i don't know how to do my homework in spanish

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

How to Learn Spanish in College

It can be a challenge to juggle Spanish practice with your other courses and activities at college, especially if you’re just getting used to college life.

Our six tips will show you how to learn Spanish in college effectively —so that you help improve your grade, but also so that you build long-lasting language skills that go beyond the textbook.

1. Resist the Urge to Skip

2. participate in class, 3. invest in a pocket dictionary (or check one out from the library), 4. never use translation tools to write your essays, 5. use spanish kids’ media for your homework breaks, 6. when in doubt, revert to basic study methods, and one more thing….

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

The simplest thing you can do on your way to an A is to attend your Spanish class and listen carefully to your professor.

Sure, this is true for every class you’re signed up for, but it’s especially important when it comes to language learning . Class time is your time to hear an expert speaking Spanish and practice with your classmates. That’s not something you can replace by borrowing a classmate’s notes.

New Spanish students are often intimidated by hearing a foreign language and they shut down, but the more you hear, the more familiar it becomes . Keep in mind that your professor’s job is to teach and that you’re in a beginner’s course, so the Spanish lessons are going to be simplified, anyway.

This rule also applies to paying attention to class lessons and following along with the required readings. Beginning Spanish lessons aren’t as difficult as you’d think . They’re not designed to stump you. They’re made to help you retain and understand the language. Follow along with the professor when you’re in class and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.

Finally, you might not think I’d need to say it, but  stay awake in class . Some Spanish material is dry, especially the medieval literature that’s on many college curricula. So make sure you get a good night’s sleep before class so you can stay focused and receptive to the language (and avoid angering your professor—I still have nightmares about my Spanish teacher calling me out in class for daydreaming about Mediterranean beaches, instead of focusing on “Celestina” … )

Without a doubt, a portion of your grade will be centered on class participation. The participation part of your grade will involve answering questions, asking questions , speaking Spanish and, as we’ve just discussed, simply showing up to class.

But participating in class isn’t just about getting that A (although that’s important!). It’s also the only way to ensure that you come out of your Spanish class with solid language skills that you can build on.

If you’re intimidated at first, start small . Set a goal of raising your hand to answer a question in Spanish once per class. That’ll be more than many of your classmates! Ramp it up as you get more comfortable.

And remember, everyone makes mistakes when learning a new language . You’ll probably feel self-conscious about your accent or grammar at first, but so do all your classmates! Participating  anyway is how you get those mistakes corrected and go from beginner to Spanish speaker.

All that said, if you want to curb silly mistakes, there are a few things you can do outside of class to avoid them.

• Try recording yourself speaking in Spanish at home , so you can listen, repeat and re-record. Any Spanish material will do, like one of your assigned readings or even just an email from your professor. You can use Spanish audio tools such as various apps and the Forvo website to check your pronunciation.
• Try out an online Spanish language exchange.  No matter how crazy your school, work and extracurricular schedule is, you’ll likely be able to find at least 15 minutes for a chat with a Spanish language partner between class sessions.
• Don’t forget about your professor’s office hours. Professors schedule set hours when they’re in their offices to provide extra help for their students. Professors also remember the students that visit them and it shows they’re committed to learning Spanish.

An indispensable tool for learning Spanish is a quality Spanish dictionary. Your professor may specifically recommend one for you or even require it on the syllabus.

That’s because a Spanish dictionary is a powerful vocabulary learning tool that goes beyond basic word meanings or translations. You’ll also get grammatical information, synonyms, examples and more so that you can be sure you’re choosing the right word for any given context.

Not only is this invaluable for completing your Spanish homework, but you’ll also naturally encounter a range of related words as you browse your dictionary. So you won’t just be filling in blanks to get a passing grade, but you’ll actually sustainably grow your Spanish vocabulary .

Would you believe me if I told you that you could even bring your dictionary to class —and your professor wouldn’t mind? Many even encourage it because it ensures that you’ll be communicating in Spanish rather than falling back on English. Just email or ask your professor to confirm when you can have a dictionary on hand during class (they might require you to leave it at home on test day, for example).

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Try FluentU for FREE!

Never, ever use online translation tools or apps to write your essays! It may be tempting, especially in the era of online tools powered by AI (Artificial Intelligence). While writing a Spanish essay is challenging for new learners, writing one with translation tools is even worse. 

The answer is that some translation services can be notoriously inaccurate . They may provide awkward grammar structures or words and phrases that native speakers would never use. Since you’re learning the language, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Or they’ll use verb tenses that your professor hasn’t even taught yet, which will raise his or her eyebrows. 

If you avoid translation tools from the start, you’ll avoid bad habits throughout the course of your Spanish learning journey. You’ll discover how to create Spanish sentences from scratch using the grammar and words that you  actually know, which is the only way to prepare for real-world Spanish conversations .

So what should you do instead when you’re not sure how to say something in Spanish?

The art of circumlocution is important here . Ever played the game Taboo? Circumlocution is kind of like that. You use the base vocabulary words that you know to describe the word you need. So, if you were writing a personal essay in Spanish and didn’t know the specific word for “step-sister,” you could write something like “the daughter of my mom’s new husband.”

Finally, if there’s a very specific word that you need but don’t know, use a translation tool for only that one word, and confirm it with your Spanish dictionary .

If you need some confidence and ego-boosting while you learn Spanish, then check out children’s entertainment . In general, watching Spanish TV , shows , movies and YouTube videos is a tried-and-true method for learning the language. The content is meant for children, so it’s much easier to understand than more mature content.

There’s another great thing about Spanish TV and movies for children: they’re very fun. Think of it this way. You’ve been hitting the books for hours and you want a break. The only problem is that you don’t want to end your Spanish studying streak. Spanish kids’ content is a great way to relax your mind without going back to English mode .

It’s fun, there are catchy songs, you pick up a lot of vocabulary words and you feel incredibly smart. Plus, kids’ shows and movies are famous for being nice and happy . When you feel happy about learning Spanish, you’ll hopefully be able to retain more knowledge.

You probably won’t be able to start this from day one of your Spanish class, but after attending for a few weeks, listening to your professor, completing your homework and reading your textbook , you should have some basic comprehension skills.

If at any time you’re in doubt about your Spanish capabilities, revert to the good old reliable study methods. These may be methods that you associate with more concrete academic subjects, like when you had to memorize the periodic table, but they’re just as useful for learning Spanish language concepts.

• Flashcards: These are especially useful for memorizing Spanish verb conjugations , but of course, you can also use them to memorize your vocabulary word list.

