Aprender vs. Ensinar: Learn or Teach in Portuguese?
Aprender means to learn; ensinar means to teach. A simple subject check helps you choose the right verb.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
The learner is the subject of aprender. You can learn a language, a skill, or how to do something. In the last pattern, Portuguese uses a + infinitive: aprender a cozinhar (learn to cook).
Use aprender for the person gaining knowledge
The preposition changes with the object: aprender português takes no preposition, while aprender sobre música means learn about music.
Estou aprendendo português com podcasts.
I’m learning Portuguese with podcasts.
Ela aprendeu a dirigir no ano passado.
She learned to drive last year.
Quero aprender mais sobre a cultura brasileira.
I want to learn more about Brazilian culture.
Use ensinar for the person sharing knowledge
The teacher, coach, or guide is the subject of ensinar. The person receiving the lesson can appear after a: ensinar português a alguém. In everyday speech, para alguém is also common.
Ask who is doing the teaching before translating an English sentence. The words can look similar in a conversation about a class, but the subject changes the meaning.
A professora ensina português para estrangeiros.
The teacher teaches Portuguese to foreigners.
Meu amigo me ensinou uma expressão nova.
My friend taught me a new expression.
Você pode me ensinar a usar este aplicativo?
Can you teach me how to use this app?
Put it into practice
The learner learns with aprender; the person sharing the knowledge teaches with ensinar.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I’m learning Portuguese with podcasts”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.