enseñar
/enseˈɲaɾ/
The Spanish word for 'teach' is enseñar.
enseñar is used to describe the act of passing on knowledge or teaching a subject. It also carries the meaning of 'to show' or 'to point something out'.
Meaning: to pass on knowledge (verb)
Which one should you use?
While enseñar can mean both 'to teach' and 'to show', other verbs may be used depending on the specific context of instruction or training.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Spain, you may encounter instruir to mean 'to teach'. In Mexico, the verb capacitar can be used in specific contexts to mean 'to train'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are teaching a specific skill or action, the verb is followed by the preposition a and the infinitive of that action, such as enseñar a nadar (to teach to swim).
How do you pronounce it?
/enseˈɲaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word enseñar comes from the same root as the English word 'sign', because to teach was historically seen as a way of 'marking' or 'pointing out' something to others.
- While enseñar is common, the verb educar in Spanish often refers specifically to upbringing and manners rather than academic instruction.
- The reflexive form enseñarse can be used to describe someone who is showing off or displaying themselves prominently.
Examples in context
- Te enseñaré a nadar.I'll teach you how to swim.This sentence uses enseñar to express teaching a swimming skill.Tatoeba #5569039 by swyter, translation #2952746 by CK
- Te enseñaremos a leer.We'll teach you how to read.This sentence uses enseñar to express teaching a reading skill.Tatoeba #1579511 by Alba, translation #1579474 by fanty
- ¿Me enseñarás a nadar?Will you teach me how to swim?This sentence uses enseñar to ask about being taught a swimming skill.Tatoeba #2741992 by Shishir, translation #2542136 by CK
- El profesor enseña matemáticas en la universidad.The professor teaches mathematics at the university.
- Los padres educan a sus hijos en casa.Parents teach their children at home.
- Le enseñé a mi amigo a tocar la guitarra.I taught my friend how to play the guitar.
- ¿Me puedes mostrar cómo se hace esto?Can you teach/show me how to do this?
- 140 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about learning a new language.
- DanielLucía, ¿puedes enseñar español a mi hermano?Lucía, can you teach Spanish to my brother?
- LucíaSí, yo puedo enseñar español los lunes.Yes, I can teach Spanish on Mondays.
- Daniel¡Qué bien! Él quiere aprender rápido.That's great! He wants to learn quickly.
- LucíaPerfecto, yo le voy a enseñar con gusto.Perfect, I will teach him with pleasure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “teach” translations and entries enseñar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enseñar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