With flashcards, you only need yourself and some time. By repetitively drilling your Spanish flashcards , you can pick up new Spanish words quickly and recall them.

• Study groups:  When you work with others, the language becomes more engaging and meaningful. You and your classmates can coach one another, review homework or simply get some extra conversation practice.
• Extra credit: It never hurts to ask your professor if you can do any extra credit assignments to pad out your grade. Usually, these are available to the entire class, but if your teacher didn’t think about allowing extra credit and you inspire him or her, the entire class will love you!

Learning Spanish for the first time in college can be daunting. So apply yourself to homework, read the texts and participate in class, and you can help yourself improve.

If you've made it this far that means you probably enjoy learning Spanish with engaging material and will then love FluentU .

Other sites use scripted content. FluentU uses a natural approach that helps you ease into the Spanish language and culture over time. You’ll learn Spanish as it’s actually spoken by real people.

FluentU has a wide variety of videos, as you can see here:

FluentU brings native videos within reach with interactive transcripts. You can tap on any word to look it up instantly. Every definition has examples that have been written to help you understand how the word is used. If you see an interesting word you don’t know, you can add it to a vocab list.

Review a complete interactive transcript under the Dialogue tab, and find words and phrases listed under Vocab .

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentU’s robust learning engine. Swipe left or right to see more examples of the word you’re on.

The best part is that FluentU keeps track of the vocabulary that you’re learning, and gives you extra practice with difficult words. It'll even remind you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. Every learner has a truly personalized experience, even if they’re learning with the same video.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. All annual subscriptions now on sale!

Enter your e-mail address to get your free PDF!

We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe

How to Say “Do Homework” in Spanish

Learning how to say “do homework” in Spanish is essential for students who want to communicate effectively with their Spanish-speaking peers or educators. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express this phrase, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations. Whether you’re a student or a parent helping with homework, let’s dive into the various ways to express this in Spanish!

Formal Ways to Say “Do Homework”

If you need to express “do homework” in a formal context, such as when speaking to your teacher or addressing someone of authority, you can use the following phrases:

• “Hacer la tarea” – This is the most common and neutral way to say “do homework” in Spanish. It is widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world. For example, you could say “Tengo que hacer la tarea” to mean “I have to do homework.”
• “Realizar las tareas” – This phrase is slightly more formal and can be used interchangeably with “hacer la tarea.” It emphasizes the completion of multiple tasks or assignments. For instance, you may say “Debes realizar las tareas diariamente” which translates to “You must do the homework daily.”
• “Cumplir con los deberes” – This expression is more commonly used in educational settings and emphasizes the responsibility of fulfilling academic duties. It is often used by teachers or educators when instructing students to do their homework. For example, a teacher may say “Deben cumplir con los deberes asignados” which means “You must complete the assigned homework.”

Informal Ways to Say “Do Homework”

If you are in a casual setting or speaking with a friend or classmate, you can use these informal phrases to say “do homework” in Spanish:

• “Hacer la tarea” – Although this phrase is also commonly used in formal settings, it is perfectly acceptable to use it informally with friends or peers. For example, you can say “Vamos a hacer la tarea juntos” which means “Let’s do homework together.”
• “Hacer los deberes” – This phrase is similar to “hacer la tarea” but may vary based on regional preferences. It is widely used in Spain and some Latin American countries. For instance, you may hear someone say “Voy a hacer los deberes ahora mismo” which translates to “I’m going to do the homework right now.”
• “Hacer las tareas” – Used primarily in Latin America, this variation emphasizes multiple tasks or assignments. For example, you may say “Ya hice las tareas” which means “I’ve already done the homework.”
• “Hacer los deberos escolares” – In certain regions, especially in Mexico, this phrase is specifically used to refer to school-related homework. It emphasizes the connection between school and homework. For instance, you could say “No puedo salir, tengo que hacer los deberes escolares” which means “I can’t go out, I have to do my school homework.”

Regional Variations

While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood, it is important to note that Spanish may vary from region to region. Different countries or even different regions within the same country may have their own expressions for “do homework.” Here are a few examples of regional variations:

In Argentina: “Hacer los deberes” or “Hacer la tarea” In Colombia: “Hacer la tarea” or “Hacer los deberes escolares” In Chile: “Hacer las tareas” or “Hacer los quehaceres escolares” In Mexico: “Hacer la tarea”, “Hacer las tareas” or “Hacer los deberes escolares”

Remember, while these regional variations exist, you can still be easily understood using the standard expressions mentioned earlier.

Tips for Learning and Using the Phrases

To effectively learn and use these phrases, consider the following tips:

• Practice with flashcards: Create flashcards with the Spanish phrases on one side and their English translations on the other. Review them regularly to reinforce your learning.
• Use the phrases in context: Incorporate the phrases into sentences or conversation. This will help you remember them in real-life situations.
• Listen to native speakers: Listen to Spanish speakers using these phrases in natural conversations or educational contexts. This will help you grasp their pronunciation, intonation, and usage.
• Watch Spanish educational videos: Online platforms such as YouTube offer educational videos in Spanish. Watching these can familiarize you with different ways of saying “do homework” and reinforce your understanding.
• Practice speaking with a language partner: Find a language partner who can help you practice speaking in Spanish. Use the phrases during your conversations to improve your fluency.

By following these tips, you will gain confidence in using the phrases and be able to communicate effectively in Spanish when discussing homework.

Mastering how to say “do homework” in Spanish is essential for effective communication, especially in educational settings. In this guide, we explored formal and informal ways of expressing this phrase, along with regional variations. Remember to tailor your choice of phrase based on the context and the level of formality required.

Whether you choose to say “hacer la tarea” in a casual setting or “cumplir con los deberes” in a formal environment, practicing and incorporating these phrases into your language learning journey will help you confidently navigate homework discussions with Spanish speakers. ¡Buena suerte!

Related Posts

How to Say "Do Homework" in French: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning how to say "do homework" in French is essential for anyone studying the language or planning to communicate with French speakers. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express this phrase, providing tips, examples, and even regional variations when necessary. Whether you're a student or just curious about the language, let's dive in and expand your French vocabulary!

How to Say "Do You Have Homework?" in Spanish: A Complete Guide

Learning how to ask someone if they have homework in Spanish is a valuable skill, especially if you're studying the language or planning to communicate with Spanish-speaking friends, colleagues, or classmates. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover both the formal and informal ways to ask the question, provide regional variations when necessary, and offer plenty of tips and examples along the way.

