Spanish word

escuela

Pronunciation

IPA/esˈkwela/

Meaning

  • feminine nounschool

Example

Voy a la escuela en autobús.

I go to school by bus.

Illustration for escuela (school)

More examples

La escuela empieza a las ocho.

School starts at eight.

Core concept

Building where classes and educational activities are held for students of different levels.

Common phrases

  • ir a la escuela

    go to school

  • escuela primaria

    elementary school

  • clases en la escuela

    classes in school

Similar words

colegio: Educational institution for children in elementary and early secondary grades.
instituto: Secondary school for teenagers preparing for higher studies or diplomas.
universidad: University where undergraduate and graduate study and research take place.
guardería: Facility providing daytime care and basic early learning for infants and toddlers.

Definition in Spanish

Edificio o centro donde se imparten clases y se realizan actividades educativas para alumnos de distintos niveles.

Word origin

From Latin schola 'school', with a medieval prothesis that added an initial e before the s cluster to produce escuela.

Usage tips

  • When specifying level or type, colegio commonly refers to primary or private schools and instituto or liceo commonly denotes secondary schools.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word