enséñalo
/enseɲalo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase "teach it" is translated as enséñalo.
This phrase is used to instruct someone on how to do something or to explain a specific topic. Depending on the context, it can also mean "show it" when referring to displaying a physical object.
What does it mean word for word?
The word enséñalo is a combination of the imperative form of enseñar (to teach) and the direct object pronoun lo (it).
Which one should you use?
The specific form used changes based on the gender and number of the thing being taught. You can use enséñala for a feminine singular object, enséñalos for masculine plural or enséñalas for feminine plural.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say "teach it to me", you add the indirect object pronoun me between the verb and the direct object pronoun, resulting in enséñamelo. Additionally, the pronoun attached to the end of the verb must change to match the gender and number of the object being taught.
How do you pronounce it?
/enseɲalo/
Did you know?
- The word enseñar shares a linguistic root with the word señal, meaning 'sign' or 'signal'. This reflects the historical idea that teaching began by pointing things out to a student.
- If you want to tell someone to 'teach it' in a formal setting, you would use enséñelo instead of enséñalo. This changes the pronoun to reflect a level of respect or social distance toward the person you are addressing.
- In some Latin American countries, adding the suffix -lo can sound like a command to display a physical object. To specify 'instruct me in this skill', speakers often use the phrase enséñame a hacerlo.
Examples in context
- Oye, enséñameloHey, teach it to me
- Es un truco nuevo, enséñalo a los demás.It is a new trick, teach it to the others.
- El método es difícil, pero enséñalo con calma.The method is difficult, but teach it calmly.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are talking about a new dance move.
- MateoSofía, mira este paso de baile.Sofía, look at this dance step.
- SofíaSe ve muy difícil, Mateo.It looks very difficult, Mateo.
- MateoNo es complicado, enséñalo tú también.It is not complicated, teach it too.
- SofíaEstá bien, lo intentaré.All right, I will try.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
