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How to Say "teaching" in Spanish

English → Spanish

enseñando

verbA1general
Use this when referring to the ongoing action of a teacher imparting knowledge or skills at a specific moment.

Examples

El profesor está enseñando la lección ahora mismo.

The teacher is teaching the lesson right now.

enseñanza

nounA2general
Use this to refer to the general concept, profession, or system of education.

Examples

La enseñanza es una profesión muy difícil.

Teaching is a difficult profession.

docente

/do-SEN-te//doˈsente/

adjectiveB2formal
Use this adjective to describe something or someone related to the act or profession of teaching.
A stack of colorful school books and a shiny red apple on a desk.

Examples

Ella tiene una larga trayectoria docente.

She has a long teaching career.

La labor docente es fundamental para el desarrollo del país.

The work of teaching is fundamental for the country's development.

El material docente está disponible en línea.

The teaching materials are available online.

Placement after the noun

As an adjective, 'docente' almost always comes after the thing it is describing, like 'labor docente' (teaching work).

lección

nounB1general
Use this when 'teaching' refers to a lesson learned, a moral, or a piece of advice gained from an experience.

Examples

Lo que pasó fue una gran lección de humildad.

What happened was a great lesson in humility.

Verb vs. Noun for 'Teaching'

Learners often confuse the verb 'enseñando' (teaching, the action) with the noun 'enseñanza' (teaching, the concept or profession). Remember to use 'enseñando' for the act of imparting knowledge and 'enseñanza' for the broader idea or career.

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