Learning how to express the concepts of “pass” and “fail” in Spanish is vital for communication in various contexts, such as discussing academic results, exams, certifications, or even sports. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to say “pass” and “fail” in Spanish, as well as provide tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Pass” and “Fail” in Spanish
When it comes to expressing passing or failing in a formal context, such as an examination, diploma, or official document, the following phrases are commonly used:
1. “Pass” – Formal
- Aprobar: This is the most common and general way to say “pass” in Spanish. It is widely used in both Spain and Latin America. For example:
“¡Felicitaciones! Aprobaste el examen de matemáticas con una excelente calificación.”
- Superar: This verb is also commonly used to convey passing an exam or meeting a certain standard. It is frequently employed when discussing challenges or obstacles to overcome. For instance:
“Después de tanto estudio, logré superar el difícil examen de ingreso a la universidad.”
2. “Fail” – Formal
- Reprobar: When indicating that someone has failed an exam or assessment, “reprobar” is the most widely used term. It can be used for both partial and complete failure. Consider the following example:
“Lamentablemente, reprobaron el examen de química y tendrán que recuperarlo.”
- Suspender: Particularly common in Spain, this verb translates to “fail” and is often used when referring to failing an exam. Here’s an example:
“No puedo creer que haya suspendido el examen de historia. Tendré que estudiar mucho más la próxima vez.”
Informal Ways to Say “Pass” and “Fail” in Spanish
Informal contexts allow for a more relaxed language style. Here are some popular phrases used among friends, colleagues, or in casual conversations:
1. “Pass” – Informal
- Chapar: Primarily used in Spain, this colloquial expression means “to pass” an exam. It might not be understood in all Spanish-speaking countries, so use it cautiously. For example:
“Mis amigos y yo chapamos el examen de biología gracias a nuestras horas de estudio.”
- Sacar: In many Latin American countries, “sacar” is a widely used verb to express “to pass” an exam or obtain a good grade. Here’s an example:
“¡Sí! Saqué una A en el examen de inglés. Estoy muy contento con mi resultado.”
2. “Fail” – Informal
- Tirar: In some Spanish-speaking countries like Argentina or Uruguay, “tirar” is an informal way to say “fail” or “flunk” an exam. Keep in mind that its usage may not be universally understood.
“No estudié lo suficiente y terminé tirando el examen de física. Tendré que hacerlo de nuevo.”
- Rajar: This informally used verb in Spain and parts of Latin America means “to fail” or “to flunk” an exam.
“Mi hermano raja siempre en los exámenes de historia. Debería esforzarse más en estudiar.”
Regional Variations
While most of the phrases listed above are widely understood across the Spanish-speaking world, it’s important to note that regional variations exist. Vocabulary choices and expressions may vary slightly or be unique to specific countries or regions.
For instance, in some Latin American countries, such as Mexico, “pasar” can be used informally to mean “to pass” an exam. Similarly, in some regions of Spain, “aprobar” may be replaced with “acometer” to convey the same meaning.
When in doubt, it’s best to stick to the more widely recognized terms such as “aprobar” and “reprobar” to ensure your meaning is understood across different Spanish-speaking countries.
Conclusion
Now you are equipped to discuss passing and failing in Spanish with confidence. Remember to match your vocabulary choices with the appropriate level of formality based on the context. Whether you are expressing exam results formally or casually chatting with friends, these phrases will help you navigate the topic smoothly. As you continue to practice and interact with Spanish speakers, you’ll likely discover additional localized expressions, but the ones covered here will serve as a solid foundation for expressing “pass” and “fail” in Spanish.
¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
