she's better than he is
    'él' also found in these entries:
    Spanish:
    A
    - abajo
    - abalanzarse
    - abaratarse
    - abarquillarse
    - abarrotar
    - abarrotada
    - abarrotado
    - abastecimiento
    - abatir
    - abatimiento
    - abdicar
    - abierta
    - abierto
    - abismo
    - abogada
    - abogado
    - abominar
    - abominable
    - abordar
    - aborigen
    - aborregarse
    - abortar
    - abotargada
    - abotargado
    - abrir
    - abreviar
    - abrirse
    - absoluta
    - absoluto
    - abstención
    - abundancia
    - acabar
    - acabarse
    - acabose
    - acallar
    - acanallar
    - accionariado
    - acero
    - achacosa
    - achacoso
    - achatamiento
    - achicharrarse
    - aclarar
    - aclarado
    - acomodarse
    - acompañar
    - acondicionar
    - acostumbrada
    - acostumbrado
    English:
    A
    - abandon
    - ABC
    - ability
    - about
    - above
    - abroad
    - abseil
    - absence
    - absent
    - absolute
    - absolve
    - absorb
    - abstract
    - academic
    - accelerate
    - accommodate
    - accomplice
    - account
    - accurately
    - accusation
    - accused
    - accustom
    - aching
    - act
    - act on
    - act up
    - actual
    - actually
    - acute
    - address
    - adequately
    - adjourn
    - admission
    - admit
    - advance
    - advanced
    - advantage
    - advantageous
    - advise
    - advocate
    - affair
    - afford
    - afloat
    - afraid
    - after
    - against
    - age
    - agenda
    - aggregate
    * * *
    el (f la, mpl los, fpl las) art determinado el is used instead of la before feminine nouns which are stressed on the first syllable and begin with “a” or “ha” (e.g. el agua, el hacha). Note that el combines with the prepositions a and de to produce the contracted forms al and del.
    1. [con valor especificador] the;
    el coche the car;
    la casa the house;
    los niños the children;
    el agua/hacha/águila the water/axe/eagle;
    fui a recoger a los niños I went to pick up the children
    2. [con sustantivo abstracto, valor genérico]
    el amor love;
    la vida life;
    el hombre Man, human beings;
    los derechos de la mujer women's rights;
    los niños imitan a los adultos children copy adults;
    el pan es un alimento básico bread is a basic food;
    la mayoría de la gente no la conoce most people don't know her;
    vuelve el biquini bikinis are back
    3. [indica posesión, pertenencia]
    se partió la pierna he broke his leg;
    se quitó los zapatos she took her shoes off;
    tiene el pelo oscuro he has dark hair;
    me han robado la maleta my suitcase has been stolen;
    se dieron la mano they shook hands
    4. [con días de la semana, fechas, horas]
    vuelven el sábado they're coming back on Saturday;
    los domingos vamos al cine we go to the movies (on) Sundays;
    llegaré el 1 de mayo [escrito] I'll arrive on 1 May;
    [hablado] I'll arrive on the first of May;
    son las siete it's seven o'clock;
    el año pasado/que viene last/next year
    5. [con nombres propios geográficos]
    el Sena the (River) Seine;
    el Everest (Mount) Everest;
    la India India;
    La Haya The Hague;
    El Cairo Cairo;
    6. [con apellido]
    la señora Márquez Mrs Márquez;
    el señor/el doctor Juárez Mr/Doctor Juárez;
    los Amaya [matrimonio] Mr and Mrs Amaya, the Amayas;
    [familia completa] the Amayas, the Amaya family;
    los Austrias the Hapsburgs;
    el Hitler español the Spanish Hitler
    7. Fam [con nombre propio de persona]
    llama a la María call Maria
    8. [con numerales, porcentajes, fracciones]
    el siete es mi número de la suerte seven's my lucky number;
    llegó el tercero he came third;
    el tercer piso the third floor;
    un aumento del 30 por ciento a 30 percent increase;
    la quinta parte (de) a fifth (of);
    el 20 por ciento (de) 20 percent (of)
    9. [en proporciones, precios]
    100 pesos el kilo 100 pesos a o per kilo
    10. [con complemento especificativo]
    el/la del sombrero the one with the hat;
    los/las de azul [cosas] the blue ones;
    [personas] the ones in blue;
    he perdido el tren, cogeré el de las nueve I've missed the train, I'll get the nine o'clock one;
    el de aquí this one here;
    ¿los del parque son amigos tuyos? were those people in the park friends of yours?;
    prefiero las del escaparate I prefer the ones in the window;
    los del fondo no se callan the people at the back won't shut up
    11. [con complemento posesivo]
    mi hermano y el de Juan my brother and Juan's;
    el mío mine;
    la tuya yours;
    los suyos theirs
    12. [con adjetivo]
    prefiero el rojo al azul I prefer the red one to the blue one;
    el/la mejor the best;
    es la mejor de la clase she's the best in the class, she's top of the class;
    los seleccionados realizarán un examen those chosen will sit an exam;
    el tonto de Ignacio se equivocó that idiot Ignacio got it wrong
    13. [con infinitivo]
    el beber tanto acabó con él all that drinking is what finished him off;
    es amante del buen comer she loves good food;
    me sienta mal el tener que decírtelo I don't like to have to tell you
    14. [con frases subordinadas]
    el/la que [cosa] whichever;
    [persona] whoever;
    los/las que [cosas] whichever;
    [personas] whoever;
    coge el/los que quieras take whichever you like;
    el que más corra whoever runs fastest, the one who runs the fastest;
    las que quieran venir que levanten la mano those who want to come o anyone who wants to come should put their hand up;
    el que no te guste no quiere decir que sea malo the fact that you don't like him doesn't make him a bad person
    15. [con valor enfático]
    ¡la pena que me dio verlo en ese estado! I felt so sorry for him when I saw him in that state!
    * * *
    el
    I art the
    II pron
    :
    el de … that of …;
    el de Juan Juan’s;
    el más grande the biggest (one);
    el que está … the one that is …
    * * *
    él pron
    : he, him
    él es mi amigo: he's my friend
    hablaremos con él: we will speak with him
    1) : the one
    tengo mi libro y el tuyo: I have my book and yours
    de los cantantes me gusta el de México: I prefer the singer from México
    2)
    el que : he who, whoever, the one that
    el que vino ayer: the one who came yesterday
    el que trabaja duro estará contento: he who works hard will be happy
    el, la art, pl los, las : the
    los niños están en la casa: the boys are in the house
    me duele el pie: my foot hurts
    * * *
    el det
    1. the
    ¿qué te pareció el libro? what did you think of the book?
    2. (posesivo) my / your / his / her etcétera
    ¿te has cortado el pelo? have you had your hair cut?
    ¿cuál prefieres? el azul which one do you prefer? the blue one
    ¡Ojo! Algunas veces no se traduce
    ¿quieres salir el sábado? do you want to go out on Saturday?
    el Sr. García Mr. García
    el que (persona) the one who / the one that (cosa) the one which / the one that
    con el que that... with
    en el que that... in

    Spanish-English dictionary > el

  • 6 él

    art.
    el coche the car
    la casa the house
    los niños the children
    el agua/hacha/águila the water/ax/eagle
    fui a recoger a los niños I went to pick up the children
    * * *
    el
    1 the
    la Sra. Rodríguez Mrs. Rodríguez
    2 el de the one
    3 el que (persona - sujeto) the one who; (- objeto) the one, the one that, the one whom
    4 (cosa) the one, the one that, the one which
    * * *
    1. pron. 2. art.
    * * *
    el; la; los; las
    ART DEF
    1) [con nombres de referente único o concreto] the

    ¿está fría el agua? — is the water cold?

