director de la escuela
/diɾeɡtoɾ de la eskwela/from spelling rules
The English phrase school principal is translated into Spanish as director de la escuela.
The term director is a common way to refer to a school principal. However, note that director is a general term used for heads of many types of institutions, including companies or orchestras, not just schools. In the context of higher education, specifically universities, the terms rector or rectora are typically used instead of director.
Which one should you use?
While director de la escuela is a complete phrase, in many Spanish-speaking contexts, people often drop the de la escuela part and simply refer to the person as el director or la directora once the school context has already been established.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes to the feminine form directora de la escuela if the principal is a woman.
Did you know?
- The word escuela has an unexpected origin rooted in leisure. It comes from the Ancient Greek word skholḗ, which originally meant 'leisure' or 'spare time', referring to the intellectual conversations people had during their free hours.
- Depending on the country, a student might be sent to the dirección instead of the 'principal's office', treating the title of the person as the name of the location.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the principal is often addressed as Señor Director or Señora Directora as a formal title of respect, regardless of the school's size.
Examples in context
- El director de la escuela tiene una reunión importante hoy.The school principal has an important meeting today.
- La rectora de la universidad inauguró el nuevo edificio.The university principal inaugurated the new building.
- El director de la escuela es muy amable.The school principal is very kind.
- Necesito hablar con el director de la escuela.I need to speak with the school principal.
Example conversation
Two parents are talking at a school event.
- ElenaHola Daniel, ¿viste al director de la escuela?Hello Daniel, did you see the school principal?
- DanielSí, Elena, él está en la oficina.Yes, Elena, he is in the office.
- ElenaQuiero hablar con él sobre mi hijo.I want to talk to him about my son.
- DanielSeguro que el director de la escuela te ayudará.I am sure the school principal will help you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, director, escuela, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
