aula
/ˈaula/
The Spanish word aula means classroom.
aula refers specifically to the physical room in a school where students are taught.
Which one should you use?
While aula refers to the physical room, the word clase is more commonly used to refer to the lesson itself or the group of students. Salón de clases is another way to translate classroom into English.
How does it change in a sentence?
aula is a feminine noun. When using the plural form, use the feminine article las to say las aulas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaula/
Did you know?
- Although aula is a feminine noun, you use the masculine article el when it is singular, saying el aula. This happens because the word starts with a stressed 'a' sound, which prevents the feminine la from blending into the next word.
- The word aula traces back to the Ancient Greek word aulḗ, which originally meant a 'courtyard' or 'palace' rather than a room for teaching.
- The term salón is often preferred over aula in Latin America because it originally described a luxury drawing room or large hall.
Examples in context
- El profesor nos espera en el aula para iniciar la clase.The professor is waiting for us in the classroom to start the class
- Vamos a la clase de inglés, el aula está en el segundo piso.Let's go to the English class, the classroom is on the second floor
- Mi primo me mostró su aulita donde juegan y aprenden juntos.My cousin showed me his little classroom where they play and learn together
- El profesor entró en el aula.The teacher entered the classroom.
- El aula está limpia.The classroom is clean.
- Los estudiantes entran al aula.The students enter the classroom.
- Buscamos un aula para la clase.We are looking for a classroom for the class.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are looking for their class at school.
- MaríaMateo, ¿sabes dónde está el aula?Mateo, do you know where the classroom is?
- MateoCreo que es el aula número cinco.I think it is classroom number five.
- MaríaEstá justo al final del pasillo.It is right at the end of the hall.
- MateoVamos rápido antes de que empiece.Let's go quickly before it starts.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aula, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
