Inklingo
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expediente

/ehks-peh-dee-EHN-teh/

case file

A thick manila folder tied securely with red string, symbolizing a legal or administrative case file, resting on a wooden surface.

In a legal or administrative setting, expediente means a comprehensive case file.

expediente(noun)

mB2

case file

?

legal or administrative records

Also:

dossier

?

collection of documents

,

official record

?

set of formal documents

📝 In Action

El abogado revisó el expediente completo antes de la audiencia.

B2

The lawyer reviewed the complete case file before the hearing.

Necesitamos abrir un expediente para gestionar esta queja.

B1

We need to open a file (or start a case) to manage this complaint.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • archivo (file/archive)
  • documentación (documentation)

Common Collocations

  • abrir un expediente – to open a file/case
  • cerrar el expediente – to close the case/file

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Check

Remember that 'expediente' is a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it, even though it ends in '-e'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Context

Use 'expediente' instead of the general 'archivo' (file) when referring to a structured, official collection of documents related to a single person, case, or official process.

An open folder displaying several sheets of paper marked with colorful achievement stars, symbolizing a positive academic record.

When referring to student performance, expediente translates to the academic record or transcript.

expediente(noun)

mB1

academic record

?

student performance

Also:

transcript

?

official list of grades

,

student file

?

educational records

📝 In Action

Su expediente académico muestra excelentes calificaciones en matemáticas.

B1

His academic record shows excellent grades in mathematics.

Necesito solicitar mi expediente para poder matricularme en la universidad.

B2

I need to request my transcript in order to enroll in the university.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • expediente académico – academic record
  • tener buen expediente – to have a good academic record

❌ Common Pitfalls

Distinguishing from Report Card

Mistake: "Using 'expediente' when you mean a single 'report card' (boletín de notas)."

Correction: 'Expediente' is the comprehensive, official, cumulative file of all your grades and evaluations over time. Use 'boletín' or 'informe' for the report card itself.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: expediente

Question 1 of 2

If a professor says, 'Revisé tu expediente,' what are they most likely looking at?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

expedir(to issue or dispatch) - verb
expedición(expedition or dispatch) - noun
expedito(expeditious/unimpeded) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'expediente' the same as 'archivo'?

'Expediente' is a specific type of 'archivo' (file). 'Archivo' is a general term for any stored document or collection. 'Expediente' is more specific: it is a structured, official collection of documents relating to a single case, person, or matter, usually for legal or administrative purposes.