Inklingo

How to Say "disciple" in Spanish

English → Spanish

alumno

/ah-LOOM-noh//aˈlumno/

nounA1general
Use 'alumno' when referring to a student in a general academic or learning context, someone who is learning from a teacher or master.
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.

protege

proh-TEH-heh/pɾoˈt̪exe/

nounB2formal
Use 'protege' to describe someone who is being specifically mentored and protected by a master, often in an artistic or professional field, implying a closer, more personal tutelage.
A storybook illustration showing a small person looking up at a taller mentor figure who is guiding them by pointing toward a horizon.

Examples

El joven artista es el protege del famoso pintor.

The young artist is the protégé of the famous painter.

Ella fue su protege durante la última década.

She was his protégé during the last decade.

Gender Note

Although the noun is borrowed from French, it is commonly used for both men and women in Spanish. You can use 'el protege' or 'la protege' depending on the gender of the person.

Alumno vs. Protege

Learners often confuse 'alumno' and 'protege' because both refer to a follower of a teacher. Remember that 'alumno' is the general term for student, while 'protege' implies a deeper, more specialized mentorship, often in a creative or professional field.

Related Translations

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