nota
“nota” means “grade” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
grade, mark
Also: score
📝 In Action
Mi hermana sacó la nota más alta de la clase.
A2My sister got the highest grade in the class.
¿Qué nota necesitas para aprobar el curso?
A1What mark do you need to pass the course?
note
Also: record, remark
📝 In Action
Dejé una nota a mi compañero de piso antes de salir.
A1I left a note for my roommate before leaving.
El director tomó nota de todos nuestros comentarios.
B1The director made a note of all our comments.
banknote, bill
Also: news report
📝 In Action
El cajero me dio una nota de veinte dólares.
B1The cashier gave me a twenty-dollar bill.
La nota de portada en el diario habla de la crisis.
B2The front-page report in the newspaper talks about the crisis.
note
📝 In Action
El piano tocó la nota más alta de la melodía.
B1The piano played the highest note of the melody.
Hay una nota de tristeza en su voz.
C1There is a note of sadness in his voice.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: nota
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences uses 'nota' to mean 'banknote'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *nota*, meaning 'a mark,' 'a sign,' or 'a distinguishing character.' The concept of a mark being a grade, a written sign, or a musical sign has been consistent for centuries.
First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'nota' masculine or feminine?
'Nota' is always feminine: 'la nota'. Even when it refers to a banknote or a grade, you must use feminine adjectives with it (e.g., 'la nota alta', 'una nota nueva').
How can I tell the difference between 'nota' (grade) and 'calificación'?
They are often interchangeable, especially in Spain. 'Nota' is usually a simple score (like 8/10). 'Calificación' can sometimes be a broader rating or evaluation (like 'Apto' or 'No Apto'), but in casual school talk, they generally mean the same thing.