Educación vs. formación
The Spanish words 'educación' and 'formación' can both be translated as 'education' in English, but they have distinct nuances and applications in use.
Educación
'Educación' refers primarily to the formal instruction, schooling, or training given to children and young people, typically via attending a school or university.
Mis padres siempre enfatizaron la importancia de una buena educación.
(My parents always emphasized the importance of a good education.)
La educación superior es el nivel de estudios que se realiza después de la secundaria.
(Higher education is the level of studies that is carried out after high school.)
La educación es clave para el desarrollo sostenible de un país.
(Education is key to a country's sustainable development.)
Formación
'Formación', on the other hand, is more broadly used to refer to all types of training, academic learning, intellectual growth and personal development. It not only includes formal education but also informal learning experiences, such as job training or self-taught skills.
El curso ofrece formación en habilidades de comunicación efectiva.
(The course offers training in effective communication skills.)
Estoy en formación para ser piloto.
(I'm currently training to be a pilot.)
La universidad se encarga no solo de la educación académica, sino también de la formación integral del individuo.
(The university is responsible not only for academic education, but also for the comprehensive training of the individual.)
Summary
'Educación' and 'formación' both translate as 'education', but depict different spheres of learning. While 'educación' primarily pertains to formal institutionalized learning (like school or university), 'formación' encompasses this understanding as well as non-academic training and personal development activities.