Inklingo

How to Say "mark" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “mark” is “nota” — use 'nota' specifically for the score or grade received on an academic test, assignment, or paper.

nota🔊A1

Use 'nota' specifically for the score or grade received on an academic test, assignment, or paper.

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marca🔊A2

Choose 'marca' when referring to a physical impression, trace, or sign left on a surface.

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calificaciónA2

Use 'calificación' for a formal evaluation or grade, often in an academic or professional context.

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marcar🔊B1

Use 'marcar' when the action is to draw, indicate, or leave a sign, like a clock indicating time or a pen marking a line.

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grado🔊A1

Use 'grado' when referring to a unit on a measurement scale, most commonly for temperature or academic levels.

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signo🔊A2

Use 'signo' for a specific symbol, especially punctuation marks like question marks or exclamation points.

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señalB2

Use 'señal' for a visible trace or indication on a surface, often a scar, a stain, or a warning sign.

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diana🔊B1

Use 'diana' figuratively to mean the bullseye or a target that has been successfully hit, implying success.

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English → Spanish

nota

NOH-tahˈno.ta

nounA1school evaluation
Use 'nota' specifically for the score or grade received on an academic test, assignment, or paper.
A bright gold star sticker placed prominently on a sheet of school paper, symbolizing a high academic grade.

Examples

Mi hermana sacó la nota más alta de la clase.

My sister got the highest grade in the class.

¿Qué nota necesitas para aprobar el curso?

What mark do you need to pass the course?

Use of 'Sacar'

To talk about receiving a grade, Spanish often uses the verb 'sacar' (to take out), which translates functionally to 'to get' or 'to earn' a score.

marca

MAR-cahˈmaɾka

nounA2physical impression or sign
Choose 'marca' when referring to a physical impression, trace, or sign left on a surface.
A deep, clear footprint pressed into smooth, damp beach sand.

Examples

Hay una marca de zapato en el suelo.

There is a shoe mark on the floor.

Su caída dejó una pequeña marca en la rodilla.

His fall left a small mark (scar) on his knee.

Necesitas hacer una marca con lápiz antes de cortar.

You need to make a mark with a pencil before cutting.

calificación

nounA2school evaluation
Use 'calificación' for a formal evaluation or grade, often in an academic or professional context.

Examples

Recibí una buena calificación en mi examen de matemáticas.

I got a good grade on my math exam.

marcar

mar-KARmaɾˈkaɾ

verbB1as in drawing a line or sign
Use 'marcar' when the action is to draw, indicate, or leave a sign, like a clock indicating time or a pen marking a line.
A simple drawing of a red pencil marking a thick, straight line across a white surface.

Examples

El reloj marcó las doce en punto.

The clock indicated exactly twelve o'clock.

Debes marcar con una 'X' la casilla correcta.

You must mark the correct box with an 'X'.

El mapa marca dónde está el tesoro.

The map indicates where the treasure is.

Reflexive Use for Appearance

The reflexive form 'marcarse' can mean that something is visible or noticeable, often related to clothing or physique: 'Se le marcan los músculos' (His muscles show).

grado

GRAH-dohˈɡɾa.ðo

nounA1on a measurement scale
Use 'grado' when referring to a unit on a measurement scale, most commonly for temperature or academic levels.
A simple red glass thermometer with a visible column of red mercury indicating a specific temperature reading.

Examples

Hoy hace mucho calor; la temperatura subió a 35 grados.

It's very hot today; the temperature rose to 35 degrees.

El ángulo recto siempre tiene noventa grados.

A right angle always has ninety degrees.

Always Plural for Numbers

When talking about specific measurements (like 30 or 90), 'grado' must be used in its plural form: 'grados'.

Using 'nota' for temperature

Mistake: “La temperatura es 30 notas.”

Correction: La temperatura es 30 grados. ('Nota' means a test score or a note, not a degree of temperature.)

signo

síng-noˈsiɣno

nounA2punctuation
Use 'signo' for a specific symbol, especially punctuation marks like question marks or exclamation points.
A red triangular road sign featuring a simple black exclamation point symbol in the center, indicating a warning.

Examples

Siempre olvido dónde va el signo de interrogación.

I always forget where the question mark goes.

El signo de suma es un más (+).

The addition sign is a plus (+).

Necesitas añadir un signo de exclamación al final de esa frase.

You need to add an exclamation mark at the end of that sentence.

Gender Check

Remember that 'signo' is a masculine noun, so you always use 'el signo' or 'un signo'.

señal

nounB2a visible trace on a surface
Use 'señal' for a visible trace or indication on a surface, often a scar, a stain, or a warning sign.

Examples

La cicatriz en su brazo es una señal de su operación.

The scar on his arm is a mark from his surgery.

diana

dee-AH-nahˈdja.na

nounB1figurative success
Use 'diana' figuratively to mean the bullseye or a target that has been successfully hit, implying success.
A close-up view of a circular target showing the central bullseye painted red, surrounded by white and black concentric rings.

Examples

El arquero apuntó y golpeó la diana con su primera flecha.

The archer aimed and hit the bullseye with his first arrow.

Si quieres ganar en los dardos, tienes que dar en la diana.

If you want to win at darts, you have to hit the target (bullseye).

Su propuesta dio en la diana; fue exactamente lo que el jefe quería.

His proposal hit the mark; it was exactly what the boss wanted.

Using the Feminine Article

Since 'diana' is a feminine noun, always use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la diana' (the bullseye) or 'una diana' (a target).

Confusing Target Words

Mistake: “Using 'el objetivo' when referring to a physical target for shooting.”

Correction: Use 'la diana' for the physical spot you aim at in sports. 'Objetivo' usually means a goal or aim.

Grade vs. Physical Mark

Learners often confuse 'nota' and 'calificación' with 'marca' or 'señal'. Remember that 'nota' and 'calificación' refer to academic scores or evaluations, while 'marca' and 'señal' are for physical traces or impressions on objects or skin.

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