My Language Classes

Preterite Tense (Pretérito Indefinido) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Imperfect Tense (Pretérito Imperfecto) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Future Simple Tense in Spanish | My Language Classes

Spanish Conditional Tense (Condicional Simple) | My Language Classes

Present Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto de Indicativo) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Present Subjunctive (Presente de Subjuntivo) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Expressions and Idioms with the Verb “Tener” in Spanish | My Language Classes

Expressions, Idioms, and Proverbs with the Verb Hacer | My Language Classes

Expressions, Idioms, and Proverbs with the Verb ‘Haber’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

Ir a + Infinitive: Expressing Near Future in Spanish | My Language Classes

Mastering Deber, Poder and Querer in Spanish | My Language Classes

Comparative and Superlative Forms of Adjectives in Spanish | My Language Classes

Possessive Adjectives in Spanish | My Language Classes

Adverbs of Quantity in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use Spanish Prepositions | My Language Classes

Everything You Need to Know About POR in Spanish | My Language Classes

Everything You Need to Know About PARA in Spanish | My Language Classes

Coordinating Conjunctions in Spanish: y, o, pero, sino, and Others | My Language Classes

Subordinating Conjunctions in Spanish: porque, que, cuando, aunque, and Others | My Language Classes

Questions with Interrogative Words in Spanish | My Language Classes

Time Expressions in Spanish: Hace + Time + Que, Desde, Desde Hace, and More | My Language Classes

Idiomatic Phrases Using Tener, Estar, and Hacer in Spanish | My Language Classes

Use of Infinitive After Prepositions in Spanish | My Language Classes

Correct Use of Accent Marks in Written Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

Understanding ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’ | My Language Classes

Understanding the Passive Voice in Spanish | My Language Classes

June 9, 2025

How to Use ‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’

Expressing Wishes and Possibilities in Spanish

Have you ever wondered how to express hope, possibility, or uncertainty in Spanish with native-like fluency? Words like “ojalá,” “quizás,” and “tal vez” might seem small, but they are powerful tools for expressing what might, could, or hopefully will happen. These magical words can change the tone of a sentence, shift it from fact to feeling, and show your inner thoughts and wishes in Spanish—just like native speakers do.

In this blog, you’ll learn how to use “ojalá”, “quizás”, and “tal vez” in Spanish the right way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your fluency, this guide will help you speak more naturally, understand native conversations, and express your hopes and possibilities in daily life. We’ll break everything down in a simple, friendly tone, filled with examples, grammar rules, tips, and exercises—all crafted with global learners like you in mind.

These expressions aren’t just important—they’re essential. Mastering them will help you:

Share what you hope will happen.
Talk about things that might be true.
Sound more fluent and natural in Spanish conversations.

Ready to dive in? Let’s start by understanding what these words really mean.

What Is ‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’ in Spanish? Explanation and Overview

When learning Spanish, it’s important to go beyond just vocabulary and verbs. Some words carry deep meaning and emotion. Three of the most commonly used words to express hope, possibility, and uncertainty are:

Ojalá
Quizás
Tal vez

These words are used every day by native speakers to express ideas like “I hope it rains,” or “Maybe she’s home,” or “Perhaps we’ll go tomorrow.” They don’t just add variety to your language—they make your Spanish feel alive and real.

Let’s take a closer look at what each of them means and how they work:

1. Ojalá – Expressing Wishes and Hopes

Ojalá comes from Arabic and means “I hope” or “Let’s hope.” It’s often used when you really wish for something to happen, but you’re not sure if it will. It’s full of emotion and desire.

Think of it as saying: “Hopefully,” “If only,” or “God willing.”
Often used with the subjunctive mood, especially when talking about the future or things that are uncertain.

📌 Example:
Ojalá llueva mañana. – I hope it rains tomorrow.

2. Quizás – Expressing Possibility or Uncertainty

Quizás means “maybe” or “perhaps.” It’s used when something might happen or could be true, but you’re unsure. It introduces doubt or possibility into a sentence.

Can be followed by either the indicative or subjunctive mood, depending on how certain or uncertain the speaker feels.

📌 Example:
Quizás ella está en casa. – Maybe she’s at home.
Quizás ella esté en casa. – Perhaps she’s at home. (less certain)

3. Tal vez – Another Way to Say “Maybe”

Tal vez is very similar to quizás and also means “maybe” or “perhaps.” It’s often used in the same way and in similar situations. In fact, in many sentences, you can swap quizás and tal vez without changing the meaning.

Like quizás, it can be followed by either the indicative or the subjunctive mood.

📌 Example:
Tal vez vamos al cine. – Maybe we’re going to the movies.
Tal vez vayamos al cine. – Maybe we’ll go to the movies. (less certain)

Quick Comparison

Word	English Meaning	Mood Usually Used	Function
Ojalá	I hope / Hopefully	Subjunctive	Strong wish or hope
Quizás	Maybe / Perhaps	Indicative or Subjunctive	Possibility or doubt
Tal vez	Maybe / Perhaps	Indicative or Subjunctive	Possibility or doubt

These three little words can open up a whole new way of expressing yourself in Spanish. They show that you’re not just translating from English—you’re thinking in Spanish.

Everyday Sentences Using ‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’: 10 Common Examples

Let’s bring these words to life with real, everyday Spanish sentences. Seeing them in action will help you understand when and how to use ojalá, quizás, and tal vez naturally. These examples are simple, clear, and commonly heard in daily conversation.

Each example includes the Spanish sentence, English translation, and the verb mood used (subjunctive or indicative).

🟡 Using “Ojalá” – Expressing Hope

Ojalá no llueva mañana.
I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow.
→ (Subjunctive – “llueva”)
Ojalá pueda visitarte pronto.
I hope I can visit you soon.
→ (Subjunctive – “pueda”)
Ojalá que ganemos el partido.
Hopefully, we win the game.
→ (Subjunctive – “ganemos”)
Ojalá hubiera estudiado más.
If only I had studied more.
→ (Past subjunctive – “hubiera estudiado”)

🟡 Using “Quizás” – Expressing Possibility

Quizás ellos tienen razón.
Maybe they are right.
→ (Indicative – “tienen”; speaker feels it’s likely)
Quizás no lleguemos a tiempo.
Maybe we won’t arrive on time.
→ (Subjunctive – “lleguemos”; speaker is unsure)
Quizás esté enfermo.
Maybe he is sick.
→ (Subjunctive – “esté”; possibility, not certainty)

🟡 Using “Tal vez” – Expressing Uncertainty

Tal vez vamos a la playa hoy.
Maybe we’re going to the beach today.
→ (Indicative – “vamos”; speaker sees it as likely)
Tal vez ella no sepa la verdad.
Maybe she doesn’t know the truth.
→ (Subjunctive – “sepa”; speaker is unsure)
Tal vez cambie de opinión.
Maybe he’ll change his mind.
→ (Subjunctive – “cambie”; hypothetical situation)

📝 Tip:

If the speaker believes something is likely or factual, use the indicative mood.
If it feels uncertain, doubtful, or hypothetical, use the subjunctive mood.

When to Use ‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’: All the Key Situations

Understanding when to use ojalá, quizás, and tal vez is key to sounding fluent and natural in Spanish. These expressions are often used in different types of sentences based on intention, feeling, and uncertainty. Let’s break it down by situation.

🟡 When to Use “Ojalá”

Use ojalá when you want to:

Express a wish or hope about something in the future
👉 Ojalá venga mañana.
(I hope he comes tomorrow.)
Wish for something unlikely or impossible
👉 Ojalá pudiera volar.
(If only I could fly.)
Talk about something you regret or wish had happened differently
👉 Ojalá no hubiera dicho eso.
(I wish I hadn’t said that.)
Say you hope something continues or stays true
👉 Ojalá siempre estemos juntos.
(I hope we’re always together.)

📌 Note: “Ojalá” is always followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood.

🟡 When to Use “Quizás”

Use quizás when you want to:

Say something is possible but not certain
👉 Quizás ella sabe la respuesta.
(Maybe she knows the answer.)
Show doubt or hesitation
👉 Quizás no funcione ese plan.
(Maybe that plan won’t work.)
Express a guess or assumption
👉 Quizás está ocupado.
(Maybe he’s busy.)
Talk about future uncertainty
👉 Quizás lleguen tarde.
(Maybe they’ll arrive late.)

📌 Grammar Tip:

Use the indicative when the speaker believes the action is likely.
Use the subjunctive when there’s doubt or low certainty.

🟡 When to Use “Tal vez”

Use tal vez in similar ways to “quizás”:

Express uncertainty or a soft suggestion
👉 Tal vez deberías descansar.
(Maybe you should rest.)
Guess what someone might be doing or thinking
👉 Tal vez está en casa.
(Maybe she’s at home.)
Indicate possible future action
👉 Tal vez vayamos al parque.
(Maybe we’ll go to the park.)
Talk about possible past situations
👉 Tal vez se olvidó de llamar.
(Maybe he forgot to call.)

📌 Grammar Tip:

Like “quizás,” it works with either indicative or subjunctive depending on how sure or unsure you are.

🧠 Quick Recap: Key Usage Situations

Expression	Use it when you want to…	Mood Used
Ojalá	Express hope, wishes, or regrets	Always subjunctive
Quizás	Show doubt, possibility, or mild certainty	Indicative/Subjunctive
Tal vez	Express possibility, uncertainty, soft ideas	Indicative/Subjunctive

Conjugation Rules for ‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’

When you use ojalá, quizás, or tal vez, the verb that follows is often in the subjunctive mood—but not always! Knowing which verb form to use depends on the level of certainty or wishfulness you’re expressing. This section will guide you through the most common conjugation patterns for these expressions.

🟡 Ojalá + Subjunctive (Always)

Whenever you use ojalá, the verb that follows must always be in the subjunctive mood, no matter the tense.

🔹 Present Subjunctive (for future hope)

Ojalá tú vengas temprano.
(I hope you come early.)

Conjugation pattern:
Present tense root + subjunctive ending

Hablar → hable, hables, hable…
Comer → coma, comas, coma…
Vivir → viva, vivas, viva…

🔹 Imperfect Subjunctive (for unreal or unlikely wishes)

Ojalá tuviera más tiempo.
(I wish I had more time.)

Conjugation pattern:
Third person plural preterite form → drop -ron → add -ra/-se endings

Tener → tuviera / tuviese
Ser → fuera / fuese

🔹 Past Perfect Subjunctive (for regrets about the past)

Ojalá no hubiera dicho eso.
(I wish I hadn’t said that.)

Conjugation pattern:
Ojalá + hubiera + past participle

Hacer → hubiera hecho
Ver → hubiera visto

🟡 Quizás and Tal vez + Indicative OR Subjunctive

These two expressions are more flexible. The verb form depends on how certain or uncertain the speaker is.

🔹 Use Indicative when the speaker is more certain or confident

Tal vez ella viene mañana.
(Maybe she’s coming tomorrow.)
Quizás tienen razón.
(Maybe they are right.)

Conjugation: Use regular present or past indicative forms.

🔹 Use Subjunctive when the speaker is uncertain or doubtful

Quizás llueva más tarde.
(Maybe it’ll rain later.)
Tal vez no sepa la respuesta.
(Maybe he doesn’t know the answer.)

Conjugation pattern:
Follow the present subjunctive form

Llover → llueva
Saber → sepa

🔁 Quick Conjugation Guide

Expression	Mood Required	Examples
Ojalá	Always subjunctive	Ojalá gane, Ojalá tuviera, Ojalá hubiera ido
Quizás	Indicative (likely) / Subjunctive (uncertain)	Quizás viene / Quizás venga
Tal vez	Indicative (likely) / Subjunctive (uncertain)	Tal vez está / Tal vez esté

✨ Helpful Tips

When in doubt, subjunctive is the safer choice with all three.
The tense of the subjunctive (present, imperfect, past perfect) reflects the time and degree of reality of the action.
“Ojalá que” and “ojalá” mean the same thing—“que” is optional and does not change the verb form.

‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’ Grammar Rules You Need to Know

These three expressions — ojalá, quizás, and tal vez — are all about expressing hope, doubt, and possibility in Spanish. But they follow very specific grammar rules. Learning these rules will help you avoid common mistakes and use each word naturally and confidently in real-life conversations.

Let’s break down the must-know grammar rules for each one.

🟡 Grammar Rules for “Ojalá”

✅ Always followed by the subjunctive mood
- Ojalá tenga suerte.
  (I hope I have good luck.)
✅ Can express present, future, or past feelings
- Ojalá gane el premio. (present/future)
- Ojalá hubiera estudiado más. (past regret)
✅ “Que” is optional
- Ojalá que llegues temprano. = Ojalá llegues temprano.
❌ Never followed by the indicative mood
- Incorrect: Ojalá vienes mañana.
- Correct: Ojalá vengas mañana.
✅ Can be used alone for emphasis
- ¡Ojalá! (as in “Let’s hope so!”)

🟡 Grammar Rules for “Quizás”

✅ Can be followed by either the indicative or subjunctive mood
- Use indicative when the speaker is confident
  ➤ Quizás ella viene pronto.
- Use subjunctive when there’s doubt
  ➤ Quizás ella venga pronto.
✅ No need for “que”
- Never say: Quizás que ella venga ❌
✅ Use with all tenses depending on the context
- Quizás fue un error. (past)
- Quizás esté enfermo. (present subjunctive)
✅ Comes before or after the subject/verb
- Quizás él tenga razón.
- Él quizás tenga razón.
  (Both are correct and natural)

🟡 Grammar Rules for “Tal vez”

✅ Also works with indicative or subjunctive
- Certainty → Indicative: Tal vez están en casa.
- Uncertainty → Subjunctive: Tal vez estén en casa.
✅ No “que” is needed
- Correct: Tal vez lleguen tarde.
- Incorrect: Tal vez que lleguen tarde.
✅ Can be used in the past, present, or future
- Tal vez dijo eso sin pensar.
- Tal vez diga eso otra vez.
✅ Same word order flexibility as “quizás”
- Tal vez lo sepa ella.
- Ella tal vez lo sepa.

📚 Grammar Summary Table

Expression	Subjunctive?	Indicative?	Can use “que”?	Mood Depends On…
Ojalá	✅ Always	❌ Never	Optional	Time & wish intensity
Quizás	✅ Sometimes	✅ Sometimes	❌ Never	Level of certainty
Tal vez	✅ Sometimes	✅ Sometimes	❌ Never	Speaker’s perception

🧠 Bonus Rule: Tone and Emotion Matter

The verb mood doesn’t just follow grammar—it follows your intention:

Are you hoping? Use ojalá + subjunctive.
Are you guessing but pretty sure? Use quizás/tal vez + indicative.
Are you unsure or expressing possibility? Use quizás/tal vez + subjunctive.

Important Tips for Using ‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’ Correctly

Using ojalá, quizás, and tal vez in Spanish can feel simple at first, but small mistakes can make your sentence sound unnatural or confusing. This section gives you the top usage tips to help you sound fluent and clear, whether you’re speaking or writing in Spanish.

Let’s explore how to use these expressions like a native speaker!

✅ Tip 1: Choose the Right Verb Mood Based on Certainty

More certain? Use the indicative.
Less certain or hypothetical? Use the subjunctive.

Example:

Tal vez viene mañana. (You think it’s likely.)
Tal vez venga mañana. (You’re unsure.)

✅ Tip 2: “Ojalá” Always Needs the Subjunctive

Never use ojalá with the indicative. Whether it’s hope for the present, future, or past, the verb must be in some form of the subjunctive.

Example:

Ojalá me llame hoy.
Ojalá me hubiera llamado ayer.

✅ Tip 3: Avoid Adding “Que” to ‘Quizás’ or ‘Tal vez’

Unlike ojalá, the other two expressions never take que.

❌ Quizás que ella venga
✅ Quizás ella venga

❌ Tal vez que él estudie
✅ Tal vez él estudie

✅ Tip 4: Don’t Be Afraid of the Subjunctive

Many learners avoid the subjunctive because it feels complex. But these expressions are the perfect way to practice real-life subjunctive usage naturally. They’re short, flexible, and used all the time.

✅ Tip 5: Remember You Can Skip the Subject

In casual or poetic speech, Spanish often drops the subject after these words.

Example:

Quizás llueva más tarde. (Instead of quizás él llueva…)
Ojalá funcione esto. (Instead of ojalá esto funcione)

✅ Tip 6: These Words Work in Formal and Informal Settings

You can use these expressions:

In emails: Quizás podamos reunirnos mañana.
In conversation: Ojalá no llueva.
In stories: Tal vez el príncipe nunca llegó…

They’re versatile and natural in all registers.

✅ Tip 7: You Can Combine Them for Emphasis

Native speakers sometimes double up for effect:

Quizás, tal vez, nunca lo sabremos.
(Maybe, just maybe, we’ll never know.)

Use sparingly for style or drama, especially in storytelling or creative writing.

✅ Tip 8: Use These Expressions to Soften Your Opinions

If you want to be polite, these phrases help you sound less direct or harsh.

Example:

Tal vez no sea una buena idea.
(Maybe it’s not such a good idea.) – softer than directly saying No es buena idea.

Common Mistakes with ‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’ and How to Fix Them

Even advanced Spanish learners sometimes make mistakes with ojalá, quizás, and tal vez. These words might look easy, but they come with hidden grammar rules that are easy to overlook. Let’s go over the most common errors — and how to fix them so you sound natural and confident every time.

❌ Mistake 1: Using the Indicative Mood with “Ojalá”

Wrong:
Ojalá tengo suerte.
(This uses the indicative “tengo” instead of the required subjunctive.)

Right:
Ojalá tenga suerte.
(“Tenga” is the present subjunctive of “tener.”)

✅ Fix: Always use the subjunctive after “ojalá.”

❌ Mistake 2: Adding “Que” After “Quizás” or “Tal vez”

Wrong:
Quizás que él venga más tarde.
Tal vez que ella se vaya temprano.

Right:
Quizás él venga más tarde.
Tal vez ella se vaya temprano.

✅ Fix: Don’t ever use “que” after quizás or tal vez.

❌ Mistake 3: Not Matching the Mood with Certainty

Wrong:
Quizás él vendrá mañana.
(Using future indicative when the situation is doubtful.)

Right:
Quizás él venga mañana.
(Using present subjunctive shows uncertainty.)

✅ Fix: Use indicative for high certainty, subjunctive for doubt or speculation.

❌ Mistake 4: Confusing Past and Present Subjunctive Forms

Wrong:
Ojalá él vino.
(“Vino” is past indicative, which doesn’t work with “ojalá.”)

Right:
Ojalá él hubiera venido.
(This correctly uses the past perfect subjunctive.)

✅ Fix: Use past subjunctive or past perfect subjunctive for regrets or wishes about the past.

❌ Mistake 5: Overusing These Expressions

Wrong:
Ojalá venga.
Quizás venga.
Tal vez venga.
(All in one short conversation — sounds repetitive.)

Right:
Pick one expression based on the feeling:

Ojalá venga (hope)
Quizás venga (possibility)
Tal vez venga (possibility, slightly softer)

✅ Fix: Choose the one that best fits the emotion you want to show.

❌ Mistake 6: Using “Ojalá” with a Known Result

Wrong:
Ojalá ganamos el partido.
(If the game is over and you already know the result, “ojalá” doesn’t make sense.)

Right:
Qué bueno que ganamos el partido.
Or if you’re unsure about the outcome:
Ojalá hayamos ganado el partido.

✅ Fix: Only use ojalá when there’s still hope or doubt.

❌ Mistake 7: Forgetting That “Ojalá” Can Be Used Without “Que”

Wrong:
Ojalá que ella pase el examen.
(This isn’t wrong, but beginners often think “que” is required.)

Right:
Ojalá ella pase el examen.
Ojalá pase el examen.

✅ Fix: Remember “que” is optional with ojalá, but never allowed with quizás or tal vez.

✅ Quick Recap Table

Mistake	What’s Wrong	Correct Form
Ojalá + indicative	Ojalá tengo suerte	Ojalá tenga suerte
“Que” after quizás/tal vez	Quizás que él venga	Quizás él venga
Wrong mood with certainty	Quizás él vendrá	Quizás él venga
Wrong past form	Ojalá él vino	Ojalá él hubiera venido
Repeating all expressions	Ojalá, quizás, tal vez…	Use just one
Using “ojalá” after confirmed results	Ojalá ganamos	Qué bueno que ganamos
Thinking “que” is required with “ojalá”	Ojalá que ella pase	Ojalá pase

20 ‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’ Example Sentences for Better Understanding

Understanding grammar is great — but seeing it in action is even better. Here are 20 real-life examples showing how to use ojalá, quizás, and tal vez in everyday Spanish. Each sentence comes with a clear English translation so you can feel confident using these expressions in your own conversations.

These examples include different verb tenses, moods, and situations — from daily chats to more emotional expressions.