How to Say "Do Your Homework" in Spanish: Formal and Informal Ways

Learning how to say "do your homework" in Spanish is essential if you want to effectively communicate with Spanish speakers. Whether you're a student asking your classmates, a parent reminding your child, or a teacher giving instructions, knowing the appropriate phrases will help you express yourself clearly. In this guide, we'll cover both formal and informal ways to say "do your homework" in Spanish, as well as provide tips, examples, and some regional variations.

How to Say "Doing Homework" in Spanish: Formal and Informal Ways

When it comes to expressing the concept of "doing homework" in Spanish, you have various options depending on the level of formality you need to convey. In this guide, we will explore different phrases and expressions to say "doing homework" in both formal and informal contexts. We will also provide useful tips, examples, and regional variations to help you navigate this topic with ease.

How to Say Hindi Holiday Homework in Hindi

Learning a language includes understanding not only the daily conversation but also specific terms and phrases related to various topics. If you are looking to express the term "Hindi holiday homework" in Hindi, this guide will help you. We will explore both formal and informal ways of saying it, and include tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary. Let's dive in!

How to Say Holiday Homework in Arabic

Learning how to say "holiday homework" in Arabic can be useful when you are discussing school assignments during a break or vacation. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this phrase in Arabic. We will also provide some regional variations if necessary. Let's get started!

How to Say "Holiday Homework" in French

When it comes to expressing the concept of "holiday homework" in French, there are a few different ways to convey this idea. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say "holiday homework" in French, along with some helpful tips and examples to assist you in using the phrases correctly.

How to Say Holiday Homework in Hindi: A Comprehensive Guide

In this guide, we will explore different ways to express "holiday homework" in Hindi. Whether you need to communicate formally or informally, we've got you covered. We'll provide various tips and examples to help you effectively convey this concept. So, let's dive in and discover the diverse ways to express "holiday homework" in Hindi.

Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Arabic Cantonese Chinese Dutch English Farsi Filipino French German Greek Hawaiian Hebrew Hindi Irish Italian Japan Japanese Korean Latin Mandarin Mexican Navajo Norwegian Polish Portuguese Punjabi Romanian Russian Sanskrit Sign Language Spanish Swahili Swedish Tagalog Tamil Thai Turkish Ukrainian Urdu Vietnamese

The South Indian phrase - “ninnade kaNugalu tuppuko.” is wrong. “tuppuko” is not a word in kannada. Informally, we’d say…

Good luck Gracie Wren on your first London marathon . Your dedication and hard work will pay off.

You wrong Bruh. "While some Jehovah’s Witnesses may choose to celebrate birthdays..." NOPE! They forbid it. https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/birthdays/

I have always pronounced it with the third syllable "e" vul-GA-te. Could this be wrong in the original Latin?

The definition is updated to give a better understanding. Thanks for the feedback!

• Privacy Policy

Unconventional language hacking tips from Benny the Irish polyglot; travelling the world to learn languages to fluency and beyond!

Looking for something? Use the search field below.

Home » Articles » How to Say “I Don’t Know” in Spanish — 33 Spanish Phrases for When You’re Unsure

Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. ?

written by Benny Lewis

Language: Spanish

Reading time: 9 minutes

Published: Nov 4, 2019

Updated: Sep 17, 2021

How to Say “I Don’t Know” in Spanish — 33 Spanish Phrases for When You’re Unsure

Ever felt lost or unsure in a Spanish conversation?

Everyone feels this way sometimes, but especially when learning a new language. There will be times when you don’t understand someone, you can’t keep up, or you just don’t know how to answer.

It’s best to know how to express your lack of understanding by learning how to say “I don’t know” in Spanish.

Learning and using these phrases doesn’t mean you’re failing in your efforts to speak Spanish. Quite the opposite, in fact! Owning up to where you are now in Spanish, and not faking your skill level , can actually keep you out of trouble and help you grow. When you confess you don’t understand, the other person can help you out. They can teach you the Spanish words you need, or repeat what they said in a different way.

That, my friends, is where the real language learning magic happens.

When you let others know you’re not understanding, you learn how to understand. You overcome one of the biggest language insecurities, fear of mistakes and speaking , and plough right into new territory.

Don’t take these phrases lightly. This is where every beginner’s successful language journey starts.

Feeling better about your insecurities now? Good. Let’s start learning how to tell others “you know nothing”.

How to Say “I don’t know” in Spanish

There are a few ways to say “I don’t know” in Spanish. The most common one you’ll see is no lo sé . But you may also hear yo no sé or just no sé .

Any of those are fine, and they’re often used interchangeably. To be technical, the difference is that lo represents “it” — the “it” that you don’t know. That’s why you don’t have to use lo . But, it’s common to do so in Spanish, even though in English we would normally omit “it” because it’s implied.

Keep in mind that sé comes from the verb saber meaning “to know”. If the subject of the sentence changes, you’ll have to change sé to match the Spanish pronoun .

For example, if you wanted to say “we don’t understand” it would be nosotros no lo sabemos . And “he doesn’t know” would be él no lo sabe . Again, the lo is optional, as is the pronoun. When you conjugate the verb to match the pronoun, you can drop the pronoun because it’s understood who you’re talking about. no sabe still means “he doesn’t know”.

Maybe you just don’t know the answer right this second . In that case, you can say aun no se or todavía no lo sé for “I don’t know yet.” And if you’re not very confident in your answer, you can use the phrase *no lo sé con certeza for “I don’t know for sure.”

How to Say “I don’t understand” in Spanish

To admit you’re not following, you can say no entiendo for “I don’t understand” in Spanish. This is how most beginners learn to say it, but if you want to be more specific, you can use the past tense form. No entendi means “I didn’t understand.”

Either way you say it is fine and lets the other person know you’ll need a bit of help grasping the context.

How to Say “please could you repeat that” in Spanish

So you admitted you don’t understand, and now you need to ask them to repeat what they said in Spanish. To say “please could you repeat that” you use the phrase por favor, ¿podría repetir eso? Of course, por favor — or “please” in Spanish — can go at the beginning or end of the sentence, as in English. The phrase could also be ¿Podrías repetir eso por favor?

Now let’s picture this scenario: your conversation partner has repeated the phrase. It was still too fast and you still didn’t understand! You’re starting to sweat… you don’t know what to do to keep the conversation going.

No worries! Simply ask for them to repeat it again, only this time more slowly. “Speak more slowly please” is habla más despacio, por favor. You could also say, más lento, por favor , which just means “slower, please.” Again, either is fine. It’s personal preference, and whichever you find easier to remember in the moment!

