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Question

Difficulty: MediumVocabulary in Context and Idiomatic Correspondence Terms

A formal letter from a university scholarship committee to an applicant contains a Spanish idiomatic phrase that translates literally as 'to have to good' (tener a bien). Which of the following best describes the meaning of this phrase in the context of the correspondence?

  1. A
    It asserts that the applicant must possess physical goods or assets to receive the scholarship.
  2. B
    It expresses the committee's wishes for the applicant's personal well-being and good health.
  3. It indicates that the committee has graciously decided or seen fit to approve the request.Answer
  4. D
    It signifies that the committee requires proof of the applicant's good moral conduct.

Answer

The correct answer is that the phrase indicates the committee has graciously decided or seen fit to approve the request.
The idiomatic phrase 'tener a bien' is used in formal Spanish correspondence to express that an authority or entity has graciously decided, deemed proper, or seen fit to perform an action (in this case, granting a scholarship).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target idiomatic phrase and its context within formal correspondence.
The phrase is 'tener a bien' (literally 'to have to good'), used in a formal letter from a scholarship committee to an applicant.
Understanding the context of the letter helps narrow down the register and function of the correspondence term.
2
Determine the idiomatic meaning of the phrase rather than relying on literal translation.
In formal Spanish, 'tener a bien' means to see fit, to deem proper, or to deign/graciously decide to do something.
This distinguishes the correct idiomatic meaning from literal interpretations involving health, assets, or moral goodness.

Key Concept

Idiomatic correspondence formulas and formal register vocabulary
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Topics

Vocabulary in Context and Idiomatic Correspondence Terms

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