Spanish infinitives are the unconjugated forms of verbs, expressing the idea of the verb in its most basic form: hablar (to speak), comer (to eat), vivir (to live). Infinitives always end in -ar, -er, or -ir and are used:
- As the subject or object of a sentence
- After other verbs (e.g., quiero viajar: I want to travel)
- After prepositions (e.g., antes de salir: before leaving)
- To form verbal expressions and commands
Example Uses:
- As a subject: Nadar es divertido. (Swimming is fun.)
- After another verb: Ella va a estudiar. (She’s going to study.)
- After a preposition: Prefiero descansar después de trabajar. (I prefer to rest after working.)
Spanish infinitives are used as subjects, after other verbs, and after prepositions, but not as conjugated verbs or adjectives.
Spanish infinitives end in -ar, -er, or -ir.
Infinitives are used as subjects/objects, after modals, after prepositions, and in compound verbs.
Structure
The infinitive is the base form of the verb:
- -ar: amar (to love), bailar (to dance), hablar (to speak)
- -er: comer (to eat), beber (to drink), vender (to sell)
- -ir: vivir (to live), abrir (to open), escribir (to write)
When attached to other words, infinitives can express nuances:
- With endings for emphasis or inclusion: darlo (to give it), hacerlas (to do them)
- With prefix or suffixes for related forms: repetir (to repeat), prever (to foresee)
Regular infinitives end in -ar, -er, or -ir.
Yes, infinitives are used after prepositions.
Yes, an infinitive can act as a subject (e.g., 'Fumar es peligroso').
Conclusion
Spanish infinitives are versatile forms that function as the “to‑verb” in many contexts: as subjects, after other verbs, or following prepositions.
- They always end in -ar, -er, or -ir.
- Infinitives cannot be used as stand-alone conjugated verbs.
- See some of their main uses in real sentences for full clarity.
Spanish infinitives end in -ar, -er, or -ir.
Infinitives are used as subjects/objects, after verbs, and after prepositions.
Yes, the infinitive can serve as a subject (e.g., 'Estudiar es importante').
Yes, infinitives follow prepositions (e.g., 'antes de salir').