Breakdown of Yo estudio español en la universidad.
yo
I
en
in
español
Spanish
estudiar
to study
la universidad
the university
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Questions & Answers about Yo estudio español en la universidad.
Why is yo used before estudio? Do I have to include it?
yo is the subject pronoun for “I.” Spanish is a pro-drop language, so the verb ending (-o) already tells you the subject. You can simply say Estudio español en la universidad without yo. Including yo adds emphasis or contrast (“I, as opposed to someone else, study Spanish”).
Why does estudio end in -o? How do I know it means “I study”?
Estudiar is a regular -ar verb. In the present indicative, the -o ending marks first person singular. So estudio always means “I study.” Other forms are tú estudias, él/ella estudia, etc.
Why is there no article before español? Can’t I say el español?
With verbs of learning or studying (like estudiar, aprender), Spanish typically omits the article: estudio español. You won’t be wrong if you say estudio el español—it’s just less common in everyday speech.
Why is español not capitalized? In English we capitalize language names.
In Spanish, names of languages (and nationalities) are lowercase unless they begin a sentence: español, inglés, francés, etc.
Why is en used before la universidad? Could I use a la instead?
en indicates location (“at the university”). Estudiar en la universidad = “to study at university.” A la universidad would mean “to the university” (movement toward), not “at.”
Why do we use la before universidad but not before español?
Universidad is a specific place/institution, so it needs a definite article after a preposition: en la universidad. By contrast, abstract fields of study or languages after estudiar drop the article.
Could I say Estudio español en una universidad instead of en la universidad?
Yes. Estudio español en una universidad means “I study Spanish at a university” (unspecified which). La universidad implies a specific or known institution (often the one you attend).