Learning how to say grades in Spanish can be incredibly useful if you’re studying or traveling to a Spanish-speaking country. In this guide, we’ll explore both the formal and informal ways to express grades in Spanish. We’ll also provide tips, examples, and regional variations where applicable to help you navigate the diverse Spanish-speaking world. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say Grades in Spanish
If you’re in an academic or professional setting, it’s important to use formal language when discussing grades. Here are some commonly used phrases:
- Sobresaliente: Equivalent to “excellent” or “outstanding.”
- Notable: Translates to “notable” or “commendable.”
- Aprobado: Means “approved” or “pass.”
- Reprobado: Similar to “failed.”
- Suspendido: Also means “failed” or “suspended.”
Here are some examples of how these phrases can be used:
María obtuvo un sobresaliente en su examen de matemáticas.
(María got an excellent grade on her math exam.)
Los estudiantes recibieron una nota notable por su trabajo en grupo.
(The students received a commendable grade for their group work.)
These terms are widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world and have consistent meanings across regions.
Informal Ways to Say Grades in Spanish
When it comes to informal contexts and conversations with friends and peers, Spanish speakers often use different expressions to describe grades. Here are some informal phrases you might come across:
- Jalado: Similar to “failed” or “flunked.”
- Chafa: Translates to “poor” or “bad.”
- De Panzazo: This phrase roughly means “barely passed.”
- Más o menos: Equivalent to “so-so” or “average.”
- Muy bien: Means “very good” or “great.”
Here are a few examples of how these informal phrases can be used:
Pedro se jaló el examen final.
(Pedro failed the final exam.)
Mi presentación fue chafa, necesito mejorar la próxima vez.
(My presentation was poor, I need to improve next time.)
It’s important to note that while these informal expressions are widely used among friends, they may not be suitable for formal or academic settings.
Regional Variations
Spanish is a diverse language with many regional variations. While the previously mentioned terms are universally understood, there are a few regional variations worth mentioning:
- In Spain, instead of “reprobado,” you may hear “suspenso” to mean “failed” or “suspended.”
- In parts of Latin America, “aprobado” is sometimes replaced with “apto” to express “pass.”
Remember, these regional variations mainly arise in formal settings, and the terms mentioned earlier are still widely understood and accepted throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Now that you’re familiar with both formal and informal ways to say grades in Spanish, you’ll be better equipped to communicate in various contexts. Remember to consider the formality of the setting and choose the appropriate term accordingly. ¡Buena suerte!
