Inklingo

How to Say "counselor" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “counselor” is “consejero” — use this term for a professional who provides guidance or advice, especially in an academic or personal development setting, like a school counselor..

English → Spanish

consejero

kohn-seh-HEH-roh/kon.seˈxe.ɾo/

nounA2general
Use this term for a professional who provides guidance or advice, especially in an academic or personal development setting, like a school counselor.
A high quality storybook illustration showing a professional counselor sitting at a desk, leaning forward slightly and offering reassuring advice to a client who is listening intently.

Examples

Mi consejero de la universidad me ayudó con la matrícula.

My university counselor helped me with registration.

El consejero financiero sugirió ahorrar más dinero.

The financial advisor suggested saving more money.

Hablé con un consejero matrimonial para resolver nuestros problemas.

I spoke with a marriage counselor to solve our problems.

Masculine/Feminine Forms

Since this word ends in -o, it changes to 'consejera' when referring to a woman. Remember to change the article too: 'el consejero' (M) vs. 'la consejera' (F).

Confusing Advice/Person

Mistake: “Using *consejo* (the advice itself) instead of *consejero* (the person). E.g., 'Hablé con mi consejo.'”

Correction: Use 'Hablé con mi consejero.' Remember, the word ending in -o is usually the person who performs the action.

asesor

ah-seh-SOR/aseˈsoɾ/

nounB1professional
This word is used for someone who provides expert advice or guidance in a specific professional field, such as finance or business.
A professional person in a suit leaning over a table to point at a colorful map for another person.

Examples

Necesito hablar con mi asesor financiero antes de comprar la casa.

I need to talk to my financial advisor before buying the house.

El presidente tiene un grupo de asesores muy capaces.

The president has a group of very capable advisors.

Ella trabaja como asesora de imagen para celebridades.

She works as an image consultant for celebrities.

People words and gender

Even though this entry is for the masculine 'asesor,' you simply add an 'a' at the end ('asesora') when talking about a woman.

Don't confuse with 'advice'

Mistake: “Using 'asesor' to mean the tip or advice itself.”

Correction: Use 'asesor' for the PERSON and 'consejo' or 'asesoramiento' for the actual advice they give.

abogada

ah-boh-GAH-dah/a.βoˈɣa.ða/

nounA2legal
This specifically refers to a female lawyer or legal advisor.
A simple storybook illustration of a female lawyer wearing a dark professional suit and holding a wooden gavel firmly in her hand.

Examples

Mi hermana estudió mucho y ahora es una abogada muy exitosa.

My sister studied a lot and is now a very successful lawyer.

La abogada defensora presentó un argumento muy sólido ante el jurado.

The defense attorney presented a very solid argument before the jury.

Necesitas consultar a una abogada especialista en derecho laboral.

You need to consult a lawyer specialized in labor law.

Gendered Noun

Since 'abogada' is a job title referring specifically to a woman, you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la abogada', 'una abogada inteligente').

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “Using 'el abogado' when talking about a female lawyer.”

Correction: Always use 'la abogada' for a woman. The change from 'o' to 'a' reflects the person's gender.

terapeuta

teh-rah-PEH-oo-tah/te.ɾaˈpeu̯.ta/

nounB1medical
Use this term when referring to a mental health professional who provides therapy or psychological support.
A drawing of a friendly professional, likely a therapist, sitting in a comfortable chair with a notepad on their lap, listening intently.

Examples

Necesito una cita con la terapeuta para hablar de mi estrés.

I need an appointment with the therapist to talk about my stress.

El fisioterapeuta me dio ejercicios para la rodilla lesionada.

The physical therapist gave me exercises for my injured knee.

Busca un terapeuta que se especialice en terapia familiar.

Look for a therapist who specializes in family therapy.

Gender is in the Article

This word is the same for men and women. You use 'el' for a male therapist (el terapeuta) and 'la' for a female therapist (la terapeuta).

Don't Change the Ending

Mistake: “Usar 'terapeuto' para un hombre.”

Correction: The correct form ends in '-a' for everyone: 'el terapeuta' and 'la terapeuta'. The word itself is fixed.

monitor

/moh-nee-tohr//moniˈtoɾ/

nounA2recreational
This term is used for someone who supervises or leads a group, often in a recreational or instructional setting like a summer camp or gym.
A fitness instructor in a tracksuit holding a whistle and guiding a group.

Examples

El monitor del gimnasio me explicó cómo usar las pesas.

The gym instructor explained to me how to use the weights.

Los monitores de este campamento son muy divertidos.

The counselors at this camp are very fun.

Changing Gender for People

When referring to a person, the word changes to match their gender: 'el monitor' for a man and 'la monitora' for a woman.

Don't use it for high-level professors

Mistake: “El monitor de historia.”

Correction: El profesor de historia.

General Advice vs. Specialized Guidance

Learners often confuse 'consejero' and 'asesor'. Remember, 'consejero' is for general guidance (like a school counselor), while 'asesor' implies expert advice in a specific profession (like a financial advisor).

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