When learning a new language like Portuguese, one of the essential words you need to know is “school.” This word will come in handy in various situations, whether you are a student, a teacher, or simply discussing your educational experiences. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to say “school” in Portuguese, including formal and informal ways, and provide examples and tips along the way.
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Formal Ways of Saying School in Portuguese
If you want to express the word “school” formally in Portuguese, you can use the following options:
- Escola – This is the most common and standard term used in Portuguese for “school.” It applies to all levels of education, from elementary school to university. For example, you can say:
“Eu estudei em uma escola pública.” (I studied in a public school.)
“Ele ensina em uma escola particular.” (He teaches at a private school.)
- Colégio – Used primarily in Brazil, “colégio” refers to a higher-level educational institution such as a high school or college. It may also imply a private or specialized school. For instance:
“Ela está no colégio estudando para o vestibular.” (She’s at school, studying for the college entrance exam.)
- Instituição – Although not exclusively used for schools, “instituição” can be employed to refer to an educational institution in a formal context. For instance:
“Essa instituição oferece programas de ensino de alta qualidade.” (This institution offers high-quality educational programs.)
Informal Ways of Saying School in Portuguese
When you are speaking in a more informal setting or with friends, you may want to use less formal terms for “school” in Portuguese:
- Cola – This term is a popular slang option used mainly in Portugal. It is a shortened form of “colégio,” and it often refers to elementary or middle schools. For example:
“Já saímos da cola, agora podemos ir brincar!” (We’re out of school, now we can go play!)
- Ecole – This term is a borrowed word from French and is mainly used in some regions of Brazil, particularly in the southern parts. It is not commonly used across the country.
Tips & Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you use these words correctly when referring to school:
- To ask someone where they went to school, you can say:
“Em qual escola você estudou?” (Which school did you attend?)
- If you want to say that school is starting soon, you can use:
“As aulas estão prestes a começar.” (Classes are about to start.)
- To say that you have a lot of homework from school, use:
“Estou com muita lição de casa da escola.” (I have a lot of homework from school.)
- When sharing your favorite subject at school, you can say:
“Minha matéria preferida na escola é Matemática.” (My favorite subject at school is Math.)
Remember that the choice of the word may vary depending on the Portuguese-speaking region. Be aware of the local dialect and customs when using these terms in your conversations.
By learning how to say “school” in Portuguese, you will not only expand your vocabulary but also enhance your ability to communicate and connect with Portuguese speakers. Practice using these words in everyday situations, and you’ll soon find yourself navigating the educational landscape in Portuguese with ease!
