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In Spanish, 'ser' and 'estar' both mean 'to be,' but they are used differently depending on the context. Use 'ser' for permanent states, like identity or origin, and 'estar' for temporary states, like location or emotion. For example, 'soy estudiante' (I am a student) vs. 'estoy cansado' (I am tired). Here’s a detailed guide with examples.

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To be or to be. That is the question. In this post, we explain the difference between the two Spanish verbs for "to be" - Ser vs Estar. People get confused by these a lot, and there's really no reason to be.

Let's get right to it.

What is the difference between Ser and Estar?

There are two verbs that mean "to be" in Spanish, ser and estar.

Ser is used in a simple way, to talk about WHAT something is (permanent state). To describe characteristics that are an essential part of the thing we're talking about.

Estar is used to talk about HOW something is, so we use it for conditions, locations, emotions, and actions (temporary states).

In a little more detail...

Uses of Ser

More specifically, Ser is used for these situations:

1. The hour, day, and date.

2. Place of origin.

3. Occupation.

4. Nationality.

5. Religious or political affiliation.

6. The material something is made of.

7. Possession.

8. Relationship of one person to another.

9. Where an event is taking place.

10. Essential qualities (what makes this thing, this thing?).

Uses of Estar

On the other hand, Estar is used for:

1. Geographic or physical location.

2. State or condition (like emotions).

3. Many idiomatic expressions.

4. Progressive tenses (-ing).

Ser vs Estar: A Mountain of Examples

Ultimately, the best way to understand the difference between Ser and Estar is to see a TON of example situations and which verb to use.

So we present to you just that: a mountain of detailed examples.

Situation 1: Talking about a person

Being happy is a part of María's personality, so it's a constant, is part of WHAT María is, so we use ser.

One's mood always changes throughout the day, and we experience different emotions in one day, so, we use Estar because we are talking about a condition.

Situation 2: Talking about the location of an event

Here we are referring to where the event is taking place.

Here we are referring to the physical location of the stadium (which sounds permanent, but we use Estar for locations).

Situation 3: Describing a relationship between two people

In this case, we are describing their relationship to each other.

Here, we talk about their marital status, which is a condition or a state.

Situation 4: Describing appearance

I am giving the subject a permanent characteristic.

I am giving the subject a non-permanent characteristic. Maybe she's not usually this pretty :(

Situation 5: Location

I am giving the subject an origin (permanent).

I am giving the subject a current location (non permanent).

Situation 6: Marital status

I am giving the subject a permanent characteristic.

I am giving the subject a non permanent characteristic (hopefully it is though!).

Situation 7: Talking about fruits

Here we give a characteristic of the fruit. It's not green just for a moment, that's part of what it is.

The apple is only temporarily green in this case, because it's not ripe.

Situation 8: Locality and nationality

We are talking about a characteristic, where I am from. The country or nationality.

We are talking about a condition. I am in a place (country) at the current moment.

Situation 9: Food.

We are giving a characteristic to the soup from that restaurant specifically.

We are talking about the state of the soup, which in this case is cold.

Situation 10: Describing people using temperature words.

In this case when you use the verb SER and the adjective COLD the sentence takes a figurative connotation meaning that she has a cold personality, without feelings.

In this case when you use verb ESTAR and the adjective COLD the sentence takes the literal meaning of the word cold related to very low temperature. Her body is cold.

Situation 11: Talking about dead people.

Somebody very dangerous has threatened Santiago's life. He's not actually dead yet but probably he will be soon. In this case you should use SER, and the complement "hombre muerto"

We have learnt that SER is used for permanent situations and ESTAR for transitory situations, that is generally the rule. But rules usually have exceptions and this one of those. Being dead is a permanent state. But the right verb to use is ESTAR. You cannot say "John Lennon es muerto"

Situation 12: Talking about being young.

In this case you use verb SER when you want to say that the person is actually young.

In this case you use ESTAR when you want to say that the person looks younger than his/her age.

Situation 13: Exercises.

This is part of who Renata is as a person, not a temporary state, so we use SER.

ESTAR
Renata is very tired of doing exercises.
Renata está muy cansada de hacer ejercicio.

In this example we are talking about what Renata feels about what she is doing or what she was doing.

Situation 14: Talking about Paula.

In this example we're talking only about Paula's permanent beauty.

In this example we talk about describing in a particular moment in Paula's beauty.

Situation 15: Places.

Edward is from Venezuela, meaning that's a permanent part of who he is.

Edward is in Barcelona right now, but he won't always be. It's not part of him.

Situation 16: To identify a person.

We are asking about a person's profession, when we use Ser, as it's considered a part of who they are.

This is the standard way to ask where someone is (which is temporary).

Situation 17: Permanent or temporary states of an object.

The ice is always cold because if it weren't cold, it wouldn't be ice. Coldness is part of what it is.

In the case of the water it depends if it is on the fridge or under the sun. The state can change, it is temporary.

Situation 18: To describe an object.

