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secundaria

seh-koon-DAH-reeah/se.kunˈda.rja/

“secundaria” means “secondary” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

secondary, minor

Also: subordinate
A visual comparison showing a large, bright red apple placed prominently in the center, and a much smaller, pale green grape positioned off to the side, illustrating the concept of secondary importance.

📝 In Action

La causa principal de la caída fue la lluvia, y la mala visibilidad fue una razón secundaria.

B1

The main cause of the fall was the rain, and poor visibility was a secondary reason.

Esta es una preocupación secundaria; el problema más grande es el presupuesto.

B2

This is a minor concern; the bigger problem is the budget.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • cuestión secundaria – secondary issue

secondary school, high school

Also: middle school
NounfA2
SpainMexico
A colorful storybook illustration depicting a traditional two-story brick school building with tall windows and a prominent flagpole. Three teenagers carrying backpacks are walking toward the entrance.

📝 In Action

¿En qué año de la secundaria estás?

A2

What year of high school are you in?

Terminé la secundaria el año pasado y ahora voy a la universidad.

A2

I finished secondary school last year and now I'm going to university.

Mi hermana es profesora de matemáticas en una secundaria pública.

B1

My sister is a math teacher at a public high school.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • preparatoria (high school (Mexico))
  • instituto (high school (Spain))

Common Collocations

  • escuela secundaria – secondary school (full phrase)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "secundaria" in Spanish:

middle school→secondary school→subordinate→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: secundaria

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'secundaria' as a noun?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
secundario(secondary (masculine adjective)) — Adjective
secundar(to second (an idea), to back up) — Verb
secundariamente(secondarily) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes▼
diariaordinaria
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *secundarius*, meaning 'belonging to the second class' or 'coming after the first.' This root word, *secundus*, is also the source of the Spanish word 'segundo' (second).

First recorded: 15th century (as an adjective)

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: secondariaFrench: secondaire

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'secundaria' the same as 'colegio'?

Not usually. 'Secundaria' specifically refers to the high school or middle school years (typically ages 12-18, depending on the country). 'Colegio' is a more general term that often means 'private school' or sometimes includes the primary (elementary) school level.

How do I use the adjective form 'secundaria' correctly?

Use 'secundaria' when describing any feminine noun that is not the main focus or priority, such as 'una meta secundaria' (a secondary goal) or 'una calle secundaria' (a side street).