Inklingo

How to Say "professors" in Spanish

English → Spanish

profesores

/proh-feh-SOR-es//pɾofeˈsoɾes/

nounA1general
Use 'profesores' when referring generally to teachers or instructors at a university or in higher education.
A group illustration featuring three diverse adults—two women and one man—who are clearly identified as teachers. They are standing near a colorful chalkboard, holding educational items like a textbook and a pointer, smiling warmly.

Examples

Los profesores de la universidad son muy exigentes.

The professors at the university are very demanding.

Necesitamos más profesores de matemáticas en la escuela.

We need more math teachers in the school.

Las reuniones con los profesores son el miércoles.

The meetings with the teachers are on Wednesday.

Plural Form

This word is the plural of 'profesor' (male teacher) and is formed by adding '-es' to the singular noun.

Generic Gender Rule

When talking about a mixed group of male and female teachers, Spanish uses the masculine plural form, 'profesores.' If the group is all female, you must use 'profesoras.'

Confusing Gender for Mixed Groups

Mistake: “Using *'las profesoras'* when referring to a group of men and women.”

Correction: Use *'los profesores'* for mixed groups. The masculine plural is the default for groups.

doctores

/dok-TOH-res//dokˈtoɾes/

nounB1academic
Use 'doctores' when referring to university faculty who hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D.), emphasizing their academic title.
Two people wearing academic graduation robes and mortarboard caps, celebrating their achievement.

Examples

Los doctores en filosofía debatieron la ética moderna.

The doctors (PhDs) in philosophy debated modern ethics.

La junta directiva está compuesta por cinco doctores en economía.

The board of directors is composed of five doctors (PhDs) in economics.

Academic Title

In academic settings, 'doctores' refers to people who have completed the highest level of university education (a doctorate or PhD), not necessarily medical training.

General vs. Specific Title

The most common mistake is using 'doctores' when the general term 'profesores' is sufficient. Reserve 'doctores' for when you specifically want to highlight that the person has a doctorate, as 'profesores' is the everyday word for university faculty.

Related Translations

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