Spanish Phrase
Cada materia tiene notas.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to 'Every subject has grades.' It's a straightforward statement used in an academic context to indicate that all courses or subjects in a curriculum are evaluated and assigned grades. It emphasizes the universal application of grading across different academic disciplines.
When to use
You would use this phrase when discussing school, academic performance, or the structure of an educational system. It's suitable for conversations about how students are evaluated, the importance of grades, or simply stating a fact about how schools operate.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cadamateriatienenotas
Cada
'Cada' means 'each' or 'every' and is always followed by a singular noun, even though it refers to multiple items collectively. It does not change for gender.
Materia
'Materia' is a feminine noun meaning 'subject' (as in a school subject). It's important to remember its gender for agreement with adjectives or articles, though none are present here.
Tiene (Tener)
'Tiene' is the third-person singular conjugation of the verb 'tener' (to have). It indicates possession or that something exists within something else, like grades existing within a subject.
Notas
'Notas' is a feminine plural noun meaning 'grades' or 'marks' in an academic context. It can also mean 'notes' (like written notes or musical notes), but the context of 'materia' clarifies its meaning here.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cómo te fue en el examen de historia?
How did you do on the history exam?
Bien, pero estoy preocupado por matemáticas. ¡Cada materia tiene notas!
Good, but I'm worried about math. Every subject has grades!
✕Common Mistakes
Todos materias tienen notas.
The word 'cada' (each/every) is always followed by a singular noun. 'Todos' (all) requires a plural noun and a definite article, e.g., 'Todas las materias'.
Cada materia tiene notas musicales.
While 'notas' can mean 'notes' (like musical notes or written notes), in the context of 'materia' (subject), it almost exclusively refers to 'grades' or 'marks'. Adding 'musicales' changes the meaning entirely.
Cada materia es notas.
The verb 'ser' (es) is used for identity or inherent qualities. To express possession or that something 'has' something, you must use the verb 'tener' (tiene).
↔Alternatives
Cada asignatura tiene calificaciones.
Every subject has qualifications/grades.
Todas las materias tienen notas.
All subjects have grades.
Hay notas en cada materia.
There are grades in every subject.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking countries, grades (notas or calificaciones) are often on a scale of 0-10 or 0-20, rather than letter grades. A passing grade is typically 5 or 6 out of 10. The term 'materia' is commonly used for school subjects, while 'asignatura' is a more formal synonym. The emphasis on grades can be quite high, as they often determine progression to the next academic level or university admission.