Elegir means to choose in Spanish. It’s used whenever someone selects or decides between options.
- Meaning: to choose, select, pick
- Usage: when making decisions or selections
- Category: -ir verb, but irregular and stem-changing (e→i)
to choose
*elegir* is used when making choices, like picking a movie, selecting someone, or choosing food.
Conjugation Highlights
*elegir* changes its stem from e to i when conjugated in some forms.
Elegir is a stem-changing verb (e → i) in the present tense and some others. It also uses a special stem (elij-) in the subjunctive and imperative.
| Tense | Example (yo) | Stem Change / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Present | elijo | e → i (elijo, eliges, eligen) |
| Preterite | elegí | Regular -ir in root form |
| Imperfect | elegía | Regular (no stem change) |
| Future | elegiré | Regular |
| Present Subjunctive | elija | Stem elij- (e → i) |
| Imperative | Elige | (Elija... for subjunctive) |
The stem *elij-* is used in subjunctive and imperative forms.
Example Sentences
- Present: Yo elijo el vestido azul.
(I choose the blue dress.)
- Preterite: Ayer elegimos un buen restaurante.
(Yesterday, we chose a good restaurant.)
- Imperfect: Cuando era niño, siempre elegía mis juguetes favoritos.
(When I was a child, I always chose my favorite toys.)
- Future: Elegiré qué estudiar más tarde.
(I will choose what to study later.)
- Subjunctive: Espero que elijas bien.
(I hope you choose well.)
Correct uses: 'Voy a elegir una película,' 'Elegieron al mejor candidato,' '¿Quieres elegir algo para cenar?'
Exercise
Conjugate elegir for yo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellos in the present tense, and write a sentence for two of these forms.
Conclusion
Elegir is essential for talking about decisions and choices, with interesting stem changes and irregularities.
- To Choose: Elegir means “to choose.”
- Stem Change: e → i in most present forms.
- Key Use: For selecting between options in any context.
‘To choose’
*elegir* is used when expressing the act of choosing or selecting.
*elegir* is an irregular, stem-changing -ir verb.
The stem changes from e to i.
‘elij-’ is used in the subjunctive and imperative forms.
Infinitive: elegir (to choose)
*elegir* is more like *preferir* due to stem changes and meaning.