aprender
ah-prehn-DEHR
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
¿Dónde puedo aprender español?
A1Where can I learn Spanish?
Mi hijo está aprendiendo a leer en la escuela.
A2My son is learning to read at school.
Aprendimos la noticia por la radio esta mañana.
A2We found out the news on the radio this morning.
Siempre se puede aprender de los errores del pasado.
B1You can always learn from past mistakes.
💡 Grammar Points
Learning a Skill (aprender A)
When you learn HOW to do something (a skill, like cooking or swimming), you must always put the word 'a' right before the action verb: 'aprender a + verb.' Example: 'Aprendió a nadar.'
Learning a Fact (aprender Ø)
When you learn a piece of information or a language, you do NOT use 'a.' You go straight to the thing you learned. Example: 'Aprendió la historia.' or 'Aprendió inglés.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'a'
Mistake: "Quiero aprender cocinar."
Correction: Quiero aprender a cocinar. (The 'a' is essential when learning a skill.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Active vs. Passive
Remember the difference: 'aprender' means you gain knowledge, while 'enseñar' means you give knowledge (to teach). They are opposites!
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: aprender
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'aprender' to talk about gaining a skill?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'aprender' and 'estudiar'?
'Aprender' focuses on the *result*—the acquisition of knowledge or a skill (I learned Spanish). 'Estudiar' focuses on the *process*—the act of dedicating time to books, classes, or effort (I studied for the test). You can study without learning, but you can't learn without some form of study or experience.
How do I say 'I taught him Spanish' using 'aprender'?
You can't. 'Aprender' means 'to learn.' The correct verb for 'to teach' is 'enseñar.' The sentence would be 'Yo le enseñé español.'