enseñó
“enseñó” means “taught” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
taught
Also: educated
📝 In Action
Mi abuela me enseñó a leer cuando era niña.
A1My grandmother taught me how to read when I was little.
El profesor enseñó la lección sobre la historia de España ayer.
A2The professor taught the lesson about Spanish history yesterday.
¿Quién le enseñó a usted esa técnica tan avanzada?
B1Who taught you (formal) that such advanced technique?
showed
Also: displayed, pointed out
📝 In Action
Ella me enseñó las fotos de su viaje a México.
A1She showed me the photos from her trip to Mexico.
El guía nos enseñó la catedral más antigua de la ciudad.
A2The guide showed us the oldest cathedral in the city.
Él enseñó su frustración al romper el lápiz.
B1He showed his frustration by breaking the pencil.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: enseñó
Question 1 of 2
Which English translation is correct for the sentence: 'Mi jefe me enseñó el nuevo plan.'
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'enseñar' comes from the Latin word *insignare*, which meant 'to mark' or 'to point out.' This origin clearly links to both modern meanings: pointing out information (teaching) and pointing out an object (showing).
First recorded: Around the 10th-11th century in early Romance languages.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'enseñó' sound like 'he taught' and 'you taught' (formal)?
In Spanish, the formal 'you' (usted) uses the exact same verb ending as 'he' (él) and 'she' (ella). You usually figure out who is being talked about from the context or by using the pronoun (usted).
Is 'enseñó' a regular or irregular verb form?
'Enseñó' comes from the verb 'enseñar,' which is a fully regular verb. It follows the standard rules for -ar verbs in all tenses, including the simple past (preterite).

