Present Tense Conjugation of Irregular Verbs
Introduction
Understanding the rules for conjugating irregular verbs in the present tense is essential for mastering the Spanish language. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the unique conjugation patterns of irregular verbs, providing you with a solid foundation to confidently express yourself in the present tense. Let's delve into the intricacies of conjugating irregular verbs in Spanish and unlock the door to effective communication.
Introduction to Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs in Spanish deviate from the standard conjugation patterns, requiring special attention. While regular verbs follow predictable patterns, irregular verbs pose a challenge as they undergo changes in the stem or exhibit irregular endings. Here, we will unveil the secrets of conjugating irregular verbs in the present tense.
Irregular Verb Categories
Understanding the categorization of irregular verbs aids in memorization and simplifies the learning process. Irregular verbs in Spanish can be classified into three main categories: stem-changing verbs, completely irregular verbs, and verbs with irregular yo forms. The focus of this lesson is completely irregular verbs in Spanish.
Completely Irregular Verbs
Completely irregular verbs, or "verbos completamente irregulares," do not follow any discernible patterns. Examples of such verbs are ser (to be), ir (to go), and estar (to be). Although their conjugations must be memorized individually, the high frequency of these verbs in everyday speech makes the task more manageable.
Conjugation of Irregular Verbs
Now, let's examine the conjugation patterns of irregular verbs in the present tense for the different subject pronouns:
Ser - to be (essential/permanent quality)
| Subject | Verb | Meaning |
| yo | soy | I am |
| tú | eres | you are |
| él ella usted |
es | he is she is you (formal) are |
| nosotros nosotras |
somos | we are we are |
| vosotros vosotras |
sois | you (plural) are you (plural) are |
| ellos ellas ustedes |
son
|
they are they are you (formal, plural) are |
Estar - to be (feelings/location)
| Subject | Verb | Meaning |
| yo | estoy | I am |
| tú | estás | you are |
| él ella usted |
está | he is she is you (formal) are |
| nosotros nosotras |
estamos | we are we are |
| vosotros vosotras |
estáis
|
you (plural) are you (plural) are |
| ellos ellas ustedes |
están | they are they are you (formal, plural) are |
Tener - to have
| Subject | Verb | Meaning |
| yo | tengo | I have |
| tú | tienes | you have |
| él ella usted |
tiene | he has she has you (formal) have |
| nosotros nosotras |
tenemos | we have we have |
| vosotros vosotras |
tenéis
|
you (plural) have you (plural) have |
| ellos ellas ustedes |
tienen | they have they have you (formal, plural) have |
Ir - to go
| Subject | Verb | Meaning |
| yo | voy | I go |
| tú | vas | you go |
| él ella usted |
va | he goes she goes you (formal) go |
| nosotros nosotras |
vamos | we go we go |
| vosotros vosotras |
vais
|
you (plural) go you (plural) go |
| ellos ellas ustedes |
van | they go they go you (formal, plural) go |
Venir - to come
| Subject | Verb | Meaning |
| yo | vengo | I come |
| tú | vienes | you come |
| él ella usted |
viene | he comes she comes you (formal) come |
| nosotros nosotras |
venimos | we come we come |
| vosotros vosotras |
venís
|
you (plural) come you (plural) come |
| ellos ellas ustedes |
vienen | they come they come you (formal, plural) come |
Decir - to say, to tell
| Subject | Verb | Meaning |
| yo | digo | I say |
| tú | dices | you say |
| él ella usted |
dice | he says she says you (formal) say |
| nosotros nosotras |
decimos | we say we say |
| vosotros vosotras |
decís
|
you (plural) say you (plural) say |
| ellos ellas ustedes |
dicen | they say they say you (formal, plural) say |
Oir - to hear, to listen to
| Subject | Verb | Meaning |
| yo | oigo | I hear |
| tú | oyes | you hear |
| él ella usted |
oye | he hears she hears you (formal) hear |
| nosotros nosotras |
oimos | we hear we hear |
| vosotros vosotras |
oís
|
you (plural) hear you (plural) hear |
| ellos ellas ustedes |
oyen | they hear they hear you (formal, plural) hear |
Examples
Here are some examples of irregular verbs in the present tense:
Yo soy turista. - I am a tourist.
¿Cómo estás? - How are you?
Ella tiene un perro. - She has got a dog.
Nosotros vamos a la playa. - We go to the beach.
Vosotras también venís al parque. - You (plural) also come to the park.
¿Qué dicen? - What do they say.
Conclusion
Mastering the conjugation of irregular verbs in the present tense is a vital step.
