Inklingo
← Dictionary

colegio

/coh-LEH-heeoh/

school

A simple illustration showing a bright yellow school bus parked next to a traditional red-brick school building with large windows.

A primary or secondary school ("colegio") building, often associated with K-12 education.

colegio(noun)

mA1

school

?

Primary or secondary institution (K-12)

Also:

high school

?

Often used for secondary level, especially in Spain

,

grade school

?

Often used for primary level

📝 In Action

Mi hijo empieza el colegio nuevo en septiembre.

A1

My son starts the new school in September.

Fui al mismo colegio que mi padre.

A2

I went to the same school as my father.

Ella es profesora en un colegio bilingüe.

B1

She is a teacher in a bilingual school.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • escuela (school (general, also primary))
  • instituto (high school (common in Spain))

Common Collocations

  • colegio mayor – university residence hall
  • colegio público – public school
  • colegio privado – private school

💡 Grammar Points

Gender and Articles

Since 'colegio' is masculine, always use the article 'el' before it: 'el colegio'. If you are talking about multiple schools, use 'los colegios'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

False Friend Alert: Not 'College'

Mistake: "Using 'colegio' to mean 'university' or 'college' (higher education)."

Correction: This is a 'false friend'. 'Colegio' means K-12 school. For higher education, use 'universidad' or 'facultad'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Usage in Spain vs. Latin America

In Spain, 'colegio' often refers to the primary (younger kids) level, while 'instituto' is often the secondary (teenager) level. In many parts of Latin America, 'colegio' covers the whole range (K-12).

An illustration showing three figures representing different professions (a doctor, a lawyer, and an architect) standing together formally, symbolizing a professional association.

"Colegio" can also refer to a professional association or official organization for members of a specific field, such as doctors or lawyers.

colegio(noun)

mB2

professional association

?

Official organization for a specific profession (e.g., doctors, lawyers)

,

bar association

?

Specifically for lawyers

Also:

college

?

A group of associated officials or delegates, like 'College of Cardinals'

📝 In Action

Para ejercer la abogacía, debes estar inscrito en el colegio de abogados.

B2

To practice law, you must be registered with the bar association.

El colegio médico emitió un comunicado sobre la nueva ley de sanidad.

C1

The college of physicians issued a statement regarding the new health law.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • asociación (association)
  • gremio (guild, union)

Common Collocations

  • colegio de arquitectos – architects' association
  • cuota del colegio – association fee/dues

💡 Grammar Points

Formal Context

In this sense, 'colegio' refers to the governing body itself, not the building. It is always singular when referring to the entire organization.

⭐ Usage Tips

Connecting Meanings

The meaning of 'school' and 'professional body' are linked: both refer to a structured, organized group (originally a 'college' or group of peers).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: colegio

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the word 'colegio' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

colega(colleague) - noun
colegial(schoolchild / pertaining to school) - adjective/noun

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Colegio vs. Escuela? Are they the same?

They are very similar. Both mean 'school.' In general usage, 'escuela' is often broader (it can mean a driving school, a cooking school, or primary school). 'Colegio' usually refers specifically to a primary or secondary institution where you get basic education (K-12).

If I want to talk about university or trade school, what word should I use instead of 'colegio'?

For university, use 'universidad' or 'facultad'. For a technical or trade school, use 'escuela técnica' or 'instituto' (depending on the country).