This is stating a quality of the seatbelt: that it's important. It's never not important, so this is a characteristic of the seatbelt and thus we use SER.

Here we're talking about where the seatbelt is. We use ESTAR for locations.

Situation 19: Permanent state regarding a profession and a place of work.

We use SER for professions because they are considered a "part of" who the person is.

In this case, we're talking about where the astronaut is at that time.

Situation 20: Talking about a place or a specific characteristic.

Here we are talking about a permanent characteristic of the person, so we use SER.

Again, locations always use SER. You're not always in bed.

Situation 21: Using attributes or adjectives and status

The adjective is used to point out a specific feature about something that makes it unique or stand out from the rest.

Here, we use the verb "estar" to indicate the status of something.

Situation 22: Permanent or temporary state of being.

This is a permanent state of being. Part of someone's personality. It is just the way that person is most of the time.

This is a specific mood for a shorter period of time. It is temporary, so the state of happiness could change anytime.

Situation 23: Watching the soccer game.

We have to use this verb to explain the quality of the team in the sentence.

It's referring to an action that is developing in one place, at a determined time, it's temporary.

Situation 24: The boys are eating.

Here we're explaining what kind of food is it.

Here we're explaining what they are doing. We always use ESTAR for "-ing" situations.

Situation 25: At a party.

We have to use SER to describe what kind party it is.

We have to use ESTAR to describe the moment.

Situation 26: Talking about your mother.

Shows a mom and son or daughter relationship and this relationship won't change in time.

Shows the mood that the mom is right now.

Situation 27: Talking about Javier.

Shows Javier's religious beliefs.

ESTAR is for locations. I hope you've got this by now!

Situation 28: Colombia.

Here we are talking about an un-changing characteristic of Colombia. It's not going to change sizes anytime soon.

Here we are talking about the current state of the country.

Situation 29: The restaurant.

We use SER because is a characteristic of the person.

Here we're referring to an action in progress.

Situation 30: Talking about his girlfriend.

We use SER because is a characteristic of the person. It's something that can't change easily.

We use ESTAR in the second sentence because the situation can change in a moment, it's not something that will be happing forever.
(PS, make sure to read our beginners guide to Ser vs Estar in the past tense here)
Ser vs Estar Practice Quiz

Fill the blanks using correctly SER or ESTAR according to each image:

1.- Antonio ___________ ingeniero.

2.- Ellos _________ en el centro comercial.

3.- Joaquín y Camila ________ corriendo.

4.- El edificio _________ alto.

5.- Brasil ________ grande.

6.- Andrés y Joana _______ novios.

Key
TIP: Click here for free access to our Private Memrise flashcards, where you can train every lesson, including this one. They're the same flashcards our students use! Click here for that.

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Ser vs Estar: The Only Guide You'll Ever Need | BaseLang

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In This Article You Will Learn the Difference Between the Verbs Ser vs Estar. Knowing How to Use Them Correctly is Essential for Every Spanish Speaker.

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Regular verbs in Spanish follow consistent patterns depending on their endings (-ar, -er, -ir). Here’s a conjugation chart to help you understand how to conjugate, for example, 'hablar' (to talk), 'comer' (to eat), and 'vivir' (to live).

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Regular Verb Conjugation Chart: Forms of Regular | Live Lingua

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An easy to use chart of all the conjugations of the Spanish verb Regular use it online, or your mobile device or go old school and print it out to use as a worksheet.

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Here's a list of essential vocabulary for Spanish 2 students. Make sure to review and practice them regularly!

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Reading is crucial for language learning. Use this resource to access short stories and articles in Spanish, along with comprehension questions to test your understanding.

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Short Spanish readings to test comprehension.

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Improve your listening skills with these exercises. They range from beginner to intermediate levels and come with transcripts and questions.

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SPANISH LISTENING PRACTICE: 20 Minutes of Spanish Listening Training for Intermediate/advanced Level

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Practice speaking Spanish with a partner using these conversation starters. They are designed to elicit longer responses and help you think in Spanish.

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Want to know how to create more fluid and authentic Spanish conversations?

The secret ingredient is questions!

Just a few simple Spanish questions can transform your quiet small talk into a flowing conversation.

Don't let your anxiety or nerves stop you from starting that first dialogue.

Intimate conversations create lasting bonds, increased happiness, greater life longevity, and less stress.

Humans are social creatures-we thrive on relationships and connection! It's time to let your socialization needs run free.

Dive into this guide for 50 Spanish questions across a variety of topics, along with excellent tips and tricks for conversing in your second language.

These dialogue examples, question words and answers, and speaking prompts will reshape you into a Spanish conversationalist master!

Table of Contents:

How To Have a Conversation in Spanish

Looking for tips on how to start a conversation in Spanish?

The first conversation you have in Spanish is always the scariest. However, it quickly gets easier with practice!

These 3 conversational tips and tricks will help you feel more comfortable and better prepared for your future Spanish discussions!

1. Take Control of the Conversation

When you're speaking in your second language, there will always be words and phrases that you don't know.

