semestre
/seˈmestɾe/masculine
The English word "semester" is translated into Spanish as semestre. Wiktionary also lists ciclo.
Meaning: half of school year (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| semestre | /seˈmestɾe/ | masculine |
| ciclo | /ˈθiklo/ /ˈsiklo/ |
masculine |
The term is used to describe half of a school year. In highly formal contexts, one might use el periodo lectivo to refer to an academic period, which includes a semester.
Which one should you use?
semestre refers specifically to a six-month period or a school term. In contrast, ciclo is a broader term that can refer to a cycle, a course of study or a full academic period regardless of its length.
Is it said differently in some regions?
El semestre is the term used to refer to a semester in countries such as Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela.
How does it change in a sentence?
semestre is a masculine noun. It requires masculine articles such as el or un. The plural form of semestre is semestres.
How do you pronounce it?
/seˈmestɾe/
Did you know?
- The word ciclo is a linguistic doublet of the word 'chakra', as both are derived from the Ancient Greek word kúklos meaning 'circle'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word curso refers to an entire academic year, which can confuse those expecting it to mean a single class or a single semester.
- The word semestre is used in Spanish for any six-month period, even those that have nothing to do with school, such as financial reporting or pregnancy.
Examples in context
- Este semestre es importante.This semester is important.This sentence uses semestre to describe the importance of the current term.Tatoeba #9728814 by mialiesperantistas, translation #9728811 by mialiesperantistas
- ¿Qué vas a tomar este semestre?What are you going to take this semester?This sentence uses semestre to ask about courses being taken during the term.Tatoeba #1993060 by marcelostockle, translation #241991 by CK
- Tom reprobó inglés el semestre pasado.Tom failed English last semester.This sentence uses semestre to refer to a past school term.Tatoeba #1410179 by marcelostockle, translation #1094145 by CK
- ¿En qué periodo lectivo se imparte ese curso?In which academic period is that course taught?
- Ya ha comenzado el cuatrimestre, ¿estás listo?The semester has already started, are you ready?
- Estoy en el último cuatrimestre de la carrera.I'm in the final semester of college.
- ¿Cuál es la duración promedio del semestre en tu universidad?What is the average duration of the semester at your university?
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking in a university hallway.
- MateoLucía, ¿cómo va tu semestre?Lucía, how is your semester going?
- LucíaMuy bien, Mateo, pero estoy cansada.Very well, Mateo, but I am tired.
- MateoYo también, este semestre es largo.Me too, this semester is long.
- LucíaSí, pero ya falta poco.Yes, but there is not much left.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “semester” translations and entries semestre, ciclo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciclo, semestre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
