How to Say "degrees" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “degrees” is “grados” — use 'grados' when referring to academic qualifications like a Bachelor's or Master's degree, or for units of measurement such as temperature or angles..
grados
/GRAH-dohs//ˈɡɾa.ðos/
Examples
Ella tiene dos grados universitarios: uno en arte y otro en historia.
She has two university degrees: one in art and one in history.
Hoy la temperatura subió a treinta grados Celsius.
Today the temperature rose to thirty degrees Celsius.
Necesitas girar el tornillo cuarenta y cinco grados.
You need to turn the screw forty-five degrees.
El vino tiene trece grados de alcohol.
The wine has thirteen degrees of alcohol.
Using 'Hacer' for Weather
To talk about how hot or cold it is, Spanish uses the verb 'hacer' (to do/make), not 'ser' or 'estar'. You say: 'Hace veinte grados' (It is twenty degrees).
Using 'Obtener un Grado'
To talk about getting or earning a qualification, you typically use the verbs 'obtener' (to obtain) or 'sacar' (to get/pull out).
Using 'Es' instead of 'Hace'
Mistake: “Es veinte grados.”
Correction: Hace veinte grados. Remember, 'hacer' is used for general weather conditions.
Confusing 'Grado' and 'Clase'
Mistake: “Mis grados en la escuela son muy buenos. (Referring to school marks)”
Correction: Mis notas/calificaciones en la escuela son muy buenas. 'Grado' refers to the qualification level (like a Bachelor's), not usually the individual marks/grades.
grados
/GRAH-dohs//ˈɡɾa.ðos/
Examples
Hoy la temperatura subió a treinta grados Celsius.
Today the temperature rose to thirty degrees Celsius.
Necesitas girar el tornillo cuarenta y cinco grados.
You need to turn the screw forty-five degrees.
El vino tiene trece grados de alcohol.
The wine has thirteen degrees of alcohol.
Ella tiene dos grados universitarios: uno en arte y otro en historia.
She has two university degrees: one in art and one in history.
Using 'Hacer' for Weather
To talk about how hot or cold it is, Spanish uses the verb 'hacer' (to do/make), not 'ser' or 'estar'. You say: 'Hace veinte grados' (It is twenty degrees).
Using 'Obtener un Grado'
To talk about getting or earning a qualification, you typically use the verbs 'obtener' (to obtain) or 'sacar' (to get/pull out).
Using 'Es' instead of 'Hace'
Mistake: “Es veinte grados.”
Correction: Hace veinte grados. Remember, 'hacer' is used for general weather conditions.
Confusing 'Grado' and 'Clase'
Mistake: “Mis grados en la escuela son muy buenos. (Referring to school marks)”
Correction: Mis notas/calificaciones en la escuela son muy buenas. 'Grado' refers to the qualification level (like a Bachelor's), not usually the individual marks/grades.
carreras
/kah-RREH-rahs//kaˈreɾas/
Examples
¿Qué carreras universitarias te interesan más?
Which university studies (degrees/majors) interest you the most?
Mis hijos están en la universidad y estudian dos carreras diferentes.
My children are in university and are studying two different degrees.
Studies vs. Job
When talking about the path you took in school (like 'my major'), use 'carrera' (singular) or 'carreras' (plural). When talking about your actual job or professional life, 'carrera' (singular) is usually enough.
Using 'trabajos'
Mistake: “Estudio tres trabajos.”
Correction: Use 'Estudio tres carreras' (I study three degrees). 'Trabajo' refers to a job or work itself.
Degrees vs. Academic Courses
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