Spanish word

universidad

Pronunciation

IPA/uniβeɾsiˈðað/

Meaning

  • feminine noununiversity

Example

¿Dónde está la universidad?

Where is the university?

Illustration for universidad (university)

More examples

Voy a la universidad en autobús.

I'm going to the university by bus.

Core concept

A community of professors and students centered on advanced study and research.

Common phrases

  • ir a la universidad

    go to the university

  • estudiar en la universidad

    study at the university

  • la universidad pública

    the public university

Similar words

facultad: Academic school inside a university responsible for a particular discipline.
campus: Site or grounds where classrooms, laboratories, and student services are concentrated.
instituto: Specialized institute that conducts research or provides professional training.
colegio: Primary or secondary school where children and adolescents receive general education.

Definition in Spanish

Institución y lugar donde se imparten estudios superiores, se otorgan títulos académicos y se realiza investigación.

Word origin

From Latin universitas 'whole, community', originally referring to the corporate body of scholars that became the name for the place of higher education.

Usage tips

  • When referring to a program of study, Spanish speakers often say carrera or grado rather than universidad, which names the institution or campus.

Related words

Word lists with this word