Inklingo

How to Say "diploma" in Spanish

English → Spanish

diploma

dee-PLOH-mahdiˈploma

nounA1formal
Use 'diploma' when referring to the official certificate awarded upon completion of a course of study, especially high school or university.
A rolled-up parchment scroll tied with a red silk ribbon.

Examples

Recibí mi diploma de la escuela hoy.

I received my school diploma today.

El diploma está colgado en la pared de su oficina.

The diploma is hanging on his office wall.

Para solicitar el empleo, debes presentar una copia de tu diploma universitario.

To apply for the job, you must present a copy of your university diploma.

The 'El' Trap

Even though this word ends in '-a', it is actually a 'boy word' (masculine). You must say 'el diploma', not 'la diploma'.

Plural Form

To make it plural, just add an 's' to the end: 'los diplomas'.

Wrong Gender

Mistake: “Me dieron la diploma.”

Correction: Me dieron el diploma. (Spanish words of Greek origin ending in -ma are almost always masculine.)

certificado

ser-tee-fee-KAH-dohseɾ.ti.fiˈka.ðo

nounA1
Use 'certificado' for a document confirming the completion of shorter courses, training programs, or specific skills, rather than a full academic degree.
A simple, high-quality storybook illustration of a rolled-up parchment certificate tied neatly with a bright red ribbon.

Examples

Necesito el certificado del curso de primeros auxilios.

I need the certificate from the first aid course.

Necesito el certificado de nacimiento para mi pasaporte.

I need the birth certificate for my passport.

Recibimos un certificado de regalo por cien euros.

We received a gift certificate for one hundred euros.

El curso incluye un certificado de finalización.

The course includes a certificate of completion.

Gender Agreement

Since 'certificado' is a masculine noun, use masculine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'un certificado nuevo').

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Hacer un certificado (To make a certificate)”

Correction: Obtener/Recibir un certificado (To get/receive a certificate) or Emitir un certificado (To issue a certificate).

título

nounA2formal
Use 'título' to refer to the physical document that represents a university degree or professional qualification, emphasizing the qualification itself.

Examples

Obtuvo su título de abogado después de cinco años de estudio.

He obtained his law degree after five years of study.

Diploma vs. Certificado vs. Título

Learners often confuse 'diploma' and 'certificado'. Remember that 'diploma' usually refers to academic graduation, while 'certificado' is for shorter courses or specific skills. 'Título' specifically denotes the official degree document.

Related Translations

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