One way to avoid getting too confused is by taking control of the conversation. Steer your conversation companion towards the topics that you are most familiar with. This way, you will be better prepared to answer and understand them.

Once you're feeling comfortable, make the bold choice to discuss a more difficult topic. New topics can be challenging, but they also help you learn tons of new words!

2. Ask Lots of Questions

Conversation is a vocal back and forth dance between people. You can present simple questions to take the lead and guide your dance partner.

They also enable you to learn more about things you don't fully understand.

You can use questions to pause the conversation or clarify something your partner said that you didn't understand. So, stock up on simple past questions so that you can always be prepared.

Questions are powerful-be sure to use them!

3. Watch Body Language

Talking in your non-native tongue is challenging in the beginning.

The speaker across from you might use words you don't know or slang that doesn't translate well.

Making eye contact and watching body language go a long way to smoothing the conversation channels. Hand motions and body gestures are a language in and of themselves!

If your Spanish is failing you, just listen to what their body is saying!

About Spanish Question Words

Some of the most important words in any language are "who," "what," "when," "where," "why," and "how."

These question words enable you to search for answers, direct thoughts, and gain new insights. They are an essential part of any language learner's vocabulary.

Here are some simple ways to use them!

Whether you need to ask for directions or talk about geography, dónde is the word you will need!

Dónde means "where" in Spanish. But, if you add the preposition a in front of the word, then it becomes "to where."

Similarly, the preposition de makes the word become "from where."

Take a look at these example sentences!

Examples

If you want to ask about calendar plans in Spanish, then you need to know the word cuándo!

Cuándo is Spanish for "when." Use cuándo to discover events, holidays, and more!

Keep in mind that you can't use this word to ask for a specific time. If you want to know the exact time in minutes or hours, then you need to use a qué hora (at what time).

Examples

You can say "what" in Spanish using two different words.

More often than not, qué is the correct question word to use.

The only time you need to use cuál is when you are asking about a choice between options. It's sort of like saying "which" in English.

Examples

Use quién to ask about people in Spanish. If you are asking about just one person, then it's quién.

If you need to ask about multiple people, then you have to use quiénes.

Examples

Por qué is an incredibly helpful question word. It let's you understand the purpose and meaning behind something.

Additionally, por qué can transform into porque to become a new word. Por qué translates as "why" but porque means "because!"

Examples

Use cómo to ask "how" in Spanish. Cómo helps you learn how things work and how you can achieve results.

Bear in mind that you can't use cómo to ask "how much" or "how many." For these questions, you need to use the question word cuanto!

Examples

Cuántos is all about numbers!

This question word allows you to ask "how many" or "how much" in Spanish.

Examples

How To Write Questions in Spanish

Questions in Spanish are slightly different from those in English.

One distinct difference with Spanish questions is that they utilize two question marks.

Just like in English, Spanish questions have a normal question mark at the end of the sentence. However, they also have a second upside-down question mark at the beginning!

The two question marks look like this:

It's important to remember that the question marks go only around the question itself. Any connecting words or introductions should be left out!

Here are some examples:

Tú vs Usted

When asking questions in Spanish, you can use either tú or usted. Both of these second person pronouns are a way to say "you" in Spanish.

However, you need to use each one in the proper context!

Usted

Use usted when you want to respond with respect or professionalism. Usted is the better choice when talking with teachers, elders, and strangers.

Tú

Tú, on the other hand, is for conversations between close friends or children. It's very informal and shows a sense of familiarity.

If you aren't sure which pronoun to use, just mimic the one that the other person is using!

To conjugate verbs using usted you drop the "s." If you hear someone add an "s" in a conversation, that means they are speaking to you using tú.

Take a look at the differences in these examples!

How are you?
¿Cómo estás? ¿Cómo está usted?
Who are you?
¿Quién eres tú? ¿Quién es usted?
Spanish-Speaking Prompts

It can be hard to know how to start a conversation in Spanish.

Having some Spanish prompts on hand is an excellent way to assure your impromptu conversation takes place.

These Spanish prompts let you ease into the conversation and ask permission to begin.

Spanish Conversation Topics

There is no shortage of questions to ask people when you are learning a second language. There is a whole new culture for you to discover!

When you first start learning a second language, it can be helpful to have your conversation topics prepared. By knowing and studying your conversation topics ahead of time, your conversational Spanish will flourish!

Here are some beginner Spanish conversation topics that you are sure to come across!

The Weather

Talking about the weather makes for easy small talk. Rain, snow, sleet, or shine, you can discuss the outdoors no matter what the clouds decide!

Study Resources:

Books/Movies/Media

Nothing tells you more about a person than their favorite song, book, or TV show. These works of entertainment provide an insight into their listener's character and values.

Books and TV are strong bonding tools. Find someone who shares the same interests as you to form an instant connection!

Study Resources:

Restaurants/Food

There are delightful desserts and dinners to talk about from all over the globe!