    ¿ha llegado ya el abogado? — has the lawyer arrived yet?

    el tío ese* that chap

    2) [en algunos casos no se traduce]
    a) [con nombres propios]

    ¿qué manda la señora? — what would madam like?

    ha llamado el Sr. Sendra — Mr. Sendra called

    dáselo a la Luisa* give it to Luisa

    b) [con nombres en sentido genérico]
    c) [con infinitivo]

    el hacerlo fue un error — doing it was a mistake, it was a mistake to do it

    d) [con cifras, proporciones]

    ahora gano el 3% más — I now earn 3% more

    3) [traducido por el posesivo]
    4) [con expresiones temporales]
    5) (=uso distributivo)
    6) [en exclamaciones]

    ¡el frío que hacía! — it was freezing!

    7) [posesivo]

    el de, mi libro y el de usted — my book and yours

    el del sombrero rojothe one with o in the red hat

    es un traje bonito, pero prefiero el de Ana — it's a nice suit, but I prefer Ana's

    y el de todos los demás — and that of everybody else, and everybody else's

    8)

    el que

    a) + indic

    él es el que quiere — it's he who wants to, he's the one who wants to

    los que hacen eso son tontos — anyone who does that is a fool, those who do so are foolish

    b) + subjun whoever

    el que quiera, que lo haga — whoever wants to can do it

    * * *
    pronombre personal
    a) ( como sujeto) he

    ¿quién se lo va a decir? - él — who's going to tell her? - he is

    fue él — it was him, it was he (frml)

    b) (en comparaciones, con preposiciones) him; ( refiriéndose a cosas) it

    con/contra/para él — with/against/for him

    con/contra/para él — with/against/for him

    * * *
    (pl los), la (pl las) articulo
    [the masculine article el is also used before feminine nouns which begin with accented a or ha, e.g. el agua pura, el hada madrina]
    1)

    ¿ya vas a la escuela? — do you go to school yet?

    el mío/las tuyas — mine/yours

    el rojo/último — the red/last one

    los nacidos entre... — those born between...

    2)
    a)

    el + de...: la del sombrero the one with the hat; el de Valencia the one from Valencia; el de las nueve the nine o'clock one; el de Juan/de mi hijo — Juan's/my son's

    b)

    el + que...: el que acaba de entrar the one who's just come in; las que yo ví the ones I saw; los que estén cansados; those who are tired, anyone who's tired; la que te guste whichever you like; el que lo haya hecho — whoever has done it

    el mes pasado/que viene — last/next month

    4) ( cada)

    $80 el metro/kilo — $80 a meter/a kilo

    5) (con fracciones, porcentajes, números)

    la mitad/la cuarta parte del dinero — half the money/a quarter of the money

    el 20% de... — 20% of...

    el cuarto pisothe fifth floor (AmE) o (BrE) fourth floor

    6) (refiriéndose a partes del cuerpo, prendas de vestir, artículos personales, etc)
    a) (con apellidos acompañados de título, adjetivos, etc)

    el señor Ortiz/la doctora Vidal — Mr Ortiz/Doctor Vidal

    b) ( en plural)
    * * *
    el2
    = the, ye.

    Ex: The first institute, 'The Catalog: Its Nature and Prospects,' was held in New York City on October 9 and 10, 1975.

