sacar buenas notas
/sakaɾ bwenas notas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'to get good grades' is translated into Spanish as sacar buenas notas.
This phrase is used to describe receiving high marks or scores on school assignments and exams.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb sacar literally means 'to take out' or 'to pull out', but in this context, it is used to mean 'to obtain' or 'to get' a result.
Which one should you use?
You can also say sacar buenas calificaciones to mean the same thing. If you want to express the opposite, getting bad grades, simply replace the adjective buenas (good) with malas (bad).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to use the phrase sacar buenas calificaciones.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the plural buenas notas, so if you want to say 'to get a good grade' (singular), you would say sacar una buena nota.
Did you know?
- The verb sacar may be historically linked to the Gothic word sakan, which meant 'to dispute' or 'to rebuke'.
- While sacar buenas notas is used for grades, Spanish uses a different verb poner when a teacher 'gives' or 'puts' the grade on the paper.
- The word nota is highly versatile and can refer to a grade, a musical note or a short written message.
Examples in context
- Juan siempre se esfuerza para obtener buenas calificaciones en todas las asignaturas.Juan always strives to get good grades in all his subjects.
- Es importante estudiar todos los días para sacar buenas notas en los exámenes.It's important to study every day to get good marks on exams.
- María se esfuerza continuamente para alcanzar altas puntuaciones en sus pruebas.María continuously strives to achieve high scores on her tests.
- ¡Oye, amigo! ¿Cómo haces para sacar siempre buenas notas en la clase de matemáticas?Hey, buddy! How do you always manage to get good grades in math class?
- Si quieres tener buenas notas, tienes que darle duro a los estudios y no procrastinar demasiado.If you want to have good grades, you have to work hard in your studies and not procrastinate too much.
- Mi hermana siempre ha sido un as en la escuela. Siempre tiene las mejores calificaciones.My sister has always been an expert in school. She always has the best grades.
- Estudio mucho para sacar buenas notas.I study a lot to get good grades.
- Es importante sacar buenas notas este semestre.It is important to get good grades this semester.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are talking about their school performance at a cafe.
- Javier¿Cómo te fue en el examen, Elena?How did you do on the exam, Elena?
- ElenaMe fue muy bien y logré sacar buenas notas.I did very well and managed to get good grades.
- Javier¡Qué bueno! Me alegro mucho por ti.That's great! I'm very happy for you.
- ElenaGracias, Javier. Ahora puedo descansar un poco.Thanks, Javier. Now I can rest a little.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buenas, sacar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