🌟 Examples Using ‘Ojalá’

Ojalá me llame hoy.
👉 I hope he calls me today.
Ojalá tengas un buen día.
👉 I hope you have a good day.
Ojalá podamos ir al cine esta noche.
👉 Hopefully, we can go to the movies tonight.
Ojalá no llueva mañana.
👉 I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow.
Ojalá hubieras estado allí.
👉 I wish you had been there.
Ojalá todo salga bien.
👉 I hope everything turns out well.
Ojalá gane mi equipo favorito.
👉 I hope my favorite team wins.

🌟 Examples Using ‘Quizás’

Quizás ella llegue tarde.
👉 Maybe she will arrive late.
Quizás no sepa la respuesta.
👉 Maybe he doesn’t know the answer.
Quizás hace calor porque el sol brilla mucho.
👉 Maybe it’s hot because the sun is shining a lot.
Quizás vayamos a la playa este fin de semana.
👉 Maybe we’ll go to the beach this weekend.
Quizás fue un malentendido.
👉 Maybe it was a misunderstanding.
Quizás él no quiera hablar ahora.
👉 Maybe he doesn’t want to talk now.

🌟 Examples Using ‘Tal vez’

Tal vez ella tenga razón.
👉 Maybe she’s right.
Tal vez llueva esta tarde.
👉 Maybe it will rain this afternoon.
Tal vez estén ocupados.
👉 Maybe they are busy.
Tal vez no entendieron la pregunta.
👉 Maybe they didn’t understand the question.
Tal vez puedas ayudarme más tarde.
👉 Maybe you can help me later.
Tal vez me equivoqué.
👉 Maybe I was wrong.
Tal vez mañana sea mejor.
👉 Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Each of these examples shows how mood and meaning shift depending on the verb tense and level of certainty. Practice repeating these out loud and changing the subjects or verbs to create your own sentences!

‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’ Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Test Your Knowledge

It’s time to put your skills to the test! Fill in the blanks with the correct form of ojalá, quizás, or tal vez, along with the right verb conjugation (subjunctive or indicative as needed). This exercise will help you master expressing wishes, hopes, and possibilities in Spanish.

Instructions:

Use ojalá, quizás, or tal vez to complete each sentence.
Choose the correct verb tense and mood.
Remember the tips you’ve learned about moods and grammar rules.

Fill in the blanks:

_______ (to rain) mañana, así no tenemos que regar las plantas.
_______ ella no venga a la fiesta esta noche.
_______ que tengas un buen viaje.
_______ (to be) difícil encontrar la respuesta correcta.
_______ ya están aquí, pero no lo sabemos.
_______ él _______ (to call) más tarde.
_______ no me _______ (to entender) bien.
_______ que nosotros _______ (to poder) ayudarte.
_______ ojalá _______ (haber) más tiempo para estudiar.
_______ no _______ (to llegar) a tiempo.
_______ ellos no quieran salir hoy.
_______ que María _______ (to estar) enferma.
_______ ojalá tú _______ (to venir) con nosotros.
_______ sea verdad lo que dicen.
_______ él _______ (to tener) razón.
_______ ojalá no _______ (haber) problemas en el examen.
_______ nosotros _______ (to encontrar) la solución pronto.
_______ ella _______ (to saber) la respuesta correcta.
_______ que mañana _______ (to hacer) buen tiempo.
_______ ojalá _______ (haber) paz en el mundo.

Check Your Answers for the ‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’ Exercise

Tal vez llueva mañana, así no tenemos que regar las plantas.
Quizás ella no venga a la fiesta esta noche.
Ojalá que tengas un buen viaje.
Quizás sea difícil encontrar la respuesta correcta.
Tal vez ya están aquí, pero no lo sabemos.
Quizás él llame más tarde.
Tal vez no me entienden bien.
Quizás que nosotros podamos ayudarte. (Note: “que” is optional but often omitted)
Ojalá hubiera más tiempo para estudiar.
Quizás no lleguen a tiempo.
Tal vez ellos no quieran salir hoy.
Quizás María esté enferma.
Ojalá tú vengas con nosotros.
Tal vez sea verdad lo que dicen.
Quizás él tenga razón.
Ojalá no haya problemas en el examen.
Quizás nosotros encontremos la solución pronto.
Tal vez ella sepa la respuesta correcta.
Quizás que mañana haga buen tiempo.
Ojalá haya paz en el mundo.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’

1. What is the difference between ‘ojalá’, ‘quizás’, and ‘tal vez’?

Ojalá expresses a strong wish or hope, often with emotional intensity.
Quizás and tal vez both mean “maybe” or “perhaps,” used to express possibility or doubt.
Ojalá always triggers the subjunctive mood, while quizás and tal vez can use subjunctive or indicative depending on certainty.

2. Do I always have to use the subjunctive after these words?

For ojalá, yes, always use the subjunctive.
For quizás and tal vez, use subjunctive when expressing doubt or uncertainty; use indicative if the speaker feels sure or it’s a fact.

3. Can I use ‘que’ after ‘ojalá’, ‘quizás’, or ‘tal vez’?

You can use que after ojalá, but it’s optional.
You should not use que after quizás or tal vez.

4. Can ‘ojalá’ be used to talk about the past?

Yes! Use the past perfect subjunctive with ojalá to express wishes or regrets about the past.
Example: Ojalá hubiera estudiado más. (I wish I had studied more.)

5. Is there a difference between ‘quizás’ and ‘tal vez’?

They are mostly interchangeable in meaning.
Quizás is slightly more formal and common in writing, while tal vez is often heard in speech.

6. Can I use these words in questions?

Yes, especially quizás and tal vez, for example: ¿Quizás venga ella? (Maybe she will come?)
Ojalá is usually used in statements rather than questions.

7. Can ‘ojalá’ be used without a verb?

No, ojalá must be followed by a verb phrase in subjunctive.

8. Are there synonyms for these expressions?

Yes, alternatives include a lo mejor (maybe, probably) and puede ser (it could be). However, ojalá is unique as a wish expression.

9. How do I pronounce ‘ojalá’?

It’s pronounced: oh-ha-LÁ (stress on the last syllable).

10. Is ‘ojalá’ only used in Spain or all Spanish-speaking countries?

Ojalá is widely used throughout the Spanish-speaking world, from Spain to Latin America.

Key Takeaways: ‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’ Summary and Important Points

Ojalá expresses a strong hope or wish and always requires the subjunctive mood.
Use past perfect subjunctive with ojalá to talk about wishes or regrets in the past.
Quizás and Tal vez both mean “maybe” or “perhaps” and are used to express possibility or doubt.
Quizás and Tal vez can be followed by either subjunctive (for uncertainty) or indicative (for likelihood or fact).
The word ‘que’ is optional after ojalá, but not used after quizás or tal vez.
Quizás is slightly more formal and common in writing, while tal vez is more common in spoken Spanish.
All three expressions are versatile and widely used across all Spanish-speaking countries.
Practice these words with different tenses and moods to gain confidence in expressing hopes and possibilities.
Remember that these words help add emotion, doubt, and uncertainty to your sentences—key for sounding natural in Spanish!
Listening and repeating example sentences is the best way to master their use.

Conclusion: Mastering ‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’ to Express Wishes and Possibilities in Spanish

Mastering ojalá, quizás, and tal vez is a major step toward sounding like a confident Spanish speaker. These expressions allow you to communicate hopes, wishes, and possibilities with natural emotion and nuance—whether you’re talking about the present, future, or even the past.

By understanding their meanings, grammar rules, and differences, and practicing with plenty of examples and exercises, you’ll improve both your fluency and your ability to express yourself clearly in Spanish.

Keep practicing these phrases every day, listen for them in conversations, and try creating your own sentences. Soon enough, using ojalá, quizás, and tal vez will feel second nature!

Ready to take your Spanish skills even further?

Visit mylanguageclasses.in for more in-depth Spanish lessons and language tips.
Follow us on Instagram at @mylanguageclassesofficial for daily language inspiration and quick tips.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel My Language Classes for fun and engaging video lessons.

Stay curious, keep practicing, and ¡buena suerte! Your journey to mastering Spanish is just getting started.

📚 Continue Learning Spanish

Preterite Tense (Pretérito Indefinido) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Imperfect Tense (Pretérito Imperfecto) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Future Simple Tense in Spanish | My Language Classes

Spanish Conditional Tense (Condicional Simple) | My Language Classes

Present Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto de Indicativo) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Present Subjunctive (Presente de Subjuntivo) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Expressions and Idioms with the Verb “Tener” in Spanish | My Language Classes

Expressions, Idioms, and Proverbs with the Verb Hacer | My Language Classes

Expressions, Idioms, and Proverbs with the Verb ‘Haber’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

Ir a + Infinitive: Expressing Near Future in Spanish | My Language Classes

Mastering Deber, Poder and Querer in Spanish | My Language Classes

Comparative and Superlative Forms of Adjectives in Spanish | My Language Classes

Possessive Adjectives in Spanish | My Language Classes

Adverbs of Quantity in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use Spanish Prepositions | My Language Classes

Everything You Need to Know About POR in Spanish | My Language Classes

Everything You Need to Know About PARA in Spanish | My Language Classes

Coordinating Conjunctions in Spanish: y, o, pero, sino, and Others | My Language Classes

Subordinating Conjunctions in Spanish: porque, que, cuando, aunque, and Others | My Language Classes

Questions with Interrogative Words in Spanish | My Language Classes

Time Expressions in Spanish: Hace + Time + Que, Desde, Desde Hace, and More | My Language Classes

Idiomatic Phrases Using Tener, Estar, and Hacer in Spanish | My Language Classes

Use of Infinitive After Prepositions in Spanish | My Language Classes

Correct Use of Accent Marks in Written Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

Understanding ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’ | My Language Classes

Understanding the Passive Voice in Spanish | My Language Classes

June 8, 2025

Understanding ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’

Verb Phrases in Spanish Explained

If you’ve ever wondered how to say things like “I stopped eating sugar,” “I started studying again,” or “I’m still learning Spanish” in Spanish—then you’re in exactly the right place.

Spanish verb phrases like “dejar de”, “volver a”, and “seguir” are simple but powerful expressions that help you talk about habits, changes, and ongoing actions in everyday conversations. These are called perífrasis verbales or verb phrase structures, and they’re essential grammar tools every Spanish learner needs to master—whether you’re just starting out or trying to sound more fluent.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to use these everyday phrases with real-life examples, clear rules, and helpful tips to avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re saying you’ve stopped doing something (dejar de), started again (volver a), or are still doing it (seguir), you’ll soon be able to express yourself naturally and confidently in Spanish.

Let’s dive into these high-frequency verbs and start using them like a native speaker!

What Is ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’? Explanation and Overview

When learning Spanish, it’s important not just to learn verbs, but also the common phrases that come with them. That’s where ‘dejar de’, ‘volver a’, and ‘seguir’ come in. These are called verb phrases (or perífrasis verbales in Spanish), and they help describe how actions happen over time—whether they stop, start again, or continue.

Let’s break each one down simply:

✅ Dejar de + infinitive

Meaning: To stop doing something
English equivalent: to quit, to stop, to give up

Example: Dejé de fumar. – “I stopped smoking.”

✅ Volver a + infinitive

Meaning: To do something again
English equivalent: to go back to, to do again, to return to

Example: Volvimos a ver esa película. – “We watched that movie again.”

✅ Seguir + gerund (verb ending in -ando/-iendo)

Meaning: To continue doing something
English equivalent: to keep doing, to still be doing

Example: Sigo estudiando español. – “I’m still studying Spanish.”

Why These Phrases Matter

These verb structures are used every single day by native Spanish speakers to talk about actions that:

Have stopped (dejar de)
Have started again (volver a)
Are still happening (seguir)

They help you:

Express your routines and habits
Talk about personal goals or changes
Understand native conversations more easily
Sound more natural when speaking Spanish

Simple Pattern to Remember

Verb Phrase	Structure Example	English Meaning
dejar de	dejar de + [infinitive]	to stop doing something
volver a	volver a + [infinitive]	to do something again
seguir	seguir + [gerund]	to continue doing something

Everyday Sentences Using ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’: 10 Common Examples

The best way to learn how to use ‘dejar de’, ‘volver a’, and ‘seguir’ is by seeing them in real sentences. These examples are taken straight from everyday conversations. You’ll hear phrases like these all the time from native Spanish speakers.

Each example includes the Spanish sentence and its English translation, so you can see exactly how the meaning works.

✅ Examples with “Dejar de” (To Stop Doing Something)

Dejé de comer carne hace dos años.
I stopped eating meat two years ago.
¿Vas a dejar de fumar algún día?
Are you going to stop smoking someday?
Mi hermana dejó de estudiar medicina.
My sister quit studying medicine.
Tenemos que dejar de gastar tanto dinero.
We have to stop spending so much money.

🔁 Examples with “Volver a” (To Do Again)

Volvimos a hablar después de muchos años.
We talked again after many years.
Voy a volver a intentar mañana.
I’m going to try again tomorrow.
¿Volverás a visitarnos este verano?
Will you visit us again this summer?

🔄 Examples with “Seguir” (To Keep Doing Something)

Sigo aprendiendo español todos los días.
I keep learning Spanish every day.
¿Todavía sigues trabajando en la misma empresa?
Are you still working at the same company?
El niño seguía llorando cuando llegamos.
The child was still crying when we arrived.

These simple examples show how these verbs help you talk about real actions, past or present. You can mix them with almost any activity—eating, working, learning, reading, or even relaxing!

When to Use ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’: All the Key Situations

Now that you’ve seen some real examples, it’s time to break down exactly when to use each of these Spanish verb phrases. These expressions are common, but each one has a unique purpose. Knowing when to use them is the key to speaking naturally and correctly.

Let’s explore the different situations for each phrase, with simple examples and explanations.

✅ When to Use “Dejar de” – To Stop Doing Something

Use “dejar de + infinitive” when you want to talk about:

Quitting a habit
Ejemplo: Dejé de fumar. – I quit smoking.
Ending an activity
Ejemplo: Dejamos de ver la serie. – We stopped watching the series.
Stopping a repeated behavior
Ejemplo: ¿Por qué no dejas de interrumpirme? – Why don’t you stop interrupting me?
Changing lifestyle choices
Ejemplo: Mi papá dejó de tomar alcohol. – My dad stopped drinking alcohol.

🔁 When to Use “Volver a” – To Do Something Again

Use “volver a + infinitive” when you’re talking about doing something again or returning to a past action.

Restarting something after stopping
Ejemplo: Volví a estudiar después de un año. – I started studying again after a year.
Revisiting old habits or routines
Ejemplo: Voy a volver a correr por las mañanas. – I’m going to start running again in the mornings.
Giving something another try
Ejemplo: Tenemos que volver a intentarlo. – We have to try again.
Resuming contact or communication
Ejemplo: Volví a hablar con mi ex. – I started talking to my ex again.

🔄 When to Use “Seguir” – To Continue Doing Something

Use “seguir + gerund (verb ending in -ando or -iendo)” to talk about actions that are still happening or that continue over time.

Ongoing actions in the present
Ejemplo: Sigo estudiando cada noche. – I still study every night.
Continued habits or routines
Ejemplo: ¿Sigues yendo al gimnasio? – Do you still go to the gym?
Actions that didn’t stop in the past
Ejemplo: Seguía hablando aunque nadie escuchaba. – He kept talking even though no one was listening.
To show persistence or determination
Ejemplo: Sigue luchando por sus sueños. – He keeps fighting for his dreams.

🔑 Quick Comparison Table

Situation	Use This Verb Phrase	Example
Quitting or stopping something	dejar de + infinitive	Dejé de usar redes sociales.
Doing something again	volver a + infinitive	Volvimos a salir juntos.
Continuing or still doing something	seguir + gerund	Sigo trabajando en mi proyecto.

Each of these verb phrases connects your ideas to time—past, present, or future—making your Spanish sound much more natural.

Conjugation Rules for ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’

To use ‘dejar de’, ‘volver a’, and ‘seguir’ correctly, you need to know how to conjugate them in different tenses. These verbs work just like regular verbs (mostly), but since you’re combining them with another verb, it’s important to get the structure right.

Here’s how to conjugate each of them in the most common tenses: present, past, and future.

✅ 1. Dejar de + Infinitive

“Dejar” is a regular -ar verb, so it’s easy to conjugate.

📅 Present Tense – “I stop / am stopping”

Subject	Conjugation	Example
Yo	dejo de	Yo dejo de comer pan. (I stop eating bread.)
Tú	dejas de	Tú dejas de hablar. (You stop talking.)
Él/Ella	deja de	Él deja de correr. (He stops running.)
Nosotros	dejamos de	Nosotros dejamos de pelear. (We stop fighting.)
Ellos	dejan de	Ellos dejan de jugar videojuegos. (They stop playing video games.)

⏳ Past Tense (Preterite) – “I stopped”

🔮 Future Tense – “I will stop”

🔁 2. Volver a + Infinitive

“Volver” is an irregular -er verb. The stem changes from o → ue in the present tense.

📅 Present Tense – “I do again / I return to”

⏳ Past Tense (Preterite) – “I did again”

🔮 Future Tense – “I will do again”

🔄 3. Seguir + Gerund (-ando / -iendo)

“Seguir” is an e → i stem-changing verb in the present tense.

📅 Present Tense – “I keep doing / I am still doing”

⏳ Past Tense (Imperfect) – “I was still doing”

🔮 Future Tense – “I will still be doing”

🧠 Tip to Remember

Use infinitives after dejar de and volver a
(Ex: dejar de fumar, volver a leer)
Use the gerund (-ando/-iendo) after seguir
(Ex: seguir caminando, seguir aprendiendo)

‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ Grammar Rules You Need to Know

Understanding how these verb phrases work in Spanish is key to using them correctly. Even though they’re commonly used in casual conversation, they follow very specific grammar rules. Let’s break these rules down in a way that’s easy to remember and apply—whether you’re writing or speaking Spanish.

✅ Rule #1: Use the Right Verb Form + Verb Structure

Each of the three expressions follows a unique structure:

Verb Phrase	Structure You Must Follow	Example in Spanish	English Translation
dejar de	dejar de + infinitive	Dejé de comer azúcar.	I stopped eating sugar.
volver a	volver a + infinitive	Volvimos a bailar.	We danced again.
seguir	seguir + gerund	Sigo estudiando español.	I’m still studying Spanish.

✅ Rule #2: No Article or Preposition Before the Second Verb

Don’t use “el”, “la”, or “de” before the second verb. The structure should be clean and direct, like:

❌ Dejé de la fumar.
✅ Dejé de fumar.
❌ Volví a de correr.
✅ Volví a correr.
❌ Sigo de leer.
✅ Sigo leyendo.

✅ Rule #3: Follow Gender and Number Only for the Subject

These verb phrases do not change based on the gender of the action or object—only the subject needs to match the verb conjugation:

Ella deja de hablar. (She stops talking.)
Ellos vuelven a entrenar. (They train again.)
Nosotros seguimos trabajando. (We keep working.)

✅ Rule #4: You Can Use These in Any Tense

These verb phrases work with any verb tense—present, past, future, or even subjunctive. Here’s how:

Present: Sigo leyendo cada noche. – I keep reading every night.
Past (preterite): Dejaron de ir al parque. – They stopped going to the park.
Future: Volveré a llamarte mañana. – I will call you again tomorrow.
Subjunctive (advanced): Espero que no vuelvas a hacerlo. – I hope you don’t do it again.

✅ Rule #5: You Can Add Time Expressions for Clarity

Adding time words makes your sentences even more natural:

Dejé de correr hace un mes. – I stopped running a month ago.
Volvimos a salir el viernes pasado. – We went out again last Friday.
¿Sigues estudiando todos los días? – Are you still studying every day?

✅ Rule #6: Negative Sentences Use “No” Before the Conjugated Verb

To make a sentence negative, simply place “no” before the first verb (not the second one!):

No dejo de pensar en ti. – I can’t stop thinking about you.
No volvió a llamarme. – He didn’t call me again.
No seguimos hablando. – We’re no longer talking.

These grammar rules are the foundation of using ‘dejar de’, ‘volver a’, and ‘seguir’ correctly. Practice them a few times, and they’ll soon become second nature.

Important Tips for Using ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ Correctly

If you want to speak Spanish with confidence and sound more like a native, mastering ‘dejar de’, ‘volver a’, and ‘seguir’ is a must. These little phrases pack a big punch, but they can also be tricky. Here are some simple but powerful tips to help you use them smoothly in conversations, writing, and beyond.

💡 Tip #1: Don’t Translate Word-for-Word from English

These verb phrases don’t always have direct word-for-word equivalents in English. For example:

“Seguir comiendo” literally means “to follow eating,” but it actually means “to keep eating.”
“Volver a estudiar” literally means “to return to study,” but it means “to study again.”

✅ What to do instead: Learn the phrase as a full expression, not just as separate words.

💡 Tip #2: Always Double-Check the Verb Form That Follows

This is one of the most common errors! Make sure you’re using:

Infinitive with “dejar de” → Dejé de fumar.
Infinitive with “volver a” → Voy a volver a leer ese libro.
Gerund with “seguir” → Sigo aprendiendo español.

