Inklingo

How to Say "classroom" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aula

OW-lahˈawla

nounA1general educational setting
Use 'aula' for the general concept of a classroom or a room dedicated to educational instruction, especially in formal or institutional settings like schools and universities.
A bright, welcoming classroom with small desks, chairs, and a chalkboard.

Examples

El aula de historia está en el primer piso.

The history classroom is on the first floor.

El aula está en el segundo piso.

The classroom is on the second floor.

Los estudiantes deben guardar silencio dentro del aula.

Students must keep quiet inside the classroom.

Nuestra universidad ha inaugurado una nueva aula virtual.

Our university has opened a new virtual classroom.

The 'El' Trap

Even though 'aula' is a feminine word, we say 'el aula' instead of 'la aula'. This is because the word starts with a strong 'A' sound. Using 'el' prevents the two 'A' sounds from crashing together.

Plural is Normal

When you talk about more than one classroom, the 'clash' rule disappears. You say 'las aulas', not 'los aulas'.

Using 'La' in singular

Mistake: “La aula es pequeña.”

Correction: El aula es pequeña. (Use 'el' for singular words starting with a stressed 'A' to make it easier to say).

Using 'Los' in plural

Mistake: “Los aulas están vacías.”

Correction: Las aulas están vacías. (The word is still feminine, so 'las' is the correct choice for plural).

clase

KLAH-sehˈklase

nounA2the physical room where teaching happens
Use 'clase' when referring to the specific physical room where a particular lesson or class is taking place at a given moment.
An interior view of an empty, bright classroom with several small wooden desks and chairs neatly arranged facing a large window.

Examples

Todos los estudiantes ya están en la clase.

All the students are already in the classroom.

Por favor, entren en la clase en silencio.

Please, enter the classroom silently.

La clase tiene veinte pupitres y una pizarra blanca.

The classroom has twenty desks and a whiteboard.

salón

nounA2room where classes are held
Use 'salón' to refer to a room where classes are held, often implying a slightly larger or more general-purpose room, common in schools and sometimes used for specific named rooms.

Examples

Mi próxima clase será en el salón 3B.

My next class will be in classroom 3B.

Aula vs. Clase vs. Salón

The most common mistake is using 'aula' or 'salón' when you simply mean the room you are currently in for a specific lesson; in that case, 'clase' is usually the best choice. 'Aula' is more formal and general, while 'salón' can sometimes refer to a larger room or a specific numbered room.

Related Translations

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