How to Say "learning" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “learning” is “aprendiendo” — use this when referring to the continuous, ongoing action of acquiring knowledge or skills in the present moment.
aprendiendo
ah-pren-DYEN-doha.pɾenˈdjen.do
Examples
Mi hijo está aprendiendo a leer en la escuela.
My son is learning to read at school.
Hemos estado aprendiendo mucho sobre la historia del arte.
We have been learning a lot about art history.
Ella sigue aprendiendo el idioma, aunque ya habla bien.
She keeps learning the language, even though she already speaks well.
The '-ing' Form
This word is the Spanish equivalent of English verbs ending in '-ing' (learning, running, talking). It describes an action currently in progress.
Using the Gerund
You must use 'aprendiendo' with a form of the verb 'estar' (to be) to show continuous action: 'Estoy aprendiendo' (I am learning).
Always Ends in -iendo
Since the base verb 'aprender' ends in '-er', its gerund (the -ing form) always ends in '-iendo', unlike '-ar' verbs which use '-ando'.
Mixing Gerunds and Infinitives
Mistake: “Using 'Estoy aprender' instead of 'Estoy aprendiendo'.”
Correction: The verb 'estar' must always be followed by the '-ing' form ('aprendiendo') to describe what you are doing right now.
estudiando
es-too-DYAHN-dohestuˈðjan.do
Examples
¿Qué estás estudiando ahora mismo?
What are you studying right now?
Llevo estudiando la carrera de medicina por tres años.
I have been studying medicine for three years.
Estudiando mucho, logró aprobar el examen.
By studying a lot, he managed to pass the exam.
The 'Continuous' Action
This form is used with the verb 'estar' (to be) to show an action happening right now or ongoing over a period of time: 'Estamos estudiando' (We are studying).
Explaining How
You can use 'estudiando' by itself to explain the method or manner of an action: 'Paso el tiempo estudiando' (I spend time by studying).
Using the Infinitive
Mistake: “Estoy estudiar.”
Correction: Estoy estudiando. Remember, Spanish requires the '-ando' or '-iendo' form (the gerund) when talking about an action that is currently happening.
Placing Pronouns
Mistake: “Lo estoy estudiando.”
Correction: Both 'Lo estoy estudiando' and 'Estoy estudiándolo' are correct when attaching 'lo' (it). Spanish allows you to put the short word either before 'estar' or attached to the gerund.
aprendizaje
ah-pren-dee-SAH-hayapɾendiˈsaxe
Examples
El aprendizaje de un nuevo idioma requiere mucha práctica.
Learning a new language requires a lot of practice.
Cada niño tiene su propio ritmo de aprendizaje.
Each child has their own learning pace.
El aprendizaje en línea se ha vuelto muy popular.
Online learning has become very popular.
Identifying Gender
Most Spanish nouns that end in '-aje' are masculine. This makes it easy to remember that you should always use 'el' or 'un' with 'aprendizaje'.
Connecting Concepts
When you want to say what you are learning, use the word 'de' (of). For example: 'aprendizaje de música' (learning of music).
Using the Verb vs. the Noun
Mistake: “Me gusta el aprender.”
Correction: Me gusta el aprendizaje.
cultura
kool-TOO-rahkulˈtuɾa
Examples
Es una persona con mucha cultura general.
She is a person with a lot of general knowledge (or general culture).
Para tener cultura, hay que leer mucho.
To be well-educated, you have to read a lot.
General Knowledge
When talking about broad knowledge, use the phrase 'cultura general' (general knowledge/culture). It's a fixed phrase.
Gerund vs. Noun for 'Learning'
Related Translations
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