sistema de aprobado/suspenso
The English phrase 'pass/fail system' is translated into Spanish as sistema de aprobado/suspenso.
This phrase refers to an educational grading method where students are only marked as passing or failing rather than receiving a letter grade.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term used for the 'fail' part of the phrase varies by region. In Spain, it is standard to use sistema de aprobado/suspenso because suspenso is the standard way to refer to a failing grade. In many Latin American countries, sistema de aprobado/reprobado is more common, as reprobado is more commonly used than suspenso to indicate a failing grade.
Did you know?
- The word suspenso is also used in Spanish to describe the tension or anticipation felt during a movie cliffhanger, known as estar en suspenso.
- Depending on the country, a student who just barely passes a sistema de aprobado/suspenso might be said to have passed raspando, which literally means 'scraping'.
- In some Spanish-speaking academic contexts, a student who fails is called a suspenso or reprobado themselves, treating the grade as a personal label.
Examples in context
- En nuestra universidad, utilizamos el sistema de aprobación/reprobación para evaluar a los estudiantes.In our university, we use the pass/fail system to evaluate students.
- El nuevo programa de certificación implementa un sistema de calificación binario para los solicitantes.The new certification program implements a binary grading system for applicants.
- La universidad usa un sistema de aprobado/suspenso.The university uses a pass/fail system.
- Prefiero el sistema de aprobado/suspenso en este curso.I prefer the pass/fail system in this course.
- ¿Es un sistema de aprobado/suspenso o por notas?Is it a pass/fail system or based on grades?
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are discussing their new university courses.
- Daniel¿Cómo es la evaluación de la clase de historia?How is the assessment for the history class?
- LucíaEs un sistema de aprobado/suspenso, Daniel.It is a pass/fail system, Daniel.
- Daniel¡Qué bien! Me quita mucha presión.That's great! It takes a lot of pressure off me.
- LucíaSí, es mucho más relajado para nosotros.Yes, it is much more relaxed for us.
