instrucción
“instrucción” means “instruction” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
instruction
Also: direction, guideline
📝 In Action
No entiendo la primera instrucción del manual.
A2I don't understand the first instruction in the manual.
Sigue las instrucciones con cuidado para armar la silla.
A2Follow the directions carefully to assemble the chair.
El capitán dio la instrucción de avanzar.
B1The captain gave the order to move forward.
education
Also: training, schooling
📝 In Action
La instrucción pública es un derecho fundamental.
B2Public education is a fundamental right.
Recibió una instrucción militar muy rigurosa.
C1He received very rigorous military training.
Es un hombre de mucha instrucción.
C1He is a man of great learning/education.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: instrucción
Question 1 of 3
Which is the correct plural form of 'instrucción'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'instructio', which comes from 'instruere', meaning 'to build', 'to arrange', or 'to prepare'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'instrucción' always feminine?
Yes. Every word ending in -ción in Spanish is feminine. You should always use feminine articles like 'la', 'una', 'las', or 'unas'.
What is the difference between 'educación' and 'instrucción'?
In Spanish, 'educación' is often used for upbringing and manners (being polite), while 'instrucción' focuses specifically on formal knowledge and training.
Why does the accent disappear in 'instrucciones'?
Spanish accent rules state that words ending in 's' usually have the stress on the second-to-last syllable. In 'instrucciones', the stress naturally falls on 'cio' without needing a written mark.