How to Say “Grading Papers” in Spanish

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calificar exámenes
/kalifikaɾ eɡsamenes/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'grading papers' is translated into Spanish as calificar exámenes.
The phrase refers to the act of evaluating and assigning marks to students' written assignments or tests. Depending on the context, you might use different terms: calificar trabajos is used for grading general papers, essays or assignments, while calificar exámenes specifically refers to grading tests. You can also use evaluando exámenes or calificando trabajos to describe the process in a formal manner. If you wish to emphasize the reviewing aspect of the task, you can use revisando trabajos.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase calificar exámenes is composed of the verb calificar, which means to grade or rate and the noun exámenes, which means exams.

Which one should you use?

While calificar exámenes focuses on tests, calificar trabajos is the preferred way to refer to grading general papers or assignments. If the focus is on the review process, revisando trabajos may be used.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Argentina, it is common to use the verb corregir (to correct) instead of evaluar when referring to grading papers. In Mexico, the term revisando exámenes is widely used to mean 'grading exams'.

How does it change in a sentence?

To express the continuous action of grading papers, such as 'grading the exams', use the gerund form calificando followed by the object, for example calificando los exámenes.

How do you pronounce it?

/kalifikaɾ eɡsamenes/

Did you know?

  • The root of calificar comes from the Latin quālis, which asks 'of what kind'. This reflects a philosophical approach of defining a student's level rather than just counting points.
  • In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the act of revisar can imply a more critical or meticulous review than the English 'reviewing', often focusing on finding errors rather than just assessing quality.

Examples in context

  • Estoy calificando trabajos de historia para mis alumnos de secundaria.
    I am grading history papers for my high school students.
  • Estoy corrigiendo exámenes de literatura en Argentina.
    I am grading literature exams in Argentina.
  • Tengo que calificar exámenes esta tarde.
    I have to grade exams this afternoon.
  • Me cansa mucho calificar exámenes.
    Grading exams tires me out a lot.

Example conversation

Two teachers are talking in the break room.

  1. Mateo

    Hola María, ¿quieres ir a comer?
    Hi María, do you want to go eat?
  2. María

    No puedo, Mateo, sigo calificando exámenes.
    I can't, Mateo, I'm still grading papers.
  3. Mateo

    Todavía tienes muchos por corregir.
    You still have a lot to correct.
  4. María

    Sí, calificar exámenes toma mucho tiempo.
    Yes, grading papers takes a lot of time.

Sources

  • IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries calificar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Alfred Floyd
Alfred FloydHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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