escuela
everyday, Mexico
In Mexico a school is an escuela. The word colegio is common too, but it usually points to a private school.
Meaning: place of learning (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| escuela | everyday, Mexico |
| colegio | private school |
People say Voy a la escuela for "I go to school". The stages are primaria, secundaria and prepa or preparatoria.
Which one should you use?
In Spain colegio is the normal word for a primary school, while in Mexico it often suggests a private or religious school.
How does it change in a sentence?
Escuela is feminine: la escuela primaria.
Did you know?
- Mexican students often shorten preparatoria to prepa, the school years before university.
Examples in context
- Mis hijos van a la escuela por la mañana.My children go to school in the morning.
- Estudió en un colegio privado.He studied at a private school.
- La escuela está cerrada hoy.The school is closed today.
Example conversation
Mother Elena asks her daughter Camila about her first day at the secundaria in Toluca.
- ElenaCamila, ¿cómo te fue en la escuela?Camila, how was school?
- CamilaBien, conocí a mi maestra de inglés.Fine, I met my English teacher.
- ElenaQué bueno, cuéntame más.Great, tell me more.
