Estoy aprendiendo
/estoi apɾendjendo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I am learning" is expressed as Estoy aprendiendo.
This phrase is used to state that you are currently in the process of acquiring new knowledge or a new skill.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down into estoy, which means "I am" and aprendiendo, which means "learning".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the present continuous tense, which is formed by combining the verb estar (to be) and the gerund of the verb aprender (to learn).
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using soy aprendiendo. While both ser and estar can mean "to be" in English, Spanish requires the verb estar to form the continuous tense for ongoing actions.
Did you know?
- If you want to say you are 'learning something by the hard way', you might say aprender a golpes, which literally translates to 'learning by blows'.
- The verb aprender is a close relative of the English word 'apprentice'. Both come from the Latin apprehendere, which literally means 'to seize' or 'to grasp'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, if you say Estoy aprendiendo, a native speaker might respond with ¡Dale!, which is a common way to encourage someone to keep going.
Examples in context
- Estoy aprendiendo Toki Pona.I am learning Toki Pona.This example shows how to use Estoy aprendiendo to name the language you are studying.Tatoeba #1530502 by marcelostockle, translation #9124282 by carlosalberto
- Yo estoy aprendiendo quechua.I am learning Quechua.This example demonstrates using Estoy aprendiendo with the subject pronoun Yo.Tatoeba #1210067 by marcelostockle, translation #773326 by marloncori
- Estoy aprendiendo sueco y alemán.I am learning Swedish and German.This example shows how to use Estoy aprendiendo when studying multiple languages.Tatoeba #1786796 by hayastan, translation #1785739 by Amastan
- Estoy aprendiendo español. ¡Gracias por tu paciencia!I am learning Spanish. Thank you for your patience!
- Estoy estudiando español. ¿Me echas la mano?I am studying Spanish. Can you lend me a hand?
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- Daniel¿Qué haces en tu tiempo libre, Lucía?What do you do in your free time, Lucía?
- LucíaEstoy aprendiendo a pintar cuadros.I am learning to paint pictures.
- Daniel¡Qué bien! Yo estoy aprendiendo carpintería.That's great! I am learning carpentry.
- LucíaEso suena muy interesante, Daniel.That sounds very interesting, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
