Inklingo
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A smiling female teacher standing in a brightly lit classroom next to a green chalkboard.

profesora

proh-feh-SOH-rah

nounfA1
teacher?female, K-12 or general instruction,professor?female, university or higher education
Also:instructor?female, general teaching role

📝 In Action

Mi profesora de historia nos dio mucha tarea.

A1

My history teacher gave us a lot of homework.

La profesora García es muy estricta con las fechas de entrega.

A2

Professor García is very strict with the submission deadlines.

Ella aspira a ser profesora titular en la facultad de derecho.

B1

She aspires to be a tenured professor in the law school.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • maestra (teacher (often primary/elementary school))
  • docente (teaching staff member)

Antonyms

  • alumna (female student)

Common Collocations

  • profesora de inglés – English teacher
  • profesora particular – private tutor (female)

💡 Grammar Points

Gendered Profession

This noun is feminine because it refers to a woman. The masculine equivalent is 'profesor' (male teacher/professor).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the Wrong Article

Mistake: "El profesora."

Correction: La profesora. Since 'profesora' is feminine, it must use the feminine articles 'la' or 'una'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Using it as a Title

In Spanish-speaking countries, it is very polite to address a female teacher or professor directly using her title: 'Profesora [Last Name]'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: profesora

Question 1 of 2

Which Spanish article must be used before 'profesora'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

profesor(male teacher/professor) - noun
enseñar(to teach) - verb
enseñanza(teaching, education) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'profesora' and 'maestra'?

Both mean 'teacher'. 'Maestra' usually refers to a teacher in primary school (elementary school), while 'profesora' is generally used for teachers in secondary school, high school, or university.

Can I use 'profe' instead of 'profesora'?

'Profe' is a common, friendly, and informal shortening of 'profesora' (or 'profesor'). It's perfectly fine to use with teachers you know well, especially in younger settings, but use the full word in formal letters or official settings.