Classroom Spanish Vocabulary
A collection of Spanish words used in the context of a classroom. Perfect for beginners to learn essential classroom terminology.
aprendizaje formal
formal learning
The Spanish term 'aprendizaje formal' translates to 'formal learning' in English. This refers to a type of learning that occurs within an organized and structured environment, like a school or college, where curriculums and specific educational programs are typically followed. This kind of learning involves direct instruction, is usually intentional from the learner's perspective, and leads to a degree or certification.
aprobar
adopt
The Spanish verb 'aprobar' generally means 'to pass', as in passing a test or approving something, like a law. Though it can be translated to 'adopt' in certain contexts, most often, it is used refer to passing or approving something. For instance, in a legislative context, when a law is approved, it may be translated as 'adopted'. However, caution should be used when translating, as context significantly impacts the meaning of this verb.
aprobar el curso
approve the course
The Spanish phrase 'aprobar el curso' translates to 'approve the course' in English. It may also be used to mean 'pass the course' in the context of educational grading systems. In everyday usage, it's commonly used to reference the act of successfully completing a class or course of study.
aprobar por los pelos
approved by hairs
The Spanish phrase 'aprobar por los pelos' directly translates as 'approved by hairs' in English. However, it's used metaphorically to indicate a situation where something is barely approved, passed or succeeded, typically by a very slim margin. It's similar to the English idioms 'by the skin of your teeth' or 'just barely.'
aprobar un examen oral
adopt an oral examination
'Aprobar un examen oral' in Spanish translates to 'pass an oral examination' in English. It refers to the successful completion of a spoken test or evaluation. The phrase can be used in various educational contexts, with the verb 'aprobar' indicating the action of successfully meeting the standards or requirements in an oral examination or test.
aprobar un test escrito
approve a written test
The Spanish phrase 'aprobar un test escrito' translates to 'approve a written test' in English. If used in a sentence, it suggests the approval or passing of a test that is written, which might be intended for academic, professional or other contexts. 'aprobar' means 'approve', 'un test' translates to 'a test', and 'escrito' implies 'written'. Depending on context, it might also imply that someone has managed to pass such a test.
apuntes
notes
The word 'apuntes' in Spanish translates to 'notes' in English. This could refer to various things depending on the context. For example, it may indicate notes taken during a lecture or meeting, musical notes in a song, or even short messages written for reminders or to communicate with others. Therefore, 'apuntes' is a versatile word that is frequently used in both academic and everyday Spanish language.
archivador
archivador
The Spanish word 'archivador' translates to 'file cabinet' in English. It's a piece of office furniture, typically constructed from metal or wood, used for storing files and documents. Such an item usually contains various compartments, known as drawers, which are designed to hold file folders in a vertical or horizontal arrangement. The term 'archivador' is not unique to one Spanish-speaking country but rather has broad usage across several regions, and its meaning generally remains the same.
área de conocimiento
area of knowledge
The Spanish term 'área de conocimiento' translates to 'area of knowledge' in English. This commonly refers to a particular subject or field of study where specific knowledge and skills are learned and applied. For instance, in an academic context, this could be a reference to distinct departments or faculties, such as the 'area of knowledge' in biology, mathematics, literature, or social sciences. In a broader sense, it can also correspond to the range or scope of understanding of any topic. Overall, the term 'área de conocimiento' is used to denote a specialization or focus in a certain field or subject in both an educational and professional setting.
asignatura común
common subject
The term 'asignatura común' in Spanish translates to 'common subject' in English. It is a term widely used in educational contexts to refer to a course or subject that is taught across different study programs or fields. The subjects considered 'asignatura común' are typically foundational, providing knowledge and skills that are necessary for various academic and professional areas.
asignatura obligatoria
compulsory subject
The Spanish term 'asignatura obligatoria' translates to 'compulsory subject' in English. This phrase is commonly used in education contexts, referring to a course or subject that a student is required to take in order to fulfill the requirements for their program of study. In many educational systems, students have a mixture of compulsory and elective subjects, allowing for both a broad education and individual specialization.
asignatura práctica
practical subject
The Spanish term 'asignatura práctica' translates to 'practical subject' in English. It often refers to a course or topic in academic settings, especially in higher education, that focuses on the actual application of the concepts learned during theory lessons. In this context, 'practical' means related to experience, observation, or experiment rather than theory or pure calculation. These subjects usually require use of the learned theory through hands-on activities, experiments, or applications to provide students with an understanding of how theories work in real life scenarios.
asignatura teórica
theoretical subject
The Spanish term 'asignatura teórica' translates to 'theoretical subject' in English. This is often used in academic and educational contexts, and can refer to a subject or field of study that is conceptual rather than practical, that is to say, it requires more brainwork and thinking, rather than hands-on work. It's often used to describe subjects such as philosophy, mathematics, and some aspects of social sciences. While practical subjects might involve performing tasks or making things, theoretical subjects primarily involve thinking, discussing, and reasoning.
asimilar conocimientos
assimilate knowledge
The Spanish phrase 'asimilar conocimientos' translates to 'assimilate knowledge' in English. This refers to the process of integrating new information into one's existing knowledge base, ultimately leading to understanding and information retention. The verb 'asimilar' is the action of making something similar or comparable, while 'conocimientos' refers to the information or skills one gains through education or experience.
