GPA
Meaning: Grade Point Average — a numerical measure of academic performance on a 4.0 scale.
Your GPA is the single number that defines your academic life. 4.0 is perfect, 3.5+ is excellent, 3.0 is good, and below 2.0 puts you on academic probation. 'What is your GPA?' is a loaded question. GPA determines graduate school admission, scholarships, honor societies, and some job opportunities. The stress of maintaining a high GPA is a central part of the American college experience. 'GPA does not matter after your first job' is comfort offered to graduates.
Examples
- My GPA dropped after that chemistry class destroyed me. 那门化学课把我害惨了,GPA直接掉了。Mi GPA bajó después de que esa clase de química me destrozara.あの化学の授業にやられて、GPAが下がった。그 화학 수업 때문에 GPA가 떨어졌어.
- She graduated with a 3.9 GPA — almost perfect. 她以3.9的GPA毕业——几乎满分。Se graduó con un GPA de 3.9 — casi perfecto.彼女は3.9のGPAで卒業した——ほぼ満点だ。그녀는 3.9 GPA로 졸업했어——거의 만점이야.
- I do not tell people my GPA because it does not reflect how smart I actually am. 我不告诉别人我的GPA,因为它并不能反映我真正有多聪明。No le digo a la gente mi GPA porque no refleja lo inteligente que soy realmente.GPAは人に言わないようにしてる——本当の頭の良さを反映してないから。GPA는 사람들한테 말 안 해——내가 실제로 얼마나 똑똑한지를 반영하지 못하니까.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: college, academics, career
Tone: serious, sometimes stressful
✓ Do Say
- What is your GPA?你GPA多少?¿Cuál es tu GPA?GPAいくつ?너 GPA 얼마야?
- My GPA is solid.我的GPA还不错。Mi GPA es sólido.GPAはまあまあいい感じだよ。내 GPA는 괜찮은 편이야.
✗ Don't Say
- Asking someone their GPA can feel invasive — be careful.问别人的GPA可能会让人不舒服——要注意分寸。Preguntar a alguien su GPA puede resultar invasivo — ten cuidado.GPAを聞くのは無神経に感じることがある——気をつけよう。GPA를 묻는 것은 부담스럽게 느껴질 수 있다——조심할 것.
Origin & History
The 4.0 GPA scale was developed by American universities in the early 20th century. It became the standard academic metric in higher education.
Cultural Context
Era: 1930s–present
Generation: All generations (students)
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: All regions
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