❌ Wrong: Volví a caminando
✅ Right: Volví a caminar

💡 Tip #3: Pay Attention to Stem Changes in Conjugation

Both “volver” and “seguir” are stem-changing verbs in the present tense.

Volver → yo vuelvo, tú vuelves
Seguir → yo sigo, tú sigues

Practice these forms a few times until they feel natural when you say them.

💡 Tip #4: Use with Emotional or Motivational Phrases

These expressions are great when talking about personal growth, change, or persistence:

Dejé de tener miedo. – I stopped being afraid.
Volveré a intentarlo. – I’ll try again.
Sigo creyendo en mí. – I still believe in myself.

They’re perfect for stories, life updates, and goals.

💡 Tip #5: Practice with Real-Life Routines

Use these phrases to talk about your daily habits or life changes. Try writing a few sentences like:

“I stopped drinking soda.”
“I’m still learning piano.”
“I want to start exercising again.”

Translate them into Spanish using the structures you’ve learned:

Dejé de tomar refrescos.
Sigo aprendiendo piano.
Quiero volver a hacer ejercicio.

💡 Tip #6: Combine with Other Verbs for Fluency

Once you’re confident with the basics, use them in longer sentences:

Después de dejar de trabajar, empecé a viajar.
(After I stopped working, I started traveling.)
Voy a seguir estudiando aunque esté cansado.
(I’m going to keep studying even if I’m tired.)

This will take your Spanish to the next level!

💡 Tip #7: Practice Speaking Out Loud

The more you say these phrases aloud, the easier they’ll feel. Try these quick drills:

“Yo dejo de…”
“Tú vuelves a…”
“Nosotros seguimos…”

Mix and match them with different verbs to create natural phrases in seconds.

Common Mistakes with ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ – and How to Fix Them

Even advanced Spanish learners sometimes slip up with ‘dejar de’, ‘volver a’, and ‘seguir’. The good news is, these mistakes are easy to fix once you understand why they happen. Here are the most common errors learners make—and exactly how to avoid them.

❌ Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Verb Form After the Phrase

This is the #1 error students make.

❌ Sigo a estudiar español.
✅ Sigo estudiando español. (I’m still studying Spanish.)
❌ Volvimos a jugando fútbol.
✅ Volvimos a jugar fútbol. (We played soccer again.)

Fix it:

Always use the infinitive after ‘dejar de’ and ‘volver a’
Always use the gerund (-ando/-iendo) after ‘seguir’

❌ Mistake 2: Translating Directly from English

Some learners try to translate word for word:

❌ I stop to smoke → Paro a fumar
✅ Dejo de fumar → (I stop smoking)
❌ We keep to talk → Seguimos a hablar
✅ Seguimos hablando → (We keep talking)

Fix it:
Learn these as fixed expressions, not just individual words.

❌ Mistake 3: Forgetting Stem Changes in the Present Tense

Verbs like seguir and volver change their stems in the present tense.

❌ Yo volvo a leer
✅ Yo vuelvo a leer (I read again)
❌ Yo seguo estudiando
✅ Yo sigo estudiando (I keep studying)

Fix it:

Volver → vuelvo, vuelves, vuelve…
Seguir → sigo, sigues, sigue…

❌ Mistake 4: Using “de” or “el” Between the Two Verbs

This one’s sneaky and common:

❌ Dejé de el fumar
✅ Dejé de fumar
❌ Volví de correr
✅ Volví a correr

Fix it:
Never add extra words between the two verbs unless absolutely necessary. Keep it direct.

❌ Mistake 5: Misplacing “no” in Negative Sentences

The word “no” must go before the conjugated verb, not in the middle of the phrase.

❌ Dejé no de hablar.
✅ No dejé de hablar. (I didn’t stop talking.)
❌ Seguimos no trabajando.
✅ No seguimos trabajando. (We didn’t keep working.)

Fix it:
Always put “no” before the main verb.

❌ Mistake 6: Forgetting the Verb Phrase Entirely

Sometimes students leave out one of the pieces:

❌ Volví estudiar
✅ Volví a estudiar

Fix it:
Always include the full phrase:

dejar de
volver a
seguir + gerund

🧠 Final Reminder

The more you practice, the more natural these phrases will feel. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—but be sure to learn from them. Practice speaking, writing, and listening to these structures in real contexts.

20 Example Sentences Using ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ for Better Understanding

Now that you know how ‘dejar de’, ‘volver a’, and ‘seguir’ work, it’s time to see them in real-life, everyday sentences. These examples are designed to help you understand how native speakers naturally use these verb phrases in casual and formal situations.

Let’s break them into groups for clarity:

📌 1–7: Sentences with ‘Dejar de’ (To stop doing something)

Dejé de comer carne hace dos años.
(I stopped eating meat two years ago.)
¿Cuándo vas a dejar de fumar?
(When are you going to stop smoking?)
Mi hermana dejó de estudiar medicina.
(My sister stopped studying medicine.)
No dejo de pensar en ti.
(I can’t stop thinking about you.)
Dejamos de ver esa serie porque era aburrida.
(We stopped watching that show because it was boring.)
¿Por qué dejaste de hablar con Ana?
(Why did you stop talking to Ana?)
Ellos dejaron de usar redes sociales.
(They stopped using social media.)

🔁 8–14: Sentences with ‘Volver a’ (To do something again)

Volví a ver esa película anoche.
(I watched that movie again last night.)
Vamos a volver a intentarlo.
(We’re going to try again.)
¿Volviste a llamar al doctor?
(Did you call the doctor again?)
Ella volvió a ganar el premio.
(She won the prize again.)
Volveremos a visitar España el próximo año.
(We’ll visit Spain again next year.)
No quiero volver a pasar por eso.
(I don’t want to go through that again.)
¿Puedes volver a explicarlo, por favor?
(Can you explain it again, please?)

🔄 15–20: Sentences with ‘Seguir’ (To continue or still be doing something)

Sigo aprendiendo español todos los días.
(I keep learning Spanish every day.)
¿Tú sigues trabajando en esa empresa?
(Are you still working at that company?)
Seguimos esperando la respuesta.
(We’re still waiting for the answer.)
Mi perro sigue durmiendo en mi cama.
(My dog still sleeps in my bed.)
Los niños siguen jugando afuera.
(The kids keep playing outside.)
Aunque fallé, sigo intentándolo.
(Even though I failed, I keep trying.)

Reading and repeating these example sentences out loud will help you remember the structure and usage of these powerful phrases. You can even write your own sentences using similar patterns!

‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Test Your Knowledge

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of dejar de + infinitive, volver a + infinitive, or seguir + gerund.

Ella ________ (dejar) de fumar hace un año.
Nosotros ________ (volver) a estudiar para el examen.
Yo ________ (seguir) trabajando en el mismo proyecto.
¿Tú ________ (dejar) de jugar al fútbol?
Mis amigos ________ (volver) a viajar a México.
Él ________ (seguir) aprendiendo a tocar la guitarra.
Nosotros no ________ (dejar) de practicar español.
¿Por qué no ________ (volver) a llamar a tu mamá?
Vosotros ________ (seguir) viendo esa serie?
María ________ (dejar) de comer dulces.
Yo ________ (volver) a leer ese libro porque me gustó.
Ellos ________ (seguir) corriendo todas las mañanas.
Tú no ________ (dejar) de pensar en el problema.
Nosotros ________ (volver) a salir esta noche.
Ella ________ (seguir) trabajando en su proyecto final.
¿Usted ________ (dejar) de usar el teléfono tanto?
Ellos ________ (volver) a invitar a sus amigos a la fiesta.
Yo ________ (seguir) estudiando para mejorar mi español.
¿Vosotros ________ (dejar) de ir al gimnasio?
Él ________ (volver) a escribir cartas a sus abuelos.

Check Your Answers for the ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ Exercise

Ella dejó de fumar hace un año.
(She stopped smoking a year ago.)
Nosotros volvimos a estudiar para el examen.
(We studied again for the exam.)
Yo sigo trabajando en el mismo proyecto.
(I’m still working on the same project.)
¿Tú dejaste de jugar al fútbol?
(Did you stop playing soccer?)
Mis amigos volvieron a viajar a México.
(My friends traveled to Mexico again.)
Él sigue aprendiendo a tocar la guitarra.
(He keeps learning to play the guitar.)
Nosotros no dejamos de practicar español.
(We don’t stop practicing Spanish.)
¿Por qué no vuelves a llamar a tu mamá?
(Why don’t you call your mom again?)
¿Vosotros seguís viendo esa serie?
(Are you all still watching that series?)
María dejó de comer dulces.
(Maria stopped eating sweets.)
Yo volví a leer ese libro porque me gustó.
(I read that book again because I liked it.)
Ellos siguen corriendo todas las mañanas.
(They keep running every morning.)
Tú no dejas de pensar en el problema.
(You can’t stop thinking about the problem.)
Nosotros volvemos a salir esta noche.
(We’re going out again tonight.)
Ella sigue trabajando en su proyecto final.
(She’s still working on her final project.)
¿Usted deja de usar el teléfono tanto?
(Do you stop using the phone so much?)
Ellos vuelven a invitar a sus amigos a la fiesta.
(They invite their friends to the party again.)
Yo sigo estudiando para mejorar mi español.
(I keep studying to improve my Spanish.)
¿Vosotros dejasteis de ir al gimnasio?
(Did you all stop going to the gym?)
Él volvió a escribir cartas a sus abuelos.
(He wrote letters to his grandparents again.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’

Here are some of the most common questions learners ask about these tricky but essential Spanish verb phrases:

❓ 1. Can I use ‘seguir’ with an infinitive instead of a gerund?

No. ‘Seguir’ is always followed by a gerund (the -ando or -iendo form). For example:

Correct: Sigo estudiando. (I keep studying.)
Incorrect: Sigo estudiar.

❓ 2. Is ‘volver a’ the same as ‘otra vez’?

They both mean “again,” but ‘volver a’ is used specifically with verbs to indicate repeating an action, while ‘otra vez’ is an adverb and can be placed elsewhere in the sentence.

Volví a estudiar. (I studied again.)
Estudié otra vez. (I studied again.)

Both are correct, but volver a links directly with the verb.

❓ 3. Can I use ‘dejar de’ to mean “to leave something behind”?

No. ‘Dejar de’ means “to stop doing something,” not “to leave something behind.” For example:

Dejé de fumar = I stopped smoking.
Dejé mi libro en casa = I left my book at home.

They’re different verbs and meanings.

❓ 4. Can I use ‘seguir’ in the past tense?

Yes! You can conjugate ‘seguir’ in the past, but remember to keep the gerund form after it.

Seguí estudiando. (I kept studying.)
Seguimos hablando. (We kept talking.)

❓ 5. How do I make negative sentences with these phrases?

Place “no” before the conjugated verb:

No dejo de pensar. (I don’t stop thinking.)
No vuelvo a llamar. (I don’t call again.)
No sigo trabajando. (I don’t keep working.)

❓ 6. Can I use these phrases with reflexive verbs?

Yes! Just follow the same rules and place the reflexive pronoun before the conjugated verb:

Dejé de quejarme. (I stopped complaining.)
Volvió a levantarse temprano. (He got up early again.)
Sigo sintiéndome bien. (I still feel good.)

Key Takeaways: ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ Summary and Important Points

‘Dejar de + infinitive’ means to stop doing something.
Example: Dejé de fumar. (I stopped smoking.)
‘Volver a + infinitive’ means to do something again or repeat an action.
Example: Volví a estudiar. (I studied again.)
‘Seguir + gerund (-ando/-iendo)’ means to keep doing something or continue an action.
Example: Sigo aprendiendo español. (I keep learning Spanish.)
Always use the infinitive after ‘dejar de’ and ‘volver a’.
Incorrect: Dejé de fumando.
Correct: Dejé de fumar.
Always use the gerund after ‘seguir’.
Incorrect: Sigo estudiar.
Correct: Sigo estudiando.
Remember the stem changes in present tense:
- Volver → vuelvo, vuelves, vuelve…
- Seguir → sigo, sigues, sigue…
Place “no” before the conjugated verb to make negatives:
No dejo de pensar. (I don’t stop thinking.)
These phrases are used a lot in everyday conversation to talk about habits, repeated actions, or ongoing processes.
Practice speaking, writing, and listening with these phrases to build natural fluency.

Conclusion: Mastering ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ to Boost Your Spanish Skills

Understanding how to use ‘dejar de’, ‘volver a’, and ‘seguir’ is a game-changer for anyone learning Spanish. These versatile verb phrases help you express stopping actions, repeating activities, and continuing habits — essential skills for sounding natural and fluent.

With practice, you’ll find these phrases popping up everywhere: in conversations, books, music, and daily life. Keep practicing with real examples, and soon you’ll use them effortlessly.

Ready to take your Spanish to the next level?

Visit mylanguageclasses.in for more helpful guides and lessons.
Follow us on Instagram: @mylanguageclassesofficial for daily tips and interactive content.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: My Language Classes Official for video lessons that make learning fun and easy.

📚 Continue Learning Spanish

Preterite Tense (Pretérito Indefinido) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Imperfect Tense (Pretérito Imperfecto) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Future Simple Tense in Spanish | My Language Classes

Spanish Conditional Tense (Condicional Simple) | My Language Classes

Present Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto de Indicativo) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Present Subjunctive (Presente de Subjuntivo) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Expressions and Idioms with the Verb “Tener” in Spanish | My Language Classes

Expressions, Idioms, and Proverbs with the Verb Hacer | My Language Classes

Expressions, Idioms, and Proverbs with the Verb ‘Haber’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

Ir a + Infinitive: Expressing Near Future in Spanish | My Language Classes

Mastering Deber, Poder and Querer in Spanish | My Language Classes

Comparative and Superlative Forms of Adjectives in Spanish | My Language Classes

Possessive Adjectives in Spanish | My Language Classes

Adverbs of Quantity in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use Spanish Prepositions | My Language Classes

Everything You Need to Know About POR in Spanish | My Language Classes

Everything You Need to Know About PARA in Spanish | My Language Classes

Coordinating Conjunctions in Spanish: y, o, pero, sino, and Others | My Language Classes

Subordinating Conjunctions in Spanish: porque, que, cuando, aunque, and Others | My Language Classes

Questions with Interrogative Words in Spanish | My Language Classes

Time Expressions in Spanish: Hace + Time + Que, Desde, Desde Hace, and More | My Language Classes

Idiomatic Phrases Using Tener, Estar, and Hacer in Spanish | My Language Classes

Use of Infinitive After Prepositions in Spanish | My Language Classes

Correct Use of Accent Marks in Written Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

Understanding ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’ | My Language Classes

Understanding the Passive Voice in Spanish | My Language Classes

June 7, 2025

How to Use ‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’ in Spanish

Learn to Speak Naturally with Spanish Concessions

Are you trying to sound more fluent in Spanish? Want to speak like a native speaker even when expressing contrast, doubt, or unexpected results? If you’ve ever wondered how to say “even though,” “despite,” or “no matter how” in Spanish, then you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll break down three powerful phrases: ‘aunque,’ ‘a pesar de que,’ and ‘por más que’—essential tools for adding depth and emotion to your Spanish conversations.

Whether you’re a beginner learning your first grammar rules or an advanced learner refining your fluency, mastering Spanish concessive phrases like these will take your skills to the next level. These expressions help you show contrast, disagreement, or surprise—things that come up in daily life all the time.

Here’s the good news: they’re easier to use than you think. In fact, by the end of this blog post, you’ll be confident using them in sentences, conversations, and even writing. We’ll look at real-life examples, simple grammar explanations, common mistakes to avoid, and a fun practice quiz to test yourself.

Let’s dive in!

What Are ‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’? Explanation and Overview

In Spanish, the expressions ‘aunque,’ ‘a pesar de que,’ and ‘por más que’ are used to show concession. That means we use them to express contrast between two ideas—something that happens despite something else. In English, they often translate as:

Aunque – even though / although / though
A pesar de que – despite the fact that / although
Por más que – no matter how much / even though / however much

These are extremely useful phrases in everyday Spanish conversations because they let you express things like:

“Even though it was raining, we went outside.”
“Despite studying hard, I failed the test.”
“No matter how much I try, I can’t understand him.”

These phrases help you show determination, frustration, or surprise, and they make your Spanish sound more natural and expressive. You’ll hear them in music, movies, casual speech, and formal writing.

Let’s take a quick look at each one:

1. Aunque

It’s the most common concessive connector in Spanish.
It can be followed by the indicative or subjunctive mood, depending on the situation.

Examples:

Aunque hace frío, vamos a la playa.
(Even though it’s cold, we’re going to the beach.)
Aunque llueva, saldré a correr.
(Even if it rains, I’ll go running.)

2. A pesar de que

Slightly more formal than “aunque.”
Also expresses contrast or unexpected outcomes.
Always followed by a verb (not just a noun).

Examples:

A pesar de que no tenía dinero, viajó a Europa.
(Despite not having money, he traveled to Europe.)
A pesar de que está cansada, sigue trabajando.
(Even though she’s tired, she keeps working.)

3. Por más que

Expresses frustration or emphasis.
Usually followed by a subjunctive verb form.
Shows effort or desire that doesn’t match the result.

Examples:

Por más que estudio, no apruebo el examen.
(No matter how much I study, I don’t pass the exam.)
Por más que lo intentes, no cambiarás mi opinión.
(Even if you try hard, you won’t change my mind.)

Why These Phrases Matter

These expressions are not just about grammar—they’re about attitude, feeling, and connection. Using them correctly lets you:

Sound more natural and expressive
Build more advanced Spanish sentences
Show you understand how Spanish really works

Ready to see how they show up in everyday life? Let’s explore some real-life sentences next.

Everyday Sentences Using ‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’: 10 Common Examples

Want to know how native speakers actually use ‘aunque,’ ‘a pesar de que,’ and ‘por más que’ in real life? You’ll hear these phrases in daily conversations, TV shows, songs, and even in arguments. Below are 10 practical, everyday Spanish sentences using these powerful connectors. Each example includes an English translation to help you understand how the meaning fits naturally into different situations.

✅ Examples with ‘Aunque’ (Even though / Although)

Aunque estoy cansado, voy a terminar el trabajo.
(Even though I’m tired, I’m going to finish the work.)
Aunque no me gusta el pescado, lo comí por cortesía.
(Even though I don’t like fish, I ate it out of politeness.)
Aunque ella tiene mucho dinero, vive humildemente.
(Although she has a lot of money, she lives humbly.)
Aunque llueva mañana, iremos al parque.
(Even if it rains tomorrow, we’ll go to the park.)

✅ Examples with ‘A pesar de que’ (Despite the fact that / Although)

A pesar de que no entendía todo, disfruté la película.
(Despite not understanding everything, I enjoyed the movie.)
A pesar de que está enfermo, fue al trabajo.
(Even though he is sick, he went to work.)
A pesar de que no me apoyaron, logré mi objetivo.
(Despite not being supported, I achieved my goal.)

✅ Examples with ‘Por más que’ (No matter how much / However much)

Por más que grites, no te voy a escuchar.
(No matter how much you shout, I’m not going to listen.)
Por más que lo intento, no puedo hablar como un nativo.
(No matter how much I try, I can’t speak like a native.)
Por más que estudies, si no practicas, no aprenderás.
(Even if you study a lot, if you don’t practice, you won’t learn.)

These examples show how easy and flexible these phrases are once you get used to them. The best part? You can mix them into any type of sentence—formal or informal.

When to Use ‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’: All the Key Situations

Understanding when to use ‘aunque’, ‘a pesar de que’, and ‘por más que’ is just as important as knowing what they mean. Each one is used to show contrast, contradiction, or an unexpected twist—but they have their own special feel and formality.

Here are the key situations where each of these concessive phrases is used:

🔹 Use ‘Aunque’ When…

You want to say “even though” or “although”:
- Used for facts, known information, or hypothetical situations.
- Followed by either the indicative or the subjunctive, depending on context.
Aunque hace calor, llevo chaqueta.
(Although it’s hot, I’m wearing a jacket.)
(Fact – indicative) Aunque haga calor, llevaré chaqueta.
(Even if it’s hot, I’ll wear a jacket.)
(Possibility – subjunctive)
You’re making a polite contradiction:
- Use it to soften disagreement or show contrast kindly.
Aunque entiendo tu punto, no estoy de acuerdo.
(Even though I understand your point, I don’t agree.)

🔹 Use ‘A pesar de que’ When…

You’re expressing contrast in a more formal way:
- Translates to “despite the fact that…”
- Used more in writing, speeches, or serious conversations.
A pesar de que estudió, suspendió el examen.
(Despite studying, he failed the exam.)
You need to introduce a full clause with a verb:
- ‘A pesar de’ (without “que”) can only be followed by a noun or infinitive.
- But ‘A pesar de que’ must be followed by a conjugated verb.
A pesar de que me dolía la cabeza, fui a clase.
(Even though I had a headache, I went to class.)

