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expediente

ehks-peh-dee-EHN-teheks.peˈðjen.te

“expediente” means “case file” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

case file

Also: dossier, official record
NounmB2
A thick manila folder tied securely with red string, symbolizing a legal or administrative case file, resting on a wooden surface.

📝 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

academic record

Also: transcript, student file
NounmB1
Spain
An open folder displaying several sheets of paper marked with colorful achievement stars, symbolizing a positive academic record.

📝 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

Translate to Spanish

✏️ 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
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

This word comes from the Latin verb *expedire*, which meant 'to set free, prepare, or make ready.' It relates to the idea of getting things in order or prepared for action. In Spanish, it evolved to mean the collection of documents that makes a process 'ready' or official.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: expedientFrench: expédition

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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.