enseñar
Lemma Details
Translation: to teach; to show; to demonstrate; to instruct; to display
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'insignāre' meaning 'to mark, to point out', derived from 'in-' (in, on) + 'signāre' (to mark), which comes from 'signum' (sign, mark). This shares the same Latin root as English words like 'sign', 'signal', and 'designate'. The connection between teaching and showing/pointing out is preserved in the dual meaning of 'enseñar' in Spanish.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mi madre me enseñó a cocinar.
My mother taught me how to cook.
El profesor enseña matemáticas en la universidad.
The professor teaches mathematics at the university.
¿Puedes enseñarme el camino a la estación?
Can you show me the way to the station?
Me enseñó las fotos de su viaje.
He showed me the photos from his trip.
La experiencia nos enseña a ser pacientes.
Experience teaches us to be patient.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'enseñar' as 'en-SIGN-ar' - you're putting a sign on knowledge to make it visible to others.
- The 'señ' in 'enseñar' sounds like 'sign' - teachers use signs and signals to teach.
- Connect it with 'señalar' (to point out) - teaching is pointing out important information.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
Education is highly valued in Spanish-speaking cultures, and the role of teachers (profesores) is traditionally respected. The verb 'enseñar' encompasses both formal education and the broader concept of showing or demonstrating, reflecting the cultural understanding that teaching involves demonstration and example.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both 'enseñar' and 'mostrar' can mean 'to show', 'enseñar' carries the additional meaning of teaching or instructing, while 'mostrar' is more specifically about displaying or exhibiting something without the educational component.
This word:
Te voy a enseñar cómo funciona este aparato.
I'm going to teach you how this device works.
Notes: 'Enseñar' often implies transferring knowledge or skills, while 'mostrar' is more about visual presentation without necessarily explaining.
Mnemonic: 'Enseñar' has 'enseñ' which sounds like 'essay' - you teach with essays; 'mostrar' has 'most' - you're showing most of something.
Explanation: 'Enseñar' means to teach or show, while 'señalar' means to point out, indicate, or signal. They share the root 'señ' but have different applications.
Notes: 'Señalar' is more about indicating or pointing something out, while 'enseñar' involves a more comprehensive transfer of information or skills.
Mnemonic: 'Señalar' contains 'señal' (signal) - you're giving a signal or pointing; 'enseñar' adds 'en-' to make it about putting knowledge into someone.