The subject can be the learner or the person teaching, so follow who does what.

The idea

Use aprender español for learning Spanish and enseñar español a Ana for teaching Spanish to Ana; both can introduce a skill with a plus an infinitive.

Examples

  • Ana aprende español con Luis.Ana learns Spanish with Luis.
  • Luis enseña español a Ana.Luis teaches Spanish to Ana.
  • Aprendemos a cocinar en clase.We learn to cook in class.
  • Mi hermana enseña matemáticas.My sister teaches mathematics.
  • ¿Quién te enseñó a nadar?Who taught you to swim?
  • Quiero aprender a conducir.I want to learn to drive.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Spanish voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not assume the first person named is always the teacher: identify the subject and any recipient after a.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the verb for Ana learning as a student. Ana ___ español en clase. (aprende / enseña)

    Show answer or example answer

    aprende

    Aprende describes Ana as the learner.

  2. Choose the verb for Luis teaching Ana. Luis ___ español a Ana. (enseña / aprende)

    Show answer or example answer

    enseña

    Enseña describes Luis teaching Spanish to Ana.

  3. Choose the verb for wanting to learn to drive. Quiero ___ a conducir. (aprender / enseñar)

    Show answer or example answer

    aprender

    Aprender a conducir expresses wanting to learn to drive.

Use it today

Choose the verb that matches the stated role of learner or teacher in each context.