Caer is an irregular verb that means “to fall.” It is used both literally (something physically falling) and figuratively (falling into a situation). Like other -er verbs, it follows the regular pattern except for irregularities in certain forms, such as the first person singular (caigo) and some past participles.
Usage
- Physical falling: La manzana cae del árbol. (The apple falls from the tree.)
- Figurative falling: Caer en la tentación (to fall into temptation)
- Unexpected events: Caer enfermo (to fall ill)
Irregular Stems
- Present yo: caigo
- Preterite: c- (caí, caíste, cayó, etc.)
- Past Participle: caído
Conjugations
| Tense | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present yo | Yo caigo en la trampa. | I fall into the trap. |
| Preterite él/ella | Ella cayó ayer. | She fell yesterday. |
| Imperfect nosotros | Caíamos juntos. | We used to fall together. |
| Future yo | Caeré si no tengo cuidado. | I will fall if I’m not careful. |
| Conditional tú | Caerías menos. | You would fall less. |
| Present Subjunctive yo | Ojalá que yo no caiga. | I hope I don’t fall. |
| Imperfect Subjunctive cayera | Si yo cayera, pediría ayuda. | If I fell, I would ask for help. |
| Past Participle | caído | fallen |
She fell yesterday.
Ella cayó ayer.
"Cayó" is preterite third person singular. "Caía" is imperfect, "cayo" lacks the accent, and "caerá" is future tense, so only "cayó" fits "fell yesterday."
I hope I don’t fall.
Ojalá que yo no caiga.
"Caiga" is the present subjunctive form used after "ojalá." The others are indicative or future tenses, which are incorrect in this context.
Reflexive Form
- Caerse: to fall down (more sudden or accidental)
- Me caí en la calle.* (I fell down in the street.)
Common Expressions
- caer bien/mal: to like/dislike someone
- caer en cuenta: to realize
- caer rendido: to fall exhausted
- caer del cielo: to be a godsend
He fell exhausted after the race.
Él cayó rendido después de la carrera.
"Cayó rendido" is preterite and means he fell exhausted. The others have incorrect tenses or time references.
Summary
- Caer means “to fall” and is irregular mainly in the present yo (caigo) and past participle (caído).
- Used both literally and figuratively.
- Reflexive form caerse emphasizes accidental or sudden falling.
Flashcards (1 of 8)
- Tense: Present yo
- English Example: I fall into the trap.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
