What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the indirect object pronoun me (me) and the third-person singular preterite form of the verb enseñar (taught).
Which one should you use?
Use me enseñó when referring to the instruction of skills or knowledge. If the person simply showed you something visually without necessarily instructing you, use me mostró (showed me) instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form me enseñó specifically refers to a single person (he, she or you formal) performing the action in the past. If the subject who taught you is plural (they or you all), you must use the form me enseñaron. When teaching a specific action or skill, the phrase is followed by the preposition a and an infinitive verb, such as me enseñó a cocinar (taught me to cook).
How do you pronounce it?
/me enseɲo/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, enseñar can be used ironically to mean 'to put someone in their place' or to give them a hard lesson through experience.
- While me enseñó focuses on the transfer of knowledge, Spanish speakers use me educó to refer specifically to the moral and social upbringing provided by parents.
- The pronoun me in me enseñó descends from both the Latin accusative 'mē' and the dative 'mihi' through Vulgar Latin.
Examples in context
- Tom me enseñó eso.Tom taught me that.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of me enseñó with a specific object.Tatoeba #5001147 by cueyayotl, translation #2647876 by CK
- Él me enseñó historia.He taught me history.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of me enseñó with a school subject.Tatoeba #1273902 by marcelostockle, translation #370634 by saeb
- Ella me enseñó a nadar.She taught me how to swim.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of me enseñó a followed by an infinitive verb.Tatoeba #655260 by Shishir, translation #314186 by CK
- El profesor me enseñó español.The teacher taught me Spanish.
- Mi mentor me instruyó en los principios de la economía.My mentor taught me the principles of economics.
- Mis padres me educaron en los valores del respeto y la honestidad.My parents taught me the values of respect and honesty.
- Mi amigo me enseñó a tocar la guitarra.My friend taught me how to play the guitar.
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing their hobbies at a cafe.
- Javier¿Cómo sabes tocar el piano?How do you know how to play the piano?
- MaríaMi madre me enseñó de niña.My mother taught me as a child.
- Javier¡Qué bueno! Ella es una gran maestra.That's great! She is a great teacher.
- MaríaSí, me enseñó con mucha paciencia.Yes, she taught me with a lot of patience.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
