Inklingo

How to Say "to teach" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to teach” is “enseñar” — use 'enseñar' when talking about instructing someone in a specific subject, skill, or behavior, much like teaching a person a lesson or a craft.

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enseñar

verbA1general
Use 'enseñar' when talking about instructing someone in a specific subject, skill, or behavior, much like teaching a person a lesson or a craft.

Examples

Mi padre me enseñó a nadar cuando era niño.

My father taught me to swim when I was a child.

dar

dar'daɾ

verbA2general
Use 'dar' when referring to the act of giving a class or a lecture, focusing on the delivery of the content rather than the skill transfer.
A smiling, simply drawn person taking a leisurely walk down a winding path in a sunny park.

Examples

La profesora va a dar una clase sobre la Revolución Francesa.

The professor is going to give a class about the French Revolution.

Vamos a dar una fiesta el sábado.

We're going to throw a party on Saturday.

El profesor da clases de historia.

The professor gives/teaches history classes.

Me gusta dar un paseo por el parque por la tarde.

I like to take a walk in the park in the afternoon.

dictar

deek-TARdikˈtaɾ

verbB1formal
Choose 'dictar' specifically for delivering a formal course, seminar, or lecture, often implying a more structured or academic setting.
A teacher standing in front of a group of students, gesturing towards a blackboard.

Examples

El experto dictará un seminario sobre inteligencia artificial.

The expert will dictate a seminar on artificial intelligence.

El Dr. García va a dictar una charla hoy.

Dr. García is going to give a talk today.

Ella dicta clases de español en la universidad.

She teaches Spanish classes at the university.

instruir

ins-troo-EARinstɾuˈiɾ

verbB1formal
Use 'instruir' when the emphasis is on formally imparting knowledge or skills within a specific field or discipline, often in an educational context.
A teacher standing in front of a group of children, pointing to a large globe.

Examples

El objetivo es instruir a los estudiantes en las últimas técnicas de programación.

The objective is to instruct the students in the latest programming techniques.

El profesor quiere instruir a sus alumnos en la historia del arte.

The teacher wants to instruct his students in art history.

Es necesario instruir al personal sobre el uso del nuevo sistema.

It is necessary to train the staff on the use of the new system.

Se instruyó a sí mismo leyendo muchos libros.

He educated himself by reading many books.

The 'Y' Spelling Rule

For verbs like 'instruir' that end in -uir, you add a 'y' before endings that start with 'o', 'e', or 'a'. For example, it's 'yo instruyo', not 'instruo'.

Using 'En' for Subjects

When you want to say what subject someone is being taught, use the word 'en'. Example: 'Instruir en matemáticas' (to instruct in mathematics).

Using it for simple teaching

Mistake: “Instruyo a mi hijo a amarrarse los zapatos.”

Correction: Enseño a mi hijo a amarrarse los zapatos.

Enseñar vs. Dar clase

Learners often confuse 'enseñar' and 'dar'. Remember that 'enseñar' focuses on the skill or knowledge transferred to a person, while 'dar' (as in 'dar clase') refers to the act of delivering the lesson or class itself.

Related Translations

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