Inklingo

How to Say "academy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

academia

ah-kah-DEH-mee-ahakaˈðemja

nounA2general
Use 'academia' for a specialized institution, often private, that offers training in a particular skill or subject, like dance, art, or language.
A colorful illustration of a bright dance studio with wooden floors and a large mirror. A single student is practicing a stretch near a ballet barre.

Examples

Mi hermana va a una academia de baile todos los sábados.

My sister goes to a dance academy every Saturday.

¿Dónde está la academia de idiomas? Necesito aprender francés.

Where is the language school? I need to learn French.

La academia ofrece clases de apoyo para estudiantes de secundaria.

The training center offers support classes for high school students.

Feminine Noun Rule

Even though 'academia' starts with the stressed 'a' sound, we use 'la academia' and 'una academia' (not 'el' or 'un'), because the first syllable stress rule only applies to nouns of one or two syllables, like 'agua' or 'águila'.

escuela

es-KWEH-lahesˈkwela

nounB1general
Use 'escuela' when referring to a more formal institution for specialized training, particularly in professional fields like law or business.
A detailed wooden easel holding a blank canvas, surrounded by colorful paint tubes, brushes, and a palette, set inside a grand, classical building interior.

Examples

Mi hermano se graduó de la escuela de derecho.

My brother graduated from law school.

Ella quiere estudiar en una famosa escuela de arte en París.

She wants to study at a famous art school in Paris.

La escuela de negocios tiene un programa nuevo.

The business school has a new program.

Academia vs. Escuela

Learners often overuse 'academia' and forget that 'escuela' can also mean a specialized training center. While 'academia' is common for arts and general skills, 'escuela' is more typical for professional or academic fields like law or business.

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