universidad
/unibeɾsiˈdad/feminine
The English word 'university' is translated into Spanish as universidad.
universidad refers to an institution of higher education.
Meaning: institution of higher education (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
universidad is a feminine noun, so it must be preceded by the feminine article la instead of the masculine el, forming la universidad. The plural form of universidad is universidades.
How do you pronounce it?
/unibeɾsiˈdad/
Did you know?
- While universidad is the institution, a student's specific area of study is called a carrera, which literally translates to 'race' or 'career'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the head of a universidad is called the rector or rectora, a title that carries significant historical and ceremonial weight.
- The word universidad shares its root with universo, which comes from the Latin 'universus' meaning 'turned into one' or 'all together'.
Examples in context
- Está en la universidad.He is at university.This example is useful for saying someone is at university.Tatoeba #945911 by inmachan, translation #291119 by MTC
- Puedo ir a la Universidad.I can go to university.This example is useful for expressing the ability to go to university.Tatoeba #10134691 by saverius, translation #12242611 by Miktsoanit
- ¿Piensas ir a la universidad?Are you thinking of going to university?This example is useful for asking if someone is thinking of going to university.Tatoeba #2194431 by Shishir, translation #1433918 by CK
- Me gradué de la universidad hace dos años.I graduated from the university two years ago.
- La Universidad Nacional es reconocida por su excelencia académica.The National University is renowned for its academic excellence.
- Voy a estudiar en la uni el próximo semestre.I'm going to study at the uni next semester.
- Ya casi termino la uni, ¿y tú?I'm almost done with uni, and you?
- Estudiaré medicina en la facultad el próximo año.I will study medicine at the university next year.
- El Instituto Politécnico es una prestigiosa institución de educación superior.The Polytechnic Institute is a prestigious institution of higher education.
- 129 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about their future plans.
- DanielQuiero estudiar medicina en la universidad.I want to study medicine at the university.
- María¡Qué bien! ¿En qué universidad, Daniel?That's great! In which university, Daniel?
- DanielTodavía no sé cuál elegir.I don't know which one to choose yet.
- MaríaBusca una universidad que sea buena.Look for a university that is good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “university” translations and entries universidad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries universidad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
