Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the level of study and the qualification itself. Grado refers to the academic level or rank, whereas título is more commonly used when talking about the actual physical diploma or the official qualification. In Latin American countries, diploma can also be used in formal contexts to express a degree obtained after specific studies.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, particularly Chile and Mexico, the term grado académico is used to refer to a degree. In Spain, the term especialidad can be used when referring to a degree achieved through specialized studies.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡɾado/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use grado to mean a university degree, but in many Spanish-speaking countries, using título or licenciatura is a more natural way to refer to the completed qualification.
Did you know?
- The word grado shares its Latin ancestor gradus with the English word 'grade', but it also shares a distant root with the English word 'go' through the Proto-Indo-European term for walking.
- While 'degree' in English is used for temperature, angles and academics, grado is similarly versatile in Spanish for all three categories.
Examples in context
- Tom tiene un grado en biología.Tom has a degree in biology.This sentence shows how to use grado to state someone's field of study.Tatoeba #5638649 by arh, translation #5636640 by CK
- Existe un grado de estrés en todos los trabajos.There's a degree of stress in every job.This sentence demonstrates the use of grado to express a level or amount of something.Tatoeba #718756 by Shishir, translation #680653 by Source_VOA
- Todas las predicciones tienen cierto grado de incertidumbre.All forecasts have a certain degree of uncertainty.This sentence shows how grado can be used to describe a certain level of uncertainty.Tatoeba #11948835 by Eremon, translation #3804551 by Hybrid
- Obtuve un título en Ingeniería Civil.I earned a degree in Civil Engineering.
- Mi hermana está estudiando para obtener un grado en Medicina.My sister is studying to earn a degree in Medicine.
- La licenciatura en Derecho tiene una duración de cuatro años.A Bachelor's degree in Law lasts for four years.
- Estoy estudiando una carrera en Psicología.I'm studying a degree in Psychology.
- Mi hermano mayor tiene un título universitario en Ingeniería Mecánica.My older brother has a university degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- Juan está cursando un grado académico en Ciencias Políticas.Juan is pursuing a degree in Political Science.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their education goals.
- JavierElena, ¿quieres sacar un grado en historia?Elena, do you want to get a degree in history?
- ElenaSí, pero primero necesito terminar mis cursos.Yes, but first I need to finish my courses.
- JavierUn grado te ayudaría a encontrar mejores empleos.A degree would help you find better jobs.
- ElenaTienes razón, Javier. Voy a inscribirme mañana.You are right, Javier. I am going to enroll tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry grado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
