practicar
/pɾaɡtiˈkaɾ/
To practice in Spanish is practicar.
Practicar means to perform an activity or exercise regularly to improve one's skill.
Which one should you use?
While practicar is used for skills and hobbies, ejercitar is more specifically used for physical exercise or mental training. In Spain, the verb ensayar may also be used to refer to practicing or rehearsing a specific activity.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, ensayar is used to mean practicing or rehearsing a specific activity.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the present indicative tense, the first-person singular form is practico (I practice) and the first-person plural form is practicamos (we practice).
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾaɡtiˈkaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying jugar un deporte to mean practice a sport. Instead, use practicar un deporte or jugar al [specific sport].
Did you know?
- While 'practicing' an instrument in English is usually a repetitive physical act, Spanish speakers often use estudiar, meaning 'to study', to describe the same activity.
- Using practicar for a doctor's 'practice' is an error in Spanish, as the location of a professional practice is called a consultorio or despacho.
- In a religious context, someone who 'practices' their faith is described as practicante, a term that distinguishes them from those who are culturally religious but not active.
Examples in context
- Me gusta practicar deportes todas las mañanas.I enjoy practicing sports every morning.
- Si quieres mejorar en el piano, debes poner en práctica tus lecciones diariamente.If you want to improve at the piano, you must practice your lessons daily.
- Hemos estado entrenando duro para el próximo partido.We have been practicing hard for the upcoming match.
- Esta tarde voy a ensayar con la banda de música.This afternoon, I'm going to practice with the music band.
- Quiero practicar mi español contigo.I want to practice my Spanish with you.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- Alejandro¿Qué te gusta hacer en tu tiempo libre?What do you like to do in your free time?
- ElenaMe gusta practicar yoga por las mañanas.I like to practice yoga in the mornings.
- Alejandro¡Qué bien! Yo también quiero practicar algo así.That's great! I want to practice something like that too.
- ElenaDeberías intentarlo, es muy relajante.You should try it, it is very relaxing.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry practicar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
