certificado
/ser-tee-fee-KAH-doh/
certificate
A certificado (certificate) is an official document proving a fact or achievement.
certificado(noun)
certificate
?official document proving a fact or achievement
diploma
?often used for smaller courses or specific skills
,record
?e.g., medical record
📝 In Action
Necesito el certificado de nacimiento para mi pasaporte.
A1I need the birth certificate for my passport.
Recibimos un certificado de regalo por cien euros.
A2We received a gift certificate for one hundred euros.
El curso incluye un certificado de finalización.
B1The course includes a certificate of completion.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Agreement
Since 'certificado' is a masculine noun, use masculine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'un certificado nuevo').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong verb
Mistake: "Hacer un certificado (To make a certificate)"
Correction: Obtener/Recibir un certificado (To get/receive a certificate) or Emitir un certificado (To issue a certificate).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
'Certificado' is used in formal, official settings. In casual speech, people might just say 'los papeles' (the papers).
When something is certificado (certified), it is officially guaranteed.
certificado(adjective)
certified
?officially guaranteed
registered
?e.g., mail
,guaranteed
?quality assurance
📝 In Action
Hemos comprado café orgánico certificado.
B1We have bought certified organic coffee.
Envía el paquete por correo certificado para mayor seguridad.
B2Send the package by registered mail for greater security.
La calidad de este producto está certificada.
B2The quality of this product is certified/guaranteed.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
As an adjective, 'certificado' must change its ending to match the noun it describes. Use 'certificada' for feminine nouns (e.g., 'carta certificada') and 'certificados/certificadas' for plural nouns.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Gender Change
Mistake: "Una cuenta certificado (A certified account)"
Correction: Una cuenta certificada. (Since 'cuenta' is feminine, the adjective must end in -a.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Past Participle Usage
'Certificado' is the past participle of the verb 'certificar.' It often acts like a simple adjective, but remember it can also be used with 'haber' to form perfect tenses (e.g., 'ha certificado').
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: certificado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'certificado' as a noun (a thing)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'certificado' the same as 'diploma'?
Not exactly. 'Certificado' is a broader term for any official document that proves a fact (like a birth certificate or a gift certificate). 'Diploma' usually refers specifically to the document received upon graduation from a university or major educational institution.
How do I know if 'certificado' is a noun or an adjective?
Look at the words around it! If it has an article before it (like 'el' or 'un'), it's likely the noun ('el certificado'). If it comes after or before another noun and its ending changes (like 'certificada'), it's acting as an adjective describing that noun.