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How to Say "learning" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aprendiendo

/ah-pren-DYEN-doh//a.pɾenˈdjen.do/

gerundA1general
Use this word when describing the ongoing action of acquiring knowledge or a new skill, often as part of a larger process.
A friendly, young bear cub is sitting on a grassy hill, deeply focused on reading a large, open red book. The scene is bright and colorful.

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-doh/estuˈðjan.do/

verb formA1general
Use this word specifically when referring to the act of studying academic subjects or particular fields of knowledge.
A focused student sitting at a wooden desk, concentrating intently on an open textbook. A pencil is held over the page, and colorful notebooks are stacked nearby.

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.

cultura

kool-TOO-rah/kulˈtuɾa/

nounB2general
Use this word to refer to a person's accumulated knowledge, education, and general awareness, often implying a broad understanding.
A simple illustration depicting the profile silhouette of a human head. A stylized, glowing lightbulb floats just above the head, illuminating the inside of the silhouette to symbolize intellectual refinement or knowledge.

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. Academic Study

Learners often confuse 'aprendiendo' and 'estudiando'. Remember that 'aprendiendo' is for the general process of acquiring any skill or knowledge, while 'estudiando' is specifically for academic subjects or formal study.

Related Translations

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