If that still didn’t help, you can say otra vez for “again” or una vez más, por favor to ask “one more time, please.”

How to Say “sorry, I don’t understand you” in Spanish

To apologize for not understanding someone, you can say perdon no te entiendo (“sorry, I don’t understand you”). You could follow this with solo entiendo un poco de español , which is “I only understand a little Spanish.” Or, shorten it to solo entiendo un poco (“I only understand a little.”)

How to Say “I’m a beginner” in Spanish

There’s no shame in admitting you’ve only just begun your Spanish studies!

To let someone know you’ve just started learning Spanish you can say soy principiante. That means “I’m a beginner” in Spanish. You could also use soy novato/novicia to say “I’m a novice.” This is a handy phrase to know because the other person will know they should use simpler speech and vocabulary with you.

You can elaborate a bit more. For instance, you could say Hablo un poco de español, pero sólo soy principiante. (“I speak a little Spanish, but I’m just a beginner”). You could also say “I’m learning Spanish” with estoy aprendiendo español .

You could even add on the time frame of how long you’ve been learning, like llevo tres meses aprendiendo español (“I’ve been learning Spanish for 3 months”). You could change aprender to estudiar as well, meaning you “study” Spanish instead.

How to Say “I’m not sure” in Spanish

Not feeling too sure how to respond? Use the phrase no estoy seguro to say “I’m not sure” in Spanish. Seguro means “sure” or “certain”. You could also use this phrase with “I don’t know for sure.” Instead of no lo sé con certeza , which I shared above, you could use no lo sé con seguro . It’s just a nuanced difference, and a bit more formal.

Of course, keep in mind that you could always drop the no to change these sentences to the positive form. Estoy seguro means “I’m sure,” just as lo sé means “I know.” And if you didn’t understand before but you do now, you can say ahora entiendo meaning “now I understand”.

The Phrase for “I don’t know how to say…” in Spanish

If you don’t know how to express yourself in Spanish, then ask! If your conversation partner speaks a bit of English, they may be able to help.

To say “I don’t know how to say…” in Spanish, you use No se como decir… Then, add on what you don’t know how to say. For example, you could say: No sé cómo decir “wallet” en español. Yes, it’s utilizing a bit of Spanglish here, but you’ll be able to keep the conversation in Spanish as much as you can while also learning.

You could also use the phrase ¿Qué es ___ en español? for “What is __ in Spanish?” Then, you’re learning new vocabulary as it’s relevant to you. It’ll keep you speaking and moving forward, and you’ll remember the new words better because you’re using them in a current situation.

How to Say “I don’t remember” in Spanish

There are two verbs for “to remember” in Spanish: recordar and acordarse . It’s a pretty nuanced difference, but the best way to think about it is that recordar is “to recall” and acordarse is “to remember.”

So, to say you don’t remember in Spanish, you could say both no recuerdo (“I don’t recall”) or no me acuerdo  (“I don’t remember”). Because acordarse is a reflexive verb, it needs a reflexive pronoun, which is me .

That’s getting into the grammar side of things, so don’t worry about it too much for now. Just remember the phrases themselves and worry about understanding the details of the grammar later as you learn more about pronouns and verbs.

How to Ask “What did you say?” in Spanish

Another way to ask someone to repeat themselves that will probably feel more natural is ¿Qué dijiste? This means “What did you say?” in Spanish. This is the more informal way to say it, but it’s common to use. If you’re talking to someone of authority or you want to show respect, you can use the polite version ¿Qué dijo?

Why not simplify it further? You could say ¿Cómo? for “What?” or “Come again?” Either way, the other person will know you didn’t hear or understand.

Whenever you use these question phrases, make sure to use a higher inflection at the end of the sentence. That lets the other person know it’s a question. You do this naturally in English as well as most languages. But sometimes when we’re overthinking how to say something, we forget inflection. So raise the pitch for questions!

How to Say “I’m sorry” in Spanish

Lastly, if you’re feeling a bit embarrassed by your lack of understanding, you can apologize. You can use lo siento for “I’m sorry.” But you could also use perdón or disculpe for “excuse me”. You can also use this to apologize for being a bother, by saying disculpa la molestia.

Don’t get too caught up in being embarrassed or apologizing, though — you’re learning, after all! Most people understand. But, sometimes it can feel more polite or necessary to apologize. So you can use these phrases.

Making Mistakes in Spanish? Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Don’t worry about the little misunderstandings and mistakes. Don’t worry about how much you know or don’t know. Just don’t sweat the small stuff .

With these phrases, you can get by anyway. You can keep the conversation in your target language, while learning how to better understand it. That’s really all that matters. The whole point of language learning is to make many mistakes and keep pushing forward until it clicks. Because when you don’t understand, or you make a mistake, you’re more likely to remember the correct answer later. Never be afraid to admit you don’t know.

Now, if you’re ready to move on to bigger and better things in Spanish, check out our favourite Spanish resources to improve your learning. Start learning how to make conversational chitchat in Spanish , and pick up small talk tips like learning about the weather in Spanish .

That’s a great place to begin your studies. And if you want a deeper, faster push into the language, work on creating a home-immersion environment .

Benny Lewis

Founder, Fluent in 3 Months

Fun-loving Irish guy, full-time globe trotter and international bestselling author. Benny believes the best approach to language learning is to speak from day one .

Speaks: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Esperanto, Mandarin Chinese, American Sign Language, Dutch, Irish

Have a 15-minute conversation in your new language after 90 days

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• World Languages

How to Say "I Don't Know" in Spanish

Last Updated: May 18, 2022 References

This article was co-authored by Language Academia and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Language Academia is a private, online language school founded by Kordilia Foxstone. Kordilia and her team specialize in teaching foreign languages and accent reduction. Language Academia offers courses in several languages, including English, Spanish, and Mandarin. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 29,677 times.

If you're learning Spanish, "I don't know" will be a very handy phrase. After all, no one knows everything, right? It's also helpful if, as a beginning language learner, you're having a hard time understanding something someone says to you. Read on to learn the most common ways to say "I don't know" in Spanish, along with others that will allow you to sound more fluent.

No sé (noh say)

• No sé montar en bicicleta. (I don't know how to ride a bicycle.)
• No sé cómo explicarlo. (I don't know how to explain it.)
• No lo sé con certeza. (I don't know for sure.)

No tengo idea (noh TEHN-goh ee-DAY-ah)

• No tengo idea de que estás hablando. (I have no idea what you're talking about.)
• No tengo idea de lo que estás diciendo. (I have no idea what you're saying.)
• No tendo idea de qué pasó. (I have no idea what happened.)

