graduación
“graduación” means “graduation” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
graduation
Also: commencement
📝 In Action
Mi hermana tendrá su graduación de la universidad el sábado.
A2My sister will have her university graduation on Saturday.
Compramos un regalo especial para celebrar la graduación de Lucas.
B1We bought a special gift to celebrate Lucas's graduation.
La graduación fue un evento muy emotivo para todos los padres.
B1The graduation was a very emotional event for all the parents.
scale, calibration
Also: grading, degree
📝 In Action
La graduación de la temperatura en el termómetro es muy precisa.
B2The temperature scale on the thermometer is very precise.
Necesito ajustar la graduación de mis gafas.
C1I need to adjust the prescription/calibration of my glasses.
El vino tiene una graduación alcohólica alta.
C1The wine has a high alcohol content/proof.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: graduación
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'graduación' to mean 'a measurement scale'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin 'gradus,' meaning 'step' or 'degree,' combined with the suffix '-ción,' which indicates an action or its result. The meaning evolved from taking steps or levels (like on a scale) to the final step in an academic journey.
First recorded: 15th century (in similar forms)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'graduación' solo para la universidad?
No, 'graduación' se usa para cualquier nivel educativo, como la escuela secundaria ('high school') o la universidad. Simplemente significa la ceremonia donde se completa un ciclo de estudios.
How do I talk about getting my eyes checked for glasses using this word?
You would use the phrase 'la graduación óptica' or simply 'la graduación' to refer to the prescription level of your lenses (e.g., 'Tengo que cambiar mi graduación' — I have to change my prescription).

