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
Which tense uses the prefix c- for all its forms in caer (caí, caíste, cayó)?
preterite
The preterite tense of caer uses the stem "c-" followed by regular endings and accents (caí, cayó). The other tenses use different stems or endings.
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 |
You would fall less.
Caarías menos.
"Caerías" is the correct conditional form. Be careful not to introduce typos.
If I fell, I would ask for help.
Si yo cayera, pediría ayuda.
"Cayera" is the imperfect subjunctive form used in hypothetical "if" clauses. The others are indicative tenses.
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
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
