Meaning
To achieve a passing grade on a test.
Cultural Background
The 'Selectividad' (now EBAU) is the most famous exam. Passing it is a rite of passage for teenagers. It is very common to use 'pasar' instead of 'aprobar' in casual speech due to proximity to the US. Students often use 'salvar' (to save) a subject, meaning they passed the final exam of a difficult course. The grading scale is often 0.0 to 5.0, where 3.0 is the minimum to 'aprobar'.
The '5' Rule
In Spain, if you get a 4.9, you have NOT approved. Teachers are very strict about the 5.0 threshold.
Don't say 'Pasar'
In formal writing or in Spain, 'pasar' sounds like 'Spanglish'. Stick to 'aprobar'.
Meaning
To achieve a passing grade on a test.
The '5' Rule
In Spain, if you get a 4.9, you have NOT approved. Teachers are very strict about the 5.0 threshold.
Don't say 'Pasar'
In formal writing or in Spain, 'pasar' sounds like 'Spanglish'. Stick to 'aprobar'.
Aprobado Raspado
Use this phrase to sound like a native when you barely passed. It shows you know the struggle!
Test Yourself
Conjugate the verb 'aprobar' in the present tense.
Yo siempre _______ mis exámenes de español.
The verb 'aprobar' changes 'o' to 'ue' in the 'yo' form.
Which sentence means 'I passed the test'?
Choose the correct option:
'Aprobé' is the past tense of 'aprobar' (to pass).
Complete the dialogue with the correct word.
Ana: ¿Cómo te fue en el examen? Luis: ¡Muy bien! Logré _______ con un 9.
Luis got a 9, so he passed (aprobó).
Match the grade to the result.
If you get a 5.0 in Spain, you have...
A 5.0 is the bare minimum to pass, known as 'raspado'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Grades in Spain
Pass
- • Aprobado (5-6)
- • Notable (7-8)
- • Sobresaliente (9-10)
Fail
- • Suspenso (0-4.9)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo siempre _______ mis exámenes de español.
The verb 'aprobar' changes 'o' to 'ue' in the 'yo' form.
Choose the correct option:
'Aprobé' is the past tense of 'aprobar' (to pass).
Ana: ¿Cómo te fue en el examen? Luis: ¡Muy bien! Logré _______ con un 9.
Luis got a 9, so he passed (aprobó).
If you get a 5.0 in Spain, you have...
A 5.0 is the bare minimum to pass, known as 'raspado'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, for an interview you would say 'conseguir el trabajo' or 'pasar la entrevista'. 'Aprobar' is for tests.
Yes, 'reprobar' is common in Latin America, while 'suspender' is the standard in Spain.
You can say 'Aprobé con honores' or 'Aprobé con un sobresaliente'.
No, you can just say '¡He aprobado!' if everyone knows you were taking a test.
The noun is 'el aprobado'. Example: 'Tengo un aprobado en historia'.
No, that's 'gustar' or 'aprobar' in the sense of 'approving a behavior', but never 'to like' an object.
It is 'aprobar el examen'. No 'a' is needed.
A 'parcial' is a midterm exam. You can 'aprobar el parcial'.
Voy a aprobar.
It is neutral. It's used by both kids and professors.
Related Phrases
Suspender un examen
contrastTo fail a test
Hacer un examen
similarTo take a test
Sacar buena nota
builds onTo get a good grade
Presentarse a un examen
similarTo sit for an exam
