enseñarle
/en-seh-NYAR-leh/
to teach him/her
When you are giving instruction or education, you might say "enseñarle" (to teach him/her).
enseñarle(Verb Form)
to teach him/her
?instruction or education
,to teach you (formal)
?instruction or education
to instruct him/her
?formal context
📝 In Action
Quiero enseñarle a mi hijo a nadar este verano.
A1I want to teach my son how to swim this summer. (Here, 'le' refers to 'my son'.)
Es importante enseñarle los valores de la honestidad.
A2It is important to teach him/her the values of honesty.
¿Podría enseñarle a usar esta máquina, por favor?
B1Could you teach him/her/you (formal) how to use this machine, please?
💡 Grammar Points
What 'enseñarle' means
This word is the base verb 'enseñar' (to teach) with the pronoun 'le' (to him, to her, or to you formal) stuck directly onto the end. It means 'to teach to him/her/you'.
The Function of 'le'
The 'le' always refers to the person who is receiving the teaching. For example, in 'Voy a enseñarle la lección,' 'la lección' is what is being taught, and 'le' is the person who learns it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Where to put the pronoun
Mistake: "Le voy a enseñar."
Correction: Voy a enseñarle. (When using two verbs together, you can choose to attach the pronoun to the end of the base verb, or place it before the conjugated verb.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'a' for clarification
Even though 'le' means 'to him/her,' Spanish speakers often add 'a' plus the person's name (e.g., 'Voy a enseñarle a Juan') to make it clear who 'le' refers to.
"Enseñarle" can also mean to show him/her an object or place.
enseñarle(Verb Form)
to show him/her
?presenting an object or place
,to show you (formal)
?presenting an object or place
to point out to him/her
?directing attention
📝 In Action
El guía vino a enseñarle el mapa de la ciudad.
A2The guide came to show him/her the city map.
Tengo que enseñarle el nuevo coche a mi jefe.
B1I have to show the new car to my boss. (Here, 'le' refers to 'mi jefe'.)
Ella decidió enseñarle sus cicatrices.
C1She decided to show him/her her scars.
💡 Grammar Points
Showing vs. Teaching
In Spanish, the same verb 'enseñar' is used for both 'to teach' (a skill) and 'to show' (an object or location). Context usually makes the meaning clear.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'le' and 'lo/la'
Mistake: "Quiero enseñarlo la foto. (Using 'lo' for the person.)"
Correction: Quiero enseñarle la foto. ('Le' is the person receiving the photo, 'la foto' is what you show.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Stress and Attachment
When you attach 'le' to the end of the base verb, the stress stays on the final syllable of the verb: en-se-ÑAR-le.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: enseñarle
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'enseñarle' when referring to a female student?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it 'enseñarle' and not 'enseñarlo'?
The difference is subtle but crucial! 'Enseñarle' uses 'le' because it means 'to teach/show *to* him/her' (the person is the recipient). 'Enseñarlo' uses 'lo' and means 'to teach/show *it*' (the thing is the object, and the person receiving it is not mentioned or is implied).
Can I separate 'enseñar' and 'le'?
Yes! When you have two verbs (like 'poder enseñar' or 'querer enseñar'), you have a choice. You can say 'Quiero enseñarle' (attached) or 'Le quiero enseñar' (separated and placed before the conjugated verb). Both are perfectly correct.