    Ex: The article 'Ye olde smart card' presents an annotated list of information sources on the credit card industry.
    * a lo extremo = to the extreme.
    * aunque no lo creas = believe it or not.
    * barrio de los ricos = upper town.
    * de los mejores = as good as any.
    * el abuelo de = the granddaddy of.
    * el acabose = the last straw.
    * el alcance = comprehensiveness.
    * el amor de + Posesivo + vida = the love of + Posesivo + life.
    * el año próximo = the year ahead.
    * el arte de = the art of, the fine art of.
    * el ataque es la mejor defensa = attack is the best form of defence.
    * el auténtico = the real McCoy.
    * el beneficio de la duda = the benefit of the doubt.
    * el bien de = the good of.
    * el buenazo de + Nombre = good old + Nombre.
    * el bueno de + Nombre = good old + Nombre.
    * el camino a seguir = the way ahead, the way to go.
    * el camino correcto = the way ahead, the way to go.
    * el camino hacia + Nombre + está lleno de + Nombre = the road (to/towards) + Nombre + is paved with + Nombre.
    * el camino hacia + Nombre + está plagado de + Nombre = the road (to/towards) + Nombre + is paved with + Nombre.
    * el camino por recorrer = the way ahead.
    * el camino que lleva a = a/the doorway to.
    * el camino recorrido = the road travelled so far.
    * el camino se hace andando = actions speak louder than words.
    * el centro de atención + ser = all eyes + be + on.
    * el charco = the big pond.
    * el ciudadano de a pie = the average Joe.
    * el ciudadano medio = the average Joe.
    * el cliente siempre tiene la razón = the customer is always right.
    * el colmo = the last straw.
    * el consejo de otra persona = a second opinion.
    * el copón = the dog's bollocks, the bee's knees, the cat's meow, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's whiskers.
    * el corazón de = the heart of.
    * el crecimiento de = the rising tide of.
    * el cual = which.
    * el de = that in, that of.
    * el diablo está en los detalles = the devil (is/lives) in the details.
    * el día del Juicio Final = the Day of Judgement.
    * El Diluvio = the Flood.
    * el dinero es el origen de todos los males = money is the root of all evil.
    * el dinero es la fuente de todos los males = money is the root of all evil.
    * el dinero mueve al mundo = money makes the world go (a)round.
    * el dinero no crece en los árboles = money doesn't grow on trees.
    * el doble = twice + as many.
    * el doble de = twice + the number of.
    * El Dorado = El Dorado.
    * el enemigo en casa = the enemy within.
    * el entonces + Nombre = the then + Nombre.
    * el espíritu de la época = the spirit of the times.
    * el estado de las cosas = the lay of the land [the lie of the land, -UK].
    * el evitar = avoidance.
    * el éxito genera éxito = success breeds success (SBS).
    * el éxito llama al éxito = success breeds success (SBS).
    * el final de = the close of.
    * el final de los problemas = the light at the end of the tunnel.
    * el fin del mundo = the ends of the earth.
    * el fin de semana = over the weekend, at the weekend.
    * el fin de todos los fines = the end of all ends.
    * el fin justifica los medios = the end justifies the means.
    * el fruto de + Nombre = the fruit of + Nombre.
    * el futuro = the way ahead, the way of the future.
    * el futuro + estar + justo a la vuelta de la esquina = the future + be + just around the corner.
    * el Gato con Botas = Puss in Boots.
    * el grado de = the extent of.
    * el grado de + Nombre = the breadth and depth of + Nombre.
    * el grado en que = the extent to which.
    * el gran hermano = big brother.
    * el guapo de + Nombre = good old + Nombre.
    * el hecho es que = fact is, the fact is (that).
    * el hecho es que... = the fact of the matter is that....
    * el hombre de la calle = the average Joe.
    * el hombre no es una isla = no man is an island.
    * el hombre propone y Dios dispone = Man proposes, God disposes.
    * el impulsor de = the power behind.
    * el interés público = the public interest.
    * El Juicio Final = The Last Judgement.
    * el lastre de = the shackles of.
    * el llevar = carrying.
    * el lugar que le corresponde a = the due place of.
    * El Mago de Oz = The Wizard of Oz, The Wizard of Oz.
    * el más = all-time.
    * el más + Adjetivo = the most + Adjetivo.
    * el más allá = hereafter.
    * el más bajo = rock-bottom.
    * el más favorito del mes = pick of the month.
    * el más leído = the most widely read.
    * el más recomendado = best of breed, the.
    * el Mediterráneo = Mediterranean Sea, the, the Med.
    * el mejor = best of breed, the.
    * el mejor de todos = the cream of the crop, crème de la crème.
    * el mejor hasta ahora = the best yet.
    * el mejor modo de = the best way of.
    * el mejor momento de todos = the time of all times.
    * el mejor + Nombre = the best available + Nombre.
    * el mejor que ha hecho hasta ahora = Posesivo + best yet.
    * el mentir = lying.
    * el mes pasado = last month.
    * el mío = mine.
    * el mismo + Nombre (+ que) = every bit as much + Nombre (+ as).
    * el mismo número = as many.
    * el modo como = the way in which.
    * el modo de = the way in which.
    * el modo de + Infinitivo = the way to go about + Gerundio.
    * el momento preciso = the point in time at which.
    * el motor de = the power behind.
    * el movimiento se demuestra andando = actions speak louder than words.
    * el muerto al hoyo y el vivo al bollo = dead men have no friends.
    * el mundo de las noticias = newsmaking.
    * el mundo en la palma de la mano = the world in the palm of + Posesivo + hand.
    * el mundo está a sus pies = the world is + Posesivo + oyster.
    * el mundo es un pañuelo = it's a small world.
    * el + Nombre + correcto al + Nombre + adecuado en el momento oportuno = the right + Nombre + to the right + Nombre + at the right time.
    * el + Nombre + es inestimable = the + Nombre + cannot be overestimated.
    * el + Nombre + más completo = the + Nombre + to end all + Nombre.
    * el no va más = the be all and end all, the bee's knees, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's meow, the cat's whiskers, the dog's bollocks.
    * el nuevo aspecto de = the changing face of, the changing nature of.
    * el orgullo de = showpiece.
    * el otro lado de la barrera = the other side of the fence.
    * el padre de = the father of.
    * el pan nuestro de cada día = all in a day's work.
    * el paso del tiempo = the passage of time, the sands of time.
    * el peor de todos = the worst of the lot.
    * el perro es el mejor amigo del hombre = a dog is man's best friend.
    * el peso de = brunt of, the.
    * el populacho = the great unwashed.
    * el porqué de = the reason behind, the thinking behind, the reasoning behind, the idea behind.
    * el portavoz de = the voice of.
    * el presente = thisness.
    * el primer intento = the first time around.
    * el primer + Nombre = the earliest + Nombre.
    * el primero mencionado = former.
    * el principal = the number one.
    * el principio de = the dawn of.
    * el principio del fin = the beginning of the end.
    * el principio de + Mes/Estación = early + Mes/Estación.
    * el problema no es el qué, sino el cómo = the devil (is/lives) in the details.
    * el problema obvio = the elephant in the room.
    * el proletariado = the great unwashed.
    * el pulmón de = the heart of.
    * el punto más bajo = rock-bottom.
    * el que = that, the one.
    * el que aprende = learner.
    * el que las hace, las paga = you've made your bed, now you must lie in it!.
    * el que lo encuentre se lo queda = finders keepers.
    * el que mantiene a la familia = breadwinner [bread winner].
    * el que mucho abarca poco aprieta = jack of all trades, master of none.
    * el que no llora, no mama = the squeaky (squeaking) wheel gets the grease (the oil/oiled).
    * el que no se aventura no cruza el mar = nothing ventured, nothing gained.
    * el que pregunta = inquirer [enquirer, -UK].
    * el quid de la cuestión = the crux of the problem, the crux of the matter.
    * el registro de los registros = record-of-record.
    * el registro modelo = record-of-record.
    * el resto = rest, the.
    * el resto (de) = the remainder (of), the rest (of).
    * El Salvador = El Salvador.
    * el segundo mencionado = latter.
    * el sendero que lleva a = a/the doorway to.
    * el ser barato = cheapness.
    * el siguiente no, el otro = next but one.
    * el sitio adecuado en el momento adecuado = the right place at the right time.
    * el sueño de toda persona = the stuff dreams are made of.
    * el sueño de todos = the stuff dreams are made of.
    * el sueño de todo ser viviente = the stuff dreams are made of.
    * el súmmum = the bee's knees, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's meow, the cat's whiskers, the dog's bollocks.
    * el tamaño de = the extent of.
    * el tema de la discusión = the focus of the discussion.
    * el tema del debate = the focus of the discussion.
    * el tiempo de Algo = in season.
    * el tiempo es oro = time is money.
    * el tiempo lo dirá = only time will tell.
    * el tiempo vuela = time flies (by).
    * el tipo de = the range of.
    * el todo es más grande que la suma de sus partes = the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
    * el total de = the total sum of, the sum total of.
    * el transcurrir del tiempo = the sands of time.
    * el transcurso del tiempo = as time goes by.
    * el último citado = latter.
    * el último grito = the last word, the cat's meow, the bee's knees, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's whiskers, the dog's bollocks.
    * el último + Nombre = the latest + Nombre.
    * el último pero no el menos importante = the last but by no means least.
    * el único = the one and only.
    * el único e incomparable = the one and only.
    * el único e inimitable = the one and only.
    * el único problema = a fly in the soup, the fly in the ointment.
    * el verdadero = the real McCoy.
    * el verdadero problema = the elephant in the room.
    * el ver televisión = television viewing.
    * el viejo = the elder.
    * el vulgo = the great unwashed.
    * el yugo de = the shackles of.
    * espicharlas = kick + the bucket.
    * la = the, ye.
