3.8. Irregular Verbs in Spanish: Most Common Irregular Verbs in Spanish

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Irregular verbs in Spanish, as in any other language, are those that do not follow the regular conjugation. They have radical or ending changes when conjugated. In this chapter of our e-book, we're going to cover the most common irregular verbs in Spanish, which are essential to reach an intermediate level of fluency in the language.

1. BE

The verb "to be" is one of the most used and also one of the most irregular verbs in Spanish. It is used to describe permanent characteristics, origins, occupations, and so on. See its conjugation in the present tense:

• I am
• You are
• Él/Ella/Usted es
• We are
• You are yours
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes son

2. IR

The verb "ir" means "to go" in Portuguese and is also very irregular. It is used to express movement, intention to do something in the future, among others. See its conjugation in the present tense:

• Yo voy
• You go
• Él/Ella/Usted va
• Let's go
• Vosotros vais
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes van

3. TENER

The verb "tener" means "to have" in Portuguese. It is used to express possession, age, need, among others. Note that in addition to changing the root (ten- to tien-), this verb also has a change in the first person singular (yo tengo). See its conjugation in the present tense:

• I have it
• You have
• Él/Ella/Usted tiene
• Nosotros tenemos
• Your tenels
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes tienen

4. HACER

The verb "hacer" means "to do" in Portuguese. It is used to express the performance of an action. Note that this verb has a stem change (hac- to hag-). See its conjugation in the present tense:

• I love you
• You do
• Él/Ella/Usted hace
• Nosotros hacemos
• Vosotros hacéis
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes hacen

5. DECIDE

The verb "decir" means "to say" in Portuguese. It is used to express verbal communication. Note that this verb has a stem change (dec- to dig-). See its conjugation in the present tense:

• I say
• You say
• Él/Ella/Usted dice
• Our tenths
• Vosotros decís
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes dicen

These are just a few examples of the most common irregular verbs in Spanish. It is important to remember that, despite the irregularities, many of these verbs follow patterns of change in the stem or in the endings. Therefore, by learning an irregular verb, it is possible that you will be able to predict the conjugation of other verbs with similar irregularities.

Learning irregular verbs can seem challenging at first, but with practice and repetition, you'll be able to master them. Remember, the key to learning a language is constant exposure and regular practice. So, try to use these verbs in your daily conversations, write sentences with them, listen to songs and watch movies in Spanish. You will see that, little by little, they will become part of your active vocabulary.

We hope this chapter has been helpful to you. Keep studying and good luck on your Spanish learning journey!

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393.9. Irregular Verbs in Spanish: Exercises with Irregular Verbs