Food is a favorite topic of many since it leaves you feeling full and satisfied. Fill up your brain with some yummy vocabulary so that you never miss out on these appetizing conversations!

Study Resources:

Local Sights/Events/Travel

The Spanish language is spread all over the world. There are lots of new countries and events to explore!

Prepare for your visit abroad with these travel and locational vocabulary terms!

Study Resources:

50 Spanish Questions To Use in Conversation

Now that you know the most common conversation topics in Spanish, it's time to ask questions!

These 50 Spanish questions are sure to enhance your conversational skills. Get ready to converse with native speakers like a pro!

Conversation Starters in Spanish

Sometimes, the hardest part of talking is starting the dialogue. Practicing easy Spanish conversation starters can help take the nerves and anxiety out of striking up a conversation.

Here are some basic Spanish questions to ask someone in nearly any situation!

1. How are you? (¿Cómo estás?)

2. Where are you from? (¿De dónde eres?)

3. What is your name? (¿Cómo te llamas?)

4. I like your shirt! Where did you get it? (Me gusta tu camiseta. ¿Dónde la conseguiste?)

5. How is your day? (¿Cómo va tu día?)

6. What are your plans for this weekend? (¿Qué planes tiene para este fin de semana?)

7. Have you been here before? (¿Has estado aquí antes?)

Example Questions and Answers

How are you?
I am good, thank you.

Where are you from?
I am from the United States.

What are your plans for this weekend?
This weekend, I am going to hang out with my friends.

Get To Know You Questions

The most rewarding part about conversations is creating a lasting human connection.

Socialization is an essential part of a well-rounded lifestyle. Communication and conversation even have cognitive and health benefits!

Discover your new friend's personality, preferences, and perspective with these get to know you questions!

8. Where did you grow up? (¿Dónde creciste?)

9. What is your favorite book/movie? (¿Cuál es tu libro/película favorita?)

10. How old are you? (¿Cuántos años tienes?)

11. What do you like to do for fun? (¿Qué te gusta hacer para divertirte?)

12. What is the most memorable lesson you learned? (¿Cuál es la lección más memorable que ha aprendido?)

13. What is your biggest fear? (¿Cuál es tu mayor temor?)

14. Who is your hero? (¿Quién es tu héroe?)

15. Who is your favorite author? (¿Cuál es tu autor favorito?)

Example Questions and Answers

How old are you?
I am 20 years old.

Where did you grow Up?
I grew up in the city.

What do you like to do for fun?
For fun, I like to read.

Questions About the Weather

Conversing about the weather is a famous small talk tactic. This neutral topic is safe in just about any situation!

16. What's the weather like today? (¿Qué tiempo hace hoy?)

17. What is the temperature? (¿Cuál es la temperatura?)

18. Is it raining? (¿Está lloviendo?)

19. Should I bring a jacket? (¿Debo llevar una chaqueta?)

20. How hot/cold is It? (¿Cuánto calor/frío hace?)

21. What is your favorite season? (¿Cuál es tu estación favorita?)

Example Questions and Answers

What's the weather like today?
It's sunny and hot.

What is your favorite season?
My favorite season is summer.

Is it raining?
No, it's not raining.

What is the temperature?
It is 50 degrees.

Yes or No Questions

Sometimes, a simple "no" or "yes" will suffice!

Cut to the chase with these quick questions that only require one-word answers.

22. Do You Like ___? (¿Te gusta ___?)

23. Do you have pets? (¿Tienes mascotas?)

24. Do you drink coffee? (¿Tomas café?)

Example Questions and Answers

Do you like hiking?
Yes, I like hiking.

Do you drink coffee?
No, I don't drink coffee.

Family Questions

Family members sneak their way into your heart. They grow up with you, take care of you, and spend lots of time with you (sometimes too much!).

Unsurprisingly, you might want to share about your family during the conversation. These household questions enable you to do just that!

25. Do You Have a large or small family? (¿Tienes una familia grande o pequeña?)

26. Do you have any brothers or sisters? (¿Tienes hermanos o hermanas?)

27. What is your favorite family tradition? (¿Cuál es tu tradición familiar favorita?)

Example Questions and Answers

Do you have a large or small family?
I have a small family.

Do you have any brothers or sisters?
I have one sister.

What is your favorite family tradition?
My favorite family tradition is eating together during the holidays.

Discuss Food

Who wouldn't want to talk about their favorite dishes and preferred cuisines?

Eating is something you do every day! Food is a huge part of culture and lifestyle. Food preferences and differences are a fun topic to explore-especially with someone from another country!

Explore new tastes and smells with these delicious questions!

28. Do you like to cook? (¿Te gusta cocinar?)

29. What 's your favorite food? (¿Cuál es tu comida favorita?)

30. Do you have a favorite local restaurant? (¿Tienes un restaurante local favorito?)

31. What 's the craziest thing you've ever eaten? (¿Qué es lo más loco que has comido?)

Example Questions and Answers

Do you like to cook?
I love cooking.

What's your favorite food?
My favorite food is pasta.