    * la alternativa + ser = the alternative + be.
    * la belleza es superficial = beauty is only skin deep.
    * La Biblioteca Responde = Ask the Library.
    * la Biblioteca y el Archivo de Canadá = Library and Archives Canada.
    * la buena noticia = the good news.
    * la calidad es nuestro lema = quality is our middle name.
    * la calma que precede a la tormenta = the lull before the storm.
    * la cambiante fisonomía de = the changing face of, the changing nature of.
    * la caridad empieza por uno mismo = charity begins at home.
    * la ciudadana de a pie = the average Jane.
    * la ciudadana media = the average Jane.
    * la ciudad que nunca duerme = the city that never sleeps.
    * la clave de = at the heart of.
    * la clave está en la letra pequeña = the devil (is/lives) in the details.
    * la comunidad en general = the community at large.
    * la Convención de la Haya de 1954 = the 1954 Hague Convention.
    * la copa del árbol = the top of the tree.
    * la cosa es que = the thing is.
    * la cosa principal = the number one thing.
    * la crème de la crème = the cream of the crop, crème de la crème.
    * la cruz de = the bane of.
    * la cuestión es que = the thing is.
    * la década de los + Número = the + Número + s.
    * la demanda de = a call for.
    * la diversidad de = the range of.
    * la diversidad de + Nombre = the many + Nombre.
    * la edad se lleva en el alma = you are as old as you feel.
    * la época de Algo = in season.
    * la escoria de la sociedad = the gutter.
    * la espalda de = the back of.
    * la evidencia = the writing on the wall.
    * la fe mueve montañas = faith will move mountains.
    * la filosofía de = the reason behind, the reasoning behind.
    * la flor de + Nombre = the prime of + Nombre.
    * la flor y nata = the cream of the crop, crème de la crème.
    * la forma correcta de hacer las cosas = the way to go.
    * la forma de = ways and means (of/for/to/in/by).
    * la forma de + Infinitivo = the way to go about + Gerundio.
    * la forma de ver las cosas = the way + to see things.
    * la fuerza de la mayoría = strength in numbers.
    * la gente decía que = rumour had it that.
    * la gente dice que = rumour has it that.
    * la gente se está inquietando = the natives are nervous.
    * la gente se está poniendo nerviosa = the natives are nervous.
    * la gente se puso de pie para aplaudir = standing ovation.
    * la gota que colmó el vaso = the straw that broke the camel's back.
    * la Gran Manzana = the Big Apple.
    * la gran mayoría de = the vast majority of, the bulk of.
    * la historia + repetirse = history + come full circle.
    * la historia + volverse a repetir = history + come full circle.
    * la hostia = the cat's pyjamas, the cat's pyjamas, the bee's knees, the cat's meow, the cat's whiskers, the dog's bollocks.
    * la hoz y el martillo = the hammer and sickle.
    * la idea que hay detrás de = the idea behind.
    * la imaginación no tiene límites = your imagination is the limit.
    * la imitación es la mejor forma de que lo halaguen a uno = imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
    * La Isla del Tesoro = Treasure Island.
    * la joya de = showpiece.
    * la judicatura = the Bench.
    * la justicia = the Bench.
    * la juventud no es cuestión de edad sino de espíritu = you are as old as you feel.
    * la leche = the dog's bollocks, the bee's knees, the cat's meow, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's whiskers.
    * la luz al final del túnel = the light at the end of the tunnel.
    * la magistratura = the Bench.
    * la manera de + Infinitivo = the way to go about + Gerundio.
    * la mano que mece la cuna es la mano que domina el mundo = the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
    * la mano que mece la cuna gobierna el mundo = the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
    * la mar de = a whole slew of.
    * la mayoría con mucho de = the vast majority of.
    * la mayoría de = the majority of, most + Nombre, the main bulk of.
    * la mayoría de la gente = most people, the majority of the people.
    * la mayoría de las personas = most people, the majority of the people.
    * la mayoría de las veces = most of the time, more often than not.
    * la mayoría del mundo = the majority of the world, most people, the majority of the people.
    * la mayoría del tiempo = most of the time.
    * la mayor parte de = the majority of, the main bulk of, the lion's share of.
    * la mayor parte de las veces = more often than not.
    * la medida en que = the extent to which.
    * la mejor forma de hacer Algo = best practices, lessons learned [lessons learnt].
    * la mejor manera = how best.
    * la mejor manera de = the best way of.
    * la mejor oferta = the best deal.
    * la mejor opción = the best bet.
    * la mejor salida = the best way forward.
    * la mejor solución = the best way forward.
    * la menor duda de que = no doubt whatsoever.
    * la mentira = lying.
    * la mirada en = eye(s) on.
    * la misma persona = one and the same person.
    * la mitad (1/2) = one-half (1/2).
    * la necesidad agudiza el ingenio = necessity mothers invention.
    * la ocasión la pintan calva = make + hay while the sun shines.
    * la opinión de otra persona = a second opinion.
    * la oportunidad de + Posesivo + vida = the opportunity of a lifetime.
    * la parte de atrás de = the back of.
    * la parte más dura de = brunt of, the.
    * la parte más importante = the heart of.
    * la parte principal de = the bulk of.
    * la parte superior izquierda de = the upper left of.
    * la parte trasera de = the back of.
    * la personificación de la confianza en uno mismo = confidence personified.
    * la pesadilla de = the bane of.
    * la pesca del día = the day's catch, the catch of the day.
    * la petición de = a call for.
    * la píldora = the pill.
    * la plebe = the great unwashed.
    * la polla = the dog's bollocks, the bee's knees, the cat's meow, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's whiskers.
    * la práctica hace al maestro = practice makes perfect.
    * la primera tentativa = the first time around.
    * la primera vez = the first time around.
    * la proporción mayor de = the lion's share of.
    * la próxima moda = the next hot thing.
    * la puntilla = the final/last nail in + Posesivo + coffin.
    * la que = that, the one.
    * la razón de ser = the reason for being.
    * la realidad es que = the fact remains that..., fact is, the fact is (that).
    * la rehostia = the dog's bollocks, the bee's knees, the cat's meow, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's whiskers.
    * la responsabilidad ahora recae en + Nombre = the ball is in + Posesivo + court.
    * la responsabilidad es de... = the buck + stops....
    * la riqueza de = the wealth of.
    * la ruina de = the bane of.
    * las = the, ye.
    * las 24 horas = round the clock, around the clock.
    * las apariencias engañan = don't judge a book by its cover, there's more to it than meets the eye.
    * las ataduras de = the shackles of.
    * las autoridades = the powers-that-be.
    * las cosas + cambiar = pendulum + swing.
    * las cosas + estar + claras = the (hand)writing + be + on the wall, see it + coming.
    * las cosas no pasan así como así = everything happens for a reason (and a purpose).
    * las cosas no pasan (así) porque sí = everything happens for a reason (and a purpose).
    * las cosas no son tan simples como parecen = there's more to it than meets the eye.
    * las cosas + seguir + igual = business + revolve + as usual.
    * las cosas siguen igual = business as usual.
    * las cosas sólo pasan una vez = lightning never strikes twice.
    * las cosas son más complicadas de lo que parecen = there's more to it than meets the eye.
    * las cosas tal y como son = the birds and the bees.
    * las cosas + volver + a su punto de partida = the wheel + turn + full circle.
    * las de = those for.
    * las doce del mediodía = noon.
    * la segunda mitad de + Fecha = the latter part of + Fecha.
    * la segunda opción = the next best choice.
    * la segunda vez = the second time around.
    * la semana pasada = last week.
    * la senda que lleva a = a/the doorway to.
    * la situación = the course of events.
    * la sociedad en general = society at large.
    * las posibilidades son infinitas = the possibilities are endless.
    * las profundidades del mar = the deep.
    * las profundidades del océano = the deep.
    * las pruebas = the writing on the wall.
    * las raíces se encuentran = roots + lie.
    * las raíces se remontan a = roots + lie.
    * las razones de = the reason behind, the thinking behind, the reasoning behind, the idea behind.
    * las Reglas de Cutter para un Catálogo Diccionario = Cutter's Rules for a Dictionary Catalog.
    * las triquiñuelas de la letra pequeña = the devil (is/lives) in the details.
    * la suerte + cambiar = the tide + turn.
    * la suerte estaba echada = the die was cast, the die had been cast.
    * la suerte está echada = the die is cast.
    * la suma total de = the total sum of, the sum total of.
    * las uvas están verdes = sour grapes.
    * las veinticuatro horas = day and night, day or night, night and day.
    * la temporada de Algo = in season.
    * la tierra de la abundancia = the land of plenty.
    * la tierra de las oportunidades = the land of opportunity.
    * la tira de = a whole slew of.
    * la tira de tiempo = donkey's years.
    * la triste realidad es que = the sad fact is (that).
    * la última palabra = the last word, the last word, the bee's knees, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's meow, the cat's whiskers, the dog's bollocks.
    * la última vez = last time.
    * la última vez que = the last time.
    * la única pega = the fly in the ointment, a fly in the soup.
    * la unión hace la fuerza = strength in numbers.
    * la ventaja de = the beauty of.
    * la ventaja es que = on the positive side, the advantage is that, on the bright side.
    * la verdad = the lowdown (on).
    * la verdad es que = if the truth be known, if the truth be told, the fact is (that), fact is.
    * la verdad es que... = the fact of the matter is that....
    * la verdad sea dicha = to tell the truth.
    * la verdad sea dicha que = if the truth be told.
    * la Vía Láctea = the Milky Way.
    * la vida continúa = the show must go on.
