Spanish infinitives are the most basic form of a verb, representing the action in its purest, unconjugated state. They always end in one of three suffixes: -ar, -er, or -ir. Infinitives can function as nouns, appear after other verbs, form compound tenses, and convey general ideas of "to do something."
Usage
Spanish infinitives can be used in a variety of contexts:
- As nouns: Express general ideas (e.g., "Fumar es malo" = "Smoking is bad").
- After conjugated verbs: Complete the meaning (e.g., "Quiero comer" = "I want to eat").
- Imperative with pronouns: Give commands without changing the verb (e.g., "Antes de salir, llama" = "Before leaving, call").
- Fixed expressions: Appear in phrases like "Por favor, no fumar" (Please, no smoking).
- Compound verb forms: Combine with other verbs (e.g., "Voy a estudiar" = "I’m going to study").
Why don’t infinitives change form?
- Because they are the base, unconjugated form of the verb.
- They represent the general idea of the action without reference to subject or tense.
Infinitives are the dictionary form, representing the action itself without any grammatical changes.
Structure
Spanish infinitives always end in one of three suffixes, which determines their conjugation group:
| Ending | Example | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| -ar | hablar* | to speak |
| -er | comer* | to eat |
| -ir | vivir* | to live |
The root is the part before the ending (e.g., com- in comer).
Examples
| Infinitive | English Meaning | Example Sentence | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| hablar | to speak | Quiero hablar contigo. | I want to speak with you. |
| comer | to eat | Vamos a comer pizza. | Let’s eat pizza. |
| vivir | to live | Vivir* es aprender. | To live is to learn. |
| escribir | to write | Necesito escribir una carta. | I need to write a letter. |
| estudiar | to study | Voy a estudiar hoy. | I'm going to study today. |
'To study' = __________. Exercise: Voy a __________ hoy.
estudiar
'Estudiar' means 'to study.' It follows the construction 'voy a,' indicating a planned action.
Quick Tips
- Infinitives always begin with to in English (to speak, to eat, to live).
- They do not change form for subject, number, or tense.
- The infinitive is the form listed in the dictionary.
- Use a + infinitive to say "to [verb]" (e.g., "Voy a salir").
- Some verbs require a specific preposition before an infinitive (e.g., antes de comer).
Spanish infinitives are the building blocks for all verb forms and a key part of grammar.
Flashcards (1 of 8)
- Ending: -ar
- Example: hablar
- English Meaning: to speak
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
