escolar
“escolar” means “school” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
school
Also: educational, scholastic
📝 In Action
El año escolar comienza en septiembre.
A1The school year begins in September.
Necesito comprar material escolar nuevo.
A2I need to buy new school supplies.
El transporte escolar llegó tarde hoy.
A1The school bus arrived late today.
pupil
Also: schoolchild
📝 In Action
El escolar llevaba una pesada mochila.
B1The pupil was carrying a heavy backpack.
Los escolares participaron en la excursión.
B1The schoolchildren participated in the field trip.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: escolar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'escolar' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word comes directly from the Latin *scholāris*, which simply meant 'pertaining to a school.' It has been used in Spanish since the Middle Ages, maintaining its core meaning related to learning and academia.
First recorded: 15th century (documented usage)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'escolar' the same as 'estudiante'?
'Escolar' usually refers specifically to a child in primary or secondary school (K-12). 'Estudiante' is broader and can refer to any student, including those in high school or university, and is generally more common.
Does 'escolar' change its ending for masculine and feminine?
No. When used as an adjective (like 'school' in English), it stays the same regardless of gender ('el año escolar' / 'la vida escolar'). It only changes to plural ('escolares'). As a noun, you change the article: 'el escolar' (boy) / 'la escolar' (girl).