Inklingo

How to Say "fail" in Spanish

The Spanish word forfailis suspensoB1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishB1
nounB1
an 'F' on a test
A sad student looking at a paper with a large red cross marked on it.

Examples

He sacado un suspenso en matemáticas.

I got a failing grade in math.

Si sacas otro suspenso, no podrás ir al viaje.

If you get another fail, you won't be able to go on the trip.

Counting Grades

In Spain, 'un suspenso' is treated as a countable noun, meaning you can have 'two fails' (dos suspensos).

Regional Confusion

Mistake:Using 'suspenso' for a grade in Mexico.

Correction: In Mexico and many other countries, use 'reprobado' or 'una nota reprobatoria'. 'Suspenso' for grades is mostly specific to Spain.

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