Do you have a favorite local restaurant?
My favorite restaurant is Panera.

What's the craziest thing you've ever eaten?
The craziest thing that I have ever eaten is snails.

Asking About Work

Work is a huge part of most people's lives. Naturally, they will have a lot to say about this topic.

Discuss dream jobs, unique careers, and amazing projects with these 5 simple Spanish questions!

32. What is your job? (¿Cuál es tu trabajo?)

33. What is the first thing you do after work? (¿Qué es lo primero que haces después del trabajo?)

34. What 's your dream job? (¿Cuál es el trabajo de tus sueños?)

35. How long have you been at your job? (¿Cuánto tiempo llevas en tu trabajo?)

36. Do you like your job? (¿Te gusta tu trabajo?)

Example Questions and Answers

What is your job?
I am an accountant.

How long have you been at your job?
I have been at my job for three years.

What's your dream job?
My dream job is writing.

Talking About Travel

You don't have to live abroad to talk about travel!

This exciting topic adds spice and wonder to any conversation. It helps you learn more about the world and explore different experiences.

These are very simple Spanish questions that will help you talk about your dream destination!

37. Do you prefer to visit the city or nature? (¿Prefiere visitar la ciudad o la naturaleza?)

38. What countries have you traveled to? (¿A qué países has viajado?)

39. Do you speak any other languages? (¿Hablas otros idiomas?)

40. Do you prefer the beach or mountains? (¿Prefieres la playa o la montaña?)

Example Questions and Answers

Do you prefer to visit the city or nature?
I prefer the city.

Do you speak any other languages?
I speak three languages.

Do you prefer the beach or the mountains?
I prefer the beach.

Funny Questions To Ask in Spanish

Everyone loves a good laugh-even in Spanish!

From Spanish puns to jokes, there are plenty of ways to give your conversation partner the giggles. Here are a few questions in Spanish that are sure to brighten up your day!

41. Do you know any good jokes? (¿Conoces algún chiste bueno?)

42. What 's the craziest thing you've ever done? (¿Qué es lo más loco que has hecho?)

Example Questions and Answers

Do you know any good jokes?
I know lots of jokes.

What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
The craziest thing that I have ever done is scuba diving.

Questions About School

It doesn't matter what country you're from or which language you speak, school is a universal experience!

As a result, school is also an excellent conversation topic.

Whether you're still in high school or on your way to a PhD, there is always something academic that you can discuss.

Here are a few classroom questions to get you started!

43. What are you studying? (¿Qué estás estudiando?)

44. What school/college do you go to? (¿A qué escuela/universidad asistes?)

45. What is your major? (¿Cuál es tu especialidad?)

46. What is your favorite class? (¿Cuál es tu clase favorita?)

Example Questions and Answers

What are you studying?
I am studying engineering.

What is your favorite class?
My favorite class is Spanish.

Hard Spanish Questions

Want to impress a native Spanish speaker with your savvy language skills? Try asking them a hypothetical question!

Hypotheticals let you pose questions that aren't limited by reality or money restraints. They open the door to limitless possibilities!

Hypothetical statements always start with "if," or si in Spanish.

Hypothetical questions sound impressive, but they are actually incredibly easy to create!

All you need is a, imperfect subjunctive verb, and a simple conditional verb.

Just follow this simple formula:

si + imperfect subjunctive verb + conditional verb

For extra conjugation help, check out our gramatical guide: A Simple Intermediate Guide to Subjunctive Conditional Spanish.

47. If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could have only one item, what would it be? (Si te quedaras tirado en una isla desierta y sólo pudieras tener un objeto, ¿cuál sería?)

48. If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would you go? (Si pudieras ir a cualquier lugar de vacaciones, ¿a dónde irías?)

49. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? (Si pudieras vivir en cualquier lugar del mundo, ¿dónde sería?)

50. If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it? (Si tuvieras un millón de dólares, ¿qué harías con él?)

Example Questions and Answers

If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would you go?
If I could go anywhere on vacation, I would go to the Bahamas.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be Spain.

If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?
If I had a million dollars, I would buy a mansion.

Spanish Dialogue Examples

These practice dialogues will help you plan out your next Spanish conversation. Each one shows you how to use one of your new thought-provoking questions in real life!

Watch how the question words appear and notice the flow of the conversation.

It's time for some Spanish conversation with English translation practice!

Spanish Conversation 1

Juan: Hello, my name is Juan.
Juan: What is your name?
Cassandra: Hello, Juan, my name is Cassandra.
Cassandra: Where are you from?
Juan: I am from the U.S.
Juan: And you?
Cassandra: I am from Mexico.

Spanish Conversation 2

Cristina: What do you do?
Erik: I am a teacher.
Erik: And you?
Cristina: I work with animals.
Erik: I love animals.
Erik: Do you have a pet?
Cristina: Yes, two dogs and a cat.

