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matrícula

mah-TREE-koo-lahmaˈtɾikula

enrollment, registration

Also: admission
NounfA2
A joyful student character holding a rolled-up certificate or diploma next to a wooden school desk, symbolizing successful registration.

📝 In Action

La matrícula para el nuevo semestre se cierra la próxima semana.

A2

Enrollment for the new semester closes next week.

Tienes que completar el formulario de matrícula en línea.

B1

You have to complete the registration form online.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • inscripción (registration)
  • alta (sign-up)

Common Collocations

  • periodo de matrícula – enrollment period
  • abrir la matrícula – to open registration

tuition fee, registration fee

Also: school fees
NounfB1
A tall stack of colorful paper money resting beside a closed red textbook and a pencil, symbolizing a fee paid for education.

📝 In Action

La matrícula anual de este máster es muy alta.

B1

The annual tuition fee for this master's degree is very high.

¿Incluye el costo de los libros la matrícula?

A2

Does the registration fee include the cost of the books?

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • pagar la matrícula – to pay the tuition

license plate, number plate

Also: car registration number
NounfB1
Mexico, Central America, Caribbean
A close-up view of a generic, colorful rectangular metal license plate attached to a car bumper.

📝 In Action

Apunté la matrícula del coche que se dio a la fuga.

B2

I wrote down the license plate of the car that drove away.

Mi moto tiene una matrícula nueva.

A2

My motorcycle has a new license plate.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • placa (plate (used in many Latin American countries))
  • patente (license/plate (used in Argentina/Chile))

Common Collocations

  • número de matrícula – license plate number

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "matrícula" in Spanish:

registration fee→school fees→tuition fee→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: matrícula

Question 1 of 1

Which meaning of 'matrícula' is correct in the sentence: 'Tengo que pagar la matrícula antes de empezar las clases.'

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
matricular(to register/enroll (verb)) — Verb
matriculado(registered/enrolled (adjective)) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
películaridícula
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *mātricula*, which was a diminutive of *mātrīx*, meaning 'list' or 'register.' The core idea has always been an official list of names or items.

First recorded: 15th century (in its modern Spanish form)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: matrículaEnglish (via French): matriculate (verb)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'matrícula' the same as 'inscripción'?

They are very similar! Both mean 'registration' or 'enrollment.' 'Matrícula' is often used specifically for the formal, official process or the fee paid at an educational institution, while 'inscripción' can be used more broadly for signing up for anything (a club, a race, a list, etc.).

How do I know if 'matrícula' means 'tuition' or 'license plate'?

Look at the surrounding words. If you see 'universidad,' 'clases,' or 'pagar' (pay), it means tuition/enrollment. If you see 'coche' (car), 'policía,' or 'tráfico' (traffic), it means license plate.