ensayo universitario
/ensaʝo unibeɾsitaɾjo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'college essay' is translated into Spanish as ensayo universitario.
The term ensayo universitario is used to describe a college essay. You may also use redacción universitaria to refer to the essay itself or the general act of college writing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to hear the term trabajo when referring to a written assignment in a college context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is ensayos universitarios, where both the noun and the adjective take the plural suffix '-s'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ensaʝo unibeɾsitaɾjo/
Did you know?
- The term ensayo entered Spanish from the Late Latin word exagium, which referred to the act of weighing something carefully.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you ask for an ensayo, a person might think you are asking for a 'rehearsal' for a play or a concert.
- Despite the similarity, ensayo and redacción are not always interchangeable. An ensayo is typically an argumentative piece, while a redacción often refers to a descriptive or narrative composition.
Examples in context
- Necesito entregar mi ensayo universitario mañanaI need to submit my college essay tomorrow
- Tengo que escribir un ensayo universitario.I have to write a college essay.
- El ensayo universitario es muy importante.The college essay is very important.
- Ella terminó su ensayo universitario ayer.She finished her college essay yesterday.
Example conversation
Two students are studying in the library.
- AlejandroHola María, ¿terminaste tu ensayo universitario?Hi María, did you finish your college essay?
- MaríaNo, Alejandro, todavía me falta una página.No, Alejandro, I still have one page left.
- AlejandroYo también estoy luchando con mi ensayo universitario.I am also struggling with my college essay.
- María¡Ánimo! Podemos terminarlo juntos hoy.Hang in there! We can finish it together today.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ensayo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
