examen estatal
/eɡsamen estatal/from spelling rules
The English phrase "state exam" is translated into Spanish as examen estatal.
This phrase refers to a standardized test administered by a government authority to certify a person's qualifications or knowledge.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun examen is masculine, and the adjective estatal must agree with it in gender. However, because estatal is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns, the form remains constant. To express the plural "state exams", use exámenes estatales, where both the noun and the adjective take the plural suffix.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡsamen estatal/
Did you know?
- The word examen comes from the Latin word for the tongue of a balance scale used to weigh things. It originally referred to the act of weighing a matter to reach a decision.
- While examen estatal is technically correct, in many Spanish-speaking countries, people prefer to use the term oposiciones when referring to exams for government positions.
- In Spanish, if a student 'fails' a state exam, they might say they suspendieron. This word literally means 'to hang' or 'to suspend', reflecting the idea of being halted in their progress.
Examples in context
- ¿Estás preparándote para el examen estatal de ingreso a la universidad?Are you studying for the state university entrance exam?
- El examen estatal es muy difícil este año.The state exam is very difficult this year.
- Ella aprobó su examen estatal con éxito.She passed her state exam successfully.
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their graduation requirements.
- LucíaJavier, ¿estás nervioso por el examen estatal?Javier, are you nervous about the state exam?
- JavierSí, Lucía, es un examen muy difícil.Yes, Lucía, it is a very difficult exam.
- LucíaPodemos estudiar juntos este fin de semana.We can study together this weekend.
- JavierMe parece una idea excelente.That sounds like an excellent idea.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries examen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
