instructor

From Latin 'instructor', from 'instruere' meaning 'to instruct, build, prepare'.

NOUN (1)

[/ɪnˈstrʌk.tər/^en-US] [/ɪnˈstrʌk.tə/^en-GB]

instructor literalcognatecommon / maestro teachergeneralmale / maestra teachergeneralfemale / profesor teacheracademicmale / profesora teacheracademicfemale / entrenador coachtrainerskill_basedmale / entrenadora coachtrainerskill_basedfemale / docente formalprofessionaleducator

Synonyms teacher generalcommon , educator formalbroad_scope , coach skill_basedsports , trainer skill_basedcorporate , mentor guidance_focusedexperienced , tutor individual_focusedacademic , lecturer academichigher_education , professor academic_rankhigher_education

Antonyms student general_learnerformal_education , pupil younger_learnertraditional , learner broad_conceptactive_participant , trainee skill_developmentvocational , apprentice trade_skilllong_term_learning

To translate the English word "instructor" into Inglés, several options are available, each with nuances in formality, context, and gender. The most direct translation is the cognate instructor, which is widely understood and can be used in most contexts where the English "instructor" would apply, particularly for specific skills or training. For general teaching roles, especially at a primary or sometimes secondary school level, or for someone highly skilled in a craft or art, the terms maestro (male) and maestra (female) are appropriate. These carry a broader sense of 'teacher' or 'master' of a skill. When referring to an instructor in an academic setting, particularly at universities or secondary schools, profesor (male) and profesora (female) are the most common and fitting translations. These terms align closely with 'professor' or 'teacher' in a formal educational environment. If the "instructor" is someone who trains or coaches in a physical activity, sport, or practical skill, then entrenador (male) and entrenadora (female) are the correct choices. This specifically implies coaching or training. Finally, docente is a more formal and professional term for an 'educator' or 'teaching professional'. It is often used in official contexts or to refer to the teaching profession collectively, and can be gender-neutral in form.

plural
instructors

El instructor de buceo nos enseñó las señales bajo el agua. — The diving instructor taught us the underwater signals.
Mi maestra de primaria siempre me animaba a leer. — My primary school teacher always encouraged me to read.
Es un verdadero maestro en el arte de la pintura. — He is a true master in the art of painting.
La profesora de literatura explicó la obra con gran detalle. — The literature professor explained the work in great detail.
El entrenador personal diseñó un plan de ejercicios para mí. — The personal trainer designed an exercise plan for me.
El personal docente se reunirá el próximo lunes. — The teaching staff will meet next Monday.