exigir expresses a strong demand or requirement and is not used for casual requests. It places emphasis on the necessity or obligation of what is being requested.
- Meaning: to demand, to require
- Usage: for strong demands, formal contexts, and official requirements
- Not for: casual requests or suggestions
*exigir* is used when making strong demands or requirements, not for casual requests.
exigir is a regular -ir verb, but it has a spelling change in the present tense to maintain the correct pronunciation: the “g” becomes “j” before “-es” and “-en.”
| Subject | Present | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | Exijo | I demand |
| Tú | Exiges | You demand |
| Él/Ella/Ud. | Exige | He/She/You (f.) demand |
| Nosotros | Exigimos | We demand |
| Vosotros | Exigís | You all demand |
| Ellos/Uds. | Exigen | They demand |
- Infinitive: exigir
- Present: exijo, exiges, exige, exigimos, exigís, exigen
- Spelling note: g → j before e/i for correct pronunciation
'exigir' is the root verb, meaning 'to demand.'
Exigir is used when you want to communicate that something must be done, not merely asked for. It often appears in legal, professional, or formal settings.
- Conveys: obligation, necessity, authority
- Common contexts: contracts, workplace, school, government
*exigir* is typically used in formal, legal, or professional contexts where demands are non-negotiable.
Example Sentences
- La empresa exige puntualidad.
The company demands punctuality.
(exigir used for a non-negotiable requirement in a professional setting.)
- El profesor exige que entreguemos la tarea a tiempo.
The teacher demands that we submit the homework on time.
(exigir used with a subjunctive clause; a strong requirement from authority.)
- Los trabajadores exigen mejores salarios.
The workers demand better salaries.
(exigir used in a labor context where a strong demand is made.)
- El gobierno exige el uso de mascarillas en lugares cerrados.
The government requires the use of masks in enclosed spaces.
(exigir used for an official regulation.)
- Para alquilar el apartamento, se exige un depósito de seguridad.
To rent the apartment, a security deposit is required.
(exigir used for a mandatory condition in a contract.*)
*exigir* is used for demands or requirements, not for asking favors. 'La empresa exige puntualidad' and 'Los estudiantes exigen cambios en el plan de estudios' are correct uses.
Exercises
- Conjugate exigir in the present tense for all subjects.
- Write three sentences using exigir in different contexts (workplace, school, government).
- Explain why exigir is more appropriate than pedir in the sentence: "The union demands better working conditions."