aprobar
Aprobé el examen de matemáticas con un 9.
I passed the math exam with a 9.
To officially declare that someone has met the requirements to pass an exam, test, or course.
El profesor aprobó a todos los estudiantes que obtuvieron más del 50%.
The teacher passed all students who scored over 50%.
Commonly used in educational contexts. Can also mean 'to approve' in a legal or formal sense.
To formally approve or accept a law, proposal, or decision.
El congreso aprobó la nueva ley de educación.
Congress approved the new education law.
Used in political or legislative contexts.
To approve of something or someone (less common).
Aprobé su idea de inmediato.
I approved of his idea right away.
Rarely used in this sense; 'apoyar' is more common.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: 'Aprobar' vs. 'Pasar'
'Aprobar' is the verb used for exams/tests, while 'pasar' means 'to pass' in a general sense (e.g., 'pasar tiempo' = to spend time).
Gold Rule
When to Use 'Aprobar'
Use 'aprobar' when referring to official passing (exams, laws, proposals). Avoid it for general 'passing' (e.g., 'pass the salt' → 'pasa la sal').
Word Origin
From Latin 'approbāre' (to approve), from 'ad-' (to) + 'probāre' (to test, prove). Related to 'prueba' (test) and 'probado' (proven).
Usage Notes
In Spain, 'aprobar' is commonly used for exams, while in Latin America, 'pasar' is more frequent. 'Aprobar' can sound formal in casual contexts.