Tag Archives: verbs
Progressive constructions in Spanish Posted by Magda on Apr 28, 2010
Progressive constructions Most intermediate learners of Spanish are familiar with the present progressive tense (presente progresivo), which is the most common progressive construction. The present progressive tense is formed using the present tense of the verb ESTAR (to be) + the gerund (-ing form) of the main verb, called. If you need a reminder, this…
The verb “gustar” (to like) Posted by Adir on Apr 5, 2010
The verb “gustar” (to like) in Spanish is a little different from the other verbs because it needs an indirect object to be conjugated. Another peculiarity is that if you like something in the singular, it has one form, and if you like something in the plural, another one. This is because, in Spanish, what…
Ser vs Estar Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 26, 2010
One challenge for Spanish learners is distinguishing when to use ser or estar, both of which translate into “to be” in English. Generally, ser is used with adjectives expressing permanent characteristics (including nationality, physical appearance and personality) while estar is used for temporary states or conditions, such as emotions. Sometimes learners believe that a given…
The Imperative of Irregular Verbs (Review) Posted by Adir on Feb 22, 2010
Let’s review today the forms of the imperative of some very common verbs in Spanish, both the affirmative and negative forms. Hacer haz – no hagas haga – no haga hagamos – no hagamos haced – no hagáis hagan – no hagan Poner pon – no pongas ponga – no ponga pongamos – no pongamos…
The meanings of the verb coger Posted by Adir on Jan 22, 2010
Coger has many meanings in Spanish. Check them out. 1. Esta fecha me coge muy mal. (This date is not good for me.) 2. Cógete fuerte cuando te montes en la moto. (Hold tight when you get on the motorcycle.) 3. Cójanme sitio pues voy a llegar más tarde. (Save me a seat because I’m…
Irregular Verbs in the Present Tense Part 02 Posted by Adir on Dec 7, 2009
The second kind of irregularity in the present happens by changing the ‘o’ to ‘ue’. Check out the conjugation of the verb contar (to count, to tell). Yo cuento Tú cuentas Él/ella/usted cuenta Nosotros contamos Vosotros contáis Ellos/ellas/ustedes cuentan The same happens with the following verbs: Acordar (to remember) Acostar (to lie down) Almorzar (to…
Irregular Verbs in the Present Tense Part 01 Posted by Adir on Nov 30, 2009
Yeah, I know Spanish verbs are hard to learn but sometimes you just need to follow a pattern and bingo! you get it right. Our first irregular verb pattern is when the root vowel ‘e’ becomes ‘ie’. Check out the verb apretar (to tighten). Yo aprieto Tú aprietas Él / ella / usted aprieta Nosotros…