Spanish Conversation 3

Lucía: Where are you going?
Paula: I am going to the Kings' Hotel.
Paula: Where is Rafael Street?
Lucía: La calle Rafael está junto a la biblioteca.
Lucía: Have you been here before?
Paula: No, it is my first time.

Practice Conversations in Spanish With a Free Class

One of the best aspects of knowing a second language is being able to talk with more people. Now that your language toolbelt is full of simple Spanish questions, you're ready to start practicing!

Luckily, there is no shortage of practice partners when it comes to speaking Spanish.

With more than 580 million speakers, Spanish is one of the most popular languages in the world. There are more than 20 countries that speak Spanish. In fact, the United States alone has over 41 million Spanish speakers!

There are loads of other great benefits to being bilingual too! People who speak two languages have better cognition and decision-making abilities, more job opportunities, and increased pay.

There is no better time to begin your language journey. The sooner you start, the quicker you'll be speaking Spanish! The fastest way to achieve fluency is by practicing your conversation skills with a native Spanish-speaking teacher.

Our certified teachers at Homeschool Spanish Academy can help you take your Spanish to the next level. We offer flexible scheduling, affordable pricing, and tailored programs. Each 1-on-1 lesson is custom-tailored to fit your specific needs.

Try a risk-free class today and watch your Spanish skills skyrocket!

Join one of the 40,000 classes that we teach each month and you can experience results like these

Ready to learn more Spanish grammar and vocabulary? Check these out!

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50 Simple Spanish Questions To Ask in a Conversation (and How To Answer)

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Want to know how to create more fluid and authentic Spanish conversations? The secret ingredient is questions! Just a few simple Spanish questions can transform your quiet small talk into a flowing conversation. Don't let your anxiety or nerves stop you from starting that first dialogue.

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Writing in Spanish daily can greatly improve your skills. Here are some creative journal prompts to get you started.

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Enjoy these FREE 60 writing prompts in SPANISH!!! These are perfect for journals, writing center, and more! Please leave feedback if you enjoy these writing prompts! FOLLOW ME for freebies and updates. ~~Check out SPANISH Word Work SETS~~ Set #1Set #2Set #3Set #4Need an Interactive Grammar Notebo...

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Watching TV shows in Spanish can be both fun and educational. Check out this list of TV shows for Spanish learners.

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My classroom is a place where students build real-world communication skills, explore the richness of Hispanic cultures, and gain confidence using Spanish in meaningful ways. I use an interactive and student-centered approach, aligned with current curriculum standards and best practices in world language education.

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Who am I?

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and I am deeply passionate about traveling the world, discovering new cultures, and learning new languages. This is my seventh-year teaching both Spanish I and Spanish II at the high school level.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Puerto Rico and advanced studies in Verbal Expression and Performance for Television and Film in Mexico City. I also earned a Georgia Teaching Certification and went to Graduate School of Clinical Psychology in Puerto Rico.

I hold a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction, with a concentration in Secondary Education – Spanish from Augusta University. I am a certified Gifted Education Specialist and Modern Language Arts educator. I am an active member of The National Society of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi) and certified in Social and Behavioral Human Research.

As a bilingual professional (English-Spanish), I bring strong communication skills and cultural sensitivity to diverse educational environments.

✉ Mrs. Southerland email

Contact your Teacher Email: marianne.southerland@ccboe.net

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01065 Spanish Lesson - Present Tense - E-IE Stem-changing verbs

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Spanish Present Tense: Regular -AR -ER -IR verb conjugation

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Spanish verbs use stems and endings for their various conjugations. In regular verbs, the stems don't change, and the endings change based on the personal pronoun you're using (I, you, we, etc.). Irregular verbs don't follow the same ending patterns, and their stems sometimes change when endings are added. That makes conjugating irregular verbs a little more complicated.

While English verbs don't use stems or endings like Spanish verbs do, the English language has regular and irregular verbs. English verbs are considered regular when their past tense ends in "-ed."

For example, the verb "play" is "played," just like "tone" is "toned." Irregular English verbs don't have past tense forms ending in "-ed." For example, "swim" isn't "swimmed," it's "swam," and "freeze" isn't "freezed" but rather "froze."

Verb conjugation can be tricky with Spanish irregular verbs. In this post, we'll go over basic Spanish grammar and conjugation, as well as how to handle some common irregular verbs when you are learning Spanish .

Keep reading to learn more or discover online Spanish classes on Preply.

Regular Spanish verbs and their conjugations

Before looking at common irregular verbs, it's important to recap regular Spanish verbs and how they are conjugated. In Spanish, there are three categories or classes of verb endings for infinitive verbs: -ar, -er and -ir. These are for the verb's infinitive form, phrases with the word "to" in front of them. For example, "pensar" means "to think," "tener" means "to have" and "dormir" means "to sleep."

Some verbs ending in -ar, -er, and -ir are regular and some are irregular. A regular verb follows the conjugation chart shown below. Irregular verbs, on the other hand, have different endings and/or stem changes.

With regular Spanish verbs, the verb ending indicates which conjugation pattern to use. How you conjugate the verb will vary depending on the subject of the sentence. The endings of each verb form also change based on what tense you're using.

