2.4.0: Gramática
We previously learned that some verbs have an o/u → ue stem change with certain subjects. The verbs in this section will follow the same rules with the following changes:
- e → ie;
- e → i
Let´s review which subjects require a stem change by looking at the verb pensar ( to think ):
Roper Boot Attribution: By Hustvedt, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Modified with labels by Gabriela C. Zapata, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Notice that the verb conjugation endings 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.
Stem-changing Verbs: e → ie
| comenzar | to start |
|---|---|
| empezar | to begin |
| entender | to understand |
| hervir | to boil |
| pensar | to think |
| preferir | to prefer |
| querer | to want |
| recomendar | to recommend |
| sentirse | to feel in a certain way or to be suffering from the symptoms of a certain state (e.g., Me siento cansada— I feel tired ) |
| tener* | to have |
In Spanish, the verb tener is used to describe emotions and states that, in English, we express with the verb to be (e.g., to be thirsty, to be hungry, to be a certain age, etc.). Here are some expressions that work in this way:
| tener...años | to be...years old |
|---|---|
| tener calor | to be hot |
| tener cuidado | to be careful |
| tener éxito | to be successful |
| tener frío | to be cold |
| tener hambre | to be hungry |
| tener miedo | to be afraid |
| tener prisa | to be in a hurry |
| tener razón | to be right |
| tener sed | to be thirsty |
| tener sueño | to be sleepy/tired |
| tener suerte | to be lucky |
Based on the rules discussed, conjugate the verb entender. Write the forms next to the person. One has been done for you.
| yo entiendo | nosotros |
|---|---|
| tú | vosotros |
| él/ella/usted | ellos/as /ustedes |
Stem-changing Verbs: e → i
| desvestirse | to undress (oneself) |
|---|---|
| pedir | to ask for/to request |
| seguir | to follow/to continue |
| servir | to serve |
| vestirse | to dress (oneself) |
Based on the rules discussed, conjugate the verb vestirse. Write the forms next to the person. This is a reflexive verb, so you will need to use the reflexive pronouns. One has been done for you.
| yo me visto | nosotros |
|---|---|
| tú | vosotros |
| él/ella/usted | ellos/as /ustedes |
Now that you have learned what stem-changing verbs are and how they are conjugated, we recommend that you watch the following video, which summarizes the information presented in this section.
Attribution: ProfeDeELE.es is licensed under a Creative Commons Atrribution License (CC BY).