Ni idea (nee ee-DAY-ah)

• ¿Sabes cómo arreglar esto? —Ni idea. (Do you know how to fix this? —No idea.)
• ¿Cuánto costará un boleto a México? —Ni idea, pregúntale a Billy. (How much would a ticket to Mexico cost? —No idea, ask Billy.)

No tengo certeza (noh TEHN-goh SEHR-tay-zah)

• No tengo certeza de sus motivos. (I'm not certain of their motives.)
• No tengo certeza de cuando va a volver. (I'm not certain when she'll be back.)
• No tengo certeza de qué tengo que hacer. (I'm not certain what I have to do.)

No te comprendo (noh tay kohm-PREHN-doh)

• Sí, no te comprendo para nada. (Yes, I don't understand you at all.)
• No te comprendo, habla más despacio por favor. (I don't understand you, speak more slowly please.)
• Dijiste muchas cosas, no te comprendo. (You said many things, I can't understand you.)

No entiendo (noh ehn-TEE-ehn-doh)

• Perdon, no te entiendo. (I'm sorry, I don't understand you.)
• No entiendo nada de lo que dices. (I don't understand anything you're saying.)
• No entiendo la pregunta. (I don't understand the question.)

No conozco (noh koh-NOHTS-koh)

• ¿María? No lo conozco. (María? I don't know her.)
• No conozco Madrid. (I don't know Madrid/I'm not familiar with Madrid.)

No estoy seguro (noh EHS-toy SAY-goo-roh)

• No estoy seguro de poder ir. (I'm not sure if I'll be able to go.)
• No estoy seguro de lo que dices. (I'm not sure about what you're saying.)
• Aun no estoy seguro de qué es. (I'm not sure yet exactly what it is.)

No me queda claro (noh may kay-dah KLAHR-oh)

• No me queda claro en quien confiar. (It's not clear to me who can be trusted.)
• No me queda claro lo que dices. (It's not clear to me what you're saying.)
• No me queda claro qué pasó. (It's not clear to me what happened.)

Sigo sin entender (SEE-goh seen EHN-tehn-dehr)

• Sigo sin entender de qué hablas. (I still don't understand what you're talking about.)
• Sigo sin entender la historia. (I still don't understand the story.)
• Y sigo sin entender por qué. (And I still don't understand why.)

Expert Q&A

• Pronunciations are approximate and based on Latin American pronunciation. If you want the best pronunciation, listen to and mimic native speakers. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english-spanish/know
• ↑ https://tildesites.bowdoin.edu/~eyepes/newgr/ats/17.htm
• ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english-spanish/i-ve-no-idea
• ↑ https://youtu.be/cZtaGzdxdho?t=252
• ↑ https://www.ingles.com/ejemplos/no%20te%20comprendo?lang=es
• ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/spanish-english/entender
• ↑ https://tildesites.bowdoin.edu/~eyepes/newgr/ats/22.htm
• ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/spanish-english/seguro
• ↑ https://dictionary.reverso.net/spanish-english/no+me+queda+claro
• ↑ https://context.reverso.net/translation/spanish-english/sigo+sin+entender

About This Article

• Send fan mail to authors

Did this article help you?

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

855-997-4652 Login Try a Free Class

20 Spanish Expressions That Mean “I Don’t Know” [Audio]

“I don’t know” in Spanish is probably an expression you’ve used at least once or twice. 

Doubt and insecurity are the same in every language. Not knowing something can sometimes be frustrating and poses a challenge. These are tough feelings to escape when it comes to learning. 

However, when it comes to Spanish you’ll be amazed by the different and unique ways you can say it.

If you’ve ever felt unsure or lost in Spanish conversation, this fun blog post is just for you! 

Let others know when you have no idea with this insightful list of 20 expressions that mean “I don’t know” in Spanish. 

How To Say “I Don’t Know” in Spanish

No sé is the prefered and go-to way of saying “I don’t know” in Spanish. This expression is a wildcard for many conversations.

You can use it in different scenarios and situations:

• As what to say when you don’t know what to say.
• When you don’t know anything.
• When you don’t understand.
• When you don’t know an answer.

No sé c omes from the verb saber (to know). 

Review the Saber Conjugation .

Doubt and no saber (not knowing) can feel overpowering. 

However, when you get the confidence to ask once again or express that you don’t know something, a new, honest learning process begins. 

As a language learner you also overcome insecurity and start getting familiarized with new concepts, people, places, among others.

Do you get the jitters when you’re speaking Spanish? Learn how to overcome feeling shy or nervous when you speak Spanish . 

What To Say Instead of “I Don’t Know” in Spanish

Spanish is highly diverse and usually has several peculiar ways to say something. Being a romance language, it’s highly expressive and deep when it comes to feelings, especially doubt. 

Expand your vocabulary with these new 20 expressions for saying “I don’t know” in Spanish.

1. No tengo idea

No tengo idea is a Spanish expression that stands in English for “I have no idea.” 

Use this expression for saying I don’t know in Spanish when you don’t have an answer to a question or when you’re literally lost in conversation. 

No tengo idea is perfect for saying you feel clueless. 

Example Sentences

No tengo idea de que estás hablando. I have no idea what you’re talking about.

No tengo idea de lo que estás diciendo. I have no idea what you’re saying.

No tengo idea de qué pasó. I have no idea what happened. 

2. No estoy seguro

No estoy seguro translates in English to “I’m not sure.”

Use it as I don’t know in Spanish when you have doubts or are second-guessing yourself. It works whenever they ask you a question you don’t know the answer to, or you can also use it to let someone know you feel unsure. 

No estoy seguro de si voy a ti. I’m not sure if I’m going.

No estoy seguro de lo que dices. I’m not sure about what you’re saying.

No estoy seguro de nada. I’m not sure about anything. 

3. Quién sabe

Quién sabe translates in English to “who knows.” 

It’s a common expression for saying I don’t know in Spanish without being too specific. Use it when a person asks you what’s going on, what happened, or when they ask for your opinion, and you just don’t know the answer to something.

Quién sabe si lograré ir. Who knows if I’ll be able to go.

Honestamente, quién sabe. Honestly, who knows.

Quién sabe, yo la verdad no. Who knows, I really don’t.

Discover The Difference Between Saber vs Conocer. 

4. Déjame ver y te aviso

Déjame ver y te aviso stands for “let me see and I’ll let you know” in English. It can also mean “Let me check before”. 

