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instituto

een-stee-TOO-toh/instiˈtuto/

“instituto” means “high school” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

high school

Also: secondary school
NounmA1
SpainMexico
A colorful illustration of a large, multi-story school building with high windows. Several teenagers carrying backpacks are walking toward the entrance, illustrating secondary education.

📝 In Action

Mi hijo mayor terminó el instituto el año pasado.

A1

My oldest son finished high school last year.

Hay un instituto nuevo en las afueras de la ciudad.

A2

There is a new secondary school on the outskirts of the city.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • colegio (school (often private or primary))
  • preparatoria (high school (common in Mexico))

Common Collocations

  • ir al instituto – to go to high school
  • director del instituto – high school principal

institute

Also: institution
NounmB1formal
A sleek, modern building with large glass windows, suggesting a specialized research or technological center. A scientist in a lab coat is visible inside through a window, looking at complex equipment.

📝 In Action

El Instituto Nacional de Estadística publicó los nuevos datos económicos.

B2

The National Institute of Statistics published the new economic data.

Ella trabaja para un instituto de investigación médica.

B1

She works for a medical research institute.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • centro (center)
  • organización (organization)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "instituto" in Spanish:

high school→institute→institution→secondary school→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: instituto

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'instituto' in its formal meaning (specialized center)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
institución(institution) — Noun
instituir(to institute/establish) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *institutum*, which meant 'purpose, regulation, or establishment.' It is related to the English word 'institution' and refers to any established center or rule.

First recorded: Mid-15th century in Spanish, primarily in the sense of 'rule' or 'custom.'

Cognates (Related words)

English: instituteItalian: istituto

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'instituto' and 'colegio'?

In Spain, 'instituto' almost always refers to a public high school (secondary education). 'Colegio' usually refers to a primary school or, sometimes, a private school that covers all levels.

Is 'instituto' feminine or masculine?

'Instituto' is a masculine noun, so you use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) with it: 'El instituto es grande' (The institute is big).