🔹 Use ‘Por más que’ When…

You want to express frustration or limitation:
- Shows that effort doesn’t lead to the desired result.
- Often followed by a verb in the subjunctive.
Por más que lo intento, no me sale bien.
(No matter how hard I try, it doesn’t go well.)
You’re talking about things that won’t change regardless of effort: Por más que expliques, no lo van a entender.
(No matter how much you explain, they won’t get it.)
You want to sound poetic or dramatic:
- Common in songs, poetry, or emotional speech.
Por más que la ames, ella no volverá.
(No matter how much you love her, she won’t come back.)

Summary Table: When to Use Each Phrase

Phrase	Use When You Want To…	Mood
Aunque	Express contrast (real or hypothetical); polite contradiction	Indicative/Subjunctive
A pesar de que	Add a formal or written tone to a contrasting idea	Indicative/Subjunctive
Por más que	Show frustration, effort vs. failure, poetic/emotional tone	Usually Subjunctive

Conjugation Rules for ‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’

Understanding how to correctly conjugate verbs after these phrases is key to using them naturally in Spanish. The good news is, once you know a few simple patterns, everything starts to make sense. Below, we’ll go over the verb moods (indicative or subjunctive), how to choose the right one, and give you examples to show the difference clearly.

🔹 Conjugation with ‘Aunque’

‘Aunque’ is unique because it can be followed by the indicative OR the subjunctive, depending on what you mean.

Mood	Use It When…	Example
Indicative	You’re talking about a known fact or something that is real	Aunque está lloviendo, salimos. (Although it’s raining, we’re going out.)
Subjunctive	You’re talking about something hypothetical, unknown, or doubtful	Aunque llueva, saldremos. (Even if it rains, we’ll go out.)

💡 Tip: Use indicative for reality and subjunctive for uncertainty.

🔹 Conjugation with ‘A pesar de que’

This one is more straightforward. Like ‘aunque’, ‘a pesar de que’ can also use indicative or subjunctive, but is usually found with the indicative because it often refers to something real.

Mood	Use It When…	Example
Indicative	You’re stating something factual that happened despite another fact	A pesar de que estaba enferma, fue a la escuela. (Even though she was sick, she went to school.)
Subjunctive	You’re referring to a possible or uncertain action	A pesar de que llegues tarde, te esperaré. (Even if you arrive late, I’ll wait for you.)

🔹 Conjugation with ‘Por más que’

With ‘por más que’, the subjunctive is used most of the time, especially when expressing unfulfilled effort, frustration, or doubt.

Mood	Use It When…	Example
Subjunctive	Talking about effort that may or may not lead to success	Por más que estudies, no lo entiendes. (No matter how much you study, you don’t understand it.)
Indicative (rare)	Only used when referring to a completed action or certainty (less common)	Por más que trabajó, no ganó suficiente. (No matter how much he worked, he didn’t earn enough.)

🎯 How to Recognize the Right Mood Quickly

Ask yourself:

Is this something real and known? → Use indicative
Is this something possible, future, or doubtful? → Use subjunctive

Quick Verb Mood Cheat Sheet:

Connector	Verb Mood	Trigger Word Types
Aunque	Indicative / Subjunctive	Depends on reality vs. doubt
A pesar de que	Indicative / Subjunctive	Often indicative; subjunctive for hypothetical
Por más que	Mostly Subjunctive	Expresses frustration or limits

‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’ Grammar Rules You Need to Know

Once you’ve learned the meaning and conjugation rules, it’s time to lock in the key grammar structures for using ‘aunque’, ‘a pesar de que’, and ‘por más que’ correctly in Spanish. These phrases follow very specific grammatical patterns, and learning them will help you speak and write Spanish with confidence.

Below, we’ll break down each connector with its sentence structure and key rules—made simple for fast understanding.

🔹 Grammar Rules for ‘Aunque’

Sentence Structure:

Aunque + [verb in indicative or subjunctive] + [rest of sentence]

✅ Use indicative when:

The action or fact is real, known, or confirmed.

Example:

Aunque estoy enfermo, iré a clase.
(Although I’m sick, I will go to class.)

✅ Use subjunctive when:

The action is uncertain, hypothetical, or future-related.

Example:

Aunque esté enfermo mañana, iré a clase.
(Even if I’m sick tomorrow, I will go to class.)

🔹 Grammar Rules for ‘A pesar de que’

Sentence Structure:

A pesar de que + [verb in indicative or subjunctive] + [rest of sentence]

✅ Use indicative when:

The action is a fact or real situation.

Example:

A pesar de que llueve, vamos a salir.
(Despite the rain, we’re going out.)

✅ Use subjunctive when:

The action is not confirmed or is hypothetical.

Example:

A pesar de que llueva, iremos al picnic.
(Even if it rains, we’ll go on the picnic.)

🔹 Grammar Rules for ‘Por más que’

Sentence Structure:

Por más que + [verb in subjunctive or indicative] + [rest of sentence]

✅ Use subjunctive when:

The outcome is uncertain, or you’re showing effort without success.

Example:

Por más que estudies, no sacarás un diez.
(No matter how much you study, you won’t get a 10.)

✅ Use indicative (rare) when:

You’re referring to a completed or known action (often past tense).

Example:

Por más que intentó, no logró convencerlos.
(No matter how much he tried, he couldn’t convince them.)

🔁 Quick Rule Recap:

Phrase	Use With	Structure	Use When…
Aunque	Indicative / Subjunctive	Aunque + [verb] + result	To show contrast between reality or possibility
A pesar de que	Indicative / Subjunctive	A pesar de que + [verb] + result	To express contrast with formal tone
Por más que	Subjunctive (mostly)	Por más que + [verb] + result	To express frustration or strong contrast

Important Tips for Using ‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’ Correctly

Using these Spanish connectors correctly isn’t just about grammar. It’s also about tone, context, and clarity. These tips will help you sound more natural, confident, and even fluent when expressing contrast or contradiction in Spanish.

Whether you’re writing an essay or chatting with a friend, the tips below will guide you every time.

🔹 1. Think About Reality vs. Possibility

The most important rule is to ask yourself:

🧠 “Is the situation real or just a possibility?”

Use the indicative for real facts or known truths.
Use the subjunctive for things that are uncertain, doubtful, future, or imaginary.

📌 Example:

Aunque está cansado, va al gimnasio. (He is tired, but still goes — real)
Aunque esté cansado, irá al gimnasio. (He might be tired, but will go — possible)

🔹 2. Use ‘A pesar de’ vs. ‘A pesar de que’ Correctly

✅ A pesar de is followed by a noun or an infinitive verb.
✅ A pesar de que is followed by a full conjugated clause.

📌 Examples:

A pesar de la lluvia, salimos. (Despite the rain…)
A pesar de llover, salimos. (Despite raining…)
A pesar de que llovía, salimos. (Although it was raining…)

🔹 3. ‘Por más que’ Needs Drama or Effort

This phrase adds emotion or a sense of struggle. It’s perfect for:

Expressing effort that didn’t work out.
Showing frustration or emotional tension.
Adding poetic or dramatic flair.

📌 Examples:

Por más que estudié, no entendí nada.
(No matter how much I studied, I understood nothing.)

Por más que la ame, ella no va a volver.
(No matter how much I love her, she’s not coming back.)

🔹 4. Avoid Mixing Moods by Mistake

One common issue is starting with an indicative structure and switching mid-sentence to subjunctive. Stick with one tone and mood throughout your sentence unless the situation clearly changes.

❌ Incorrect: Aunque llueve, saldré si esté seco afuera.
✅ Correct: Aunque llueva, saldré si está seco afuera.

🔹 5. Don’t Translate Directly from English

Literal translations like “even if” or “no matter what” may confuse you. Spanish has specific structures that must be respected. Focus on how Spanish speakers express the idea, not just on translating words.

Instead of:
❌ “Even if he has money” → “Incluso si él tiene dinero”
✅ Say: “Aunque tenga dinero”

🔹 6. Start Listening for These Phrases in Songs and TV

Once you’re aware of these connectors, you’ll hear them everywhere in Spanish media. Listening will help you internalize the right tone and context.

🎧 Try listening to:

Telenovelas
Spanish ballads
Podcasts with casual conversation

🔹 7. Practice Speaking Out Loud

Even if you’re studying alone, saying full sentences out loud with these phrases builds muscle memory and confidence.

Try:

Speaking into a mirror
Making up situations: “Aunque mañana tenga mucho trabajo…”
Recording yourself for playback

Common Mistakes with ‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’ — and How to Fix Them

Even advanced Spanish learners make mistakes when using ‘aunque’, ‘a pesar de que’, and ‘por más que’. These little errors can lead to confusing sentences, or make your Spanish sound less natural. The good news? Most mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to watch for.

Below are the most frequent issues—and the simple solutions that will help you get it right every time.

❌ Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Verb Mood

Problem: Mixing up indicative and subjunctive.

Learners often use indicative when the subjunctive is needed (or the other way around).
This changes the meaning or creates confusion.

Fix:
✅ Ask: Is the situation real or imagined?
Use indicative for real facts.
Use subjunctive for doubts, wishes, or imagined possibilities.

📌 Examples:

❌ Aunque tiene tiempo, no va. (Incorrect if you’re unsure if he has time)
✅ Aunque tenga tiempo, no va. (Even if he has time…)

❌ Mistake 2: Mixing Up ‘A pesar de’ and ‘A pesar de que’

Problem: Using ‘a pesar de’ before a full sentence with a conjugated verb.

Fix:
✅ Use ‘a pesar de’ + noun or infinitive
✅ Use ‘a pesar de que’ + full sentence with conjugated verb

📌 Examples:

❌ A pesar de fue tarde, salió.
✅ A pesar de que fue tarde, salió.
✅ A pesar de ser tarde, salió.

❌ Mistake 3: Overusing ‘Aunque’ for Everything

Problem: Saying ‘aunque’ in every contrast sentence, even when it’s too informal or not quite right.

Fix:
✅ Use ‘a pesar de que’ for more formal or written language.
✅ Use ‘por más que’ when there’s struggle or emotional contrast.

📌 Examples:

❌ Aunque hizo su tarea, sacó mala nota. (Sounds casual)
✅ A pesar de que hizo su tarea, sacó mala nota. (More natural in writing)

❌ Mistake 4: Forgetting the Emotional Tone of ‘Por más que’

Problem: Using ‘por más que’ in dry or factual situations where it’s not needed.

Fix:
✅ Use it for emotional contrast, frustration, or effort that fails.

📌 Examples:

❌ Por más que está lloviendo, voy a correr. (Too factual)
✅ Aunque está lloviendo, voy a correr. (Better choice)
✅ Por más que entreno, no mejoro. (Shows frustration)

❌ Mistake 5: Translating Directly from English

Problem: Saying things like “Even if I am hungry” as “Incluso si tengo hambre.”

Fix:
✅ Use aunque or a pesar de que for correct Spanish phrasing.

📌 Examples:

❌ Incluso si tengo hambre, no como.
✅ Aunque tenga hambre, no como. (Even if I’m hungry, I don’t eat.)

❌ Mistake 6: Not Matching Tenses Correctly

Problem: Using the wrong verb tense after a connector.

Fix:
✅ Keep the verb tense consistent with the time you’re referring to: past, present, or future.

📌 Examples:

❌ A pesar de que llueve ayer…
✅ A pesar de que llovió ayer…

✔️ Bonus Tip: Slow Down and Think First

Before writing or speaking, ask:

What mood should I use—indicative or subjunctive?
What is the correct phrase—aunque, a pesar de que, or por más que?
Does my verb tense match the timeline?

Just 3 seconds of thinking will make your Spanish sharper and more natural.

20 ‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’ Example Sentences for Better Understanding

One of the fastest ways to learn Spanish is by seeing grammar in action. These 20 example sentences will show you how native speakers naturally use ‘aunque’, ‘a pesar de que’, and ‘por más que’ in daily life.

Each example includes an English translation to help you follow along, and we’ve included different tenses and verb moods so you can really grasp the variety of ways these expressions work.

🔹 Examples Using ‘Aunque’

Aunque hace frío, vamos a la playa.
Although it’s cold, we’re going to the beach.
Aunque esté cansado, tengo que estudiar.
Even if I’m tired, I have to study.
Aunque no me gusta el brócoli, lo como.
Even though I don’t like broccoli, I eat it.
Aunque llueva, iremos al parque.
Even if it rains, we’ll go to the park.
Aunque ganó el partido, no jugó bien.
Although he won the game, he didn’t play well.

🔹 Examples Using ‘A pesar de que’

A pesar de que estaba enfermo, fue al trabajo.
Despite being sick, he went to work.
A pesar de que es tarde, siguen hablando.
Even though it’s late, they’re still talking.
A pesar de que no entiendo todo, me gusta la película.
Even though I don’t understand everything, I like the movie.
A pesar de que llueva, haremos la caminata.
Even if it rains, we’ll do the hike.
A pesar de que no estudió, pasó el examen.
Despite not studying, he passed the test.

🔹 Examples Using ‘Por más que’

Por más que lo intento, no lo logro.
No matter how much I try, I can’t do it.
Por más que estudies, no vas a entender sin práctica.
No matter how much you study, you won’t understand without practice.
Por más que grites, no te escuchará.
No matter how much you scream, she won’t hear you.
Por más que te esfuerces, no es suficiente para ellos.
No matter how hard you try, it’s not enough for them.
Por más que trabajó, no pudo ahorrar dinero.
No matter how much he worked, he couldn’t save money.

🔄 Mixed Examples (Bonus!)

Aunque tengas miedo, debes intentarlo.
Even if you’re afraid, you must try.
A pesar de que llovía, salimos a caminar.
Even though it was raining, we went for a walk.
Por más que lo expliques, no lo entienden.
No matter how much you explain it, they don’t understand.
A pesar de que lo sabía, no dijo nada.
Even though he knew it, he said nothing.
Aunque no sea perfecto, es suficiente.
Even if it’s not perfect, it’s enough.

These real-life examples will make it easier for you to recognize, use, and respond to these phrases in Spanish conversations, writing, and exams.

‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’ Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Test Your Knowledge

Fill in the blanks with ‘aunque’, ‘a pesar de que’, or ‘por más que’ and conjugate the verb correctly (indicative or subjunctive as needed).

_________ (llover) mucho, iremos a la fiesta.
No me rindo _________ (ser) difícil el problema.
_________ (tener) sueño, terminé mi tarea.
Ella salió a correr _________ (hacer) frío.
_________ (saber) la verdad, no dijo nada.
_________ (llover), no cancelaron el evento.
_________ (estudiar) mucho, no pasó el examen.
Vamos a la playa _________ (hacer) mal tiempo.
_________ (ser) caro, compré el libro.
_________ (tener) miedo, entró al edificio.
No me rendiré _________ (ser) complicado.
_________ (estar) cansados, seguimos trabajando.
_________ (querer) ayudar, no pude.
_________ (nevar), saldré a caminar.
_________ (tener) hambre, no comí.
No puedo entender _________ (explicar) varias veces.
_________ (hacer) frío, no me puse abrigo.
_________ (trabajar) mucho, no logro ahorrar.
_________ (llegar) temprano, no me dejaron entrar.
_________ (estar) enfermo, fue al trabajo.

Check Your Answers for the ‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’ Exercise

Aunque llueva mucho, iremos a la fiesta.
(Even if it rains a lot, we will go to the party.)
No me rindo por más que sea difícil el problema.
(I don’t give up no matter how difficult the problem is.)
Aunque tenía sueño, terminé mi tarea.
(Although I was sleepy, I finished my homework.)
Ella salió a correr a pesar de que hacía frío.
(She went out running despite it being cold.)
Aunque sabía la verdad, no dijo nada.
(Even though he knew the truth, he said nothing.)
Aunque llovía, no cancelaron el evento.
(Although it was raining, they didn’t cancel the event.)
Por más que estudié, no pasó el examen.
(No matter how much I studied, I didn’t pass the exam.)
Vamos a la playa a pesar de que hace mal tiempo.
(We’re going to the beach despite the bad weather.)
Aunque es caro, compré el libro.
(Although it’s expensive, I bought the book.)
Aunque tenía miedo, entró al edificio.
(Even though he was scared, he entered the building.)
No me rendiré por más que sea complicado.
(I won’t give up no matter how complicated it is.)
Aunque estábamos cansados, seguimos trabajando.
(Although we were tired, we kept working.)
Aunque quería ayudar, no pude.
(Even though I wanted to help, I couldn’t.)
Aunque nieve, saldré a caminar.
(Even if it snows, I will go for a walk.)
Aunque tenía hambre, no comí.
(Even though I was hungry, I didn’t eat.)
No puedo entender por más que expliques varias veces.
(I can’t understand no matter how many times you explain.)
Aunque hacía frío, no me puse abrigo.
(Although it was cold, I didn’t wear a coat.)
Por más que trabajo, no logro ahorrar.
(No matter how much I work, I can’t save money.)
Aunque llegué temprano, no me dejaron entrar.
(Although I arrived early, they didn’t let me in.)
Aunque estaba enfermo, fue al trabajo.
(Even though he was sick, he went to work.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’

1. What is the main difference between ‘aunque’ and ‘a pesar de que’?

‘Aunque’ can introduce real facts or hypothetical situations, often implying contrast.
‘A pesar de que’ always introduces a fact or reality and emphasizes despite or in spite of something. It sounds a bit more formal or written.

2. When should I use the subjunctive with ‘aunque’?

Use the subjunctive when the information is uncertain, hypothetical, or future.
Example: Aunque llueva mañana, iremos. (Even if it rains tomorrow, we will go.)

3. Can ‘por más que’ be used in formal writing?

Yes, but it is more common in spoken language or informal writing. It often expresses emotional emphasis or frustration.

4. Is ‘a pesar de’ the same as ‘a pesar de que’?

Not exactly.

‘A pesar de’ is followed by a noun or infinitive: A pesar de la lluvia (Despite the rain)
‘A pesar de que’ is followed by a conjugated verb: A pesar de que llueve (Although it rains)

5. Can I use ‘aunque’ at the beginning or middle of a sentence?

Yes, ‘aunque’ can be used at the start or middle to introduce a contrasting idea.
Example: Aunque estaba cansado, fui a la fiesta. / Fui a la fiesta, aunque estaba cansado.

6. How do I know when to use indicative or subjunctive with these phrases?

If the clause refers to a known fact or reality, use the indicative. If it expresses doubt, possibility, or non-reality, use the subjunctive.

7. Are there any other phrases similar to these in Spanish?

Yes! Others include:

Sin embargo (however)
No obstante (nevertheless)
Aun así (even so)
But ‘aunque’, ‘a pesar de que’, and ‘por más que’ are very common for concessions.

8. Can ‘por más que’ be replaced by ‘aunque’?

Sometimes yes, but ‘por más que’ often adds stronger emotional or effort emphasis. ‘Aunque’ is more neutral.

9. Is it correct to use ‘aunque’ with the future tense?

Yes, but often the subjunctive present is used to talk about future uncertainty.
Example: Aunque venga mañana, no estaré. (Even if he comes tomorrow…)

10. How do I practice using these phrases naturally?

Listen to Spanish songs, movies, and podcasts.
Read books and articles paying attention to these phrases.
Write your own sentences or short stories using them.
Speak with native speakers or language partners.

Key Takeaways: ‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’ Summary and Important Points

‘Aunque’ introduces contrasts and can use indicative (for facts) or subjunctive (for uncertainty or hypothetical situations).
‘A pesar de que’ means despite or in spite of and always introduces a fact or reality using the indicative mood.
‘Por más que’ expresses no matter how much or even though with strong emotional or effort emphasis and usually requires the subjunctive for hypothetical or future scenarios.
Use ‘a pesar de’ without que when followed by a noun or infinitive (e.g., a pesar del frío).
Remember to match verb moods and tenses correctly after these expressions for clarity and natural sound.
These phrases help express concessions — showing something happens despite obstacles, doubts, or difficulties.
Common mistakes include mixing moods, incorrect phrase choice, and direct English translations.
Practice with real-life examples and exercises to internalize usage.
Listening, reading, and speaking in context greatly improve your comfort with these expressions.

Conclusion: Mastering ‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’ | Your Path to Confident Spanish

Understanding how to use ‘aunque’, ‘a pesar de que’, and ‘por más que’ is a powerful step toward expressing complex ideas and contrasts naturally in Spanish. Whether you are a beginner or advanced learner, mastering these expressions opens doors to richer conversations and clearer writing.

Remember, the key is to practice regularly, pay attention to verb moods, and recognize the subtle differences that make each phrase unique. With patience and real-life practice, you’ll soon find yourself confidently using these connectors in everyday speech and formal writing alike.

Keep exploring Spanish through reading, listening, and speaking — and don’t hesitate to revisit this guide whenever you need a refresher!

Ready to take your Spanish even further?

Visit mylanguageclasses.in for more helpful lessons.
Follow us on Instagram @mylanguageclassesofficial for tips and daily practice.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel My Language Classes for engaging video lessons.

