desaprender
/desapɾenˈdeɾ/
The Spanish phrase for unlearning is desaprender.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by the prefix des- (undoing/reversing) and the verb aprender (to learn).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of unlearning, use the gerund desaprendiendo. The past participle desaprendido is used to form perfect tenses or to function as an adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
/desapɾenˈdeɾ/
Did you know?
- The word 'aprender' shares a conceptual root with 'prendedor', a tool used to grab things, highlighting the idea that knowledge is something you 'grasp'.
- While desaprender is the direct translation, some psychologists in Spanish-speaking countries prefer the term reaprendizaje to describe the positive act of replacing old habits.
- Because desaprender is a relatively modern conceptual term in common parlance, using it in a very casual setting might sound slightly academic or 'bookish'.
Examples in context
- Para lograr un cambio real, debemos desaprender algunos comportamientos arraigados.To achieve real change, we must unlearn certain deeply ingrained behaviors.
- En este curso, aprenderemos a eliminar los viejos conocimientos que ya no son útiles.In this course, we will learn to eliminate old knowledge that is no longer useful.
- Necesito olvidarme de todo lo que aprendí y empezar de nuevo.I need to unlearn everything I've learned and start over.
- Es importante dejar atrás lo aprendido y renovar nuestra forma de pensar.It's important to unlearn and renew our way of thinking.
- Primero, tienes que desaprender algunas estructuras gramaticales que estás utilizando de forma incorrecta.First, you need to unlearn some grammatical structures you are using incorrectly.
- Tienes que dejar atrás lo aprendido y buscar nuevas estrategias para avanzar.You have to unlearn and seek new strategies to progress.
- Es necesario desaprender ciertos hábitos.It is necessary to unlearn certain habits.
- Es difícil desaprender malos hábitos.It is difficult to unlearn bad habits.
- Estamos intentando desaprender ciertos prejuicios.We are trying to unlearn certain prejudices.
- A veces es necesario desaprender para crecer.Sometimes it is necessary to unlearn to grow.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing a new way to manage their projects.
- MateoEste método es muy diferente al anterior.This method is very different from the previous one.
- SofíaSí, primero debemos desaprender la forma antigua.Yes, first we must unlearn the old way.
- Mateo¿Crees que será un proceso lento?Do you think it will be a slow process?
- SofíaProbablemente, pero valdrá la pena, Mateo.Probably, but it will be worth it, Mateo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry desaprender, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
