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Beca means scholarship — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 20, 2026

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

Beca

noun • /[BE-ka]/

scholarship

Example:

Ganó una beca para estudiar.

She won a scholarship to study.

🧠 What does Beca mean?

A 'beca' is financial aid awarded to a student to help fund their education, typically based on academic merit, financial need, or a specific talent. It is a grant that does not need to be repaid, making higher education more accessible to a wider range of students.

📚 Extra examples

  • Obtuvo una beca para estudiar en el extranjero.
    She obtained a scholarship to study abroad.
  • La fundación ofrece becas a estudiantes con bajos ingresos.
    The foundation offers scholarships to low-income students.
  • Solicité una beca deportiva para la universidad.
    I applied for an athletic scholarship for university.
  • El programa de becas busca promover la investigación.
    The scholarship program aims to promote research.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'beca' derives from the Latin word 'bulla', meaning 'bubble' or 'lead seal', which eventually came to refer to a document sealed with such a device. Over time, it evolved to denote official documents, including those granting privileges or aid.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "Beca"

Synonyms: ayuda económica, subsidio, concesión

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'scholarship' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'scholarship' is 'beca'.
How do you pronounce 'Beca' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'Beca' is 'BEH-kah'. The 'b' is soft, similar to the English 'b', and the 'c' before 'a' sounds like a hard 'k'.
How do you use 'Beca' in a sentence?
'Beca' is used as a noun. For example, 'Ganó una beca para la universidad' (He/She won a scholarship for university).
What is the English translation of 'Beca'?
The English translation of 'Beca' is 'scholarship'.
Does 'Beca' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'beca' is a feminine noun. In the plural, it becomes 'becas'.
Is 'Beca' common in everyday Spanish?
'Beca' is commonly used when discussing education, finances related to studying, and academic opportunities.
Does 'Beca' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'beca' does not typically have slang or double meanings. It refers specifically to a scholarship or grant.
Is 'Beca' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'beca' are generally consistent across Spain and Latin America, referring to educational scholarships.

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