2.3.0: Gramática
Conjugación
All Spanish verbs have a stem ( la raíz ) and an ending ( -ar / -er / -ir ).
| Verb | Stem | Ending |
|---|---|---|
| Pensar | pens | ar |
| Volver | volv | er |
| Pedir | ped | ir |
These verbs belong to a large group of verbs that change their stem in the present tense and fall into one of these three different types of changes in their stem:
- e → ie;
- o/u → ue;
- e → i
It is important to note that not all stem-changing verbs change for all subjects. To help you remember where the changes take place, we have a trick! Think of the verbs as being in the shape of a boot (see illustration below). The only forms that change are those inside the boot.
Which subjects require a stem change?
Let’s have a look at almorzar ( to eat lunch ) :
Notice that the verb conjugation endings are the same normal endings you learning in Spanish 107 for AR, ER, and IR verbs - the only difference now is that the verbs listed below require stem changes inside the boot.
Verbs with stems changes only occur in the following forms inside the boot:
- Yo
- Tú
- Él, ella, usted
- Ellos, ellas, ustedes
Verbos
Stem-changing Verbs: o/u → ue
| almorzar | to have lunch |
|---|---|
| acostarse | to go to bed |
| costar | to cost |
| dormir | to sleep |
| dormirse | to fall asleep |
| encontrar | to find |
| jugar* | to play a game or sport |
| mostrar | to show |
| poder | to be able to |
| probar | to taste/ to try on |
| volver | to come back/return |
*Jugar is the only u → ue stem change in this section. All the other verbs have a o → ue stem change inside the boot.
In Spanish, use the construction "Jugar + a + sport" to talk about playing a sport .
Remember that in Spanish, when "a" is followed by "el", we need the contraction "al".
- Me gusta jugar al (a + el) béisbol.
Based on the rules discussed, conjugate the verb poder . Write the forms next to the person. One has been done for you.
| yo puedo | nosotros |
|---|---|
| tú | vosotros |
| él/ella/usted | ellos/as /ustedes |
In Spanish, the verb poder is used in the same way as the modal can in English, to express you have the ability to do something, or, due to specific circumstances, you are able to do something. Like can , it is followed by a verb in the infinitive .
Have a look at these examples from Aimar’s email:
Modelo:
Estoy enferma y no puedo ir a la clase de química hoy. ¿Me puedes pasar tus notas?