What makes a regular Spanish verb regular is that it's conjugated using the same definitive endings, swapping out the -ar, -er or -ir ending based on the pronoun. The chart below shows how to conjugate each type of verb in present tense.

As shown in the chart, regular verbs keep the same stem - only the ending changes, following a pattern based on the pronoun used.

For example, if you want to write "I love," you would use the verb "amor" (meaning "to love") and the pronoun "yo." The verb ending for that pronoun, and for a regular -ar verb, is "-o," so "I love" would be "Yo amo."

The most common irregular Spanish verbs

Here are some of the most common irregular verbs in Spanish. Though there are many ways to conjugate verbs in a language depending on the context, in this post, we'll go over conjugating these verbs in present tense, past tense (also called preterite) and future tense. We're also excluding the "vosotros" forms of these verbs, because that form is only used in Spain. In Latin America, they use "ustedes" to mean "you" (plural).

On the whole, what makes these verbs irregular is that they don't follow a set conjugation pattern to form all their tenses.

1. Ser - to be

The verb is a form of "to be" that refers to a non-changing state of something, like who or what you are. For example, if you're a tall person, you'd say, "Yo soy alto" (meaning "I am tall"), because your height doesn't change.

"Ser" uses different stems in its present and past tenses, but follows a regular conjugation pattern in future tense.

2. Haber - to have

In addition to being an irregular verb, "haber" is atypical because it's also an auxiliary verb. That means that it's used to form compound verb phrases. It's placed before the main verb in a phrase to set the main verb's tense. For example, "He estado," a phrase containing "haber" and a form of "estar," means "I have been."

Because it's an auxiliary verb, "haber" isn't typically used in the past tense or preterite, so that conjugation is included only for reference.

In the conjugation "hay," it's also used to mean "there is" or "there are."

3. Estar - to be

The verb "estar" also means "to be," but, unlike "ser" which refers to something permanent, "estar" refers to what something does, or a temporary state of being. For example, if you have a cold, you'd say, "Estoy enfermo" (meaning "I am sick"), because you're only sick for the time being.

4. Pensar - to think

While the verb "pensar" mainly means "to think," it also refers to making plans, holding beliefs, and intending to do something, especially when used in compound phrases with other verbs. In addition to being an irregular verb, "pensar" is also an example of a stem-changing verb, like many other irregular verbs on our list (more on that later).

5. Tener - to have

The verb "tener" mainly means "to have," but, depending on what word it's paired with, it can also mean "to be." For example, "tener calor" means "to be hot." When "tener" is paired with the word "que," it means "to have to do" something, as in "Tienes que hacerlo" (meaning "You have to do it"). Its conjugations are irregular in every tense below.

6. Poder - to be able to

The verb "poder" means that you can or are able to do something. It's often paired with an infinitive, or a verb that isn't conjugated. For example, "Puedo hacerlo" means "I am able to do it." It's irregular in its present and past tenses.

7. Poner - to put

The verb "poner" means "to put," usually referring to an object. It's irregular in all three tenses listed below.

8. Ir - to go

One of the most commonly used verbs in Spanish, "ir" means "to go," as in to go to a place. For example, if you and your friends are going to the pool, you would say, "Nosotros vamos a la piscina." It's irregular in its present and preterite forms. It has the same past tense conjugations as the verb "ser."

9. Saber - to know

The verb "saber" means "to know," referring specifically to information, like facts or how to do something. To talk about people, places, or things you know, you'd use the verb "conocer." "Saber" is irregular in its present and past tenses.

10. Dar - to give

The verb "dar" means "to give." If you gave your friend a present, you could say, "Le di un regalo." It's irregular in its present and past tenses.

11. Dormir - to sleep

The verb "dormir" means "to sleep." It's irregular in both present and past tense. If you stayed up all night and slept all day, you might say to a friend, "¡Dormí todo el día!"

12. Hacer - to make, to do

The verb "hacer" means "to make" or "to do," depending on the context. For example, "Yo hago mi tarea" means "I do my homework," while "Mis padres hacen paella" translates to "My parents make paella." It's irregular in all three tenses.

13. Decir - to say, to tell

The verb "decir" means "to say" or "to tell," referring to what someone says to you or what you say to them. It's irregular in all three tenses.

14. Querer - to want, to love

The verb "querer" primarily means "to want," though it can also mean "to love." It's a transitive verb, meaning it's usually attached to one object, though a sentence with "querer" can be complete without the object being mentioned.

For example, it's common in Spanish for someone to say "Quiero" to mean "I want it," without necessarily saying "it" or specifying what "it" is. It's irregular in its present and preterite forms.

Stem-changing Spanish irregular verbs

Some verbs on the list above are stem-changing verbs. That means that, in order to conjugate the verb, you have to add or change the vowels in the stem. Stem changes can occur with verbs of -ar, -er and -ir verb endings, usually to make the verb present tense.

