ganas de aprender
/ɡanas de apɾendeɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "willingness to learn" is translated into Spanish as ganas de aprender.
The phrase expresses the desire or enthusiasm to acquire new knowledge or skills.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In South America, it is common to use Tengo disposición para aprender to express a willingness to learn. In Mexico, Tengo ganas de aprender is a common informal expression.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ganas de aprender uses the preposition de to connect the noun ganas to the infinitive verb aprender.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡanas de apɾendeɾ/
Did you know?
- The word aprender shares a common ancestor with the English word 'apprehend', which means to grasp or seize something by the mind.
- Because ganas can also refer to 'appetite' or 'hunger', saying you have ganas de aprender metaphorically suggests a hunger for knowledge.
- The word ganas is often paired with the verb tener (to have) rather than ser (to be), meaning Spanish speakers 'have' a willingness rather than 'are' willing.
Examples in context
- Tiene muchas ganas de aprender.He/she has a great willingness to learn.
- Él tiene muchas ganas de aprender.He has a great willingness to learn.
- Lo más importante es tener ganas de aprender.The most important thing is having a willingness to learn.
- Demuestra sus ganas de aprender en el trabajo.She demonstrates her willingness to learn at work.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing a new job opportunity.
- ElenaNo tengo experiencia, pero tengo ganas de aprender.I don't have experience, but I have a willingness to learn.
- DanielEso es lo que busca la empresa, Elena.That is what the company is looking for, Elena.
- Elena¿Crees que me darán una oportunidad?Do you think they will give me a chance?
- DanielSí, Daniel cree que tu actitud es perfecta.Yes, Daniel thinks your attitude is perfect.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aprender, de, ganas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
