How to Say "to train" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to train” is “entrenar” — use 'entrenar' when referring to teaching someone a skill through practice and repetition, or when conditioning someone physically for a sport or activity..
entrenar
en-treh-NAR/entɾeˈnaɾ/
Examples
El entrenador entrena al equipo para la final.
The coach trains the team for the final.
El profesor entrena a los estudiantes para el debate.
The teacher trains the students for the debate.
Necesitamos entrenar al perro para que no ladre tanto.
We need to train the dog so it doesn't bark so much.
Mi meta es entrenar un equipo campeón.
My goal is to coach a champion team.
Action on Others
This usage of 'entrenar' focuses on the action you perform on someone else (the person being trained). You need the connector 'a' before the person you are training: 'Yo entreno a María'.
enseñar
Examples
Mi padre me enseñó a leer cuando era niño.
My father taught me to read when I was a child.
formar
for-MAR/foɾˈmaɾ/
Examples
La universidad forma profesionales en diversas áreas.
The university trains professionals in various fields.
Su mentor lo formó como artista durante diez años.
His mentor trained him as an artist for ten years.
La escuela se dedica a formar líderes del futuro.
The school is dedicated to educating future leaders.
Los valores familiares nos forman desde pequeños.
Family values shape us from a young age.
Transitive Use
In this meaning, 'formar' requires a direct object: someone or something that is being trained or shaped (e.g., 'formar ingenieros' — training engineers).
Confusing 'Formar' and 'Aprender'
Mistake: “Using 'Formar' when you mean 'Aprender' (to learn).”
Correction: 'Yo aprendí a programar' (I learned to program). 'La escuela me formó' (The school trained me).
Entrenar vs. Enseñar
Related Translations
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