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enseñanza

en-seh-NYAN-sah/enseˈɲanθa/

“enseñanza” means “teaching” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

teaching

Also: education, schooling
NounfA2
A teacher reading a large open book to a group of attentive children sitting on a colorful rug.

📝 In Action

La enseñanza es una profesión muy difícil.

A2

Teaching is a very difficult profession.

Mejorar la enseñanza pública es una prioridad.

B1

Improving public education is a priority.

Utilizamos nuevas técnicas de enseñanza en el aula.

B2

We use new teaching techniques in the classroom.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • docencia (teaching/professorship)
  • educación (education)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • enseñanza primaria – primary education
  • enseñanza a distancia – distance learning/teaching
  • libertad de enseñanza – freedom of education

moral

Also: lesson
NounfB1
A slow turtle crossing a finish line while a fast rabbit sleeps under a tree in the distance.

📝 In Action

Este cuento tiene una enseñanza muy valiosa.

B1

This story has a very valuable moral.

Ese error me dejó una enseñanza para toda la vida.

B2

That mistake left me with a lesson for a lifetime.

Buscamos la enseñanza detrás de la película.

C1

We are looking for the lesson/meaning behind the movie.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • moraleja (moral (of a fable))
  • lección (lesson)

Common Collocations

  • dejar una enseñanza – to leave/provide a lesson
  • enseñanza de vida – life lesson

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: enseñanza

Question 1 of 3

Which word should you use for 'the moral of a story'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
enseñar(to teach) — Verb
enseñante(teacher/educator) — Noun
enseñado(taught/learned) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the verb 'enseñar', which comes from the Latin word 'insignare'. This literally meant 'to point out' or 'to put a mark on something,' reflecting the idea that teaching is showing someone the way or marking the path.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: ensinoItalian: insegnamento

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'educación' and 'enseñanza'?

In many contexts they are interchangeable, but 'enseñanza' focuses more on the act of the teacher giving information, while 'educación' is a broader term that includes social upbringing and the entire development of a person.

Can I use 'enseñanza' to mean a school lesson?

Not usually. For a specific 1-hour session or a textbook chapter, use 'lección' or 'clase'. Use 'enseñanza' for the general field of teaching or a moral lesson.

Does it mean 'showing' as well?

No. Although the verb 'enseñar' can mean 'to show' (e.g., 'enseñame las fotos'), the noun 'enseñanza' is strictly reserved for the concepts of education or morals.