asociación de antiguos alumnos
association of former students
The Spanish phrase 'asociación de antiguos alumnos' translates to 'association of former students' in English. This term is frequently used in educational and organizational contexts to refer to a group of individuals who used to study at the same institution. Membership in such associations usually implies that the person has successfully completed a certain level of education at the institution. These associations are common across the world and often conduct activities, meetings, and programs for their members.
asociación de profesores
teacher association
The Spanish phrase 'asociación de profesores' directly translates to 'teacher association' in English. This term is commonly used in educational contexts and refers to an organized group of teachers. Such an association typically aims to safeguard the rights of its members, enhance the teaching profession's status, and work for the overall betterment of education.
astronomía
astronomy
Astronomy is a science that studies celestial objects and phenomena. It uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry in order to explain their origin and evolution. Such objects and phenomena include planets, moons, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and comets.
Example sentences with astronomía →aula
classroom
The Spanish word 'aula' translates to 'classroom' in English. It refers to a place within an educational institution where teaching and learning occur. It is typically furnished with a series of seats and desks and equipped with tools and materials conducive for learning and teaching processes. It can also refer to a digital space for online learning. In both physical and digital contexts, 'aula' serves as a space where students and teachers interact for educational purposes.
aula multimedia
multimedia classroom
The term 'aula multimedia' in Spanish refers to a multimedia classroom in English. This is a classroom equipped with modern technologies like computers, projectors, and other audio-visual tools to facilitate interactive teaching and learning. This type of classrooms are designed to enhance the learning experience by integrating various digital elements and resources.
autoevaluación
self-assessment
The Spanish word 'autoevaluación' translates to 'self-assessment' in English. The term comes from the prefix 'auto-', meaning 'self-' in English, combined with 'evaluación', which means 'assessment'. Therefore, 'autoevaluación' refers to the process by which an individual evaluates their own performance or skills, often for the purposes of personal or professional development.
bachillerato
High School
The Spanish term 'bachillerato' typically refers to a level of education equivalent to high school in the United States or secondary school in many other countries. It is a 2-stage phase of education before university level and is generally for students between the ages of 16 to 18 years old. In some Spanish-speaking regions, 'bachillerato' may also refer to a Bachelor's degree or the final examination one takes to receive such degree.
bajar las manos
put your hands down
The Spanish phrase 'bajar las manos' translates to 'put your hands down' in English. It is a directive phrase typically used to tell someone to lower their hands from a raised position. Similarly, it may also be used metaphorically to tell someone to give up or quit a conflictive situation. With its literal meaning being 'to lower the hands', this phrase might come handy in situations involving physical activities, arguments, or energetic discussions.
bajar una nota
down a note
The phrase 'bajar una nota' in Spanish does not exactly mean 'down a note' in English. It is more accurately translated as 'to lower a grade'. This phrase is typically used in academic settings where evaluation of performance is being done, such as a teacher adjusting a student's grade downwards due to a poor performance in an assignment or test.
beca
scholarship
The Spanish word 'beca' translates to 'scholarship' in English. A scholarship often refers to an award of financial aid for a student to further their education. Scholarships are awarded based upon various criteria, which usually reflect the values and purposes of the donor or founder of the award.
becario
scholar
The Spanish word 'becario' refers to an individual scholar, student, or trainee who is in the academic field and whose education is funded through a scholarship (beca). This funding may be provided by an institution, a charity, a benefactor, or a government department. The term 'becario' may also relate to an intern, especially in a business context - someone who is learning about a professional field by working in it, often without pay, in return for gaining valuable work experience and knowledge.
biblioteca
library
A 'Biblioteca' is a place where you can find various collections of books and other resources like CDs, DVDs, and sometimes even accessible computers for internet usage. It is a place regular visited by students and individuals for reading and researching.
Example sentences with biblioteca →biblioteca municipal
Municipal library
The Spanish phrase 'biblioteca municipal' translates to 'municipal library' in English. A municipal library, often funded by local governments, serves the needs of a specific town, city, or county. It's a place where people can borrow books, use the internet, attend events, and access other educational and cultural resources. Similarly, a 'biblioteca municipal' in Spanish-speaking countries offers these services to their local communities.
biblioteca pública
Public library
The Spanish term 'biblioteca pública' directly translates to 'public library' in English. A public library is a library that is accessible by the general public and is usually funded from public sources, such as taxes. It is a place where books and other informational materials like newspapers, magazines, DVDs, computers, etc., are kept for borrowing or reference. Libraries often offer services such as reading rooms, book clubs, and educational programs. The institution aims to provide a space dedicated to self-improvement, education, and recreation for all ages and backgrounds.
biología
biology
Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. This field of science examines everything from the microscopic parts of organisms, like cells and molecules, to larger systems like ecosystems and the biosphere as a whole.
Example sentences with biología →bolígrafo
pen
The Spanish word 'bolígrafo' translates to 'pen' in English. It is a common item used for writing and may come in various forms such as ballpoint, fountain, or felt-tip. The term is widely used in Spanish-speaking countries to refer to the tool that uses ink to mark papers or other surfaces.