Use it to say I don’t know in Spanish in any situation where you don’t have an immediate answer, but are planning to give it in the future. 

You can also use it for when you want to confirm something before giving any wrong information. 

Déjame ver si puedo ir y te aviso. Let me see if I can go and I’ll let you know.

Déjame ver y te aviso, tengo que preguntar. Let me see and I’ll let you know, I have to ask. 

Déjame ver si alguien sabe y te aviso. Let me see if anyone knows and I’ll tell you. 

5. No sabría decirte

No sabría decirte is a popular way of saying I don’t know in Spanish. It means “I couldn’t tell you.”

Use it when you don’t know the specifics of why something happened or when you simply don’t know what to say. 

No sabría decirte is a fantastic response for when the outcome of a situation doesn’t depend on what you say or do. 

No sabría decirte por qué decidió no venir tu hermana. I couldn’t tell you why your sister decided not to come.

No sabría decirte si lo logro hoy. I couldn’t tell you if I’ll make it today.

No sabría decirte nada. I couldn’t tell you anything. 

6. Tengo mis dudas

Tengo mis dudas means “I have my doubts.” 

Spanish speakers use it to express when they feel unsure or don’t know if something is 100% true or not. It’s also used for saying I don’t know in Spanish when you have an idea but aren’t entirely sure if it’s right or not.

Se ve bien, pero tengo mis dudas si va a funcionar o no. It looks okay, but I have my doubts if it’ll work or not.

Tengo mis dudas de por qué no estás aquí. I have my doubts about why you’re not here.

Tal vez es cierto, pero yo tengo mis dudas. Maybe it’s true, but I have my doubts.

7. Tengo que pensarlo

Tengo que pensarlo means “I have to think about it” in English. 

Use it to say I don’t know in Spanish when you don’t know how to respond or simply don’t know what to say. Some Spanish speakers use it as a polite way of saying “maybe” instead of a dry “I don’t know.”

Tengo que pensarlo antes de darte una respuesta. I have to think about it before giving you an answer.

Tal vez sí, pero tengo que pensarlo primero. Maybe, but I have to think about it first.

Tengo que pensarlo, me falta tiempo para decidir. I have to think about it, I need time to decide. 

Do you need time to think about it? Learn 50+ Time Expressions in Spanish .

8. No tengo certeza

The expression No tengo certeza has a similar meaning to the expression no estoy seguro . We use it to express uncertainty, doubt, and simply not knowing. 

In English it means “I don’t have certainty.” It’s an expression that comes off as formal and can be applied to work environments or gatherings. 

No tengo certeza de sus motivos. I don’t have certainty of their motives.

No tengo certeza de qué tengo que hacer. I don’t have certainty of what I have to do.

No tengo certeza de lo que dices. I don’t have certainty of what you’re saying.

9. Nadie sabe

Nadie sabe is a common expression for saying I don’t know in Spanish. It means “nobody knows” in English. 

It’s an informal expression that can be used in casual scenarios. It doesn’t have to be addressed to anybody specifically, it can be used as an affirmation of doubt. 

¿Quién hizo esto? ¿Acaso nadie sabe? Who did this? Does anybody know?

Ya no dijeron nada así que nadie sabe. They didn’t say anything so nobody knows. 

Aquí nadie sabe. Nobody knows here.

The expression saber comes from the Spanish verb of the same name. Spanish speakers use it in this case without conjugating it. It has a similar meaning to “who knows” in English. 

It’s more a response to when you don’t know anything about a matter in question. Use it as a response only in informal and casual situations with people you already know. 

Saber qué pasó. Who knows what happened.

Saber quién es él, no lo conozco. Who knows who he is, I don’t know him.

Saber si las cosas serán diferentes esta vez. Who knows if things will be different this time. 

11. No entiendo nada

No entiendo nada is used to say I don’t know in Spanish but it’s more inclined to not understanding. It means “I don’t understand anything” in English. 

Use it for situations when you’re clearly not grasping what goes on around you. It’s particularly useful for language learners when they struggle. 

No entiendo nada de lo que dices. I don’t understand anything you’re saying.

No entiendo nada, ¿puedes hablar más lento? I don’t understand anything, can you talk more slowly?

¿Puedes repetirlo? No entiendo nada. Can you repeat it? I don’t understand anything. 

12. No te comprendo

No te comprendo is often used to say I don’t know in Spanish. The expression stands for “I can’t understand you” in English. 

We use it whenever you can’t process instructions and are lost in someone’s explanation or conversation. The verb comprender (comprehend) is formal, making this an expression you can use in a work environment.

No te comprendo, habla más despacio por favor. I can’t understand you, talk more slowly please.

Dijiste muchas cosas, no te comprendo. You said many things, I can’t understand you.

No te comprendo, cambias mucho de parecer.  I can’t understand you, you change your mind too much. 

13. No te estoy siguiendo

No te estoy siguiendo means “I’m not following you.” It’s an ideal expression to indicate you don’t know in Spanish and that you got lost in a conversation. 

This phrase is perfect for when people speak too fast or share large amounts of details. Use it when people lose your interest and confuse you. 

Es mucha información, no te estoy siguiendo. It’s a lot of information, I’m not following you.

¿Y luego qué pasó? No te estoy siguiendo. And then what happened? I’m not following you.

No te estoy siguiendo, son muchos detalles. I’m not following you, there are too many details. 

14. ¿ Qué quieres decir con eso?

The expression ¿qué quieres decir con eso? means “what do you mean by that?” 

Use it in it’s form of question when you don’t understand or don’t know why a person is saying what they’re saying. 

You can also use it if you’re hesitant about agreeing with someone. It’s good for double-checking when you can’t understand. 

Te escuché, pero ¿qué quieres decir con eso? I heard you but what do you mean by that?

¿Qué quieres decir con eso? Explícame de nuevo. What do you mean by that? explain it to me again.

Me dijiste aunque no sé qué quieres decir con eso. You told me but I don’t know what you mean by that. 

15. No logro captar

No logro captar is used for when you can’t quite grasp, or fully understand what is going on around you. 

We also use it when you can’t comprehend a particular explanation. We often use it after many attempts to understand what’s happening. The English translation is “I can’t catch.” It can also mean “I don’t seem to catch.” 

No logro captar lo que estás diciendo. I can’t catch what you’re saying.

Explícame otra vez por favor, no logro captar. Explain it to me again please, I can’t seem to catch it.

Ya trate y no logro captar. I already tried and can’t seem to catch it. 

16. ¿Cómo así…?

The expression ¿cómo así? is informally used as a way to ask “what do you mean” or “how’s that?” 

