maestra
/mah-EHS-trah/
teacher
Maestra, meaning "teacher," is often used for a female educator in a school setting.
maestra(noun)
teacher
?female educator in a school setting
,schoolteacher
?primary or secondary education
tutor
?private instructor
📝 In Action
La maestra de español nos enseñó una canción nueva.
A1The Spanish teacher taught us a new song.
¿Conoces a la maestra Elena? Es muy paciente.
A2Do you know the teacher Elena? She is very patient.
Mi hermana quiere ser maestra de preescolar.
B1My sister wants to be a preschool teacher.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Match
Since 'maestra' is feminine, any descriptive words (adjectives) used with it must also be feminine: 'una maestra buena' (a good teacher).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Maestro' and 'Maestra'
Mistake: "Using 'el maestra' when referring to a woman."
Correction: Always match the article to the gender: 'la maestra' (the female teacher) and 'el maestro' (the male teacher).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Address
In many Spanish-speaking countries, it is respectful to address a female teacher directly as 'Maestra' (capitalized, like a title), especially in primary school.
Maestra can also translate to "master craftswoman," referring to a highly skilled female artisan.
maestra(noun)
master craftswoman
?skilled artisan or tradesperson
,forewoman
?supervisor on a construction site or workshop
expert
?female specialist
📝 In Action
Es una maestra en el arte de la cerámica tradicional.
B2She is a master in the art of traditional ceramics.
La maestra albañil supervisó la construcción del muro.
C1The forewoman mason supervised the construction of the wall.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
You can use 'maestra' to describe anyone who shows great skill, even if they aren't technically a teacher: 'Ella es una maestra del engaño' (She is a master of deception).
⭐ Usage Tips
Occupational Titles
In trades like construction or masonry, 'maestra' often designates the highest level of certified skill, similar to a 'master' license.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: maestra
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'maestra' in the sense of a skilled expert?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'maestra' and 'profesora'?
'Maestra' usually refers to a teacher in primary school (elementary school) or preschool. 'Profesora' is generally used for teachers in secondary school (high school) or university, or sometimes used as a more formal term for any teacher.
Can I use 'maestra' if the person doesn't teach in a school?
Yes! The word is often used figuratively or professionally to mean 'master' or 'expert.' For example, a 'maestra de ceremonias' is the MC, or a woman who is highly skilled at weaving might be called a 'maestra tejedora' (master weaver).