📚 Continue Learning Spanish

Preterite Tense (Pretérito Indefinido) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Imperfect Tense (Pretérito Imperfecto) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Future Simple Tense in Spanish | My Language Classes

Spanish Conditional Tense (Condicional Simple) | My Language Classes

Present Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto de Indicativo) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Present Subjunctive (Presente de Subjuntivo) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Expressions and Idioms with the Verb “Tener” in Spanish | My Language Classes

Expressions, Idioms, and Proverbs with the Verb Hacer | My Language Classes

Expressions, Idioms, and Proverbs with the Verb ‘Haber’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

Ir a + Infinitive: Expressing Near Future in Spanish | My Language Classes

Mastering Deber, Poder and Querer in Spanish | My Language Classes

Comparative and Superlative Forms of Adjectives in Spanish | My Language Classes

Possessive Adjectives in Spanish | My Language Classes

Adverbs of Quantity in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use Spanish Prepositions | My Language Classes

Everything You Need to Know About POR in Spanish | My Language Classes

Everything You Need to Know About PARA in Spanish | My Language Classes

Coordinating Conjunctions in Spanish: y, o, pero, sino, and Others | My Language Classes

Subordinating Conjunctions in Spanish: porque, que, cuando, aunque, and Others | My Language Classes

Questions with Interrogative Words in Spanish | My Language Classes

Time Expressions in Spanish: Hace + Time + Que, Desde, Desde Hace, and More | My Language Classes

Idiomatic Phrases Using Tener, Estar, and Hacer in Spanish | My Language Classes

Use of Infinitive After Prepositions in Spanish | My Language Classes

Correct Use of Accent Marks in Written Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Aunque’, ‘A pesar de que’, and ‘Por más que’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

Understanding ‘Dejar de’, ‘Volver a’, and ‘Seguir’ | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Ojalá’, ‘Quizás’, and ‘Tal vez’ | My Language Classes

Understanding the Passive Voice in Spanish | My Language Classes

June 6, 2025

How to Use ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’ in Spanish

Forming Comparisons: ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’

Want to speak Spanish like a native? One of the fastest ways to improve your fluency is by mastering Spanish comparisons. Whether you’re describing your favorite food, talking about prices, or comparing your day with someone else’s, knowing how to use “más que”, “menos que”, and “tan como” will supercharge your everyday conversations.

These are some of the most useful and frequently used comparison phrases in Spanish. You’ll hear them in songs, movies, daily chats, and even in travel situations. If you’ve ever wondered how to say “more than,” “less than,” or “as…as” in Spanish, this is your complete guide.

By the end of this blog post, you’ll be able to:

Make comparisons in Spanish like a pro
Understand when and how to use each phrase
Avoid common mistakes learners make
Practice with real-life examples and exercises

Whether you’re a complete beginner or already have some Spanish under your belt, this guide is designed to help you speak with more confidence and clarity. So let’s jump in and discover how to use “más que”, “menos que”, and “tan como” in Spanish conversations.

What Is ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’ in Spanish? Explanation and Overview

In Spanish, comparisons are an important part of everyday speech. Whether you’re talking about size, speed, cost, feelings, or opinions, you’ll often find yourself needing to compare one thing to another. That’s where “más que”, “menos que”, and “tan como” come in.

Let’s break each one down clearly:

🔹 “Más que” – More than

Use “más que” to compare two things when one has more of a quality than the other. It’s used just like “more than” in English.

Example:
Ella es más alta que su hermana.
(She is taller than her sister.)

🔹 “Menos que” – Less than

Use “menos que” when one thing has less of a quality than the other. It works exactly like “less than.”

Example:
Este coche es menos rápido que el otro.
(This car is less fast than the other.)

🔹 “Tan como” – As…as

Use “tan como” when two things are equal in some way. In English, we say “as big as,” “as smart as,” etc. In Spanish, you pair “tan” (as) with an adjective or adverb and follow it with “como” (as).

Example:
Mi casa es tan grande como la tuya.
(My house is as big as yours.)

✅ These expressions are called comparatives in grammar. They help describe differences or similarities between people, places, things, or actions.

🧠 A Quick Look:

Spanish Phrase	English Meaning	Used For
más que	more than	Showing something is greater
menos que	less than	Showing something is smaller
tan como	as…as	Showing equality

These phrases are incredibly useful when you’re:

Describing people or things
Comparing experiences or events
Talking about likes, dislikes, and preferences
Making decisions or giving opinions

And don’t worry — they’re easy to use once you get the hang of them!

Everyday Sentences Using ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’: 10 Common Examples

Once you start noticing them, you’ll hear “más que,” “menos que,” and “tan como” everywhere in spoken Spanish. These phrases are a core part of daily conversations — from chatting with friends to ordering food or describing your weekend.

Here are 10 simple and realistic examples of how native speakers use these comparisons every day. Each sentence comes with its English translation so you can follow along easily.

🔸 Examples with “más que” (more than)

Me gusta el café más que el té.
(I like coffee more than tea.)
Juan trabaja más que su hermano.
(Juan works more than his brother.)
Este libro cuesta más que el otro.
(This book costs more than the other.)
Tú hablas más que yo.
(You talk more than I do.)

🔸 Examples with “menos que” (less than)

Hoy hace menos frío que ayer.
(Today is less cold than yesterday.)
Ella come menos que antes.
(She eats less than before.)
Este hotel tiene menos habitaciones que aquel.
(This hotel has fewer rooms than that one.)

🔸 Examples with “tan como” (as…as)

Mi hermano es tan alto como yo.
(My brother is as tall as I am.)
Este coche es tan rápido como el otro.
(This car is as fast as the other one.)
La película fue tan divertida como esperaba.
(The movie was as fun as I expected.)

🗣️ Quick Tip: Want to sound more fluent? Try saying these aloud. The rhythm and pattern of the phrases will start to feel natural with practice.

These simple comparisons open the door to rich, real-world communication in Spanish. Use them to talk about your likes and dislikes, describe people, make plans, or even tell stories. The possibilities are endless.

When to Use ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’: All the Key Situations

Knowing when to use “más que”, “menos que”, and “tan como” in Spanish is just as important as knowing what they mean. These phrases are used in many everyday situations — from casual conversations to formal writing. Let’s break down all the key times when you’ll want to use each one.

✅ Use “más que” (more than) when:

You want to say that something is greater or has more of a certain quality.
You’re comparing amounts, sizes, skills, emotions, or preferences.

🔹 Situations:

Comparing people
Ana es más simpática que Marta.
(Ana is nicer than Marta.)
Talking about likes and dislikes
Me gusta bailar más que cantar.
(I like dancing more than singing.)
Describing quantities
Hay más estudiantes que ayer.
(There are more students than yesterday.)
Expressing frequency or intensity
Llueve más que en la primavera.
(It rains more than in spring.)

✅ Use “menos que” (less than) when:

You need to say that something is lower in quantity or degree.
You’re showing that someone or something has less of a quality or feature.

🔹 Situations:

Comparing objects or experiences
Esta casa es menos cara que la otra.
(This house is less expensive than the other one.)
Talking about ability
Corro menos que mi hermano.
(I run less than my brother.)
Mentioning reduced frequency or habits
Leo menos que antes.
(I read less than before.)

✅ Use “tan como” (as…as) when:

You want to show that two things are equal in some way.
You’re comparing similar levels of a quality, not differences.

🔹 Situations:

Talking about equality between people or things
La playa es tan bonita como el campo.
(The beach is as beautiful as the countryside.)
Describing skills or characteristics
Ella es tan inteligente como su padre.
(She is as smart as her father.)
Expressing emotions or expectations
Fue tan emocionante como lo imaginé.
(It was as exciting as I imagined.)

🎯 Bonus Situations:

You’ll also hear these comparisons:

In advertising:
¡Más calidad por menos precio!
(More quality for less price!)
In school settings:
Este examen fue tan difícil como el anterior.
(This test was as hard as the last one.)
In daily routines:
Hoy trabajé más que nunca.
(Today I worked more than ever.)

Conjugation Rules for Using ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’ in Spanish

One of the best parts about using “más que,” “menos que,” and “tan como” is that they don’t require complicated conjugation on their own. These are set comparison phrases, and they stay the same no matter who you’re talking about. But here’s the catch — the verb in the sentence still needs to match the subject correctly.

Let’s walk through how conjugation works around these phrases.

✅ 1. Conjugate the Verb, Not the Comparison Phrase

The phrases “más que,” “menos que,” and “tan como” never change. You only need to conjugate the verb to fit the subject of the sentence — just like you would in a normal Spanish sentence.

🔸 Example:

Ella corre más que su hermana.
(She runs more than her sister.)
➤ The verb “corre” (runs) is conjugated for ella (she).

✅ 2. Pay Attention to the Subject Pronoun

The verb must agree with the person or thing doing the action. You can’t forget about subject-verb agreement in Spanish!

Subject	Verb (comer – to eat)	Example with Comparison
Yo	como	Yo como más que tú. (I eat more than you.)
Tú	comes	Tú comes menos que ella. (You eat less than her.)
Él/Ella	come	Él come tan rápido como su padre. (He eats as fast as his dad.)
Nosotros	comemos	Comemos más que ellos. (We eat more than them.)
Ellos	comen	Ellos comen menos que nosotros. (They eat less than us.)

✅ 3. Use Adjectives and Adverbs with ‘Tan como’

When using “tan como”, what goes between the words “tan” and “como” is usually an adjective or adverb. That word must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes.

🔸 Example:

El perro es tan rápido como el coche.
(The dog is as fast as the car.)
Las chicas son tan inteligentes como los chicos.
(The girls are as smart as the boys.)
➤ “Inteligentes” matches the plural feminine noun “chicas.”

🧠 Quick Grammar Reminders:

Adjectives must agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) with the subject.
Verbs must match the subject pronoun in person and number.
The structure of the comparison phrases remains unchanged.

🚫 What You Don’t Have to Do:

You don’t have to conjugate “más,” “menos,” or “tan.”
You don’t have to change the word “que” or “como.”

These parts are fixed. Just focus on conjugating the verb correctly and matching adjectives where needed, and you’ll be golden!

‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’ Grammar Rules You Need to Know

Now that you understand the meanings and basic structure of “más que,” “menos que,” and “tan como,” let’s dive into the grammar rules that help you use them correctly every time. These are the foundation of Spanish comparisons — and once you know them, forming comparison sentences will become second nature.

Here’s everything you need to know, explained in a simple and clear way.

🔹 Rule #1: Use ‘más que’ to express superiority

“Más que” is used when one thing has more of a quality, action, or amount than another.

📌 Sentence Structure:

[Subject] + [verb/adjective/noun] + más que + [object of comparison]

✅ Examples:

Pedro tiene más libros que Juan.
(Pedro has more books than Juan.)
Tú eres más alto que yo.
(You are taller than I am.)

Use with adjectives, nouns, or verbs, depending on what you’re comparing.

🔹 Rule #2: Use ‘menos que’ to express inferiority

“Menos que” works the same way as “más que,” but expresses the opposite — less of something.

📌 Sentence Structure:

[Subject] + [verb/adjective/noun] + menos que + [object of comparison]

✅ Examples:

Este restaurante tiene menos opciones que el otro.
(This restaurant has fewer options than the other one.)
Corremos menos que ellos.
(We run less than them.)

🔹 Rule #3: Use ‘tan como’ to express equality in quality

Use “tan como” when comparing two things that share the same level of a quality. It’s usually paired with an adjective or adverb in between.

📌 Sentence Structure:

[Subject] + es/está + tan + adjective/adverb + como + [object of comparison]

✅ Examples:

Mi perro es tan amigable como el tuyo.
(My dog is as friendly as yours.)
Ella habla tan rápido como su hermana.
(She speaks as fast as her sister.)

Note: Don’t confuse “tan como” with “tanto como” (used for comparing equal quantities — we’ll stick to “tan como” in this guide).

🔹 Rule #4: Always match adjectives with nouns

When using adjectives with “más que,” “menos que,” or “tan como,” make sure they agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) with the noun they describe.

✅ Example:

Estas casas son más grandes que las otras.
(“Grandes” is plural and matches “casas”)

🔹 Rule #5: Use subject pronouns correctly

After “que” or “como,” it’s more natural to use subject pronouns (yo, tú, él, etc.) instead of object pronouns (me, te, lo).

✅ Example:

Eres más alto que yo. ✅
(You are taller than I.)
Eres más alto que mí. ❌ (Incorrect!)

🔹 Rule #6: Use definite articles where needed

If you’re comparing the best, the worst, the biggest, etc., you might be dealing with superlatives, not just comparatives. In those cases, you’ll often use “el/la/los/las” with más or menos — like el más rápido (the fastest). But this is a different grammar structure not directly tied to “más que.”

🧠 Quick Recap:

Rule	Phrase	Used For
1	más que	More of a quality
2	menos que	Less of a quality
3	tan como	Equal in quality
4	Adjective agreement	Match gender and number
5	Correct pronouns	Use subject pronouns after que/comó
6	Article usage	For superlatives, not comparisons

Important Tips for Using ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’ Correctly

Even though “más que,” “menos que,” and “tan como” are simple to learn, a few smart tips can help you avoid confusion, speak more naturally, and sound more like a native Spanish speaker. Let’s go over some key tips that will take your comparisons from basic to brilliant.

✅ 1. Don’t Translate Word-for-Word from English

Sometimes direct translation sounds strange in Spanish. Focus on thinking in Spanish structure, especially when using comparison phrases.

🚫 Incorrect:

She is more tall than him.

✅ Correct (Spanish):

Ella es más alta que él.

🗣️ Tip: Translate ideas, not exact words.

✅ 2. Always Use Subject Pronouns After “que” and “como”

After “que” or “como,” always use subject pronouns (yo, tú, él, ella, etc.). Avoid object pronouns like me, te, or lo.

✅ Examples:

Él corre más que yo. ✅
(He runs more than I do.)
Tú eres tan inteligente como ella. ✅
(You are as smart as she is.)

✅ 3. Don’t Forget Adjective Agreement

In Spanish, adjectives must agree with the noun in gender and number. This rule applies in comparative sentences too!

✅ Example:

Las niñas son tan graciosas como los niños.
(The girls are as funny as the boys.)

“Graciosas” is feminine and plural to match “niñas.”

✅ 4. Use “tan como” for Qualities, Not Quantities

Use “tan como” to compare qualities (like smart, fast, happy), not quantities (like books, money, or time).

✅ Correct:

Mi gato es tan bonito como el tuyo.
(My cat is as cute as yours.)

❌ Incorrect:

Tengo tan libros como tú.
(I have as books as you.) ❌

✅ Correct (quantity form – not covered in this blog):

Tengo tantos libros como tú. ✅
(I have as many books as you.)

✅ 5. Practice Saying the Phrases Out Loud

These phrases are rhythmic and musical in Spanish. Practicing out loud helps you remember them and say them more fluently.

🎧 Repeat phrases like:

más que tú

menos que ella

tan alto como él

✅ 6. Keep the Phrase Order Correct

Always use the comparison word first, followed by “que” or “como” — not the other way around.

❌ Wrong: Que más…, Como tan…

✅ Right: Más que, Tan como

✅ 7. Use Real-Life Contexts to Practice

Make it personal! Use comparisons in your daily routine.

Talk about food: Esta pizza tiene más queso que la otra.
Compare your habits: Estudio menos que mi hermana.
Describe your home: Mi cocina es tan grande como la tuya.

The more personal you make it, the easier it is to remember.

Common Mistakes with ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’ — And How to Fix Them

When learning Spanish comparisons, it’s normal to make mistakes — and that’s part of the process! But by knowing the most common errors and how to correct them, you can speak more clearly and avoid confusion in conversations.

Let’s look at typical comparison mistakes and the simple fixes that will help you sound more confident in Spanish.

❌ Mistake 1: Using Object Pronouns After “que” or “como”

This is one of the most frequent errors — and it can make your sentence sound off or even incorrect in Spanish.

🛑 Wrong:

Ella es más rápida que mí. ❌

✅ Correct:

Ella es más rápida que yo. ✅
(She is faster than me.)

Why? In Spanish, the word after “que” or “como” must be a subject pronoun (yo, tú, él, etc.), not an object pronoun (me, mí, te).

❌ Mistake 2: Forgetting Gender and Number Agreement

If you use adjectives in a comparison, they must agree with the noun — just like in any Spanish sentence.

🛑 Wrong:

Las chicas son tan inteligente como los chicos. ❌

✅ Correct:

Las chicas son tan inteligentes como los chicos. ✅
(The girls are as smart as the boys.)

Fix: Make sure adjectives match the gender (feminine/masculine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun.

❌ Mistake 3: Mixing Up “tan como” with “tanto como”

These two are close — but they’re used differently.

Use tan como for comparing qualities.
Use tanto como for comparing quantities.

🛑 Wrong:

Tengo tan libros como tú. ❌

✅ Correct:

Tengo tantos libros como tú. ✅
(I have as many books as you.)

This blog focuses on “tan como” for comparing qualities like fast, nice, tall, friendly, etc.

❌ Mistake 4: Putting “que” or “como” in the Wrong Order

The structure of these comparison phrases is fixed. Putting the words in the wrong order can lead to confusion.

🛑 Wrong:

Ella es que más alta que él. ❌

✅ Correct:

Ella es más alta que él. ✅
(She is taller than him.)

Fix: Always say:

más que
menos que
tan como

Never mix up the order!

❌ Mistake 5: Forgetting the Verb

Sometimes learners skip the verb, especially when comparing with adjectives.

🛑 Wrong:

Ella más inteligente que yo. ❌

✅ Correct:

Ella es más inteligente que yo. ✅
(She is more intelligent than I am.)

Fix: Include the correct form of the verb (usually ser or estar) before the adjective.

✅ Pro Tip: Learn from Real Mistakes

Here’s a quick quiz. Can you fix these?

Él es tan simpático que tú. ❌
Nosotros más rápidos como ellos. ❌
Yo tengo menos tarea tú. ❌

Corrected Versions:

Él es tan simpático como tú. ✅
Nosotros somos más rápidos que ellos. ✅
Yo tengo menos tarea que tú. ✅

20 ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’ Example Sentences for Better Understanding

To really get the feel for using “más que,” “menos que,” and “tan como” in real-life conversations, it helps to see them in action. Below are 20 clear, easy-to-understand example sentences — grouped by comparison type — so you can recognize the structure, pick up natural vocabulary, and practice them yourself.

Let’s explore examples for each expression!

🟢 Examples Using “Más que” (More than):

Leo más que mi hermano.
(I read more than my brother.)
Esta tienda tiene más productos que la otra.
(This store has more products than the other one.)
Ella estudia más que tú.
(She studies more than you.)
Este coche cuesta más que el tuyo.
(This car costs more than yours.)
Nosotros trabajamos más que ellos.
(We work more than they do.)
Juan tiene más energía que Pedro.
(Juan has more energy than Pedro.)
Mi abuela cocina más que mi mamá.
(My grandma cooks more than my mom.)

🔴 Examples Using “Menos que” (Less than):

Viajo menos que antes.
(I travel less than before.)
Tienes menos tiempo que yo.
(You have less time than I do.)
Mi ciudad tiene menos tráfico que la tuya.
(My city has less traffic than yours.)
Comemos menos que nuestros amigos.
(We eat less than our friends.)
Este libro es menos interesante que el otro.
(This book is less interesting than the other one.)
Ellos hablan menos que nosotros en clase.
(They talk less than we do in class.)
El segundo episodio fue menos emocionante que el primero.
(The second episode was less exciting than the first.)

🔵 Examples Using “Tan como” (As… as):

Eres tan amable como tu hermana.
(You are as kind as your sister.)
Mi casa es tan grande como la tuya.
(My house is as big as yours.)
La película fue tan divertida como el libro.
(The movie was as fun as the book.)
Este ejercicio es tan fácil como el anterior.
(This exercise is as easy as the last one.)
Ellos son tan trabajadores como nosotros.
(They are as hardworking as we are.)
Tus zapatos son tan caros como los míos.
(Your shoes are as expensive as mine.)

‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’ Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Test Your Knowledge

Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase: más que, menos que, or tan como.

Ella corre __________ su hermana.
Tengo __________ libros que tú.
Este restaurante es __________ bueno __________ el otro.
Nosotros estudiamos __________ ellos.
Mi casa es __________ grande __________ la tuya.
Tú comes __________ yo.
El coche nuevo es __________ rápido __________ el viejo.
Juan habla __________ poco __________ María.
Ellos trabajan __________ duro __________ nosotros.
Este libro tiene __________ páginas __________ aquel.
Pedro es __________ alto __________ Carlos.
Hay __________ personas aquí __________ ayer.
La película fue __________ interesante __________ el libro.
Nosotros tenemos __________ tiempo __________ ellos.
Ella baila __________ bien __________ su amiga.
Mi gato duerme __________ tiempo __________ el tuyo.
Este examen fue __________ difícil __________ el anterior.
Las flores aquí son __________ bonitas __________ en el parque.
Yo canto __________ mal __________ mi hermano.
La clase de matemáticas es __________ aburrida __________ la de historia.

