estudiar
“estudiar” means “to study” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to study
Also: to learn
📝 In Action
Necesito estudiar para el examen de mañana.
A1I need to study for tomorrow's exam.
¿Qué estás estudiando en la universidad?
A2What are you studying at the university?
Estudiamos hasta tarde anoche.
A1We studied late last night.
to examine, to analyze
Also: to look into
📝 In Action
El abogado está estudiando los detalles del contrato.
B1The lawyer is examining the details of the contract.
Necesitamos estudiar la viabilidad de este proyecto antes de invertir.
B2We need to analyze the viability of this project before investing.
Los científicos estudian el comportamiento de las aves migratorias.
B1The scientists are studying (researching/analyzing) the behavior of migratory birds.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: estudiar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'estudiar' in the sense of 'to analyze a professional situation'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *studium*, which meant 'zeal,' 'application,' or 'eagerness.' The original sense was less about academic work and more about passionate dedication to a task.
First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'estudiar' reflexive (like 'estudiarse')?
No. 'Estudiar' is almost always used non-reflexively. You simply say 'Yo estudio.' The reflexive form ('estudiarse') is very rare and usually only means 'to study oneself' (like analyzing your own habits), but stick to the regular form for learning.
How do I say 'I am studying'?
You can use two main forms: the simple present ('Yo estudio') or the progressive form ('Yo estoy estudiando'). Both are correct, but the progressive ('estoy estudiando') emphasizes that the action is happening right now.