Inklingo

How to Say "apprentice" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aprendiz

ah-pren-DEESa.pɾenˈdiθ

nounA2general
Use 'aprendiz' when referring to someone learning a practical trade or craft, often in a hands-on, workshop setting, directly from a master.
A young apprentice watching an older master blacksmith work at an anvil in a workshop.

Examples

El aprendiz de panadero llega muy temprano al taller.

The baker's apprentice arrives very early at the workshop.

Como todavía soy una aprendiz, cometo algunos errores.

As I am still a learner, I make some mistakes.

En la Edad Media, un aprendiz no recibía un salario, sino comida y techo.

In the Middle Ages, an apprentice didn't receive a salary, but food and shelter.

One word for everyone

The word 'aprendiz' stays the same whether you are talking about a man or a woman. Just change the 'el' to 'la' (e.g., el aprendiz, la aprendiz).

The 'Z' to 'C' rule

When talking about more than one learner, the 'z' at the end changes to a 'c' before adding 'es'. So, one is 'aprendiz', but two are 'aprendices'.

Adding an 'a' for women

Mistake: “La aprendiza.”

Correction: While 'aprendiza' technically exists in some dictionaries, 'la aprendiz' is much more common and sounds more natural in modern Spanish.

alumno

ah-LOOM-nohaˈlumno

nounA1general
Use 'alumno' for a student learning a specific craft or trade in a more general learning context, which could include formal education or less direct mentorship.
A young child sitting at a wooden desk with a backpack and a stack of books, looking happy.

Examples

El nuevo alumno es muy inteligente.

The new student is very intelligent.

Ese profesor tiene muchos alumnos en su clase.

That teacher has many students in his class.

Soy un antiguo alumno de esta escuela.

I am a former student of this school.

Changing for Gender

This word ends in 'o' because it refers to a male student. If you are talking about a female student, you change it to 'alumna'.

Talking about Groups

In Spanish, the plural 'alumnos' is used for a group of only boys OR a mixed group of boys and girls.

Student vs. Alumno

Mistake: “Using 'alumno' only for people who study hard.”

Correction: Use 'alumno' to describe the relationship with a teacher. Even if someone doesn't study much, they are still an 'alumno' if they are enrolled in the class.

discípulo

dee-SEE-poo-lohdiˈsi.pu.lo

nounB1formal
Choose 'discípulo' when the learning relationship is more formal or academic, emphasizing a deep connection to a master in an art, philosophy, or advanced skill.
A young student sitting on the grass, listening intently to an elderly teacher under a large leafy tree.

Examples

El gran pintor renacentista tenía un discípulo muy talentoso.

The great Renaissance painter had a very talented disciple.

Sócrates enseñaba a sus discípulos en las plazas de Atenas.

Socrates taught his disciples in the squares of Athens.

Se considera un fiel discípulo de las ideas de su abuelo.

He considers himself a faithful follower of his grandfather's ideas.

Using the 'the' and 'a'

Since this word is masculine and ends in 'o', you should use 'el' for 'the' (el discípulo) and 'un' for 'a' (un discípulo).

Making it plural

To talk about more than one follower, just add an 's' to the end: 'los discípulos'.

Don't use it for school kids

Mistake: “Mi hijo es un discípulo en la escuela primaria.”

Correction: Mi hijo es un alumno en la escuela primaria. 'Discípulo' is for deep learning or following a philosopher/master, not for standard classroom students.

Aprendiz vs. Alumno

Learners often confuse 'aprendiz' and 'alumno'. Remember that 'aprendiz' is best for hands-on trades and crafts, while 'alumno' is broader and can refer to any student, even in a less direct learning situation.

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