Graduating from college is a significant achievement that marks the end of a long academic journey. If you are looking to express this accomplishment in Spanish, you’ll find that there are various ways to convey the idea of “graduating from college” depending on the formality and regional variations. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “graduate from college” in Spanish, providing you with tips and examples to help you understand and use these phrases effectively.
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Formal Ways to Say “Graduate from College” in Spanish
When speaking in formal settings or with individuals who require a higher level of respect, you might prefer to use more formal expressions to convey the act of graduating from college. Here are some phrases you can use:
- Graduarse de la universidad: This expression directly translates to “graduate from university.” It is a widely used phrase and is appropriate in most formal situations. For example, “Me gradué de la universidad este año” means “I graduated from college this year.”
- Obtener un título universitario: This phrase means “to obtain a university degree” and emphasizes the achievement of earning a degree. For instance, “Obtuve un título universitario en ingeniería” translates to “I earned a university degree in engineering.”
- Finalizar la carrera universitaria: This expression specifically refers to completing or finishing a college career. For example, “Logré finalizar mi carrera universitaria” means “I managed to finish my college degree.”
Tip: When using these formal phrases, it’s important to consider the context and the regional variations. Some Spanish-speaking countries have different vocabulary or prefer specific expressions. If you are uncertain, it’s always best to consult with a native speaker or use a more universally understood phrase.
Informal Ways to Say “Graduate from College” in Spanish
In more casual or informal settings, you can use less formal expressions to talk about graduating from college. Here are a few examples:
- Egresar de la universidad: This phrase is commonly used in Latin America and means “to graduate from university.” For instance, “Egresé de la universidad el año pasado” translates to “I graduated from college last year.”
- Terminar la carrera: A simple and informal way to express the completion of a college degree is by saying “terminar la carrera,” which translates to “finish the degree.” For example, “Terminé mi carrera en derecho” means “I finished my degree in law.”
- Haberse recibido de la universidad: In some Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, it is common to use the phrase “haberse recibido de la universidad” to mean “to have graduated from university.” For instance, “Me recibí de la universidad hace dos años” would mean “I graduated from college two years ago.”
Remember that these informal expressions might not be suitable in all contexts, especially in formal or professional environments. It’s crucial to adapt your language depending on the situation and the level of formality required.
Examples:
To provide you with a clearer understanding of how to use these phrases, here are a few examples in both formal and informal contexts:
Formal:
- “Me gradué de la universidad el mes pasado y ahora estoy buscando trabajo.” (I graduated from college last month, and now I’m looking for a job.)
- “Obtuve un título universitario en administración de empresas en una reconocida universidad.” (I earned a university degree in business administration from a renowned university.)
- “Logré finalizar mi carrera universitaria con honores.” (I managed to finish my college degree with honors.)
Informal:
- “Egresé de la universidad y aún no puedo creerlo. ¡Estoy muy emocionado!” (I graduated from college, and I still can’t believe it. I’m so excited!)
- “Terminé la carrera de psicología y ahora quiero especializarme en terapia familiar.” (I finished my psychology degree, and now I want to specialize in family therapy.)
- “Me recibí de la universidad hace unos meses y ya estoy trabajando en mi campo de estudio.” (I graduated from college a few months ago, and I’m already working in my field of study.)
Final Thoughts
When it comes to talking about graduating from college in Spanish, it’s essential to choose the appropriate phrase based on the formality of the situation. Use the formal expressions when addressing professors, employers, or in any professional context. In more casual environments, you can opt for the informal expressions that convey the same accomplishment in a less formal manner. Remember to consider regional variations and always adapt your language to fit the context. Celebrate your achievement and confidently express your status as a college graduate in Spanish!
