Inklingo

How to Say "teachers" in Spanish

English → Spanish

profesores

/proh-feh-SOR-es//pɾofeˈsoɾes/

nounA1general
Use 'profesores' when referring to people who teach in general, especially at the university or higher education level, or in a more formal academic context.
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.

maestros

mah-ES-trohs/maˈestros/

nounA1general
Use 'maestros' for professional educators, particularly in primary or elementary schools, or when referring to a group of male or mixed-gender teachers.
A simple illustration showing three diverse adults, two women and one man, standing happily near a colorful chalkboard in a brightly lit classroom.

Examples

Los maestros de la escuela primaria están en una reunión.

The elementary school teachers are in a meeting.

Necesitamos más maestros dedicados a la ciencia.

We need more teachers dedicated to science.

Plural for Mixed Groups

Remember that 'maestros' is the plural form for a group of male teachers, OR for a group of teachers that includes both men and women. If the group is all female, you must use 'maestras'.

Confusing Gender Plurals

Mistake: “Las maestros son muy buenos.”

Correction: Los maestros son muy buenos. (The article 'los' must match the masculine noun 'maestros'.)

Maestros vs. Profesores

The most common mistake is using 'maestros' for university professors. While not strictly incorrect in all contexts, 'profesores' is the standard and preferred term for higher education instructors. Reserve 'maestros' primarily for elementary and middle school teachers.

Related Translations

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