institución
“institución” means “institution” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
institution
Also: organization, establishment
📝 In Action
El museo es una institución cultural muy importante.
A2The museum is a very important cultural institution.
Trabajo en una institución financiera.
B1I work at a financial institution.
institution
Also: tradition
📝 In Action
La libertad de prensa es una institución fundamental en la democracia.
B2Freedom of the press is a fundamental institution in democracy.
El matrimonio ha sido una institución social durante siglos.
C1Marriage has been a social institution for centuries.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: institución
Question 1 of 2
Which of these is the correct plural form of 'institución'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'institutio', which originally meant 'arrangement' or 'instruction'. It comes from 'instituere', which means 'to set up' or 'to establish'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'institución' only refer to buildings?
No. While it often refers to a physical place like a university or bank, it also refers to the organization itself or even abstract customs like marriage or democracy.
Is it a formal word?
It is neutral to formal. It's the standard way to refer to official bodies, but you'll hear it in everyday news and conversation frequently.