escolar
/ess-koh-LAHR/
school
As an adjective, 'escolar' means 'school' or 'relating to education.'
escolar(adjective)
school
?relating to education
educational
?pertaining to school life
,scholastic
?formal term
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Flexibility
When 'escolar' is an adjective, it works for both masculine and feminine nouns, but it still needs to match the noun's number (singular or plural). Example: 'el libro escolar' and 'la mochila escolar'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'de escuela'
Mistake: "La hora de escuela."
Correction: La hora escolar. While 'de escuela' is sometimes used, 'escolar' is the natural, single-word adjective Spanish prefers for 'school-related'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Always follows the noun
Unlike many English adjectives, 'escolar' almost always comes after the noun it describes: 'el edificio escolar' (the school building).
When used as a noun, 'escolar' refers to a 'pupil' or 'student.'
escolar(noun)
pupil
?primary/elementary student
schoolchild
?general term for a child attending school
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Number
As a noun, 'escolar' works for both genders, like 'el/la estudiante.' To refer to a group of mixed gender, use the plural masculine form: 'los escolares'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'estudiante'
Mistake: "Using 'escolar' for a university student."
Correction: While technically correct, 'escolar' usually implies a younger child (K-12). Use 'estudiante' for high school and university levels.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: escolar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'escolar' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
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).