estudiar
/es-too-dee-AR/
to study
Estudiar (to study): Engaging in academic learning.
estudiar(verb)
to study
?academic learning
to learn
?when referring to curriculum or subjects
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular -AR Verb
Estudiar is a completely regular verb. This means it follows the easiest conjugation pattern. Just remove the '-ar' and add the standard endings!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Estudiar vs. Aprender
Mistake: "Usando 'estudiar' cuando se quiere decir 'aprender'."
Correction: Use 'estudiar' when talking about the *process* of putting in effort (reading, practicing). Use 'aprender' when talking about the *result* (gaining the knowledge). Example: 'Estudio español para aprender a hablarlo' (I study Spanish in order to learn to speak it).
⭐ Usage Tips
Talking about your major
When someone asks what you are studying (your major), you can simply say 'Estudio [subject]' without needing the word 'carrera' (career/major).
Estudiar (to examine): Carefully scrutinizing a case or situation.
estudiar(verb)
to examine
?a case or situation
,to analyze
?a proposal or data
to look into
?investigating a problem
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Object of the Verb
Unlike the academic sense, where you often just 'study,' this meaning almost always needs a direct object—the thing being analyzed or examined (e.g., 'estudiar el mercado').
⭐ Usage Tips
Context Clues
If the subject is a professional (lawyer, doctor, scientist) and the object is a complex item (contract, patient, proposal), 'estudiar' means 'to analyze deeply,' not just 'to cram for a test.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: estudiar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'estudiar' in the sense of 'to analyze a professional situation'?
📚 More Resources
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.