    * la vida + continuar = life + go on.
    * la vida es así = life's like that.
    * ¡la vida no es un camino de rosas! = the course of true love never did run smooth!.
    * la vida + seguir = life + go on.
    * la víspera de = on the eve of.
    * la voz de = the voice of.
    * la voz de la conciencia = the voice within.
    * la voz de la experiencia = the voice of experience.
    * la voz de la razón = the voice of reason.
    * la voz del odio = the voice of hate.
    * la voz interior = the voice within.
    * lo absurdo = ridiculousness.
    * lo adecuado = adequacy.
    * lo + Adjetivo + que sea/esté = how + Adjetivo.
    * lo anodino = blandness.
    * lo anteriormente expuesto = the preceding.
    * lo apropiado = appropriateness.
    * lo barato = inexpensiveness.
    * lo básico = essential, the, nuts and bolts, bare minimum, bare necessities, the, the lowdown (on).
    * lo bastante elevado = high enough.
    * lo bastante extenso = adequately scoped.
    * lo bueno de = the beauty of.
    * lo bueno es que = the good news is (that)..., on the positive side, on the bright side.
    * lo bueno viene en frascos pequeños = small is beautiful.
    * lo bueno y lo malo = the rights and wrongs.
    * lo caro = expensiveness.
    * lo chicano = Chicana.
    * lo chulo = coolness.
    * lo cierto es que = fact is, the fact is (that).
    * lo completo = completeness.
    * lo completo que Algo está = fullness.
    * lo creas o no = believe it or not.
    * lo decisivo = the last word.
    * lo definitivo = the last word.
    * lo desagradable = unpleasantness.
    * ¿lo dices en broma? = you must be joking!, you must be kidding!.
    * lo directo = directness.
    * lo divertido = the fun part.
    * lo engorroso de = cumbersomeness.
    * lo esencial = essential, the, nuts and bolts, bare minimum, bare necessities, the, the lowdown (on).
    * lo estrafalario = zaniness.
    * lo estrambótico = zaniness.
    * lo extenso = comprehensiveness.
    * lo favorable = propitiousness.
    * lo hebraico = Hebraica.
    * lo hecho hecho está = no use crying over spilt/spilled milk.
    * lo importante es lo que eres no cómo te llamas = a rose by any other name.
    * lo imprescindible = bare necessities, the, bare minimum.
    * lo incómodo de = cumbersomeness.
    * lo indefinido = indefiniteness.
    * lo indirecto = indirectness.
    * lo indispensable = bare necessities, the, bare minimum.
    * lo insulso = blandness.
    * lo interesante = the fun part.
    * lo judío = Judaica.
    * lo lindo = cuteness.
    * lo llano = flatness.
    * lo más cercano a = the nearest thing to.
    * lo más conveniente es que = optimally.
    * lo más destacado = highlights.
    * lo más detestado = pet hate.
    * lo más importante = most of all, at its core.
    * lo más interesante = highlights.
    * lo más mínimo = so much as.
    * lo más novedoso = the last word.
    * lo más odiado = pet hate.
    * lo más parecido a = the nearest thing to.
    * lo más probable es que = most probably.
    * lo más recio de = brunt of, the.
    * lo más recóndito = nooks and crannies.
    * lo máximo = the be all and end all, the bee's knees, the cat's pyjamas, the cat's meow, the cat's whiskers, the dog's bollocks.
    * lo mejor = the top of the tree.
    * lo mejor de = the beauty of, showpiece.
    * lo mejor de ambas partes = the best of both worlds.
    * lo mejor de lo mejor = the best of the best.
    * lo mejor de todo = best of all.
    * lo mejor entre lo mejor = the best of the best.
    * lo mejor es que... = the good news is (that)....
    * lo mejor está aún por llegar = the best is yet to come.
    * lo mejor posible = to the best of + Posesivo + ability, at + Posesivo + (very) best, optimally.
    * lo mejor que pueda = to the best of + Posesivo + ability.
    * lo mejor que se puede hacer = the best bet.
    * lo mejor + ser = the beautiful part + be.
    * lo menos posible = as little as possible.
    * lo mínimo = bare minimum, bare necessities, the.
    * lo mismo ocurre con = the same goes for.
    * lo mismo ocurre en el caso de = the same is true (for/of/with).
    * lo mismo que = the same as, along the lines of, in much the same way as.
    * lo mismo que antes = the same as before.
    * lo mismo que para = the same as that for.
    * lo mismo se aplica a = the same is true (for/of/with).
    * lo molesto de = cumbersomeness.
    * lo mucho que = how extensively.
    * lo noble = high-mindedness.
    * lo no convencional = unconventional, the.
    * lo normal + ser + que = there + be + a tendency (to/for), there + be + a tendency (to/for).
    * lo oportuno = timeliness.
    * lo pasado pasado está = let bygones be bygones.
    * lo peor de = brunt of, the.
    * lo peor del = the armpit of the.
    * lo pintoresco = quaintness.
    * lo plano = flatness.
    * lo poco común = rarity, rareness.
    * lo poco convencional = unconventional, the.
    * lo primero = for one, first off.
    * lo primero de todo = first of all, first off.
    * lo prometido es deuda = a promise is a promise.
    * lo propicio = propitiousness.
    * lo público = publicness.
    * lo que = that which, what.
    * lo que aguarda a = what is on store for.
    * lo que Algo o Alguien se merece, lo que le corresponde, bastante = fair share, fair share.
    * lo que a uno cura a otro mata = one man's meat is another man's poison.
    * lo que demuestra que = which (just) goes to show that.
    * lo que el futuro depara a = what is on store for.
    * lo que es aun más inquietante = more disturbingly.
    * lo que es aun más preocupante = more disturbingly.
    * lo que es aun mejor = better still.
    * lo que es aun peor = worse still.
    * lo que es bueno para uno es bueno para otro = what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.
    * lo que es bueno para uno también es bueno para otro = what's good for the goose is good for the gander.
    * lo que es más = what is more, what's more.
    * lo que es más importante = most importantly, more importantly, most of all, most important.
    * lo que es mejor aun = better still.
    * lo que es muy importante = importantly.
    * lo que es peor = what's worse.
    * lo que es peor aun = worse still.
    * lo que espera a = what is on store for.
    * lo que está bien y lo que está mal = rights and wrongs.
    * lo que existe (en el mercado) = what's out there.
    * lo que haya que de ser, será = que sera sera, what's meant to be, will be, whatever will be, will be.
    * lo que hay (en el mercado) = what's out there.
    * lo que hay que hacer = do + the right thing, the way to go.
    * lo que hay que hacer y lo que hay que evitar = do's and don'ts, rights and wrongs.
    * lo que le corresponde = fair share.
    * lo que nos espera = things to come.
    * lo que quiera que = whatever.
    * lo que sea = something or other.
    * lo que se gana por un lado se pierde por otro = swings and roundabouts.
    * lo que se pierda en una cosa se gana en la otra = what you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts.
    * lo que + ser = what + be like.
    * lo que se suele pagar = going rate, the.
    * lo que tenga que pasar, que pase = que sera sera, what's meant to be, will be, whatever will be, will be.
    * lo que tenga que ser, será = que sera sera, whatever will be, will be, what's meant to be, will be.
    * lo que vale para tí también vale para mí = what's good for the goose is good for the gander, what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.
    * lo rural = rurality.
    * los = the, ye.
    * los 365 días del año = year-round.
    * los 40 principales = Top 40 singles chart.
    * los abajo firmantes = the parties hereto.
    * los acontecimientos = the course of events.
    * lo sagrado = sacredness.
    * los albores de = the dawn of.
    * los años cincuenta = fifties.
    * los años treinta = thirties.
    * los árboles no dejan ver el bosque = lose + sight of the forest for the trees.
    * los avatares de la guerra = the tides of war.
    * los buenos tiempos = the good old days.
    * los comienzos de = the dawn of.
    * los constantes cambios de = the changing face of, the changing nature of.
    * los de = those for, those in.
    * los demás = rest, the, everybody else.
    * los detalles de la letra pequeña = the devil (is/lives) in the details.
    * los días antes de = leading up to.
    * los dos = both, both of them, both of which.
    * los efectos negativos se están dejando sentir ahora = chickens come home to roost.
    * los gobernantes = the powers-that-be.
    * los hay para dar y regalar = there's one born every minute.
    * los mandamás = the powers-that-be.
    * los más necesitados = those most in need.
    * los más pobres + Nombre = the poorest + Nombre.
    * los menos locuaces = inarticulate, the.
    * los motivos de = the reason behind, the thinking behind, the reasoning behind, the idea behind.
    * los necesitados = the needy.
    * los orígenes de = the dawn of.
    * los otros con los que aparece(n) = neighbours [neighbors, -USA].
    * los peores + Nombre = the poorest + Nombre.
    * los poderes fáticos = the powers-that-be.
    * los pormenores de la letra pequeña = the devil (is/lives) in the details.
    * Los Principios de París = Paris Principles.
    * los que = those who.
    * los que detentan el poder = the powers-that-be.
    * los que mandan = the powers-that-be.
    * los que no han recibido formación específica = uninstructed, the.
    * los que + Verbo = those + Participio.
    * los tribunales = the Bench.
    * lo suficientemente cerca = within range.
    * lo suficientemente cerca como para oír = within earshot of.
    * lo suficientemente estúpido como para = dumb enough to.
    * lo suficientemente grande = large enough, big enough.
    * lo suficientemente lejos como para no poder oír = out of earshot.
    * los últimos coletazos = fag-end.
    * lo sumo = the bee's knees, the cat's meow, the cat's whiskers, the dog's bollocks, the cat's pyjamas.
    * los unos a costa de los otros = at each other's expense.
    * los viejos tiempos = the good old days.
    * lo tomas o lo dejas = take it or leave it.
    * lo último = the last word.
    * lo uno es tan malo como lo otro = one is as bad as the other.
    * lo vanguardista = cutting edge.
    * lo yidish = Yiddica.
    * parmarlas = kick + the bucket.
    * ser lo que nos espera = be the shape of things to come.