It applies to infinite scenarios as a casual expression or filler word. You can use it to respond to situations where you’re confused about what’s happening. Use it to ask about actions and events where you don’t understand how they unfolded.

¿Cómo así que no sabía lo que te pasó? How is it that I didn’t know what happened to you?

No entiendo, ¿cómo así? I don’t understand, how is that?

¿Cómo así? Dímelo otra vez por favor. How’s that? Tell me again please. 

17. Otra vez, por favor

Otra vez por favor literally translates in English to “again please.” In Spanish, we can use it as a way of saying “pardon me” or “come again?” 

With this expression you ask people to please repeat what just happened. Spanish speakers have a fantastic use for this expression as it can apply to whenever you have trouble with your listening and pronunciation skills.

Dilo otra vez por favor. Say it again please.

Hablas muy rápido, dilo otra vez por favor. You talk too fast, say it again please.

Me perdí la historia, cuéntala otra vez por favor. I missed the story, tell it again please. 

18. ¿De qué hablas?

¿De qué hablas? is useful when you don’t know in Spanish what someone is talking about. 

This expression is used to indicate doubt and confusion. It translates in English to “what are you talking about?” You can use it to join a casual conversation with people you already know. 

¿De qué hablas? me perdí la plática. What are you talking about? I missed the conversation.

¿De qué hablas? No creo que haya pasado eso. What are you talking about? I don’t believe that happened.

No estoy segura de qué hablas. I’m not sure what you’re talking about. 

19. No me queda claro

No me queda claro is a commonly used Spanish expression. It means “it’s not clear to me” in English.

You can use it to express doubt after hearing a fact or story once already. It’s a polite and proper way of telling someone you need further info, more details, and more explaining. 

No me queda claro lo que dices. What you’re saying isn’t clear to me.

No me queda claro qué pasó. It’s not clear to me what happened.

No me queda claro si eres el mismo. It’s not clear to me if you’re the same.

Learn for your next conversations 10 Ways to Use ‘Mismo’ . 

20. Sigo sin entender

Sigo sin entender is a simple way of saying I don’t know in Spanish. It means “I still can’t understand” in English. 

You can use it after asking questions or explanations several times without understanding the answer. It’s an expression for indicating your confusion, doubt, and lack of understanding after many attempts. 

Sigo sin entender de qué hablas. I still don’t understand what you’re talking about. 

Sigo sin entender qué pasó ayer. I still don’t understand what happened yesterday.

Sigo sin entender la historia. I still don’t understand the story. 

Spanish Idioms: Not Knowing or Understanding

A Spanish idiom is an expression natural to only native speakers. Idioms have a non-literal meaning attached to them. However, native speakers easily understand them due to their intuitive use and familiarity. 

Here are some example idioms for saying I don’t know in Spanish. 

No te caché

No te caché can mean “I didn’t get that” or “I didn’t understand you.” 

It’s an informal expression used in several Central American countries.

Example Sentence

No te caché lo que dijiste . I didn’t get what you said.

Me mata la curiosidad

Me mata la curiosidad literally translates to “curiosity is killing me.” It’s a way of expressing your eagerness to understand and know why something happened.

Me mata la curiosidad, quiero saber qué más pasó ayer. Curiosity is killing me. I want to know what else happened yesterday.

Top off this lesson with 20+ Expressions Using ‘Más’ and ‘Menos’ .

No le agarro la onda

No le agarro la onda is often used in Mexico. It’s an idiom that stands for “I can’t seem to get it” or “I don’t know how to do that.”

No le agarro la onda a cocinar. I can’t seem to get how to cook. 

No estamos en la misma página

No estamos en la misma página means “we’re not on the same page.” 

We use it when we have different understandings of what’s going on with another person. 

No estamos en la misma página, yo siento que las cosas pasaron de diferente manera. We’re not on the same page, I feel like things went down differently. 

More Ways To Say “I Don’t Know”

The expression no se for saying I don’t know in Spanish can be used for talking about people, events, places, objects, and many different subjects. It ‘s usually followed by quien (who), que (what), cuando (when), cual (which), and como (how). 

Let’s see the expression no se connected to different clauses using these essential words. 

No sé quién eres tú. I don’t know who you are.

No sé qué decirte . I don’t know what to say.

No sé qué es eso. I don’t know what that is.

No sé cuándo llegarás. I don’t know when you’re arriving.

No sé cuál es ese. I don’t know which one that is.

No sé cómo se dice. I don’t know how to say it. 

Learn Other Spanish Expressions and Idioms

When you master Spanish expressions, your confidence as a Spanish learner grows and you start using new vocabulary naturally. 

Sign up for a free trial class with our teachers from Guatemala. You’ll be amazed with the results our different programs can give you. Take your communication skills to the next level and take on the challenge of learning Spanish with the best of the best. 

Join one of the 40,000 classes that we teach each month and you can experience results like these

“HSA offers very affordable, quality, one on one classes with a native speaker. My son has greatly benefited from taking classes. We have seen his confidence increase as well as his pronunciation improve, because he learns from a native Spanish speaker. HSA has quick, personal customer service. Our family has been very pleased with our experience so far!”

– Erica P. Parent of 1

“Getting to know wonderful teachers who care about me and my growth in language and education. Evelyn Gomez and Erick Cacao are two of the most extraordinary people I have ever met, and talking with them in Spanish at the beginning of classes is always so fulfilling and greatly contributes to my happiness, joy, and wellbeing.”

– Abby

“My Son, Heath, is taking the classes. He’s been with Luisa the entire time and we absolutely love her. She is always patient and is a great teacher. Heath’s dad speaks Spanish so they get to have little conversations.”

– William R, Parent of 3

Ready to learn more Spanish vocabulary? Check these out!

• Earth Day Projects for Kids + Spanish Earth Day Vocabulary
• How to Talk About the Temperature in Spanish: Fahrenheit, Celcius, and Descriptions
• Car Parts Spanish Vocabulary List: Learn Using Pictures
• Top 15 New Year’s Resolutions in Spanish
• Talk About Hurricanes And The Weather in Spanish
• Spanish Words with Multiple Meanings in Latin America
• World Mental Health Day: A Vocabulary Guide for Mental Health Workers
• Expressing Appreciation in Spanish on World Teachers’ Day
• Recent Posts
• 29 Cool and Catchy Spanish Phrases To Use With Friends [+Audio] - January 8, 2023
• A Fun Kids’ Guide to Opposites in Spanish (Free Lesson and Activities) - December 29, 2022
• 10 Fun Spanish Folk Tales for Kids - December 10, 2022

Related Posts

45+ mission trip spanish phrases you need to know, 44 essential spanish quotes and proverbs to fuel your motivation, spanish body parts: vocabulary, idioms, and culture, spanish 101: greetings and farewells, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Spanish to Go

How To Say Do You Have Homework in Spanish

1. Start with “¿Tienes tarea?” to ask someone if they have homework. 2. To be more formal, use “¿Tiene usted tarea?” instead. 3. “Tarea” means homework in Spanish. 4. Another way to ask is “¿Hay tarea para hoy?” which means “Is there homework for today?” 5. Use these phrases to communicate with Spanish-speaking classmates or teachers.

