Inklingo

How to Say "to master" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dominar

/doh-mee-NAHR//domiˈnar/

verbB1general
Use 'dominar' when referring to becoming highly proficient or expert in a skill, language, or subject.
A person playing a violin with confidence and perfect posture on a simple stage.

Examples

Ella domina el inglés y el francés a la perfección.

She masters English and French perfectly.

Me tomó años dominar la técnica de la pintura al óleo.

It took me years to master the oil painting technique.

Mastering regular verbs

Dominar is a regular -ar verb, meaning it follows the exact same pattern as 'hablar' or 'cantar' in all time frames.

Dominar vs. Saber

Mistake: “Using 'saber' when you mean you are an expert.”

Correction: Use 'dominar' to show high proficiency. 'Sé español' means 'I know Spanish,' but 'Domino el español' means 'I am a master of Spanish.'

aprender

/ah-prehn-DEHR//apɾenˈdeɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'aprender' when the focus is on the process of acquiring knowledge or learning something for the first time, even if proficiency is the ultimate goal.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a simplified character, a happy child, sitting with an open book. A bright, glowing lightbulb floats directly above their head, symbolizing a new idea or moment of learning.

Examples

¿Dónde puedo aprender español?

Where can I learn Spanish?

Mi hijo está aprendiendo a leer en la escuela.

My son is learning to read at school.

Aprendimos la noticia por la radio esta mañana.

We found out the news on the radio this morning.

Learning a Skill (aprender A)

When you learn HOW to do something (a skill, like cooking or swimming), you must always put the word 'a' right before the action verb: 'aprender a + verb.' Example: 'Aprendió a nadar.'

Learning a Fact (aprender Ø)

When you learn a piece of information or a language, you do NOT use 'a.' You go straight to the thing you learned. Example: 'Aprendió la historia.' or 'Aprendió inglés.'

Forgetting 'a'

Mistake: “Quiero aprender cocinar.”

Correction: Quiero aprender a cocinar. (The 'a' is essential when learning a skill.)

Confusing 'dominar' and 'aprender'

Learners often use 'aprender' when they mean 'dominar'. Remember, 'aprender' focuses on the act of learning, while 'dominar' emphasizes achieving a high level of skill or expertise.

Related Translations

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