Spanish verb conjugation is the system that modifies verb forms to express various tenses (when an action occurs), moods (the speaker’s attitude toward the action), persons (who is performing the action), and numbers (singular or plural). This system is essential for conveying precise meanings and relationships within sentences.
- Verbs change their endings according to the subject and context.
- Conjugation links the verb to the rest of the sentence, ensuring clarity.
- Spanish verbs are categorized into regular and irregular, each with specific rules.
Verb conjugation expresses when an action occurs (tenses), the speaker’s attitude (moods), and matches the subject in person and number.
Regular Conjugation Patterns
Regular Spanish verbs use the endings -ar, -er, and -ir.
Regular verbs follow predictable patterns based on their infinitive endings: -ar, -er, and -ir. For each tense, you remove the infinitive ending and add new endings that match the subject.
- -ar verbs: hablar, bailar, trabajar
Typical present tense endings: -o, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an
- -er verbs: comer, beber, aprender
Typical present tense endings: -o, -es, -e, -emos, -éis, -en
- -ir verbs: vivir, escribir, abrir
Typical present tense endings: -o, -es, -e, -imos, -ís, -en
Example (to speak, to eat, to live):
| Subject | -ar (hablar) | -er (comer) | -ir (vivir) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yo | hablo | como | vivo |
| Tú | hablas | comes | vives |
| Él/Ella | habla | come | vive |
| Nosotros | hablamos | comemos | vivimos |
| Vosotros | habláis | coméis | vivís |
| Ellos | hablan | comen | viven |
hablar, comer, and vivir are regular; ser and ir are irregular.
Regular verbs use -ar, -er, -ir.
-ar verbs use -o, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an for present tense.
Irregular Conjugation Patterns
Irregular verbs may have stem changes, unique endings, or root changes.
Irregular verbs do not follow standard patterns. Some change their stem (e.g., e → ie, o → ue), some have unique endings, and others change entirely in certain forms.
- Common irregular verbs: ser, ir, estar, tener, venir, poder, decir
- Stem-changing examples:
- pensar (to think): yo pienso
- dormir (to sleep): yo duermo
- Totally irregular:
- ser: soy, eres, es, somos, sois, son
- ir: voy, vas, va, vamos, vais, van
ser, ir, and tener are common irregular verbs.
Irregular verbs show stem changes, unique endings, or root changes.
Conclusion
Spanish verb conjugation connects verbs to their precise meaning in context, matching them to the subject and situation. Regular verbs follow neat patterns, while irregular verbs require special attention to their unique forms.
- Verb forms express tense, mood, person, and number.
- Regular verbs are grouped by endings: -ar, -er, -ir.
- Irregular verbs deviate with stem changes or unique forms.
Regular verb infinitives end in -ar, -er, -ir.
Verb conjugation shows who does the action, when, and how it's expressed.
-ar verbs use -o, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an in present tense.
Common irregular verbs include ser, ir, tener, and venir.