Inklingo

How to Say "to study" in Spanish

English → Spanish

estudiar

es-too-dee-ARestuˈðjaɾ

verbA1general
Use 'estudiar' for general academic learning, like preparing for exams, reading textbooks, or acquiring knowledge in a subject.
A young student sitting at a wooden desk with a large open textbook and a pencil, concentrating intently on reading.

Examples

Necesito estudiar para el examen de mañana.

I need to study for tomorrow's exam.

¿Qué estás estudiando en la universidad?

What are you studying at the university?

Estudiamos hasta tarde anoche.

We studied late last night.

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!

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).

cursar

koor-SAHRkuɾˈsaɾ

verbB1academic
Use 'cursar' when referring to formally taking a specific subject, course, or degree program at an educational institution.
A student in a classroom sitting at a desk with an open book and a pencil, focused on their work.

Examples

Ella está cursando el tercer año de medicina.

She is in her third year of medical school.

Decidí cursar esta asignatura el próximo semestre.

I decided to take this subject next semester.

Para ser abogado, debes cursar el grado de Derecho.

To be a lawyer, you must study a law degree.

Study vs. Enroll

While 'estudiar' means the physical act of learning, 'cursar' is used specifically for the official act of being enrolled in and attending a series of classes or a specific school year.

No Preposition Needed

Unlike some English phrases like 'study for,' you usually use 'cursar' directly with the subject or degree: 'cursar medicina,' not 'cursar en medicina.'

Using 'cursar' for exams

Mistake: “Voy a cursar para mi examen de mañana.”

Correction: Voy a estudiar para mi examen de mañana. Use 'estudiar' for the active preparation of a test; 'cursar' refers to the whole subject or year.

formar

for-MARfoɾˈmaɾ

verbB1professional
Use 'formar' when talking about pursuing vocational training or higher education with the goal of acquiring specific professional skills.
A lone person sitting and concentrating intensely while successfully juggling three brightly colored balls, demonstrating self-training.

Examples

Ella quiere formarse en energías renovables.

She wants to train/study in renewable energy.

Es importante formarse continuamente para el mercado laboral.

It is important to continually educate oneself for the job market.

Se formaron como un gran equipo con el tiempo.

They developed into a great team over time.

Reflexive Use ('Se')

When you use 'formarse,' the action is happening to the subject. The 'se' (or 'me,' 'te,' 'nos,' 'os') tells you that the person is training or developing themselves.

Estudiar vs. Cursar

The most common mistake is using 'estudiar' when you should use 'cursar'. Remember, 'estudiar' is for the act of learning (like studying for a test), while 'cursar' is for being enrolled in a specific course or degree program.

Related Translations

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