Inklingo

How to Say "secondary school" in Spanish

English → Spanish

instituto

een-stee-TOO-tohinstiˈtuto

nounA1general
Use 'instituto' as the general and most common term for secondary school, covering middle and high school grades, especially in Spain.
A colorful illustration of a large, multi-story school building with high windows. Several teenagers carrying backpacks are walking toward the entrance, illustrating secondary education.

Examples

Mi hijo mayor terminó el instituto el año pasado.

My oldest son finished high school last year.

Hay un instituto nuevo en las afueras de la ciudad.

There is a new secondary school on the outskirts of the city.

Masculine Noun

Since 'instituto' ends in -o, it is a masculine word. Always use the masculine articles (el, un) and masculine adjectives with it.

secundaria

seh-koon-DAH-reeahse.kunˈda.rja

nounA2general
Use 'secundaria' when referring to the specific educational stage of secondary education, often equivalent to the UK's system.
A colorful storybook illustration depicting a traditional two-story brick school building with tall windows and a prominent flagpole. Three teenagers carrying backpacks are walking toward the entrance.

Examples

¿En qué año de la secundaria estás?

What year of secondary school are you in?

Terminé la secundaria el año pasado y ahora voy a la universidad.

I finished secondary school last year and now I'm going to university.

Mi hermana es profesora de matemáticas en una secundaria pública.

My sister is a math teacher at a public high school.

Use with Articles

Since 'secundaria' is a feminine noun, you will almost always use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la secundaria' (the high school).

Confusing Levels

Mistake: “Using 'colegio' when you mean 'secundaria'.”

Correction: In many Spanish-speaking countries, 'colegio' often means 'private school' or 'primary/elementary school,' while 'secundaria' refers specifically to the high school level.

gimnasio

him-NAH-syohimˈnasjo

nounB1specialized
Use 'gimnasio' only when referring to a specific type of academic secondary school with historical roots, particularly the German 'Gymnasium', or in certain Latin American contexts for a private secondary school.
A large indoor sports hall featuring a polished wooden floor basketball court with boundary lines and a basketball hoop.

Examples

El antiguo gimnasio de la universidad se convirtió en un salón de eventos.

The university's old gymnasium (sports hall) was converted into an event hall.

En ese país, un 'Gymnasium' es una escuela que prepara a los estudiantes para la universidad.

In that country, a 'Gymnasium' is a school that prepares students for university.

Context Clues

If you are reading something formal or historical, 'gimnasio' might refer to a large sports hall or even a type of school, not just the modern fitness center.

General vs. Specific Usage

The most common mistake is using 'gimnasio' for general secondary education. Remember that 'instituto' is the default term, and 'secundaria' refers to the educational level itself, while 'gimnasio' is a much rarer and more specific term.

Related Translations

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