    * * *
    el (pl los), la; (pl las)
    A (con un referente único, conocido o que se define) the
    el sol the sun
    el lápiz/la goma/los lápices/las gomas que compré the pencil/the eraser/the pencils/the erasers I bought
    no, ése no, el que te presté ayer/el de Julio/el rojo no, not that one, the one I lent you yesterday/Julio's/the red one
    en la calle Solís in Solís Street
    prefiero el mío/los tuyos I prefer mine/yours
    me atendió el estúpido del marido that stupid husband of hers served me
    yo soy la arquitecta, ella es lexicógrafa I'm the architect, she's a lexicographer
    yo fui la que lo rompí or rompió I was the one who broke it
    los nacidos entre … those born between …
    los que faltamos ayer those of us who weren't here yesterday
    ¿cuál es Ardiles? — el del sombrero negro which one's Ardiles? — the one with the black hat
    un encuentro al que asistieron muchas personalidades a meeting which was attended by many well known people
    la obra de la que or de la cual hablábamos the play we were talking about
    B
    (con sustantivos en sentido genérico): me encanta la ópera I love opera
    odio el pescado I hate fish
    así es la vida that's life
    (nosotros) los mexicanos lo sabemos muy bien we Mexicans know only too well
    ¿ya vas a la escuela? do you go to school yet?
    ya salió del hospital she's out of the hospital ( AmE) o ( BrE) out of hospital
    en el mar at sea
    viajar por el espacio to travel in space
    C
    (en expresiones de tiempo): ocurrió el domingo de Pascua/en el verano del 76 it happened on Easter Sunday/in the summer of '76
    mi cumpleaños es el 28 de mayo my birthday's on May 28
    el mes pasado/que viene last/next month
    no trabaja los sábados she doesn't work (on) Saturdays
    estudió toda la mañana he studied all morning
    a las ocho at eight o'clock, at eight
    a eso de las seis around six o'clock
    D
    (cada): lo venden a $80 el kilo/metro they're selling it at $80 a kilo/a meter o at $80 per kilo/meter
    ¿cuánto cuesta el paquete de diez? how much does a packet of ten cost?
    E
    (con fracciones, porcentajes, números): me dio la mitad/la cuarta parte del dinero she gave me half the money/a quarter of the money
    el 20% de los peruanos 20% of Peruvians
    vivo en el cuarto I live on the fifth floor ( AmE) o ( BrE) fourth floor
    (refiriéndose a partes del cuerpo, prendas de vestir, artículos personales, etc): con las manos en los bolsillos with my/your/his hands in my/your/his pockets
    ¡te cortaste el pelo! you've had your hair cut!
    tienes la falda sucia your skirt is dirty
    tienes el suéter puesto al revés you've got your sweater on inside out
    tiene el pelo largo/los ojos azules he has long hair/blue eyes
    1
    (con apellidos acompañados de título, adjetivos, etc): llamó el señor Ortiz/la doctora Vidal/el general Santos Mr Ortiz/Doctor Vidal/General Santos phoned
    el gran Caruso the Great Caruso
    2
    (con nombres de mujeres famosas): la última película de la Monroe Monroe's last movie
    3
    (en plural): los Ortega (matrimonio) the Ortegas, Mr and Mrs Ortega; (familia) the Ortegas, the Ortega family
    a los Josés se les suele llamar Pepe people called José are often known as Pepe
    4 (fam: en muchas regiones crit)
    (con nombres de pila): pregúntale a la Carmen/al Ricardo ask Carmen/Ricardo
    5
    (con algunos nombres geográficos): en la India in India
    en (el) Perú in Peru
    6
    (al calificar): la España de Franco Franco's Spain
    el Buñuel que todos conocemos the Buñuel we all know
    la Italia del siglo pasado Italy in the last century
    7
    (con algunos equipos deportivos): juegan contra el Juventus/el Barcelona they're playing against Juventus/Barcelona
    H el
    (con infinitivo): odiaba el tener que pedírselo he hated having to ask her
    es cuidadoso y pausado en el hablar he's careful and deliberate in the way he speaks
    el frenético girar de los bailarines the frenzied spinning of the dancers
    al + INF ver a prep B 2. (↑ a 3)
    * * *

