aprender
/apɾenˈdeɾ/
To learn in Spanish is aprender.
In formal settings, you might see estudiar used to indicate the process of learning in a formal setting or the phrase adquirir conocimientos to mean 'to acquire knowledge' in specialized contexts. For a more colloquial way to say you are getting up to speed on a topic, you can use ponerse al tanto.
How does it change in a sentence?
When followed by another verb, aprender requires the preposition a.
How do you pronounce it?
/apɾenˈdeɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb aprender is a direct cognate of the English word 'apprehend'. While they share the same Latin root, 'apprehend' in English usually implies arresting someone, whereas aprender focuses on the mental grasp of knowledge.
- If someone is a 'quick learner', you might describe them as having chispa, which literally means 'spark'. This suggests the person has a certain brightness or quickness in their mind.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, instead of saying you 'learned' a skill, you might say you se te dio (it gave itself to you). This implies that the ability was a natural gift or talent rather than just pure study.
Examples in context
- Es fácil de aprender.It's easy to learn.This sentence shows how to describe something as easy to learn using aprender.Tatoeba #6674841 by arh, translation #9814482 by DJ_Saidez
- Sé que aprenderé mucho.I know I'm going to learn a lot.This sentence uses aprender to express a future intention to learn.Tatoeba #2412427 by marcelostockle, translation #2376007 by CK
- Es que quiero aprender.It's because I want to learn.This sentence uses aprender to express a desire to learn.Tatoeba #4371692 by umano, translation #9194596 by DJ_Saidez
- Me gusta aprender nuevos idiomas.I enjoy learning new languages.
- Durante el seminario, adquirí conocimientos sobre economía.During the seminar, I acquired knowledge about economics.
- Explícame lo que pasó para ponerme al tanto.Explain to me what happened to get me up to speed.
- Me enteré de la noticia por la radio.I learned about the news on the radio.
- Aprendí a cocinar.I learned to cook.
- 510 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking about a new language course.
- AlejandroQuiero aprender un nuevo idioma.I want to learn a new language.
- Lucía¿Es difícil aprender japonés?Is it difficult to learn Japanese?
- AlejandroEs un reto, pero quiero aprender.It is a challenge, but I want to learn.
- Lucía¡Tú puedes aprender muy rápido!You can learn very quickly!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aprender, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aprender, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
