The simple present tense of aprender is used when you want to talk about learning something in the present moment or as a habitual action. For example, Aprendo español en la universidad. (I’m learning Spanish at the university.)

Aprender is a regular -er verb, which means its conjugations follow the typical pattern for this verb type in the present tense.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Aprender (to learn) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

Aprender generally means to learn, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To learn: This is the most common meaning. For example, Yo aprendo español en la escuela. (I learn Spanish at school.)

To memorize: It can also mean to memorize something. For example, Ellos aprenden las tablas de multiplicar. (They memorize the multiplication tables.)

To pick up (a skill): It can refer to picking up a new skill or ability. For example, Ella aprende a tocar la guitarra. (She is learning to play the guitar.)

To catch on (slang): In some colloquial contexts, it can mean to catch on or understand something. For example, ¿Ya aprendes cómo funciona esto? (Do you get how this works yet?)

To teach (rude): In very informal and rude contexts, it can mean to teach someone a lesson, usually through physical means. For example, ¡Te voy a aprender a respetarme! (I’m going to teach you to respect me!) This usage is considered vulgar.

Examples

Examples of Aprender in the Present Tense

Yo aprendo español para comunicarme mejor con mis vecinos. (I’m learning Spanish to communicate better with my neighbors.)

Mis hijos aprenden sobre la cultura latina en la escuela. (My kids are learning about Latin culture at school.)

¿Aprendes un idioma nuevo o solo refuerzas tu español? (Are you learning a new language or just reinforcing your Spanish?)

Cada verano, aprendemos bailes tradicionales en el festival cultural. (Every summer, we learn traditional dances at the cultural festival.)

Juan aprende rápido porque practica todos los días. (Juan learns quickly because he practices every day.)

Mis amigos y yo aprendemos a cocinar platos típicos de la región. (My friends and I are learning to cook typical dishes from the region.)

¿Qué aprendes en tu clase de español? (What are you learning in your Spanish class?)

Ellos aprenden sobre la historia de América Latina en la universidad. (They’re learning about the history of Latin America at university.)

María aprende de memoria los verbos irregulares. (Maria is learning the irregular verbs by heart.)

Nosotros aprendemos mucho viendo películas en español. (We learn a lot by watching movies in Spanish.)

¿Aprenden ustedes un idioma extranjero en el trabajo? (Do you all learn a foreign language at work?)

Ella aprende vocabulario nuevo cada día con una aplicación. (She’s learning new vocabulary every day with an app.)

En la clase de baile, aprendemos los pasos básicos de la salsa. (In dance class, we’re learning the basic salsa steps.)

¿Aprendes español por trabajo o por gusto? (Are you learning Spanish for work or for fun?)

Ellas aprenden sobre las tradiciones de la región en el museo. (They’re learning about the region’s traditions at the museum.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Aprender (to learn) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.