enséñame
/enseɲame/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "teach me" is expressed as enséñame.
This phrase is used as a request for someone to show or explain how to do something. Note that the Spanish verb enseñar can mean both "to teach" a subject or skill and "to show" an object or how something is done.
What does it mean word for word?
The word enséñame is a combination of the imperative verb enseñar (to teach/show) and the object pronoun me (me).
Which one should you use?
While English often distinguishes between teaching a skill and showing an object, the Spanish verb used in enséñame covers both meanings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase Me podrías enseñar, por favor can be used to express both formality and politeness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form enséñame is the informal imperative (tú) form. To address someone formally with usted, change the form to enséñeme.
How do you pronounce it?
/enseɲame/
Did you know?
- The root of enseñar is linked to the Latin word signum, meaning 'sign'. This reveals that the conceptual origin of teaching in Spanish is the act of pointing out or signaling.
- While enséñame is a direct request, Spanish speakers often soften it by adding anda or venga at the beginning to make the request sound more like a persuasive plea than a command.
- In some dialects, specifically in parts of the Caribbean, the final 'me' in enséñame can be shortened or blended in fast speech, making the request sound like a single fluid word.
Examples in context
- Enséñame cómo se hace.Teach me how it's done.This sentence is useful for asking how something is done using enséñame.Tatoeba #979981 by Shishir, translation #792956 by Swift
- Enséñame cómo lo haces.Teach me how you do it.This sentence is useful for asking how someone performs an action using enséñame.Tatoeba #481922 by Shishir, translation #2351 by CK
- Enséñame como hacer eso.Teach me how to do that.This sentence is useful for asking how to perform a specific task using enséñame.Tatoeba #5992627 by albrusgher, translation #1177112 by bart
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María asks Alejandro to help her with a new song on the guitar.
- MaríaEnséñame esa canción.Teach me that song.
- AlejandroClaro, María, es muy fácil.Sure, María, it is very easy.
- María¿Me enseñas los acordes?Will you teach me the chords?
- AlejandroSí, mira mi mano derecha.Yes, look at my right hand.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
