Inklingo

How to Say "secondary school" in Spanish

English → Spanish

secundaria

/seh-koon-DAH-reeah//se.kunˈda.rja/

nounA2general
Use 'secundaria' when referring to the general stage of education after primary school, equivalent to high school or middle school in the US/UK.
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 high 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-syo//himˈnasjo/

nounB1historical/specific
Use 'gimnasio' primarily when referring to the historical German 'Gymnasium' educational system or, more commonly today, when referring to a sports facility (gym).
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.

Confusing 'Gimnasio' with 'Secondary School'

The most common mistake is using 'gimnasio' to mean 'secondary school'. Remember that 'gimnasio' in Spanish today overwhelmingly refers to a sports facility. For the educational stage, 'secundaria' is the correct and most widely understood term.

Related Translations

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