Spanish word

bedel

Pronunciation

IPA/beˈðel/

Meaning

  • masculine nounjanitor

Example

El bedel limpia las aulas por la mañana.

The janitor cleans the classrooms in the morning.

Illustration for bedel (janitor)

More examples

Pregunta al bedel si necesitas ayuda.

Ask the janitor if you need help.

Core concept

School custodian who cleans classrooms, maintains the building, and monitors the entrance.

Common phrases

  • preguntar al bedel

    ask the janitor

  • pedir ayuda al bedel

    ask the janitor for help

  • el bedel de la escuela

    the school janitor

Similar words

conserje: Building custodian who oversees cleaning, cares for equipment, and handles facility upkeep.
portero: Doorman who manages visitors, controls access, and remains at the building entrance.
limpiador: Indoor cleaner who removes dirt and tidies rooms by sweeping, mopping, and dusting.

Definition in Spanish

Persona que realiza tareas de limpieza y mantenimiento en edificios, especialmente en centros educativos, y que a veces vigila la entrada.

Word origin

From medieval Latin bedellus, which ultimately comes from a Germanic root and is cognate with English beadle.

Usage tips

  • Used especially for staff in schools and universities; in everyday residential or commercial contexts conserje or portero are more common.

Other meanings

  • gatekeepernoun

Word lists with this word