profesor
“profesor” means “teacher” in Spanish (for middle school, high school).
teacher, professor
Also: instructor
📝 In Action
Mi profesor de español es de Madrid.
A1My Spanish teacher is from Madrid.
El profesor explicó la lección dos veces.
A2The teacher explained the lesson twice.
Ella es profesora de historia en la universidad.
B1She is a history professor at the university.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: profesor
Question 1 of 1
You want to say 'My chemistry teacher (who is a woman) is very nice.' How would you say it?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word `professor`, which meant 'one who declares publicly'. It's built from `pro-` ('forth, before') and `fateri` ('to confess, acknowledge'). So, a professor was someone who publicly declared their knowledge.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between `profesor` and `maestro`?
Think about the age of the students. `Maestro/a` is most common for teachers of young children (elementary/primary school). `Profesor/a` is the standard term for teachers of older students (middle school, high school, university). However, `maestro` can also be used to mean 'master' of a craft, like a 'maestro' of painting.
Is it rude to call my teacher `profe`?
Not at all! In most Spanish-speaking countries, `profe` is a very common, friendly, and respectful way to address your teacher. It's used from middle school all the way through university.