Inklingo
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escuelas

/ess-KWEH-lahs/

schools

Several simple, colorful school buildings with pitched roofs and large windows, standing on green grass under a blue sky, representing educational institutions.

Escuelas as physical educational institutions (schools).

escuelas(noun)

fA1

schools

?

educational institutions

Also:

academies

?

specialized learning centers

📝 In Action

Las escuelas públicas abren en septiembre.

A1

The public schools open in September.

Hay muchas escuelas de idiomas en esta ciudad.

A2

There are many language schools in this city.

Nuestras escuelas necesitan más fondos para tecnología.

B1

Our schools need more funding for technology.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • colegios (schools (often private or secondary))
  • centros educativos (educational centers)

Common Collocations

  • escuelas primarias – primary schools
  • escuelas secundarias – secondary schools

💡 Grammar Points

Feminine Plural

This word is the plural form of 'escuela.' Since 'escuela' is a 'girl-word' (feminine), when it is plural, it takes feminine plural articles like 'las' or 'unas'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Gender Mismatch

Mistake: "Los escuelas son grandes."

Correction: Las escuelas son grandes. ('Escuelas' is feminine, so use 'las'.)

⭐ Usage Tips

General Term

'Escuelas' is the most general term for any place of learning, from kindergarten through high school, and sometimes even specialized training centers.

Three distinct, stylized objects floating together: a classical column base representing philosophy, a large paintbrush representing art, and an open book representing literature, illustrating different schools of thought.

Escuelas referring to different philosophical or artistic movements (schools of thought).

escuelas(noun)

fB2

schools of thought

?

philosophical/artistic movements

Also:

styles

?

art or writing

,

doctrines

?

systems of belief

📝 In Action

Existen varias escuelas económicas que debaten el problema.

B2

Several economic schools of thought debate the problem.

Las diferentes escuelas de pintura del siglo XX.

C1

The different schools (styles) of painting of the 20th century.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • movimientos (movements)
  • corrientes (currents/tendencies)

Common Collocations

  • escuelas filosóficas – philosophical schools
  • escuelas de arte – art schools/styles

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

This meaning uses the idea of a 'school' metaphorically to describe a group of people who follow the same teachings, style, or philosophy.

⭐ Usage Tips

Academic Context

You will hear this meaning frequently in history, art criticism, and political science discussions.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: escuelas

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'escuelas' to mean 'styles of art' rather than 'places of education'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'escuelas' the same as 'colegios'?

They are very similar, but 'escuelas' is the broader, more common term for any place of learning. 'Colegios' often refers specifically to private or secondary schools, though usage varies a lot between countries.

How do I know if 'escuelas' is referring to a place or a philosophy?

Look at the word next to it. If you see 'escuelas de arte,' 'escuelas de pensamiento,' or 'escuelas económicas,' it usually refers to a style or movement. If you see 'escuelas públicas' or 'escuelas primarias,' it refers to the buildings where people learn.