alumno
/aˈlumno/masculine
The Spanish word for pupil is alumno, which refers to a learner. Wiktionary also lists alumna and pupilo.
Meaning: learner (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alumno | /aˈlumno/ | masculine |
| alumna | /aˈlumna/ | feminine |
| pupilo | /puˈpilo/ | masculine |
While alumno/a is the standard term, you can also use the gender-neutral term estudiante to refer to both males and females. If you are describing someone who is a protégé or under the direct care of a mentor, you might use pupilo.
Which one should you use?
alumno and alumna are the standard terms for a student or pupil in a typical educational setting. In contrast, pupilo often implies a protégé or someone under the specific tutelage of a mentor. For a gender-neutral alternative, you may use estudiante.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the plural, alumnos is used to refer to a group of male pupils or a mixed-gender group. The form alumnas is used to refer exclusively to a group of female pupils.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈlumno/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of pupilo refers to a 'little doll', reflecting the idea of a child being a small, molded version of an adult.
- In legal Spanish, the word pupilo describes a ward of the court or someone under legal guardianship rather than a student in a classroom.
- The term estudiante is often preferred over alumno in universities to emphasize the active process of studying rather than the passive state of being taught.
Examples in context
- No soy una alumna.I'm not a pupil.This sentence is useful for practicing the feminine form alumna.Tatoeba #1876155 by marcelostockle, translation #741262 by Eldad
- Este es mi alumno estrella.This is my star pupil.This sentence shows how to use alumno to describe a star pupil.Tatoeba #5642815 by albrusgher, translation #3045663 by sharptoothed
- El alumno tiene que mejorar.The pupil has to improve.This sentence demonstrates a common way to use alumno regarding a pupil's improvement.Tatoeba #5642819 by albrusgher, translation #3791441 by Dejo
- El alumno nuevo es muy inteligente.The new pupil is very intelligent.
- La alumna estudiosa siempre presta atención.The studious pupil always pays attention.
- Los alumnos están en el aula.The pupils are in the classroom.
- Las alumnas han ganado el concurso de matemáticas.The female pupils have won the math contest.
- Los estudiantes han organizado una fiesta sorpresa para el profesor.The pupils have organized a surprise party for the teacher.
- Me encontré con algunos estudiantes nuevos en el parque.I met some new pupils in the park.
- ¡Hola chicos y chicas, buenos días estudiantes!Hi boys and girls, good morning pupils!
- Los colegiales están emocionados por el campamento de verano.The pupils are excited about the summer camp.
- Los discípulos del famoso pintor aprenden técnicas avanzadas.The disciples of the famous painter learn advanced techniques.
- Los discentes están motivados para adquirir nuevos conocimientos.The pupils are motivated to acquire new knowledge.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A teacher and a colleague are discussing a student's progress.
- AlejandroTengo un alumno muy inteligente en mi clase.I have a very intelligent pupil in my class.
- María¡Qué bien! ¿Cómo se llama él?That's great! What is his name?
- AlejandroSe llama Luis y estudia mucho.His name is Luis and he studies a lot.
- MaríaParece que es un alumno ejemplar.It seems that he is an exemplary pupil.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pupil” translations and entries alumno, alumna, pupilo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alumno, pupilo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
