Spanish Phrase
Estudié ingeniería.
Meaning
This phrase uses the preterite tense of the verb 'estudiar' to indicate a completed action in the past. It is the standard way to communicate your university major or professional training to others. The word 'ingeniería' covers all branches of the field, from civil to software engineering.
When to use
Use this phrase in professional contexts, such as job interviews or networking events, when someone asks about your educational background. It is also common in social settings when getting to know new people and discussing career paths.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Estudiéingeniería
Estudiar (Estudié)
This is the first-person singular form of 'estudiar' in the preterite tense, used for actions that started and ended in the past.
Nouns ending in -ía
The word 'ingeniería' is a feminine noun. Many fields of study in Spanish end in '-ía' and carry an accent on the 'i'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué estudiaste en la universidad?
What did you study at the university?
Estudié ingeniería.
I studied engineering.
✕Common Mistakes
Yo estudio ingeniería.
This is the present tense, meaning 'I study'. Use 'estudié' to indicate you have already finished your studies.
Estudié ingeniero.
'Ingeniero' is the person (engineer), whereas 'ingeniería' is the field of study. You study the subject, not the person.
↔Alternatives
Soy ingeniero.
I am an engineer.
Me gradué en ingeniería.
I graduated in engineering.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, professional titles are very important. Once you have your degree, people may address you as 'Ingeniero' followed by your last name as a sign of respect, especially in formal or corporate environments.