How to Say "graduate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “graduate” is “graduado” — use 'graduado' to refer to someone who has successfully completed any course of study, from high school to university, or even a specific training program.
Use 'graduado' to refer to someone who has successfully completed any course of study, from high school to university, or even a specific training program.
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Use 'licenciado' specifically for someone who has earned a university degree, typically equivalent to a bachelor's or master's degree.
Learn more →grah-dwah-dohɡɾaˈðwaðo
Examples
Ella es una graduada de la escuela secundaria.
She is a high school graduate.
Él es un graduado de la promoción de 2020.
He is a graduate of the class of 2020.
El graduado dio un discurso emocionante.
The graduate gave an emotional speech.
Necesitamos el currículum de un graduado en ingeniería.
We need the resume of an engineering graduate.
Matching the person
Since this is a noun describing a person, use 'graduado' for a man and change it to 'graduada' for a woman.
Naming the major
Use the word 'en' after 'graduado' to say what subject someone studied, like 'graduado en historia'.
Using 'de' for majors
Mistake: “Soy graduado de leyes.”
Correction: Soy graduado en leyes.
lee-sen-syah-dohliθenˈθjaðo
Examples
Mi colega es licenciado en Administración de Empresas.
My colleague has a degree in Business Administration.
Mi hermano es licenciado en Biología.
My brother has a degree in Biology.
La empresa busca a un licenciado con experiencia.
The company is looking for a graduate with experience.
Él ya es licenciado y ahora busca trabajo.
He is already a graduate and is now looking for a job.
Using 'en' with Degrees
When saying what someone's degree is in, always use 'en' followed by the subject (e.g., licenciado en artes).
Male vs. Female Titles
If you are talking about a woman, the word changes to 'licenciada'.
Confusing with 'License'
Mistake: “Using 'licenciado' to mean a driver's license.”
Correction: Use 'licencia' for a permit or document. 'Licenciado' refers to the person who has the degree.
Graduado vs. Licenciado
The most common mistake is using 'graduado' when a more specific term like 'licenciado' (for a university degree) is appropriate, or vice-versa. Remember that 'graduado' is broader and can apply to any level of completion, while 'licenciado' is specifically for higher education.
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