institución
/een-stee-too-SYOHN/
institution
A large building representing an established organization or institution.
institución(noun)
institution
?an organization or established body
organization
?a group with a specific purpose
,establishment
?a public or private entity
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
In Spanish, almost all words ending in '-ción' are feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with this word.
The Accent Mark
The accent on the 'ó' shows you should stress the very last syllable. If you make the word plural (instituciones), the accent mark disappears because the natural stress moves.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the 'i'
Mistake: "institución (written as 'instución')"
Correction: Make sure to keep both 'i' sounds: in-stí-tu-ción.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal and Informal
While it sounds formal, it's the standard word for schools, banks, and government offices. Don't be afraid to use it in daily conversation!
A gavel symbolizing a long-standing practice or legal institution.
institución(noun)
institution
?an established law, practice, or custom
tradition
?a long-standing social practice
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Abstract Concepts
When used this way, the word refers to an idea or a system rather than a physical building.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing People
Sometimes people call a very famous and respected person 'una institución.' It means they are a legendary part of their field!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: institución
Question 1 of 2
Which of these is the correct plural form of 'institución'?
📚 More Resources
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.