Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
To Study in Spanish: Estudiar
Estudiar · verb · ehs-too-dee-AHR
The English verb 'to study' translates to 'estudiar' in Spanish. It is a regular -ar verb used to describe the act of learning, reviewing academic material, or pursuing a field of study. Related nouns include 'estudio' (study/office) and 'estudiante' (student).
ehs-too-dee-AHR
Tengo que estudiar mucho para el examen de mañana.
I have to study a lot for tomorrow's exam.
To Study in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for to study, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| estudiar | to study | ehs-too-dee-AHR | Default, widely understood |
| investigar | to study | formal research or investigation | |
| repasar | to study | to review material already studied |
How Native Speakers Use Estudiar
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Academic setting
Mi hija estudia medicina en la universidad pública.
My daughter studies medicine at the public university.
Describing someone's field of study.
Exam preparation
Llevo tres horas estudiando y aún me falta un capítulo.
I have been studying for three hours and I still have one chapter left.
Talking about an ongoing study session.
Self-improvement
Quiero estudiar programación para cambiar de carrera.
I want to study programming to switch careers.
Expressing a goal related to learning a new skill.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Estudiar
False friend with 'studio'
Incorrect: Ella trabaja en un estudiar de grabación.
Correct: Ella trabaja en un estudio de grabación.
A recording studio is 'estudio,' not 'estudiar.' 'Estudiar' is the verb (to study), while 'estudio' is the noun (study or studio).
Preposition confusion
Incorrect: Estudio por ser doctor.
Correct: Estudio para ser doctor.
'Para' indicates purpose or goal in this context (studying in order to become). 'Por' would imply cause or reason, which changes the meaning entirely.
Lock in To Study Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Estudiar used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using estudiar in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Tengo que estudiar mucho para el examen de mañana. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About To Study in Spanish
- How do you say 'to study' in Spanish?
- The translation is 'estudiar,' a completely regular -ar verb. It is used for everything from daily homework sessions to describing your university major.
- What is the difference between 'estudiar' and 'aprender'?
- 'Estudiar' refers to the process of actively engaging with material—reading, reviewing, practicing—while 'aprender' means to learn or acquire knowledge. You study (estudiar) in order to learn (aprender), so the two verbs complement each other.
- How do you say 'I'm studying Spanish'?
- The phrase is 'Estoy estudiando español,' using the present progressive to indicate an ongoing action. You can also simply say 'Estudio español,' which conveys the same idea in the simple present tense.