tu carrera
/tu kareɾa/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "your major" is tu carrera.
This phrase refers to the main subject that a student studies at a college or university. Common examples of majors include Administración de empresas (Business administration), Informática (Computer science), Estudios ambientales (Environmental studies) and Contabilidad (Accounting).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "your career", as the concept of a "major" is expressed through the word for a professional path or career.
Which one should you use?
While the word carrera can mean a professional career after graduation, in a university context, it is the standard way to refer to one's major or degree program.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the concept formally, you may use su carrera instead of tu carrera.
How do you pronounce it?
/tu kareɾa/
Did you know?
- The word carrera originates from the Latin word carrus, which referred to a two-wheeled chariot.
- In some academic contexts, you might see the word especialidad used, but this often refers to a postgraduate specialization rather than an undergraduate major.
- When asking about someone's major, a Spanish speaker might ask ¿Qué estudias?, effectively treating the action of studying as the identity of the major.
Examples in context
- Mi carrera es ingeniería civil.My major is civil engineering.
- Soy estudiante de psicología.I am a psychology student.
- Estudio periodismo.I study journalism.
- Me dedico a diseño gráfico.I am into graphic design.
- ¿Qué estás estudiando?What are you studying?
- Estoy estudiando derecho.I am studying law.
- Me especializo en biología marina.I specialize in marine biology.
- ¿Cuál es tu carrera?What is your major?
- Me gusta mucho tu carrera.I really like your major.
- Tu carrera parece muy difícil.Your major seems very difficult.
Example conversation
Two students are talking in a university hallway.
- Javier¿Es difícil tu carrera?Is your major difficult?
- ElenaSí, pero me encanta.Yes, but I love it.
- JavierQué bueno, Elena.That's good, Elena.
- ElenaGracias, Javier.Thanks, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carrera, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
