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How to Say "cheat sheet" in Spanish

English → Spanish

chuleta

/choo-LEH-tah//tʃuˈleta/

nounB1informal
Use 'chuleta' when referring to a small, often hastily made, piece of paper used to cheat on a test, especially in informal or common academic settings.
A tiny piece of paper hidden in a person's palm.

Examples

El profesor lo pilló usando una chuleta en el examen de historia.

The teacher caught him using a cheat sheet during the history exam.

Escribí las fórmulas de física en una chuleta diminuta.

I wrote the physics formulas on a tiny cheat sheet.

No necesito chuletas porque he estudiado mucho.

I don't need cheat sheets because I have studied a lot.

Action Verbs

In Spain, we use the verb 'sacar' (to take out) or 'usar' (to use) with this meaning of 'chuleta'.

Confusion with Recipe

Mistake: “Saying 'chuleta' when you mean a cooking recipe.”

Correction: Use 'receta' for cooking instructions. A 'chuleta' in school is strictly for cheating!

chivo

/chee-boh//ˈtʃi.βo/

nounB2informal
Opt for 'chivo' when the focus is on a paper specifically used for cheating during an exam, often implying a more direct or blatant attempt to deceive.
A tiny folded piece of paper hidden in the palm of a hand.

Examples

El profesor lo pilló con un chivo durante el examen.

The teacher caught him with a cheat sheet during the exam.

Ese trabajo es un chivo total.

That job is a total mess.

Word for Cheating

This refers to the physical object (the paper), not the act of cheating itself.

False Friend

Mistake: “Thinking 'chivo' means a 'bribe' everywhere.”

Correction: In some places it means a cheat sheet, in others it can mean a bribe. Always check the local context!

torpedo

/tor-peh-doh//toɾˈpeðo/

nounB2informal
Choose 'torpedo' when you want to refer to the act of academic dishonesty itself, or a more general concept of cheating, rather than just the physical note.
A small, tightly folded piece of paper hidden in the palm of a hand.

Examples

El profesor lo pilló usando un torpedo en el examen de física.

The teacher caught him using a cheat sheet during the physics exam.

Hice un torpedo tan pequeño que ni yo mismo podía leerlo.

I made a cheat sheet so small that even I couldn't read it.

Es mejor estudiar que arriesgarse con un torpedo.

It's better to study than to take a risk with a cheat sheet.

Slang Variations

This is a naming word (noun) used informally. Even though it's slang, it still follows standard plural rules: 'un torpedo' becomes 'unos torpedos'.

Regional Choice

Mistake: “Using 'torpedo' in Mexico for a cheat sheet.”

Correction: Use 'acordeón' in Mexico; 'torpedo' is mostly understood in Spain but less common than 'chuleta'.

Chuleta vs. Chivo vs. Torpedo

Learners often confuse 'chuleta' and 'chivo' as they both refer to the physical paper used for cheating. 'Chuleta' is generally more common and slightly lower level (B1), while 'chivo' is also common but perhaps implies a more direct act of cheating. 'Torpedo' is less about the paper itself and more about the act of academic dishonesty.

Related Translations

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