calificación
/kalifikaˈθjon/
The English phrase grading is translated into Spanish as calificación.
The noun calificación is used to describe grading. It is derived from the verb calificar, which is the action of assigning a grade or score.
Which one should you use?
While calificación is the formal term for a grade or the process of grading, nota is a very common, slightly more informal synonym used in many Spanish-speaking countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form calificaciones is used when referring to multiple grades or the overall grades of a student. Additionally, nota media is used to describe the average grade or GPA in educational systems.
How do you pronounce it?
/kalifikaˈθjon/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use graduación to mean grading. graduación refers specifically to a graduation ceremony.
Did you know?
- In Spain, the grading scale usually goes from 0 to 10, but in Mexico, it is common to see grades expressed as a percentage from 0 to 100.
- In some Latin American educational systems, a calificación can be given as a qualitative word like Insuficiente or Sobresaliente rather than a number.
- The word calificación shares a root with the English word 'qualify', as both stem from the Latin 'qualitas' meaning 'quality'.
Examples in context
- La calificación del examen fue excelenteThe exam grade was excellent
- La evaluación del trabajo fue detalladaThe grading of the assignment was detailed
- ¿Cuál fue la nota del examen?What was the grade on the exam?
- Mi nota media es 8.5My average grade is 8.5
- La calificación del proyecto será determinante para tu nota finalThe grading of the project will be crucial for your final grade
- ¿Qué nota sacaste en el examen?What grade did you get on the exam?
- La calificación de este examen es excelente.The grade for this exam is excellent.
- Necesito revisar tu calificación final.I need to check your final grade.
- ¿Cuál es la calificación mínima para aprobar?What is the minimum grade to pass?
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their recent test results at a cafe.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿viste tu calificación de matemáticas?Alejandro, did you see your math grade?
- AlejandroSí, Elena, es una calificación muy alta.Yes, Elena, it is a very high grade.
- Elena¡Qué bueno! Yo obtuve una calificación media.That's great! I got an average grade.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, la próxima vez será mejor.Don't worry, next time will be better.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry calificación, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calificación, CC BY-SA 4.0.
