Inklingo

How to Say "tutor" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tutor

/too-TORE//tuˈtoɾ/

nounA2academic/private
Use 'tutor' when referring to someone who provides academic instruction or guidance, especially in a private or one-on-one setting like a school or university.
A teacher sitting at a table with a student, pointing at an open book.

Examples

Hablé con mi tutor sobre mis notas.

I talked to my tutor about my grades.

El tutor de este curso es muy amable.

The tutor for this course is very kind.

Gender of the person

Use 'el tutor' for a man and 'la tutora' for a woman. Even though this entry focuses on 'tutor,' remember the word changes its ending to match the person.

Tutor vs. Teacher

Mistake: “Using 'tutor' for a regular classroom teacher.”

Correction: Use 'profesor' for a standard teacher. A 'tutor' is usually someone who gives extra help or oversees a specific student's progress.

maestra

/mah-EHS-trah//maˈes.tɾa/

nounA1general/educational
Use 'maestra' for a teacher, especially in a primary school context, or when referring to a private instructor who teaches a specific subject or skill.
A smiling female teacher standing next to a colorful globe on a small table in a classroom setting.

Examples

La maestra de español nos enseñó una canción nueva.

The Spanish teacher taught us a new song.

¿Conoces a la maestra Elena? Es muy paciente.

Do you know the teacher Elena? She is very patient.

Mi hermana quiere ser maestra de preescolar.

My sister wants to be a preschool teacher.

Gender Match

Since 'maestra' is feminine, any descriptive words (adjectives) used with it must also be feminine: 'una maestra buena' (a good teacher).

Confusing 'Maestro' and 'Maestra'

Mistake: “Using 'el maestra' when referring to a woman.”

Correction: Always match the article to the gender: 'la maestra' (the female teacher) and 'el maestro' (the male teacher).

monitor

/moh-nee-tohr//moniˈtoɾ/

nounA2supervisory/activity-based
Use 'monitor' for someone who supervises or oversees a group of students, often in a non-academic setting like a gym, camp, or during an activity.
A fitness instructor in a tracksuit holding a whistle and guiding a group.

Examples

El monitor del gimnasio me explicó cómo usar las pesas.

The gym instructor explained to me how to use the weights.

Los monitores de este campamento son muy divertidos.

The counselors at this camp are very fun.

Changing Gender for People

When referring to a person, the word changes to match their gender: 'el monitor' for a man and 'la monitora' for a woman.

Don't use it for high-level professors

Mistake: “El monitor de historia.”

Correction: El profesor de historia.

Choosing Between 'Tutor', 'Maestra', and 'Monitor'

Learners often confuse 'tutor' and 'maestra'. Remember that 'maestra' is broader and can refer to any teacher, especially in elementary school, while 'tutor' specifically implies academic support or private instruction. 'Monitor' is distinct, focusing on supervision rather than direct teaching.

Related Translations

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