A detailed explanation of the differences between “escuela,” “colegio,” and “universidad” in Spanish, including how each term is used to describe different types of educational institutions.
In Spanish, there are three main words for “school”: escuela, colegio, and universidad. Each one refers to a different level or type of education, so it’s important to use the right term depending on the context.
- Escuela usually means elementary or primary school, but can also refer to any general school, especially for young children.
- Colegio typically means a private or specialized school, often at the primary or secondary level, but in some countries it just means “school” in general.
- Universidad means university, where students go for higher education after finishing secondary school.
- These terms aren’t always interchangeable—using the wrong one can confuse Spanish speakers about what level of education you’re talking about.
Understanding these differences will help you speak more naturally about school life in Spanish-speaking countries.
Escuela
Escuela is the most general word for “school,” but it usually refers to elementary or primary school, where young children learn the basics.
- It can also refer to any school in a general sense, especially public schools for young kids.
- The word comes from the Greek “scholē,” meaning a place of learning or leisure.
- In some contexts, it can be part of the name of a specialized school (e.g., “escuela de música”).
Colegio
Colegio usually means a private school or a secondary school (middle and high school), depending on the country.
- In many Latin American countries, colegio is where students go after escuela and before universidad.
- It often has a religious affiliation (e.g., “Colegio San José”) but not always.
- In Spain, colegio usually means any school up to the age of 12, but it can also refer to secondary schools.
Universidad
Universidad is the word for “university,” where students pursue higher education and degrees.
- It comes after secondary school and involves specialized study in fields like medicine, engineering, humanities, etc.
- Universities can be public or private and often have campuses, libraries, and research facilities.
- The term is the same in singular (universidad) and plural (universidades).
Which level of education does “universidad” refer to in Spanish?
Higher education, including degrees and specialized study.
“Universidad” refers to higher education, where students can earn degrees and specialize in fields such as medicine, engineering, and humanities.
Does the Spanish word “universidad” have a different form for singular and plural?
No, singular is universidad and plural is universidades.
The plural form of “universidad” is “universidades.” The singular is “universidad.” This follows regular Spanish pluralization rules.
Summary
| Spanish Term | English Equivalent | Typical Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escuela | Elementary/Primary School | Elementary/primary education | Can be general term for “school” |
| Colegio | Private School / High School | Secondary education (usually) | Often private or religious |
| Universidad | University | Higher education | For degrees and specialized study |
Using these terms correctly helps you indicate exactly what stage of education you’re talking about in Spanish.
Flashcards (1 of 3)
- Typical Level: Elementary/primary education
- Notes: Can be general term for “school”
- English Equivalent: Elementary/Primary School
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