Check Your Answers for the ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’ Exercise

Ella corre más que su hermana.
(She runs more than her sister.)
Tengo más libros que tú.
(I have more books than you.)
Este restaurante es tan bueno como el otro.
(This restaurant is as good as the other one.)
Nosotros estudiamos más que ellos.
(We study more than they do.)
Mi casa es tan grande como la tuya.
(My house is as big as yours.)
Tú comes menos que yo.
(You eat less than I do.)
El coche nuevo es tan rápido como el viejo.
(The new car is as fast as the old one.)
Juan habla menos que María.
(Juan talks less than María.)
Ellos trabajan tan duro como nosotros.
(They work as hard as we do.)
Este libro tiene más páginas que aquel.
(This book has more pages than that one.)
Pedro es más alto que Carlos.
(Pedro is taller than Carlos.)
Hay menos personas aquí que ayer.
(There are fewer people here than yesterday.)
La película fue tan interesante como el libro.
(The movie was as interesting as the book.)
Nosotros tenemos menos tiempo que ellos.
(We have less time than they do.)
Ella baila tan bien como su amiga.
(She dances as well as her friend.)
Mi gato duerme más tiempo que el tuyo.
(My cat sleeps more time than yours.)
Este examen fue más difícil que el anterior.
(This exam was harder than the previous one.)
Las flores aquí son tan bonitas como en el parque.
(The flowers here are as beautiful as in the park.)
Yo canto más mal que mi hermano.
(I sing worse than my brother.)
(Note: “más mal que” is often replaced with “peor que” but is grammatically possible.)
La clase de matemáticas es tan aburrida como la de historia.
(The math class is as boring as the history class.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’

When learning how to use “más que,” “menos que,” and “tan como,” you may have some common questions. Here, we answer the most frequently asked ones to clear up any confusion and help you feel confident using these comparison phrases.

1. Can I use “más que” with verbs, adjectives, and nouns?

Yes!

With verbs: Corro más que tú. (I run more than you.)
With adjectives: Ella es más alta que él. (She is taller than him.)
With nouns: Tengo más libros que tú. (I have more books than you.)

2. What’s the difference between “tan como” and “tanto como”?

“Tan como” compares qualities (adjectives/adverbs): Él es tan rápido como ella. (He is as fast as she is.)
“Tanto como” compares quantities (nouns/verbs): Él tiene tanto dinero como ella. (He has as much money as she does.)

3. Should I always use subject pronouns after “que” and “como”?

Yes, using subject pronouns (yo, tú, él, ella…) after “que” and “como” is grammatically correct and sounds natural. For example:

Tú eres más alto que yo. (You are taller than I.)
Avoid object pronouns like mí or me here.

4. Can I use “más que” for comparisons of equality?

No.
Use “más que” to express “more than.” For equal comparisons, use “tan como.”

5. How do I say “as many as” in Spanish?

For quantities, use “tanto(s)/tanta(s) como” instead of “tan como.”
Example:

Tengo tantos libros como tú. (I have as many books as you.)

6. Do adjectives change when using these comparisons?

Yes, adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they describe.
Example:

Ella es más alta que él. (Tall – feminine singular)
Ellas son tan inteligentes como ellos. (Intelligent – feminine plural)

7. Are there exceptions or irregular forms?

Generally, no exceptions with these phrases. Just be careful with adjective agreement and pronouns. Also, note that for “worse,” “better,” “older,” and “younger,” Spanish has irregular comparative forms (peor, mejor, mayor, menor).

8. Can I use “más que” or “menos que” with numbers?

Yes, when comparing quantities.
Example: Hay más de veinte personas aquí. (There are more than twenty people here.)
But for equality, use “tanto como” (not tan como).

9. Is there a difference between “más que” and “más de”?

Yes.

“Más que” is used to compare two things: Ella tiene más libros que él. (She has more books than him.)
“Más de” means “more than” followed by a number or quantity: Tengo más de diez libros. (I have more than ten books.)

10. How do I pronounce “más que,” “menos que,” and “tan como”?

Más que: [mas ke]
Menos que: [MEH-nos ke]
Tan como: [tan KO-mo]

Pronounce each phrase clearly, with a natural flow. Practice helps!

Key Takeaways: ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’ Summary and Important Points

Let’s summarize the most important points you need to remember about these essential Spanish comparison phrases:

“Más que” means “more than” and is used for comparing quantities, qualities, and actions.
Example: Ella es más alta que tú. (She is taller than you.)
“Menos que” means “less than” and is also used for quantities, qualities, and actions.
Example: Trabajo menos que él. (I work less than him.)
“Tan como” means “as… as” and is used to compare equal qualities or characteristics (adjectives/adverbs).
Example: Soy tan rápido como ella. (I am as fast as she is.)
Use subject pronouns (yo, tú, él, ella, etc.) after “que” and “como” — never object pronouns like mí or me.
Always ensure adjective agreement in gender and number with the nouns they describe.
For comparing quantities of nouns or verbs, use “tanto(s)/tanta(s) como”, not “tan como”.
The word order for comparisons is always:
más/menos/tan + adjective/adverb + que/como + subject pronoun
Don’t forget to include the correct verb (usually ser or estar) before adjectives.
Avoid mixing these phrases with incorrect pronouns or structures; practice and real-life examples help improve accuracy.
Pronounce each phrase clearly to sound natural: más que, menos que, tan como.

Conclusion: Mastering ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’ in Spanish

Learning how to form comparisons using “más que,” “menos que,” and “tan como” is a crucial step in mastering Spanish. These simple but powerful phrases help you express differences and similarities clearly, whether you’re talking about people, objects, actions, or qualities. By understanding their meanings, grammar rules, and common mistakes, you can speak and write more naturally and confidently.

Remember to practice with real sentences, pay attention to adjective agreement, and always use the right pronouns. The more you use these comparisons in daily conversation, the easier they will become. Keep revisiting examples and exercises to solidify your skills.

If you found this guide helpful, I’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below or connect with me on social media. For more tips, resources, and inspiration, visit my blog at mylanguageclasses.in. Follow on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube

📚 Continue Learning Spanish

Spanish Nouns and Plural Forms | My Language Classes

Spanish Demonstrative Pronouns | My Language Classes

Spanish Descriptive Adjectives | My Language Classes

Spanish Demonstrative Adjectives | My Language Classes

Possessive Adjectives in Spanish | My Language Classes

Present Indicative Mode in Spanish (Regular verbs)| My Language Classes

Irregular Verbs in the Present Indicative mode in Spanish | My Language Classes

Direct Object Pronouns in Spanish | My Language Classes

Indirect Object Pronouns in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use Gustar and Similar Spanish Verbs | My Language Classes

Near Future Tense in Spanish: Mastering Ir a + Infinitive | My Language Classes

Present Progressive in Spanish | My Language Classes

Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Ask and Tell Time in Spanish | My Language Classes

Affirmative Sentences in Spanish | My Language Classes

Negative Sentences in Spanish | My Language Classes

Common Spanish Expressions for Everyday Conversations | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Soler’ + Infinitive in Spanish to Talk About Habits | My Language Classes

Mastering ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

June 5, 2025

How to Use ‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’ in Spanish

Expressing Time Nuances in Spanish Using Ya, Todavía, and Aún

If you’ve ever wondered how to say things like “I already ate”, “She’s still sleeping”, or “Are we there yet?” in Spanish, then words like ya, todavía, and aún are going to become your new best friends. These simple yet powerful words help you express time, change, and progress — and they’re used every single day by native Spanish speakers across the world.

But here’s the tricky part: each of these tiny words can change meaning depending on where they appear in the sentence, the tense, or even the tone of voice. That’s why understanding how to use ‘ya’, ‘todavía’, and ‘aún’ correctly is so important — not just for fluency, but for sounding natural and confident when you speak.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn:

What ‘ya’, ‘todavía’, and ‘aún’ actually mean in simple terms
When and how to use them in real-life situations
Grammar rules and verb pairing tips
Common mistakes learners make — and how to avoid them
Real Spanish examples with English translations
A fun quiz and exercises to test your knowledge

Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an intermediate learner looking to polish your skills, this lesson will give you the clarity, confidence, and examples you need to master these essential Spanish time expressions.

Let’s get started!

What Is ‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’? Explanation and Overview

When you’re learning Spanish, time expressions like ‘ya’, ‘todavía’, and ‘aún’ can seem small — but they carry a big meaning. These words help you talk about time, change, and progress in very natural, real-life ways. Let’s break them down one by one with simple explanations and examples in both Spanish and English.

✅ What Does ‘Ya’ Mean in Spanish?

‘Ya’ is often used to mean:

Already
Now
Anymore
Enough / Stop

It shows that something has happened, is happening, or should happen — usually with a sense of change or urgency.

📌 Examples:

Ya comí. → I already ate.
¡Ya basta! → That’s enough! / Stop it!
¿Ya llegamos? → Are we there yet?
Ya no lo quiero. → I don’t want it anymore.

🧠 Think of ‘ya’ as a word that pushes the sentence forward in time. It moves the action into the present or recent past.

✅ What Does ‘Todavía’ Mean in Spanish?

‘Todavía’ is the Spanish word for:

Still
Yet (in negative or questioning sentences)

It tells us that something continues or hasn’t changed yet.

📌 Examples:

Todavía estoy en casa. → I’m still at home.
¿Todavía no has terminado? → You haven’t finished yet?
Todavía no sé. → I still don’t know.

🧠 Use ‘todavía’ when something is taking longer than expected, or when it’s ongoing.

✅ What Does ‘Aún’ Mean in Spanish?

‘Aún’ often means the same thing as ‘todavía’. In most cases, you can use them interchangeably.

It translates to:

Still
Yet

📌 Examples:

Aún te amo. → I still love you.
Aún no he decidido. → I haven’t decided yet.
¿Aún está lloviendo? → Is it still raining?

🧠 Some people say ‘aún’ sounds more formal or poetic, but in real-life conversations, they mean the same in most cases.

✅ Quick Comparison Table

Spanish Word	English Meaning	Use For	Example
Ya	Already / Now / Anymore	Completed action / change	Ya terminé. – I already finished.
Todavía	Still / Yet	Continuing action / delay	Todavía no sé. – I still don’t know.
Aún	Still / Yet	Same as ‘todavía’	Aún estoy aquí. – I’m still here.

Now that you know what these words mean, let’s take a look at how they show up in real conversations.

Everyday Sentences Using ‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’: 10 Common Examples

The best way to truly understand how to use ‘ya’, ‘todavía’, and ‘aún’ is by seeing them in real-life, everyday Spanish sentences. Below are 10 simple and useful examples, each with an English translation and notes to help you see how the word works in context.

🔟 Common Sentences With ‘Ya’

Ya terminé la tarea.
I already finished the homework.
¡Ya voy!
I’m coming now!
(Used when someone calls you and you’re on your way)
¿Ya comiste?
Did you already eat?
Ya no vivimos allí.
We don’t live there anymore.

🔟 Common Sentences With ‘Todavía’

Todavía no he desayunado.
I haven’t had breakfast yet.
¿Todavía estás en la escuela?
Are you still at school?
Él todavía me escribe todos los días.
He still writes to me every day.

🔟 Common Sentences With ‘Aún’

Aún estoy pensando en eso.
I’m still thinking about it.
¿Aún no has llamado a tu mamá?
You haven’t called your mom yet?
Aún no es hora de irnos.
It’s not time to leave yet.

📝 Quick Tips from These Examples:

‘Ya’ usually means something has happened or is no longer happening.
‘Todavía’ and ‘aún’ usually describe something that is still happening or has not yet changed.
You’ll hear all of these in daily conversations, from family chats to TV shows.

When to Use ‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’: All the Key Situations

Now that you’ve seen what these words mean and how they appear in real sentences, it’s time to learn when to use each one. These time words show up in specific types of situations, and once you learn to spot the patterns, you’ll use them with ease.

Here’s a breakdown of the key situations for ‘ya’, ‘todavía’, and ‘aún’, with easy examples in each case.

✅ Use ‘Ya’ When:

1. Something has already happened

Ya comí. → I already ate.

2. Something changed or is no longer true

Ya no somos amigos. → We’re not friends anymore.

3. You want someone to do something now (often in commands)

¡Ya cállate! → Be quiet already!

4. You’re confirming something is done or ready

¿Ya estás listo? → Are you ready now?

5. You’re expressing impatience or urgency

¡Ya quiero irme! → I want to leave now!

✅ Use ‘Todavía’ When:

1. Something is still happening or true

Todavía estoy en casa. → I’m still at home.

2. Something hasn’t happened yet

Todavía no ha llegado. → He hasn’t arrived yet.

3. You want to emphasize continuity or waiting

Todavía estamos esperando. → We’re still waiting.

✅ Use ‘Aún’ When:

📌 Note: You can almost always swap ‘aún’ with ‘todavía’ — they’re usually interchangeable!

1. Something is still true (formal or poetic tone)

Aún vive con sus padres. → He still lives with his parents.

2. You want to say “not yet”

Aún no ha empezado. → It hasn’t started yet.

3. You’re speaking or writing in a more elegant or emotional way

Aún te extraño. → I still miss you.

⚠️ When NOT to Confuse Them

❌ Don’t use ‘ya’ when you mean “still” — that’s ‘todavía’ or ‘aún’.
❌ Don’t use ‘todavía’ to say something is already finished — that’s ‘ya’.

🧠 Helpful Questions to Ask Yourself

Has something already happened? → Use ya
Is something still going on? → Use todavía or aún
Has something not happened yet? → Use todavía no or aún no
Is the action done and over? → Use ya

Conjugation Rules for ‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’

Good news! You don’t need to conjugate the words ‘ya’, ‘todavía’, or ‘aún’ — they are adverbs, not verbs. That means they don’t change form. Instead, they work alongside the verb in the sentence to tell us more about when something happens.

But here’s where it matters:
You do need to pair these words with the right verb tense depending on what you’re trying to say. Let’s look at how these adverbs fit with different verb forms and time markers.

🔹 Using ‘Ya’ With Verbs

‘Ya’ is often used with:

Past tense (pretérito) → to show something is already done
Present perfect (pretérito perfecto) → to show something has already happened
Commands / imperatives → to show urgency or impatience

📌 Examples:

Ya comí. (Pretérito) → I already ate.
Ya he terminado. (Pretérito perfecto) → I have already finished.
¡Ya duerme! (Command) → Go to sleep already!

🔹 Using ‘Todavía’ With Verbs

‘Todavía’ is often used with:

Present tense → to show something is still happening
Present perfect → to show something hasn’t happened yet
Imperfect → to describe ongoing past actions

📌 Examples:

Todavía estoy aquí. (Presente) → I’m still here.
Todavía no he comido. (Presente perfecto) → I haven’t eaten yet.
Cuando era niño, todavía vivía con mis abuelos. (Imperfecto) → When I was a kid, I still lived with my grandparents.

🔹 Using ‘Aún’ With Verbs

Just like ‘todavía’, ‘aún’ works with:

Present
Past
Present perfect

📌 Examples:

Aún lo amo. (Presente) → I still love him.
Aún no he decidido. (Presente perfecto) → I haven’t decided yet.
Aún vivía allí cuando se casaron. (Imperfecto) → He still lived there when they got married.

⚠️ Key Reminder

The adverb never changes, but the verb does, depending on when the action happens.
These words are flexible — what matters most is the tense of the verb they’re connected to.

‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’ Grammar Rules You Need to Know

Even though ‘ya’, ‘todavía’, and ‘aún’ are just little adverbs, they follow some important grammar rules that affect how your sentence is structured. These rules help you express time clearly and naturally — without confusing your meaning.

Here’s everything you need to keep in mind.

✅ Grammar Rules for Using ‘Ya’

Usually goes before the main verb
- Ya terminé. → I already finished.
- Ya he comido. → I have already eaten.
Can go at the start or end of a sentence
- Ya no quiero café. → I don’t want coffee anymore.
- No quiero café ya. → I don’t want coffee anymore. (less common)
Often combined with ‘no’ to show something no longer happens
- Ya no vivimos allí. → We don’t live there anymore.
Can be used with commands to express urgency or impatience
- ¡Ya basta! → Enough already!

✅ Grammar Rules for Using ‘Todavía’

Often placed before the verb
- Todavía estoy trabajando. → I’m still working.
For negative sentences, ‘todavía no’ comes before the verb
- Todavía no he comido. → I haven’t eaten yet.
Can appear at the start or middle of a sentence
- Todavía me ama. → He still loves me.
- Me ama todavía. → He loves me still. (less formal but used)
Use with present or past verbs depending on meaning
- Todavía lo hace. → He still does it.
- Todavía lo hacía. → He was still doing it.

✅ Grammar Rules for Using ‘Aún’

📌 Think of ‘aún’ as the formal or literary twin of ‘todavía’. It follows the same rules, mostly.

Usually comes before the verb, like ‘todavía’
- Aún no lo sé. → I still don’t know.
Often used in writing, poetry, or song lyrics
- Aún te extraño. → I still miss you.
Can appear in both affirmative and negative sentences
- Aún vive allí. → He still lives there.
- Aún no ha llegado. → He hasn’t arrived yet.
Do not confuse it with aun (without accent), which can mean “even”
- Aun los niños entendieron. → Even the children understood.

⚠️ Word Order Matters

In Spanish, placing these words in the wrong part of the sentence can lead to confusion or unnatural speech. Here’s a quick guide:

Word	Preferred Position	Example
Ya	Before the verb	Ya terminó la película.
Todavía	Before the verb (mostly)	Todavía estudia medicina.
Aún	Before the verb	Aún está enfermo.

Important Tips for Using ‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’ Correctly

Now that you know what ‘ya’, ‘todavía’, and ‘aún’ mean and how they work with verbs, it’s time to focus on using them naturally. These easy tips will help you avoid awkward phrasing, sound more like a native speaker, and choose the right word every time.

✅ Tip #1: Use ‘Ya’ for Completed or Changed Actions

Think of ‘ya’ as marking a change or a result. Use it to:

Show something has just been completed
→ Ya hice mi tarea. (I already did my homework.)
Point out that a situation is no longer true
→ Ya no vivimos aquí. (We don’t live here anymore.)
Give short, clear answers
→ ¿Ya comiste? — Ya. (Did you eat? — Already.)

🟨 Bonus Tip: Use ‘ya’ with commands when you want someone to hurry up or stop:

¡Ya basta! (That’s enough!)
¡Ya vete! (Go already!)

✅ Tip #2: Use ‘Todavía’ to Show Continuity

Use ‘todavía’ when something is:

Ongoing
→ Todavía trabajo en esa empresa. (I still work at that company.)
Not finished yet
→ Todavía no hemos terminado. (We haven’t finished yet.)

🟨 Bonus Tip: When using ‘todavía no’, you’re often expressing delay or something that should’ve happened:

Todavía no llega el autobús. (The bus still hasn’t arrived.)

✅ Tip #3: Choose ‘Aún’ for a More Elegant Tone

Most of the time, you can use ‘aún’ instead of ‘todavía’. But it sounds:

A bit more formal
→ Aún no tengo noticias. (I still have no news.)
Slightly poetic or emotional
→ Aún te quiero. (I still love you.)

🟨 Bonus Tip: Use ‘aún’ in writing or in serious conversations to add a touch of depth or emotion.

✅ Tip #4: Watch for Sentence Position

💡 These words usually go before the verb:

Ya terminó. → It already finished.
Todavía vive aquí. → He still lives here.
Aún no ha llegado. → He hasn’t arrived yet.

Placing them elsewhere is grammatically allowed but can sound odd or overly dramatic in casual talk.

✅ Tip #5: Don’t Confuse ‘Aún’ with ‘Aun’ (Without the Accent)

This is a super common mistake, even for native speakers!

Aún = still / yet
→ Aún está durmiendo. (She’s still sleeping.)
Aun = even
→ Aun los expertos fallan. (Even experts make mistakes.)

🟨 Tip to Remember: If you can replace it with “todavía,” it needs the accent: aún.

Common Mistakes With ‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’ and How to Fix Them

Even experienced Spanish learners sometimes struggle with ‘ya’, ‘todavía’, and ‘aún’ because they look similar but mean different things. Knowing the common errors will help you avoid misunderstandings and speak more confidently.

Here are the typical mistakes and easy ways to fix them.

❌ Mistake #1: Using ‘ya’ Instead of ‘todavía’ or ‘aún’

Wrong:

Ya no estoy esperando. (Meaning: “I’m no longer waiting” — OK)
Ya estoy esperando. (Incorrect if you mean “I’m still waiting.”)

Why it’s wrong:
‘Ya’ means already or no longer, so saying Ya estoy esperando sounds like you started waiting now, which doesn’t make sense.

Fix:
Use ‘todavía’ or ‘aún’ to mean still waiting:

Todavía estoy esperando.
Aún estoy esperando.

❌ Mistake #2: Confusing ‘aún’ with ‘aun’ (Without Accent)

Wrong:

Aun no lo sé. (Means “Even not knowing it,” which is confusing)

Why it’s wrong:
Without the accent, ‘aun’ means even, not still or yet.

Fix:
Add the accent when meaning still or yet:

Aún no lo sé. → I still don’t know.