How To Say “Do You Have Homework” in Spanish

Introduction.

As a student or someone interested in learning Spanish, it’s important to know how to ask if someone has homework in order to engage in academic or educational conversations. Asking about homework can help you understand someone’s current workload or initiate discussions related to studying. In this article, we will explore different ways to say “Do you have homework?” in Spanish, allowing you to communicate effectively with Spanish speakers in educational settings.

1. “¿Tienes deberes?”

The most common and straightforward way to ask “Do you have homework?” in Spanish is by using the phrase “¿Tienes deberes?” The word “tienes” means “do you have,” and “deberes” refers to “homework” or “assignments.” This simple and widely understood question is suitable for both formal and informal situations.

Spelling: ¿Tienes deberes?

Pronunciation: tee-eh-nes deh-beh-res, 2. “¿tienes tarea”.

Another way to ask if someone has homework is by using the word “tarea,” which translates to “homework” or “task.” This question, “¿Tienes tarea?” is commonly used among students and teachers alike. It can be used interchangeably with “¿Tienes deberes?” and is equally understood.

Spelling: ¿Tienes tarea?

Pronunciation: tee-eh-nes tah-reh-ah, 3. “¿tienes trabajo para hacer”.

To express a slightly broader sense of work or assignments, you can ask “¿Tienes trabajo para hacer?” This question translates to “Do you have work to do?” and can encompass various academic tasks, including homework, projects, or assignments. It acknowledges that the person might have other types of work beyond traditional homework.

Spelling: ¿Tienes trabajo para hacer?

Pronunciation: tee-eh-nes trah-bah-ho pah-rah ah-ser, 4. “¿hay deberes”.

An alternative way to inquire about homework is by using the phrase “¿Hay deberes?” This question translates to “Is there homework?” and can be used when addressing a group or class as a whole. It’s a more general way of asking if assignments have been given.

Spelling: ¿Hay deberes?

Pronunciation: eye deh-beh-res.

Being able to ask if someone has homework in Spanish is important for effective communication in educational or academic settings. Whether you use “¿Tienes deberes?” or “¿Tienes tarea?” to ask about homework specifically or “¿Tienes trabajo para hacer?” for a broader sense of academic tasks, each question serves its purpose. Additionally, “¿Hay deberes?” allows you to inquire about homework in a more general sense. Remember to consider the context and the level of formality when choosing the appropriate phrase. With these questions in your language toolkit, you’ll be able to engage in conversations about homework and assignments in the Spanish language with confidence. How To Say Everybody in Spanish How To Say Dragonfly in Spanish

Practice your Spanish skills with basic quizzes. Test yourself and improve your knowledge with free questions. Enjoy basic quizzes with illustrations and more.

Basic Quizzes

Start learning basic Spanish vocabulary with words and phrases, with pictures, videos, and audio. Study basic terms in Spanish like a professional.

Basic Spanish

What are the most popular conjugated verbs in Spanish? Learn the conjugation of Spanish verbs. Study Spanish verb tenses with online lessons and examples. Find out which are the most popular verbs.

Conjugated Verbs in Spanish

Do you think you know about conjugations in Spanish? Practice your Spanish skills with conjugation quizzes. Improve your knowledge with free lessons and quizzes.

Conjugation Quizzes

Learn the Spanish words and phrases with flipbooks. Flip to learn the basic Spanish vocabulary online for free. Study the Spanish language by using a flipbook, choose your favorite ebooks, and flip.

Learn basic Spanish with flashcards. Study Spanish online with helpful lessons and articles including pictures, audio, and more.

Spanish Flashcards

Learn basic Spanish verbs with flip cards. Touch and flip. Study Spanish online with helpful lessons and articles including pictures, audio, and more.

Spanish Flip Cards

Learn Spanish for advanced level. Start learning Spanish words and phrases with free online lessons, and helpful articles. Study some Spanish terms and their rules. Learn the second language like a pro.

Spanish for Advanced

Spanish words that start with . Start learning Spanish words and phrases with online lessons, and helpful articles. Study some Spanish terms and their rules. Learn the second language like a pro.

Spanish Words that Start with

Learn Spanish for intermediate level. Study the Spanish grammar rulers. Enjoy helpful tips about how to use the Spanish grammar.

Spanish for Intermediate

How to Say "I Don't Know" in Spanish

I don’t know = no sé or no conozco

No Sé vs. No Conozco

The phrases no sé and no conozco come from the two verbs in Spanish used to express the idea of knowing: saber and conocer . It's important to know the differences between the two because they're not interchangeable.

No sé is used to express a lack of knowledge or ability.

For example:

No conozco is used to express a lack of familiarity with a person, place, or thing. Unlike no sé , it cannot be used as a stand-alone phrase.

Click here to learn more about the differences between saber and conocer .

The pronoun lo is often added to refer to something previously mentioned in a conversation.

Alternatives to No Sé

No sé is by far the most common way to express your lack of knowledge in Spanish, though there are other ways. Check out the following table for more options!

Looking to learn more phrases in Spanish? Check these articles out!

• Fundamental Spanish Phrases to Learn Right Away
• Spanish Exclamatory Words and Expressions
• Spanish Idioms
• How to Say "I Don't Understand" in Spanish
• How to Say “Good Morning” in Spanish
• "Good Night" in Spanish
• How to Say "I Speak a Little Spanish"
• Words of Encouragement in Spanish
• Common Mistakes in Spanish

Making educational experiences better for everyone.

Immersive learning for 25 languages

Marketplace for millions of educator-created resources

Fast, easy, reliable language certification

Fun educational games for kids

Comprehensive K-12 personalized learning

Trusted tutors for 300+ subjects

35,000+ worksheets, games, and lesson plans

Adaptive learning for English vocabulary

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to do homework: 15 expert tips and tricks.

Coursework/GPA

Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”