What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Bienvenidos a la escuela translates to "Welcome to the school", because Spanish requires the definite article la before escuela.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes based on who you are welcoming. Use the singular masculine form Bienvenido a la escuela if you are welcoming only one male student. Use the singular feminine form Bienvenida a la escuela if you are welcoming only one female student. Use the plural feminine form Bienvenidas a la escuela if you are welcoming a group consisting only of female students. The form Bienvenidos a la escuela is used for a group of males or a mixed group of males and females. Additionally, the phrase ¡Bienvenidos, chicos y chicas! uses the term chicos y chicas to mean "boys and girls."
Did you know?
- The word escuela has a surprising origin related to leisure, tracing back to the Greek word skholḗ which meant 'spare time' or 'leisure'.
- In Spain, teachers might use the phrase ¡Qué bueno teneros aquí! using the vosotros form, but in Latin America, they would use ¡Qué bueno tenerlos aquí! using the ustedes form.
- Although the word bienvenida means 'welcome', it is also the noun used for a welcome party or a welcoming ceremony.
Examples in context
- Bienvenidos a la escuela, niños. Espero que tengan un maravilloso año escolar.Welcome to school, children. I hope you have a wonderful school year.
- Les damos la bienvenida a la escuela a todos los estudiantes de primer grado. Estamos emocionados de conocerlos y acompañarlos en este nuevo viaje de aprendizaje.We welcome all first-grade students to the school. We are excited to get to know you and accompany you on this new learning journey.
- ¡Bienvenidos a la escuela, amigos! Espero que disfruten mucho de sus clases y hagan nuevos recuerdos inolvidables.Welcome to school, friends! I hope you enjoy your classes and make unforgettable memories.
- ¡Bienvenidos a la escuela!Welcome to school!
Example conversation
A teacher greets a new student and her parent at the entrance.
- JavierBienvenidos a la escuela, Sofía.Welcome to school, Sofía.
- SofíaMuchas gracias, profesor.Thank you very much, teacher.
- JavierEstoy feliz de tenerte aquí.I am happy to have you here.
- SofíaEstoy muy emocionada.I am very excited.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, escuela, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
