repetir el examen
/repetiɾ el eɡsamen/from spelling rules
To retake exam in Spanish is repetir el examen.
The phrase repetir el examen is used when a student needs to take a test again, whether they are doing so because they failed the first attempt or because they wish to improve a grade.
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of the verb repetir (to repeat) and the noun phrase el examen (the exam).
Which one should you use?
You can also use volver a hacer el examen to say 'to do the exam again'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, the expression dar otro examen is widely used to refer to retaking an exam.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb repetir is a stem-changing verb. This means the 'e' in the stem changes to 'i' in many conjugated forms, such as él repite el examen (he retakes the exam).
How do you pronounce it?
/repetiɾ el eɡsamen/
Did you know?
- The word examen shares a linguistic root with enjambre, the Spanish word for 'swarm'.
- If you say you are going to repetir el examen, some teachers might think you are actually going to repeat the entire school year or the entire course, rather than just the single test.
- In some Spanish-speaking academic contexts, you might hear the term convocatoria, which refers to a formal official call for a rescheduled testing period rather than just a simple retake.
Examples in context
- Voy a repetir el examen de conducir.I am going to retake the driving exam.
- ¿Tienes que repetir el examen de matemáticas?Do you have to retake the math exam?
- Ella decidió repetir el examen para mejorar su nota.She decided to retake the exam to improve her grade.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are talking about their university studies in a cafe.
- ElenaMateo, ¿vas a repetir el examen de historia?Mateo, are you going to retake the history exam?
- MateoSí, necesito mejorar mi calificación.Yes, I need to improve my grade.
- ElenaEs buena idea repetir el examen si es necesario.It is a good idea to retake the exam if it is necessary.
- MateoGracias, Elena, espero aprobar esta vez.Thanks, Elena, I hope to pass this time.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, examen, repetir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
