Grammar Tips: Stem Changing Verbs

Grammar Tips: Stem Changing Verbs

 te quieroA number of verbs in the Spanish language undergo a stem change in the present tense form. There are three categories of stem changing verbs and dozens of verbs in each of the three categories. These verbs must be memorized individually. Below are examples of each.

1. dormir-to sleep (o-ue)

duermo                  dormimos*                  *note: ‘nosotros’ is not changed

duermes                  x

duerme                  duermen

Other verbs that have the same change include:

volver -to return, encontrar-to find, poder-to be able to, recordar- to remember

*There is one unique verb in the Spanish language ‘jugar’ which means to play games and sports. This is the only verb which undergoes a u-ue stem change. For example, Yo juego al golf.

2. querer-to want, to like, to love (e-ie)

quiero                           queremos

quieres                          x

quiere                           quieren

Other verbs that have the same change include:

pensar (en) -to think (about), comenzar (a)-to begin (to) , cerrar- to close, entender- to understand

3. pedir-to ask for, to request (e-i)

pido                           pedimos

pides                           x

pide                           piden

Other verbs that have the same change include:

servir-to serve, repetir-to repeat

 

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