     

    Multiple Entries:
    el    
    él
    el (pl
    los), la (pl las) art the masculine article el is also used before feminine nouns which begin with accented a or ha, e.g. el agua pura, el hada madrina

    1




    así es la vida that's life;
    (nosotros) los mexicanos we Mexicans;
    ¿ya vas a la escuela? do you go to school yet?


    las tuyas yours;
    el último the last one;
    el estúpido del marido that stupid husband of hers
    2
    a) el + de:


    el de las nueve the nine o'clock one;
    el de mi hijo my son's
    b) el + que:


    los que estén cansados;
    those who are tired, anyone who's tired;
    la que te guste whichever you like
    3 ( en expresiones de tiempo):

    mi cumpleaños es el 28 de mayo my birthday's on May 28;
    el mes pasado last month;
    toda la mañana all morning;
    a las ocho at eight o'clock
    4 ( cada):
    $80 el metro/kilo $80 a meter/a kilo, $80 per kilo/meter

    5 (con fracciones, porcentajes, números):
    la mitad/la cuarta parte del dinero half the money/a quarter of the money;

    el 20% de … 20% of …
    6 (con partes del cuerpo, prendas de vestir, artículos personales, etc):

    ¡te cortaste el pelo! you've had your hair cut!;
    tiene los ojos azules he has blue eyes
    7
    a) (con apellidos acompañados de título, adjetivos, etc):

    el señor Ortiz/la doctora Vidal Mr Ortiz/Doctor Vidal;

    los Ortega the Ortegas


    ver África, Argentina, etc
    él pron pers
    a) ( como sujeto) he;

    ¿quién se lo va a decir? — él who's going to tell her?he is;

    lo hizo él mismo he did it himself;
    fue él it was him
    b) (en comparaciones, con preposiciones) him;

    ( refiriéndose a cosas) it;
    llegué antes que él I arrived before him o before he did;