❌ Mistake #3: Placing ‘ya’, ‘todavía’, or ‘aún’ in the Wrong Part of the Sentence

Wrong:

Estoy ya cansado. (Sounds awkward in most cases)
Estoy cansado todavía. (Can work, but less natural)

Fix:
Place these adverbs before the verb for natural speech:

Ya estoy cansado. → I’m already tired.
Todavía estoy cansado. → I’m still tired.

❌ Mistake #4: Using ‘ya no’ and ‘todavía no’ Interchangeably

‘Ya no’ means no longer
‘Todavía no’ means not yet

Wrong:

Todavía no vivo en España. (I don’t live in Spain yet.)
Ya no vivo en España. (I no longer live in Spain.)

Mixing these changes the meaning completely!

Fix:
Choose carefully:

Use ‘ya no’ to say something has stopped
Use ‘todavía no’ to say something hasn’t started or happened yet

❌ Mistake #5: Overusing ‘Ya’ in Commands

Sometimes learners say commands like Ya habla trying to say Speak now! but it sounds unnatural.

Fix:
Use ‘ya’ with clear commands or phrases:

¡Ya basta! → Enough already!
¡Ya vete! → Go already!

Or just use the command without ‘ya’ if it’s simple:

Habla. → Speak.

Quick Summary of Fixes:

Mistake	Correct Version	Explanation
Using ‘ya’ instead of ‘todavía’	Todavía estoy aquí.	Use for ongoing actions
Confusing ‘aún’ and ‘aun’	Aún no sé.	Accent changes meaning
Wrong word order	Ya estoy cansado.	Place adverb before the verb
Mixing ‘ya no’ and ‘todavía no’	Use carefully depending on meaning	Different meanings
Overusing ‘ya’ in commands	¡Ya basta! / Habla.	Use ‘ya’ only for emphasis

20 ‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’ Example Sentences for Better Understanding

Using ‘Ya’ (Already / No longer / Now)

Ya terminé mi trabajo.
I already finished my work.
¿Ya comiste?
Did you eat already?
Ya no quiero ir al cine.
I don’t want to go to the movies anymore.
¡Ya basta de excusas!
Enough excuses already!
Ya estamos listos para salir.
We’re ready to leave now.

Using ‘Todavía’ (Still / Not yet)

Todavía estoy aprendiendo español.
I am still learning Spanish.
¿Todavía no has visto esa película?
You still haven’t seen that movie?
Todavía queda mucha tarea por hacer.
There’s still a lot of homework left to do.
Aunque sea tarde, todavía puedo ayudarte.
Even if it’s late, I can still help you.
Todavía no han llegado los invitados.
The guests haven’t arrived yet.

Using ‘Aún’ (Still / Yet – more formal or emotional)

Aún recuerdo nuestro primer encuentro.
I still remember our first meeting.
Aún no he recibido tu mensaje.
I haven’t received your message yet.
Aún vivo en la misma casa.
I still live in the same house.
Aún te amo, aunque estés lejos.
I still love you, even though you’re far away.
Aunque han pasado años, aún pienso en ti.
Even though years have passed, I still think about you.

Mixed Usage for Context Practice

¿Ya sabes la respuesta o todavía tienes dudas?
Do you already know the answer or do you still have doubts?
Ella ya no trabaja aquí, pero todavía la veo a veces.
She doesn’t work here anymore, but I still see her sometimes.
Aún no hemos decidido qué hacer.
We haven’t decided what to do yet.
Todavía me duele la cabeza después de la fiesta de anoche.
My head still hurts after last night’s party.
Ya es hora de irnos, ¿todavía estás listo?
It’s already time to go, are you still ready?

These sentences cover a wide range of everyday contexts and show how naturally these words fit in.

‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’ Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Test Your Knowledge

Complete each sentence with the correct word: ya, todavía, or aún.

No puedo creer que ______ estés aquí.
______ terminé el informe que me pediste.
¿______ no has hablado con ella?
______ no hemos decidido qué hacer.
______ no quiero comer más.
Ella ______ trabaja en la empresa.
¿______ has visto esa serie?
______ no me siento bien hoy.
¡______ basta de discusiones!
______ estoy esperando tu llamada.
¿______ tienes preguntas sobre la lección?
______ no sé qué decir.
______ quiero ayudarte, pero estoy ocupado.
El tren ______ salió hace cinco minutos.
______ hay mucho por hacer antes de la reunión.
¿______ has terminado con tu tarea?
______ no he recibido noticias de ellos.
______ no entiendo por qué pasó eso.
______ vives aquí, ¿verdad?
______ me acuerdo de esa canción.

Check Your Answers for the ‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’ Exercise

No puedo creer que todavía estés aquí.
I can’t believe you are still here.
Ya terminé el informe que me pediste.
I already finished the report you asked for.
¿Aún no has hablado con ella?
You haven’t spoken with her yet?
Aún no hemos decidido qué hacer.
We haven’t decided what to do yet.
Ya no quiero comer más.
I don’t want to eat anymore.
Ella todavía trabaja en la empresa.
She still works at the company.
¿Ya has visto esa serie?
Have you already seen that series?
Todavía no me siento bien hoy.
I still don’t feel well today.
¡Ya basta de discusiones!
Enough arguments already!
Todavía estoy esperando tu llamada.
I am still waiting for your call.
¿Todavía tienes preguntas sobre la lección?
Do you still have questions about the lesson?
Aún no sé qué decir.
I still don’t know what to say.
Todavía quiero ayudarte, pero estoy ocupado.
I still want to help you, but I am busy.
El tren ya salió hace cinco minutos.
The train already left five minutes ago.
Todavía hay mucho por hacer antes de la reunión.
There is still a lot to do before the meeting.
¿Ya has terminado con tu tarea?
Have you already finished your homework?
Aún no he recibido noticias de ellos.
I haven’t received news from them yet.
Todavía no entiendo por qué pasó eso.
I still don’t understand why that happened.
Todavía vives aquí, ¿verdad?
You still live here, right?
Todavía me acuerdo de esa canción.
I still remember that song.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’

1. Can I use ‘ya’ and ‘todavía’ interchangeably?

No, because ‘ya’ generally indicates something that has already happened or stopped, while ‘todavía’ means something is still happening or ongoing. For example:

Ya terminé. (I already finished.)
Todavía estudio. (I’m still studying.)

2. Is ‘aún’ always interchangeable with ‘todavía’?

Mostly yes. ‘Aún’ is a bit more formal or poetic but often means the same as ‘todavía’ in the context of “still” or “not yet.” For example:

Todavía no he comido.
Aún no he comido.
Both mean I haven’t eaten yet.

3. What’s the difference between ‘aún’ and ‘aun’ (without accent)?

‘Aún’ means still or yet.
‘Aun’ (without accent) means even — used for emphasis.
Example:
Aún no llego. (I still haven’t arrived.)
Aun los niños entienden. (Even the children understand.)

4. Where should these words be placed in a sentence?

They usually come before the main verb:

Ya terminé.
Todavía trabajo.
Aún no sé.

However, they can sometimes appear at the start of a sentence or after the verb for emphasis, but that is less common in everyday speech.

5. Can ‘ya’ be used with negative sentences?

Yes, often with ‘no’ to express that something no longer happens:

Ya no fumo. (I don’t smoke anymore.)
Ya no trabajo allí. (I no longer work there.)

6. Are these words used in questions?

Absolutely! They help clarify time-related questions:

¿Ya comiste? (Did you already eat?)
¿Todavía estás aquí? (Are you still here?)
¿Aún no llega? (Hasn’t he arrived yet?)

7. Can I use these words with different tenses?

Yes, you can use them with past, present, and future tenses to express time nuances:

Ya hablé con ella. (I already spoke with her.)
Todavía estoy aprendiendo. (I’m still learning.)
Aún no habrán llegado para mañana. (They won’t have arrived yet by tomorrow.)

Key Takeaways: ‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’ Summary and Important Points

‘Ya’ means already, now, or no longer, used to show completed actions or changes.
‘Todavía’ means still or not yet, showing ongoing actions or something unfinished.
‘Aún’ often means the same as todavía but sounds more formal or emotional.
Place these words before the verb for natural Spanish sentences.
Use ‘ya no’ to express something that has stopped happening.
Use ‘todavía no’ or ‘aún no’ to say something hasn’t happened yet.
Don’t confuse ‘aún’ (still/yet) with ‘aun’ (even) — the accent changes the meaning.
In questions, these words help specify timing clearly: ¿Ya?, ¿Todavía?, ¿Aún?
Use these words across tenses to express subtle time differences.
Watch out for common mistakes like wrong placement or mixing meanings — practice makes perfect!

These tips and examples will help you master expressing time nuances in Spanish confidently with ‘ya’, ‘todavía’, and ‘aún’.

Conclusion: Mastering ‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’ to Express Time Nuances in Spanish

Understanding the subtle differences between ‘ya’, ‘todavía’, and ‘aún’ unlocks a deeper level of fluency in Spanish. These small but powerful words help you express important time nuances—whether something has already happened, is still happening, or hasn’t happened yet.

By practicing their correct use and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll communicate with more precision and naturalness. Remember, ‘ya’ points to actions that are done or no longer happening, ‘todavía’ emphasizes continuity or delay, and ‘aún’ often adds a formal or emotional touch.

Keep revisiting examples, doing exercises, and speaking aloud to build confidence. The more you use these words, the more intuitive they will become!

📚 Continue Learning Spanish

Spanish Nouns and Plural Forms | My Language Classes

Spanish Demonstrative Pronouns | My Language Classes

Spanish Descriptive Adjectives | My Language Classes

Spanish Demonstrative Adjectives | My Language Classes

Possessive Adjectives in Spanish | My Language Classes

Present Indicative Mode in Spanish (Regular verbs)| My Language Classes

Irregular Verbs in the Present Indicative mode in Spanish | My Language Classes

Direct Object Pronouns in Spanish | My Language Classes

Indirect Object Pronouns in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use Gustar and Similar Spanish Verbs | My Language Classes

Near Future Tense in Spanish: Mastering Ir a + Infinitive | My Language Classes

Present Progressive in Spanish | My Language Classes

Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Ask and Tell Time in Spanish | My Language Classes

Affirmative Sentences in Spanish | My Language Classes

Negative Sentences in Spanish | My Language Classes

Common Spanish Expressions for Everyday Conversations | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Soler’ + Infinitive in Spanish to Talk About Habits | My Language Classes

Mastering ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

June 4, 2025

Mastering ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’ in Spanish

Expressing Obligation in Spanish using ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’

When learning Spanish, knowing how to express obligation, duties, or things you need to do is a must. That’s where two powerful expressions come in: “tener que” and “hay que.” These essential grammar tools let you talk about responsibilities, rules, and things that must happen—just like saying “have to” or “need to” in English.

🔍 Whether you’re a beginner exploring basic Spanish phrases or an intermediate learner polishing your grammar, mastering these two expressions is non-negotiable. They’re used in schools, homes, offices, and everyday conversations across all Spanish-speaking countries. You’ll hear them in casual chats, instructions, warnings, and advice.

✅ Need to say “I have to study”? That’s tener que.
✅ Want to express general rules like “You must stop at red lights”? That’s hay que.

In this blog from My Language Classes, we’ll break down everything you need to know about “tener que” and “hay que”—how they’re used, when to use them, how to conjugate them, and what mistakes to avoid. With simple explanations, real-life examples, and interactive exercises, you’ll walk away feeling confident using both expressions naturally and correctly.

By the end, you’ll no longer say “I don’t know how to express obligation in Spanish”—you’ll say “Tengo que hablar español mejor!” 😉

Let’s dive in and explore the building blocks of Spanish obligation grammar like never before.

📘 What Is ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’? Explanation and Overview

When learning how to express obligation in Spanish, two key phrases stand out: “tener que” and “hay que.” Both are used to say that something must be done—but they are not the same. Understanding the difference between them is the first step toward using them correctly.

✅ What does “tener que” mean?

“Tener que” means “to have to” or “must” in English. It’s used to talk about specific obligations for a particular person.

It’s always followed by a verb in the infinitive form.
The verb “tener” (to have) is conjugated depending on the subject.

🔹 Example:

Yo tengo que estudiar. – I have to study.
Ella tiene que trabajar. – She has to work.

In these examples, the obligation is clearly tied to a specific person (yo = I, ella = she).

✅ What does “hay que” mean?

“Hay que” also means “one must,” “you have to,” or “it’s necessary to.” But here’s the key difference:

It is impersonal. There’s no specific subject.
It talks about general obligations or rules that apply to everyone.

🔹 Example:

Hay que respetar las reglas. – You have to respect the rules. / One must respect the rules.
Hay que estudiar para pasar el examen. – One must study to pass the exam.

In these cases, no one in particular is being addressed—it’s a general statement.

🆚 Tener que vs. Hay que: What’s the Difference?

Expression	Translation	Use for…	Example
Tener que	To have to / must	Specific obligation	Yo tengo que limpiar mi cuarto.
Hay que	One must / it’s necessary to	General obligation or rule	Hay que comer bien.

🧠 Quick Memory Trick:

If you (or someone specific) has to do something → Use tener que.
If anyone and everyone has to do something → Use hay que.

Both expressions are used all the time by native speakers and are important for both speaking and understanding Spanish clearly and naturally.

🗣️ Everyday Sentences Using ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’: 10 Common Examples

Now that you know what “tener que” and “hay que” mean, it’s time to see them in action! These two expressions show up in conversations every single day, whether you’re talking about school, work, chores, or rules.

Below are 10 everyday examples—5 with tener que and 5 with hay que—so you can clearly see how each one is used in real life. Try reading them out loud to get a feel for how they sound!

🧍‍♂️ Examples with “Tener que” (Personal Obligation)

Tengo que hacer mi tarea.
(I have to do my homework.)
María tiene que levantarse temprano.
(María has to wake up early.)
Tenemos que limpiar la casa antes de la fiesta.
(We have to clean the house before the party.)
¿Tienes que trabajar mañana?
(Do you have to work tomorrow?)
Los niños tienen que acostarse a las nueve.
(The children have to go to bed at nine.)

🌍 Examples with “Hay que” (General Obligation)

Hay que reciclar para cuidar el planeta.
(You have to recycle to take care of the planet.)
Hay que lavarse las manos antes de comer.
(You should wash your hands before eating.)
Hay que estudiar todos los días para aprender bien.
(It’s necessary to study every day to learn well.)
Hay que respetar a los demás.
(One must respect others.)
Hay que tener paciencia en el tráfico.
(You need to be patient in traffic.)

These real-life examples help make the meaning and usage of both phrases clear and easy to remember. Practice creating your own sentences based on your day-to-day activities!

📅 When to Use ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’: All the Key Situations

Learning when to use “tener que” and “hay que” correctly is just as important as knowing what they mean. These phrases help you clearly express responsibility, necessity, and rules—both in your own life and in general situations.

Here’s a complete list of all the key situations where each expression is used. These examples will help you decide which one to choose every time.

✅ Use “Tener que” when:

🔹 You are talking about a specific person or a group of people.
🔹 You want to say someone must do something.
🔹 The sentence has a clear subject (yo, tú, él, ella, nosotros, etc.).

💡 Common Situations for “Tener que”:

Talking about school or work duties
→ Tengo que estudiar para el examen.
Talking about daily routines
→ Mi papá tiene que levantarse a las 5.
Giving instructions to someone specific
→ Tienes que hablar con tu jefe.
Talking about family chores
→ Los niños tienen que limpiar su cuarto.
Talking about appointments or deadlines
→ Tenemos que ir al médico a las 3.

✅ Use “Hay que” when:

🔹 You are talking about general rules or advice.
🔹 You don’t have a specific subject.
🔹 You want to give a neutral or impersonal suggestion.
🔹 The obligation applies to everyone (not just one person).

💡 Common Situations for “Hay que”:

Talking about public rules or laws
→ Hay que usar cinturón de seguridad.
Giving advice or life lessons
→ Hay que ser amable con los demás.
Talking about health or hygiene habits
→ Hay que beber mucha agua cada día.
Talking about classroom or school rules
→ Hay que llegar a tiempo a clase.
Talking about universal truths
→ Hay que trabajar duro para tener éxito.

🧠 Pro Tip:

Ask yourself:

Is the sentence about a specific person? → Use tener que
Is it about a general rule or something everyone should do? → Use hay que

🔤 Conjugation Rules for ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’

Understanding how to conjugate “tener que” and how “hay que” stays the same is key to using them correctly in real conversations. Let’s break down both expressions step by step, starting with “tener que”, which changes depending on the subject.

📌 How to Conjugate “Tener que”

“Tener que” follows this simple formula:

👉 [Conjugated form of tener] + que + infinitive verb

You only change the verb tener according to the subject. The verb after “que” stays in the infinitive form (like comer, estudiar, hacer).

🔁 Present Tense Conjugation of “Tener”

Subject	Tener (Present)	Example
Yo	tengo	Yo tengo que estudiar. (I have to study.)
Tú	tienes	Tú tienes que trabajar. (You have to work.)
Él / Ella / Usted	tiene	Ella tiene que ir al médico. (She has to go to the doctor.)
Nosotros/as	tenemos	Nosotros tenemos que limpiar. (We have to clean.)
Vosotros/as 🇪🇸	tenéis	Vosotros tenéis que esperar. (You all have to wait.)
Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes	tienen	Ellos tienen que correr. (They have to run.)

✅ The structure stays the same even if you use it in past, future, or other tenses—just change the “tener” part.

💡 “Tener que” in Other Tenses (Brief Overview)

Tense	Example
Past (Imperfect)	Yo tenía que estudiar. (I had to study.)
Past (Preterite)	Ella tuvo que salir. (She had to leave.)
Future	Nosotros tendremos que esperar. (We will have to wait.)
Conditional	Ellos tendrían que pagar. (They would have to pay.)

We’ll focus on present tense in this blog, as it’s most commonly used by beginners and in daily conversations.

📌 How to Use “Hay que”

Here’s the best part:
“Hay que” NEVER changes. 🎉

It always stays hay que + infinitive verb, no matter who you’re talking about.

✅ Examples:

Hay que comer bien. (You/One must eat well.)
Hay que estudiar mucho. (It’s necessary to study a lot.)

You don’t need to worry about subjects or conjugation. Simple and powerful!

📚 ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’ Grammar Rules You Need to Know

Now that you know how to conjugate tener que and when to use hay que, it’s time to understand the key grammar rules that make these expressions work. These rules help you form sentences correctly, sound natural, and avoid confusion.

✅ Grammar Rule #1: Use the Infinitive Verb After “Que”

No matter which phrase you’re using, the verb that comes after “que” must stay in its infinitive form (the basic “to do” form in English).

Examples:

Tengo que estudiar. (I have to study.)
Hay que comer. (One must eat.)

⛔ Don’t say: Tengo que estudio ❌
✅ Always: Tengo que estudiar ✔️

✅ Grammar Rule #2: Match the Subject with “Tener”

For “tener que”, you must conjugate the verb “tener” to match the subject of the sentence.

Subject	Correct Form
Yo	Yo tengo que salir.
Tú	Tú tienes que ayudar.
Él/Ella	Ella tiene que correr.
Nosotros	Nosotros tenemos que leer.
Ellos	Ellos tienen que esperar.

🟨 Remember: “Hay que” does not change with the subject—it’s always the same.

✅ Grammar Rule #3: Use “Hay que” Without a Subject

“Hay que” is impersonal. This means it doesn’t refer to a specific person. It gives general advice, rules, or universal truths.

Examples:

Hay que dormir bien. (One must sleep well.)
Hay que respetar a los demás. (You have to respect others.)

✅ Never add “yo,” “tú,” or any other subject before “hay que.”

⛔ Wrong: Yo hay que trabajar.
✅ Correct: Hay que trabajar.

✅ Grammar Rule #4: Combine with Object Pronouns (When Needed)

With tener que, you can place object pronouns either before “tener” or attach them to the infinitive verb.

Examples:

Tengo que hacerlo. (I have to do it.)
Lo tengo que hacer. (Same meaning, different word order.)

Both are correct, but “Tengo que hacerlo” is more common in speech.

✅ Grammar Rule #5: Don’t Confuse with “Deber”

Both “tener que” and “deber” express obligation, but:

“Tener que” is stronger and more commonly used.
“Deber” is softer and can sound more formal or suggestive.

Example:

Tienes que ir al médico. (You must go to the doctor.) → Stronger
Debes ir al médico. (You should go to the doctor.) → Softer

💡 Important Tips for Using ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’ Correctly

Getting the grammar right is one thing, but sounding natural, clear, and confident in Spanish is another! Here are some essential tips to help you master ‘tener que’ and ‘hay que’ like a native speaker.

✅ 1. Use ‘Tener que’ for Personal Responsibility

When you want to say that you, someone else, or a specific person has to do something, always choose tener que. It’s clear, direct, and personal.

👉 Tienes que hacer tu tarea.
(You have to do your homework.)

👉 Mis amigos tienen que estudiar para el examen.
(My friends have to study for the exam.)

✅ 2. Use ‘Hay que’ for General Advice or Rules

If nobody specific is doing the action—or if it’s something that everyone or anyone should do—use hay que. It’s impersonal and perfect for general obligations.

