aprendí a hablar español
/apɾendi a ablaɾ espaɲol/from spelling rules
To say "I learned how to speak spanish" in Spanish, use aprendí a hablar español.
This phrase is used to state that someone has acquired the ability to communicate in the Spanish language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I learned to speak Spanish". In this construction, the Spanish a functions as the required preposition connecting the verb aprender (to learn) to the infinitive hablar (to speak).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you can say Aprendí a hablar español chingón to mean "I learned to speak badass Spanish." In Argentina, you can say Aprendí a hablar español re bien to mean "I learned to speak Spanish really well."
How do you pronounce it?
/apɾendi a ablaɾ espaɲol/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly include the word cómo to translate "how to", resulting in aprendí cómo hablar español. In Spanish, the standard way to express learning a skill is the construction aprender a + infinitive.
Did you know?
- The term español might be linked to the Punic word for the 'coast of hyraxes', a detail arising from an ancient assumption about the name of the region.
Examples in context
- Aprendí a hablar español muy fluidamente.I learned to speak Spanish very fluently.
- Después de muchos meses de estudio, aprendí a hablar español.After many months of studying, I learned how to speak Spanish.
- Viví en España durante un año y allí aprendí a hablar español con fluidez.I lived in Spain for a year, and that's where I learned to speak Spanish fluently.
- Viajé por varios países de habla hispana y, a través de esas experiencias, logré aprender a hablar español.I traveled to various Spanish-speaking countries, and through those experiences, I managed to learn how to speak Spanish.
- Aprendí a hablar español en la escuela.I learned how to speak Spanish in school.
- Por fin aprendí a hablar español.I finally learned how to speak Spanish.
- Hace un año aprendí a hablar español.A year ago I learned how to speak Spanish.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their language skills at a cafe.
- María¿Cómo es tu español?How is your Spanish?
- JavierAprendí a hablar español con un profesor.I learned how to speak Spanish with a teacher.
- María¡Qué bien que aprendiste tanto, Javier!How great that you learned so much, Javier!
- JavierGracias, María.Thanks, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, español, hablar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