    con/para él with/for him;
    son de él they're his
    el art def m
    1 the
    2 (no se traduce) (ante un tratamiento formal) el sr. Gómez, Mr Gomez
    (cuando el sustantivo es general) el hambre/tiempo, hunger/time
    3 (se traduce por un posesivo) (con partes del cuerpo) se ha cortado el pelo, she's cut her hair
    (prendas) se lo metió en el bolsillo, he put it in his pocket
    (pertenencias) guarda el diario en el cajón, put your diary into the drawer
    4 (con días de la semana) iré el miércoles, I'll go on Wednesday
    5 (cuando el sustantivo está elidido) the one: prefiero el azul, I prefer the blue one
    el de las diez, the ten o'clock one
    el que está en la mesa, the one that's on the table
    el que más nos guste, whichever one we like best
    (delante de un posesivo) el de María, Maria's
    es el mío, it's mine
    él pron pers
    1 (sujeto) (persona) he
    (animal, cosa) it: fue él, it was him, fue él el que..., it was him that... o it was he who...
    2 (complemento) (persona) him
    (animal, cosa) it
    dáselo a él, give it to him, es para él, it's for him
    3 (posesivo) de él, his
    4 (oración comparativa) ella es mejor que él, she's better than him o she's better than he is
    'él' also found in these entries:
    Spanish:
    A
    - abajo
    - abalanzarse
    - abaratarse
    - abarquillarse
    - abarrotar
    - abarrotada
    - abarrotado
    - abastecimiento
    - abatir
    - abatimiento
    - abdicar
    - abierta
    - abierto
    - abismo
    - abogada
    - abogado
    - abominar
    - abominable
    - abordar
    - aborigen
    - aborregarse
    - abortar
    - abotargada
    - abotargado
    - abrir
    - abreviar
    - abrirse
    - absoluta
    - absoluto
    - abstención
    - abundancia
    - acabar
    - acabarse
    - acabose
    - acallar
    - acanallar
    - accionariado
    - acero
    - achacosa
    - achacoso
    - achatamiento
    - achicharrarse
    - aclarar
    - aclarado
    - acomodarse
    - acompañar
    - acondicionar
    - acostumbrada
    - acostumbrado
    English:
    A
    - abandon
    - ABC
    - ability
    - about
    - above
    - abroad
    - abseil
    - absence
    - absent
    - absolute
    - absolve
    - absorb
    - abstract
    - academic
    - accelerate
    - accommodate
    - accomplice
    - account
    - accurately
    - accusation
    - accused
    - accustom
    - aching
    - act
    - act on
    - act up
    - actual
    - actually
    - acute
    - address
    - adequately
    - adjourn
    - admission
    - admit
    - advance
    - advanced
    - advantage
    - advantageous
    - advise
    - advocate
    - affair
    - afford
    - afloat
    - afraid
    - after
    - against
    - age
    - agenda
    - aggregate
    * * *
    el (f la, mpl los, fpl las) art determinado el is used instead of la before feminine nouns which are stressed on the first syllable and begin with “a” or “ha” (e.g. el agua, el hacha). Note that el combines with the prepositions a and de to produce the contracted forms al and del.
    1. [con valor especificador] the;
    el coche the car;
    la casa the house;
    los niños the children;
    el agua/hacha/águila the water/axe/eagle;
    fui a recoger a los niños I went to pick up the children
    2. [con sustantivo abstracto, valor genérico]
    el amor love;
    la vida life;
    el hombre Man, human beings;
    los derechos de la mujer women's rights;
    los niños imitan a los adultos children copy adults;
    el pan es un alimento básico bread is a basic food;
    la mayoría de la gente no la conoce most people don't know her;
    vuelve el biquini bikinis are back
    3. [indica posesión, pertenencia]
    se partió la pierna he broke his leg;
    se quitó los zapatos she took her shoes off;
    tiene el pelo oscuro he has dark hair;
    me han robado la maleta my suitcase has been stolen;
    se dieron la mano they shook hands
    4. [con días de la semana, fechas, horas]
    vuelven el sábado they're coming back on Saturday;
    los domingos vamos al cine we go to the movies (on) Sundays;
    llegaré el 1 de mayo [escrito] I'll arrive on 1 May;
    [hablado] I'll arrive on the first of May;
    son las siete it's seven o'clock;
    el año pasado/que viene last/next year
    5. [con nombres propios geográficos]
    el Sena the (River) Seine;
    el Everest (Mount) Everest;
    la India India;
    La Haya The Hague;
    El Cairo Cairo;
    6. [con apellido]
    la señora Márquez Mrs Márquez;
    el señor/el doctor Juárez Mr/Doctor Juárez;
    los Amaya [matrimonio] Mr and Mrs Amaya, the Amayas;
    [familia completa] the Amayas, the Amaya family;
    los Austrias the Hapsburgs;
    el Hitler español the Spanish Hitler
    7. Fam [con nombre propio de persona]
    llama a la María call Maria
    8. [con numerales, porcentajes, fracciones]
    el siete es mi número de la suerte seven's my lucky number;
    llegó el tercero he came third;
    el tercer piso the third floor;
    un aumento del 30 por ciento a 30 percent increase;
    la quinta parte (de) a fifth (of);
    el 20 por ciento (de) 20 percent (of)
    9. [en proporciones, precios]
    100 pesos el kilo 100 pesos a o per kilo
    10. [con complemento especificativo]
    el/la del sombrero the one with the hat;
    los/las de azul [cosas] the blue ones;
    [personas] the ones in blue;
    he perdido el tren, cogeré el de las nueve I've missed the train, I'll get the nine o'clock one;
    el de aquí this one here;
    ¿los del parque son amigos tuyos? were those people in the park friends of yours?;
    prefiero las del escaparate I prefer the ones in the window;
    los del fondo no se callan the people at the back won't shut up
    11. [con complemento posesivo]
    mi hermano y el de Juan my brother and Juan's;
    el mío mine;
    la tuya yours;
    los suyos theirs
    12. [con adjetivo]
    prefiero el rojo al azul I prefer the red one to the blue one;
    el/la mejor the best;
    es la mejor de la clase she's the best in the class, she's top of the class;
    los seleccionados realizarán un examen those chosen will sit an exam;
    el tonto de Ignacio se equivocó that idiot Ignacio got it wrong
    13. [con infinitivo]
    el beber tanto acabó con él all that drinking is what finished him off;
    es amante del buen comer she loves good food;
    me sienta mal el tener que decírtelo I don't like to have to tell you
    14. [con frases subordinadas]
    el/la que [cosa] whichever;
    [persona] whoever;
    los/las que [cosas] whichever;
    [personas] whoever;
    coge el/los que quieras take whichever you like;
    el que más corra whoever runs fastest, the one who runs the fastest;
    las que quieran venir que levanten la mano those who want to come o anyone who wants to come should put their hand up;
    el que no te guste no quiere decir que sea malo the fact that you don't like him doesn't make him a bad person
    15. [con valor enfático]
    ¡la pena que me dio verlo en ese estado! I felt so sorry for him when I saw him in that state!
    * * *
    el
    I art the
    II pron
    :
    el de … that of …;
    el de Juan Juan’s;
    el más grande the biggest (one);
    el que está … the one that is …
    * * *
    él pron
    : he, him
    él es mi amigo: he's my friend
    hablaremos con él: we will speak with him
    1) : the one
    tengo mi libro y el tuyo: I have my book and yours
    de los cantantes me gusta el de México: I prefer the singer from México
    2)
    el que : he who, whoever, the one that
    el que vino ayer: the one who came yesterday
    el que trabaja duro estará contento: he who works hard will be happy
    el, la art, pl los, las : the
    los niños están en la casa: the boys are in the house
    me duele el pie: my foot hurts
    * * *
    el det
    1. the
    ¿qué te pareció el libro? what did you think of the book?
    2. (posesivo) my / your / his / her etcétera
    ¿te has cortado el pelo? have you had your hair cut?
    ¿cuál prefieres? el azul which one do you prefer? the blue one
    ¡Ojo! Algunas veces no se traduce
    ¿quieres salir el sábado? do you want to go out on Saturday?
    el Sr. García Mr. García
    el que (persona) the one who / the one that (cosa) the one which / the one that
    con el que that... with
    en el que that... in

    Spanish-English dictionary > él

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