buenos días, alumnos
The English phrase "good morning students" is translated into Spanish as buenos días, alumnos.
This phrase is a formal way for an instructor to initiate a lesson or address a class at the beginning of the day.
Which one should you use?
Using alumnos is slightly more formal and traditional in a classroom setting than using estudiantes.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the group of students consists entirely of females, the masculine alumnos changes to the feminine alumnas. The word estudiantes is a gender-neutral alternative to alumnos that can be used for a mixed-gender group.
Did you know?
- In certain Latin American countries, it is culturally common for students to stand up when the teacher enters the room to say 'buenos días', a sign of respect not always expected in English-speaking classrooms.
- The word alumnos comes from the Latin alumnus, meaning 'nourished child'. It refers to the idea that a teacher nourishes a student's mind with knowledge.
- In Argentina and Uruguay, it is more common to hear the singular buen día than the plural buenos días.
Examples in context
- Buenos días, estudiantes. Hoy vamos a aprender sobre historia del arte. ¡Espero que estén emocionados!Good morning, students. Today we are going to learn about art history. I hope you are excited!
- ¡Buenos días, alumnos! ¿Cómo están?Good morning, students! How are you?
- Buenos días, alumnos, abran sus libros.Good morning, students, open your books.
Example conversation
A teacher enters a classroom to start the first lesson of the day.
- MateoBuenos días, alumnos.Good morning, students.
- LucíaBuenos días, profesor.Good morning, teacher.
- Mateo¿Están listos para la clase?Are you ready for class?
- LucíaSí, estamos listos.Yes, we are ready.