The stem change usually applies to all pronouns except the "nosotros" form of the verb, which is conjugated like a regular verb. There are five types of stem-changing verbs in the simple present tense. We'll go over examples of each below.

"e" changes to "ie"

For these stem-changing verbs, the "e" in the stem is dropped and replaced with an "ie." This is the most common type of stem change, affecting the largest number of Spanish verbs. One example is "venir," the verb "to come."

"o" to "ue"

For this type of stem change, the "o" in the stem is replaced with a "ue." An example of this is the verb "poder," meaning "to be able."

"e" to "i"

This stem change drops the "e" and replaces it with an "i," but only applies to -ir verbs. An example is the verb "medir," meaning "to measure."

"i" to "ie"

This stem change only happens in two verbs: "adquirir," meaning "to buy" or "to acquire," and "inquirir," meaning "to inquire" or "to question." To conjugate these, drop the "i" in the stem and replace it with "ie" in all forms except "nosotros." For example, here's how to conjugate "inquirir."

"u" to "ue"

Only one Spanish verb follows this pattern - "jugar," meaning "to play." For this verb, substitute "ue" for "u" in all forms except for "nosotros." Here's how to conjugate "jugar."

Irregular "yo" form Spanish verbs

Many irregular Spanish verbs have irregular "yo" forms. Some verbs are only irregular in the "yo" form in their present tense conjugation. When a verb has an irregular "yo" form, it means that the ending for the first-person singular form changes to something other than the regular conjugation pattern in the present tense.

An example of a verb with an irregular "yo" form is "dar," the verb "to give." "Dar" is an -ar verb. A regular -ar verb would have an "-o" ending in its "yo" form. Instead, the "yo" form of "dar" is "doy." The other present tense conjugations of "dar" follow the regular pattern for -ar verbs.

Practice irregular Spanish verbs

One of the best ways to see how well you grasp something is to put it into practice. So, ready to test yourself on what you learned?

Here are 15 sentences using the verbs we went over above. Try filling in each blank with the correct form of the correct irregular verb.

1. "Yo ____ feliz." - "I am happy." (Answer: ʎoʇsǝ)

2. "¿Qué ____?" - "What do you think?" (Answer: sɐsuǝᴉd)

3. "____ hambre." - "I am hungry." (Answer: oƃuǝʇ)

4. "¿Qué ____ él?" - "What did he say?" (Answer: oɾᴉp)

5. "____ al cine." - "I am going to the movies." (Answer: ʎoΛ)

6. "Ella se ____ ido." - "She will be gone." (Answer: ɐ̗ɹqɐɥ)

7. "Nosotros ____ todo el día." - "We slept all day." (Answer: soɯᴉɯɹop)

8. "Ella ____ un pastel." - "She made a cake." (Answer: ozᴉɥ)

9. "No ____ cómo hacer eso." - "I don't know how to do that." (Answer: ǝ̗s)

10. "Ellos ____ una fiesta." - "They want a party." (Answer: uǝɹǝᴉnb)

11. "____lo en la mesa." - "Put it on the table." (Answer: uoԀ)

12. "Juan ____ mi jefe." - "Juan is my boss." (Answer: sǝ )

13. "¿____ ir a la fiesta?" - "Can you go to the party?" (Answer: sɐ̗ɹpoԀ)

14. "_____ a visitarte." - "I will come to visit you." (Answer: ǝ̗ɹpuǝɅ)

15. "Me ____ un gran regalo." - "You gave me a great gift." (Answer: ǝʇsᴉp)

Learning a new language can be challenging, but it's exciting too, and opens you up to a whole new world of possibilities. Understanding irregular verbs and learning how to use them in conversation is essential if you want to take your Spanish to the next level.

If you want to converse with a native Spanish speaker, book a lesson with a Spanish tutor on Preply. There are tutors available for learners at all levels, and you can take lessons at a time and price that suits you. Take your first lesson today and you won't look back.

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Irregular Spanish Verbs & Their Conjugation Charts

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In this post, we'll go over basic Spanish grammar and conjugation, as well as how to handle some common irregular verbs.

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My classroom is a place where students build real-world communication skills, explore the richness of Hispanic cultures, and gain confidence using Spanish in meaningful ways. I use an interactive and student-centered approach, aligned with current curriculum standards and best practices in world language education.

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During the summer you can practice at home too!

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During the summer you can practice at home too!

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Learning to speak Spanish? Check out our free Spanish lessons and our children's stories in Spanish (Good for adults too!) We've also got reviews of Spanish courses if you're ready to get serious. Enjoy!

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Spanish Children's Stories & Free Spanish Lessons: The Spanish Experiment

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Tools for learning Spanish online. Children's stories translated into Spanish, free Spanish lessons, and course reviews. Great for beginner to intermediate learners.

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Quizizz — The world’s most engaging learning platform

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Find and create gamified quizzes, lessons, presentations, and flashcards for students, employees, and everyone else. Get started for free!

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Join an activity with your class and find or create your own quizzes and flashcards.