aprender
/apɾenˈdeɾ/
To learn in Spanish is aprender. Wiktionary also lists escarmentar.
Meaning: to acquire knowledge or ability (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| aprender | /apɾenˈdeɾ/ |
| escarmentar | /eskaɾmenˈtaɾ/ |
The most general and widely used translation for 'to learn' is aprender. If you are referring to the specific act of learning a lesson or gaining wisdom from a difficult or unpleasant experience, use escarmentar.
Which one should you use?
While aprender is the general verb for acquiring knowledge, escarmentar is used specifically when someone learns a lesson from a mistake or a hard experience.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word empollar is used to mean 'to cram' or 'to study intensively'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The gerund or present participle of aprender is aprendiendo, and the first-person singular preterite (past tense) form is aprendí.
How do you pronounce it?
/apɾenˈdeɾ/
Did you know?
- While aprender is the standard word for learning, the slang term empollar literally means 'to hatch' like a chick. It evokes the image of a student sitting still and warm over their books for hours.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase aprender a golpes literally translates to 'learning by blows'. It is used metaphorically to describe learning through harsh failures or tough life experiences.
- The Spanish verb aprender is a cognate of the English word 'apprehend'. While 'apprehend' now mostly means to arrest someone, it originally shared the same root as aprender meaning to seize or grasp an idea.
Examples in context
- Tom no lo aprenderá.Tom won't learn it.This sentence uses aprender to show a negative future outcome.Tatoeba #10092891 by manufrutos, translation #10092742 by Ergulis
- Es fácil de aprender.It's easy to learn.This sentence uses aprender to describe the difficulty of a task.Tatoeba #6674841 by arh, translation #9814482 by DJ_Saidez
- ¿Cuándo vas a aprender?When will you ever learn?This sentence uses aprender to ask about the timing of gaining knowledge.Tatoeba #2410365 by marcelostockle, translation #478573 by BlueLagoon
- Puedes aprender mucho sobre la historia en ese museo.You can learn a lot about history in that museum.
- Es importante adquirir conocimientos para crecer personal y profesionalmente.It is important to acquire knowledge to grow personally and professionally.
- Me aprendí todas las capitales de los países de Latinoamérica.I learned all the capitals of Latin American countries by heart.
- Siempre supe hacer malabares, pero en el circo aprendí mucho más.I always knew how to juggle, but at the circus, I learned much more.
- 668 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Javier are talking about their hobbies.
- MaríaQuiero aprender a tocar la guitarra.I want to learn how to play the guitar.
- JavierEs una idea genial, María.That is a great idea, Maria.
- María¿Tú crees que es difícil aprender?Do you think it is difficult to learn?
- JavierNo, solo necesitas practicar mucho.No, you just need to practice a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “learn” translations and entries aprender, escarmentar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aprender, escarmentar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