👉 Hay que usar el cinturón de seguridad.
(You must wear a seatbelt.)

👉 Hay que reciclar para proteger el planeta.
(One must recycle to protect the planet.)

✅ 3. Listen for Context in Real Conversations

Pay attention when native speakers use these phrases. You’ll notice patterns:

In schools and workplaces, hay que is often used to state rules or policies.
In everyday life, tener que is more common when talking about personal plans or duties.

✅ 4. Mix with Time Phrases for Better Fluency

Add time expressions to your sentences for more natural and fluent speaking.

🕗 Tengo que trabajar mañana temprano.
(I have to work early tomorrow.)

🕘 Hay que limpiar la casa cada semana.
(You must clean the house every week.)

✅ 5. Practice Switching Between ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’

Try saying the same idea with both expressions to get comfortable.

🟢 Tengo que comer saludable.
🟢 Hay que comer saludable.

Both are correct! But the first is personal, and the second is general.

✅ 6. Avoid Overusing ‘Hay que’

It can feel tempting to use hay que for everything since it doesn’t require a subject—but using tener que helps you speak more clearly about who is doing the action.

So instead of always saying:

❌ Hay que ir al médico.

Try:

✅ Mi hermano tiene que ir al médico.
(My brother has to go to the doctor.)

✅ 7. Say It Out Loud!

Saying phrases out loud helps build memory and confidence. Here are a few to try:

Tengo que practicar español todos los días.
Hay que hablar con respeto.

📣 Practice speaking these aloud every day for just 5 minutes!

❌ Common Mistakes with ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’ and How to Fix Them

Even if you know the rules, it’s easy to make small mistakes when using ‘tener que’ and ‘hay que’. Let’s go over the most common errors learners make—and how to fix them. This will help you sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook!

❌ Mistake 1: Mixing Up Personal vs. Impersonal Obligation

🔻 Wrong: Hay que estudiar para mi examen mañana.
(This sounds strange—who exactly needs to study?)

✅ Right: Tengo que estudiar para mi examen mañana.
(I have to study for my exam tomorrow.)

🔄 Fix it: Use ‘tener que’ when someone specific is doing the action.

❌ Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Verb Form with ‘Tener que’

🔻 Wrong: Tienen que estudia para la prueba.
(Incorrect conjugation of the verb that follows.)

✅ Right: Tienen que estudiar para la prueba.
(They have to study for the test.)

🔄 Fix it: Always use the infinitive form (like estudiar, comer, hacer) after tener que or hay que.

❌ Mistake 3: Forgetting to Conjugate ‘Tener’

🔻 Wrong: Yo tener que trabajar hoy.
(Wrong verb form—this is just an infinitive.)

✅ Right: Yo tengo que trabajar hoy.
(I have to work today.)

🔄 Fix it: Conjugate tener correctly based on the subject:

yo tengo
tú tienes
él/ella tiene
nosotros tenemos
ellos/ellas tienen

❌ Mistake 4: Trying to Conjugate ‘Hay que’

🔻 Wrong: Hubo que limpiar la casa.
(This might be heard sometimes in storytelling, but not in daily conversation.)

✅ Right: Hay que limpiar la casa.
(You have to clean the house.)

🔄 Fix it: Stick with hay que for everyday use. It’s always in the third person singular and never changes.

❌ Mistake 5: Repeating the Subject with ‘Hay que’

🔻 Wrong: Tú hay que dormir más.
(This mixes a subject with an impersonal phrase.)

✅ Right: Hay que dormir más.
(One has to sleep more.)

🔄 Fix it: Remember, hay que never takes a subject. It’s meant for general obligations, not personal ones.

❌ Mistake 6: Adding “de” After ‘Tener que’

🔻 Wrong: Tengo de que estudiar mucho.
(Some learners accidentally insert “de” here, like in some English or French patterns.)

✅ Right: Tengo que estudiar mucho.
(I have to study a lot.)

🔄 Fix it: Never put “de” after tener que. Just use the phrase as it is.

❌ Mistake 7: Using ‘Hay que’ When You Need Clarity

🔻 Wrong: Hay que llamar al cliente.
(But who needs to call?)

✅ Right: Tú tienes que llamar al cliente.
(You have to call the client.)

🔄 Fix it: If it’s important to say who needs to act, always use tener que.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll improve your grammar, speak more clearly, and feel more confident in real-life conversations.

📝 20 ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’ Example Sentences for Better Understanding

Let’s now explore 20 practical example sentences using both ‘tener que’ and ‘hay que’. These sentences will help you better understand how each phrase works in context—perfect for beginners and also great practice for more advanced learners!

🔹 10 Sentences Using ‘Tener que’

Tengo que estudiar para el examen.
(I have to study for the exam.)
Tienes que limpiar tu habitación.
(You have to clean your room.)
Mi hermano tiene que trabajar hoy.
(My brother has to work today.)
Tenemos que preparar la cena.
(We have to prepare dinner.)
Ellos tienen que llegar temprano mañana.
(They have to arrive early tomorrow.)
¿Tú tienes que salir ahora?
(Do you have to leave now?)
Clara tiene que llamar a su abuela.
(Clara has to call her grandmother.)
Los estudiantes tienen que entregar el proyecto.
(The students have to submit the project.)
No tengo que ir a la oficina hoy.
(I don’t have to go to the office today.)
Mi mamá tiene que ir al supermercado.
(My mom has to go to the supermarket.)

🔹 10 Sentences Using ‘Hay que’

Hay que respetar a los demás.
(One must respect others.)
Hay que beber mucha agua.
(You have to drink plenty of water.)
Hay que estudiar para aprender.
(You need to study in order to learn.)
Hay que llegar a tiempo.
(It’s important to arrive on time.)
Hay que apagar las luces antes de salir.
(The lights must be turned off before leaving.)
Hay que reciclar más.
(We should recycle more.)
Hay que escuchar al profesor.
(You must listen to the teacher.)
Hay que seguir las reglas.
(The rules must be followed.)
Hay que tener paciencia.
(One must have patience.)
Hay que cuidar el medio ambiente.
(We must take care of the environment.)

Each of these sentences shows you how easy and natural it is to use these expressions in everyday Spanish. Notice how ‘tener que’ is always about specific people, while ‘hay que’ is used for general rules or advice.

✏️ ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’ Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Test Your Knowledge

Now it’s your turn! Fill in the blanks with the correct form of ‘tener que’ (conjugated + infinitive) or ‘hay que’ + infinitive. This will test how well you understand the difference and usage of both expressions.

Yo ________ estudiar para el examen de mañana.
________ respetar las normas de la escuela.
María ________ llamar a su madre ahora.
________ apagar las luces cuando salgas.
Nosotros ________ preparar la presentación para el lunes.
¿Tú ________ ir al doctor esta semana?
________ reciclar para cuidar el planeta.
Ellos ________ llegar temprano a la reunión.
________ hacer ejercicio para mantenerse saludable.
Tú ________ comprar los ingredientes para la cena.
________ ser amables con los demás.
Nosotros no ________ trabajar el sábado.
Juan y Ana ________ limpiar la casa hoy.
________ estudiar mucho para aprobar el examen.
Usted ________ llamar al cliente importante.
________ seguir las instrucciones del profesor.
Los niños ________ dormir ocho horas cada noche.
________ evitar tirar basura en la calle.
Yo no ________ ir a la oficina mañana.
________ respetar el medio ambiente para vivir mejor.

✅ Check Your Answers for the ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’ Exercise

Yo tengo que estudiar para el examen de mañana.
(I have to study for tomorrow’s exam.)
Hay que respetar las normas de la escuela.
(You have to respect the school rules.)
María tiene que llamar a su madre ahora.
(María has to call her mother now.)
Hay que apagar las luces cuando salgas.
(You have to turn off the lights when you leave.)
Nosotros tenemos que preparar la presentación para el lunes.
(We have to prepare the presentation for Monday.)
¿Tú tienes que ir al doctor esta semana?
(Do you have to go to the doctor this week?)
Hay que reciclar para cuidar el planeta.
(You have to recycle to take care of the planet.)
Ellos tienen que llegar temprano a la reunión.
(They have to arrive early to the meeting.)
Hay que hacer ejercicio para mantenerse saludable.
(You have to exercise to stay healthy.)
Tú tienes que comprar los ingredientes para la cena.
(You have to buy the ingredients for dinner.)
Hay que ser amables con los demás.
(You have to be kind to others.)
Nosotros no tenemos que trabajar el sábado.
(We don’t have to work on Saturday.)
Juan y Ana tienen que limpiar la casa hoy.
(Juan and Ana have to clean the house today.)
Hay que estudiar mucho para aprobar el examen.
(You have to study a lot to pass the exam.)
Usted tiene que llamar al cliente importante.
(You have to call the important client.)
Hay que seguir las instrucciones del profesor.
(You have to follow the teacher’s instructions.)
Los niños tienen que dormir ocho horas cada noche.
(Children have to sleep eight hours every night.)
Hay que evitar tirar basura en la calle.
(You have to avoid throwing trash in the street.)
Yo no tengo que ir a la oficina mañana.
(I don’t have to go to the office tomorrow.)
Hay que respetar el medio ambiente para vivir mejor.
(You have to respect the environment to live better.)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’

1. What is the main difference between ‘tener que’ and ‘hay que’?

‘Tener que’ is used when talking about obligation that applies to a specific person or group.
‘Hay que’ expresses a general obligation or necessity that is true for everyone.

2. Can I use ‘hay que’ with a specific subject?

No, ‘hay que’ is impersonal and doesn’t change according to the subject. It always refers to a general rule or advice.

3. How do I conjugate ‘tener que’?

You conjugate ‘tener’ (to have) according to the subject, then add ‘que’ followed by an infinitive verb.
Example: Yo tengo que estudiar, Ella tiene que trabajar.

4. Is ‘hay que’ always followed by an infinitive?

Yes, ‘hay que’ is always followed by the infinitive form of the verb.
Example: Hay que estudiar, Hay que limpiar.

5. Can I use ‘tener que’ in the negative form?

Yes, simply add no before the verb: No tengo que ir (I don’t have to go).

6. Is there a past tense for ‘hay que’?

The phrase ‘hay que’ is generally used in the present for general truths or advice. To express past necessity, you can use ‘hubo que’ (there was a need to).
Example: Hubo que trabajar mucho ayer (There was a need to work a lot yesterday).

7. Can I use ‘tener que’ to express future obligation?

Yes, but often Spanish speakers prefer the present tense with a future time expression: Tengo que salir mañana (I have to leave tomorrow).

8. Are there other ways to express obligation in Spanish besides ‘tener que’ and ‘hay que’?

Yes! Some alternatives include:

Deber + infinitive (should/must)
Necesitar + infinitive (need to)
Es necesario + infinitive (it’s necessary to)

9. How do I know when to use ‘hay que’ vs ‘tener que’?

Use ‘tener que’ when you want to specify who must do something. Use ‘hay que’ for general rules, laws, or advice that applies to everyone.

10. Can I use ‘hay que’ for commands?

Not exactly. ‘Hay que’ states a necessity or rule but does not directly order someone. For commands, use imperative forms.

📌 Key Takeaways: ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’ Summary and Important Points

‘Tener que’ is used to express obligation for a specific subject and is conjugated accordingly.
‘Hay que’ expresses a general obligation or necessity and is impersonal—always followed by an infinitive verb.
Both phrases mean “have to” or “must,” but ‘tener que’ is personal while ‘hay que’ is impersonal.
Use ‘tener que’ when specifying who must do something (e.g., Ella tiene que estudiar).
Use ‘hay que’ for general rules, advice, or necessities applying to everyone (e.g., Hay que reciclar).
To negate ‘tener que,’ simply add no before the verb (e.g., No tengo que trabajar).
‘Hay que’ is always followed by the infinitive form of the verb, never conjugated.
For past general obligation, use ‘hubo que’ (e.g., Hubo que limpiar).
Alternatives to express obligation include ‘deber + infinitive,’ ‘necesitar + infinitive,’ and ‘es necesario + infinitive.’
Remember, ‘hay que’ is not a direct command; it states what must be done generally, not who must do it.
Practice by making sentences using both forms to get comfortable with their differences and uses.

📝 Conclusion: Mastering ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’ to Express Obligation in Spanish

Understanding how to use ‘tener que’ and ‘hay que’ correctly is a vital step in mastering Spanish. These phrases help you clearly express obligations, whether they apply personally or generally. With practice, you’ll gain confidence in making everyday sentences, following rules, and giving advice in Spanish—all essential skills for effective communication.

Remember, ‘tener que’ is your go-to when talking about what you or someone specific must do, while ‘hay que’ helps you express general necessities that everyone should follow. Keep revisiting the examples, exercises, and tips in this post to strengthen your grasp of these important expressions.

📚 Continue Learning Spanish

Spanish Nouns and Plural Forms | My Language Classes

Spanish Demonstrative Pronouns | My Language Classes

Spanish Descriptive Adjectives | My Language Classes

Spanish Demonstrative Adjectives | My Language Classes

Possessive Adjectives in Spanish | My Language Classes

Present Indicative Mode in Spanish (Regular verbs)| My Language Classes

Irregular Verbs in the Present Indicative mode in Spanish | My Language Classes

Direct Object Pronouns in Spanish | My Language Classes

Indirect Object Pronouns in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use Gustar and Similar Spanish Verbs | My Language Classes

Near Future Tense in Spanish: Mastering Ir a + Infinitive | My Language Classes

Present Progressive in Spanish | My Language Classes

Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Ask and Tell Time in Spanish | My Language Classes

Affirmative Sentences in Spanish | My Language Classes

Negative Sentences in Spanish | My Language Classes

Common Spanish Expressions for Everyday Conversations | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Soler’ + Infinitive in Spanish to Talk About Habits | My Language Classes

Mastering ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

June 3, 2025

How to Use ‘Soler’ + Infinitive in Spanish to Talk About Habits

How to express habits in Spanish with “soler” + infinitive

Have you ever wondered how to talk about things you usually do in Spanish? Maybe you want to say, “I usually drink coffee in the morning” or “She used to walk to school.” In English, we say “usually” or “used to” to talk about habits. But in Spanish, there’s a super useful verb that covers both — “soler.”

Whether you’re a beginner learning Spanish for travel, an intermediate student preparing for DELE, or someone who just wants to sound more natural when speaking, understanding how to use “soler” with infinitive verbs is a game-changer. It helps you express habits, daily routines, and repeated actions with ease.

In this post from My Language Classes, we’ll explore:

✅ What “soler + infinitive” really means
✅ How to use it in everyday Spanish
✅ The grammar rules and conjugation you need to know
✅ Tips, examples, and practice exercises to make it stick

Get ready to master one of the most natural and common ways to talk about your daily life in Spanish!

📘 What Is ‘Soler’ + Infinitive? Explanation and Overview

The Spanish verb “soler” is one of the most useful tools for talking about what someone usually does or used to do. It’s not just a regular verb—it’s a special verb that always comes with another verb in the infinitive form (the basic “to do” form, like comer, beber, or leer).

🔍 Meaning of “Soler”

In English, “soler” doesn’t have a direct one-word translation. Instead, it often means:

Usually
Tend to
Used to (in a habitual sense)

So, when you use “soler + infinitive”, you’re describing something that happens regularly or used to happen often.

🧠 Think of it like this:

Spanish Sentence	English Meaning
Suelo leer por la noche.	I usually read at night.
Solíamos caminar al parque.	We used to walk to the park.
¿Sueles tomar café por la mañana?	Do you usually drink coffee in the morning?

You can see that “soler” doesn’t stand alone—it always pairs with another verb to complete the idea.

💡 Why Is “Soler” Important?

Using “soler” is a powerful way to sound natural and fluent in Spanish. It helps you:

Speak about habits and routines smoothly
Avoid always saying “normalmente” or “generalmente”
Talk about both present and past habitual actions
Understand native Spanish speakers better

Whether you’re telling a story about your childhood or describing your daily routine, “soler” is your go-to verb.

🗣️ Everyday Sentences Using ‘Soler’ + Infinitive: 10 Common Examples

Now that you know what “soler + infinitive” means, let’s look at how it’s used in real, everyday Spanish. These examples will help you see it in action and understand how native speakers use it in simple conversations.

Each sentence below uses “soler” in the present or past tense, followed by a verb in the infinitive form. You’ll also find the English translation to help you connect the meaning.

✅ 10 Common Sentences with ‘Soler’

Suelo levantarme temprano.
I usually wake up early.
Mi abuela solía cocinar pan casero los domingos.
My grandmother used to bake homemade bread on Sundays.
¿Sueles estudiar por la noche?
Do you usually study at night?
Solemos ir al cine los fines de semana.
We usually go to the movies on weekends.
Mi hermano solía jugar en ese parque.
My brother used to play in that park.
¿Tú sueles comer fuera o en casa?
Do you usually eat out or at home?
Los niños solían ver dibujos animados después de la escuela.
The kids used to watch cartoons after school.
Yo suelo tomar té en lugar de café.
I usually drink tea instead of coffee.
Soleíamos leer cuentos antes de dormir.
We used to read stories before bed.
¿Ellos suelen llegar tarde?
Do they usually arrive late?

As you can see, “soler” helps you express common habits both in the present and in the past. It’s a natural way to describe how life flows—what people typically do or used to do.

🕒 When to Use ‘Soler’ + Infinitive: All the Key Situations

Understanding when to use “soler” + infinitive will make it much easier for you to speak naturally and confidently in Spanish. Whether you’re describing your current habits or talking about your past routine, soler is your go-to structure.

Here are all the key situations where using soler + infinitive makes perfect sense:

✅ 1. To Talk About Present Habits and Routines

Use “soler” in the present tense when you want to talk about something that usually happens or something you do regularly.

Examples:

Suelo leer antes de dormir.
(I usually read before going to bed.)
¿Sueles hacer ejercicio?
(Do you usually work out?)

✅ 2. To Describe Past Habits (That No Longer Happen)

Use “soler” in the imperfect tense (solía, solías, etc.) to talk about things that you or others used to do regularly in the past.

Examples:

Solíamos jugar en la calle.
(We used to play in the street.)
Mi papá solía tomar café todas las mañanas.
(My dad used to drink coffee every morning.)

✅ 3. To Ask About Someone’s Usual Behavior

You can also use “soler” to ask others what they usually do in specific situations.

Examples:

¿Sueles viajar en verano?
(Do you usually travel in summer?)
¿Qué solías hacer en tu tiempo libre?
(What did you used to do in your free time?)

✅ 4. In Narrations or Stories

“Soler” is very common in storytelling when describing what life was like or what people used to do.

Examples:

Cuando era niño, solía visitar a mis abuelos cada sábado.
(When I was a child, I used to visit my grandparents every Saturday.)

✅ 5. When Replacing “Normalmente,” “Generalmente,” or “A Menudo”

Instead of using adverbs like “normally” or “often,” soler makes your Spanish more fluid and natural.

Examples:

❌ Generalmente camino al trabajo.
✅ Suelo caminar al trabajo.
(I usually walk to work.)

✅ 6. When Giving Advice or Describing Others’ Routines

Use it to gently suggest what people usually do in a certain situation.

Example:

Los estudiantes suelen repasar antes del examen.
(Students usually review before the exam.)

Quick Tip:
Remember that “soler” is only used in the present or imperfect past tense. It is not used in the future, preterite, or other tenses.

🔤 Conjugation Rules for ‘Soler’ + Infinitive

To use “soler” + infinitive correctly in your Spanish sentences, you need to know how to conjugate “soler”, especially in the present and imperfect past tenses. Remember, “soler” is an irregular verb, so it doesn’t follow the regular -er verb endings.

It also works as a helping verb—you only conjugate soler, and then follow it with a verb in the infinitive form (like comer, ir, hacer).

✅ Present Tense Conjugation of “Soler”

Use this to talk about things you usually do now.

Subject Pronoun	Soler (Present)	Example Sentence
yo	suelo	Suelo estudiar en casa. (I usually study at home.)
tú	sueles	¿Sueles leer novelas? (Do you usually read novels?)
él/ella/usted	suele	Mi hermana suele dormir tarde. (My sister usually sleeps late.)
nosotros/as	solemos	Solemos caminar por el parque. (We usually walk in the park.)
vosotros/as	soléis	¿Soléis ver películas los viernes? (Do you all usually watch movies on Fridays?)
ellos/ellas/ustedes	suelen	Ellos suelen llegar temprano. (They usually arrive early.)

✅ Imperfect Past Tense Conjugation of “Soler”

Use this to talk about what you or others used to do in the past.

Subject Pronoun	Soler (Imperfect)	Example Sentence
yo	solía	Solía cantar en el coro. (I used to sing in the choir.)
tú	solías	¿Solías vivir aquí? (Did you used to live here?)
él/ella/usted	solía	Ella solía bailar mucho. (She used to dance a lot.)
nosotros/as	solíamos	Solíamos visitar a los abuelos. (We used to visit our grandparents.)
vosotros/as	solíais	¿Solíais ir al parque? (Did you all use to go to the park?)
ellos/ellas/ustedes	solían	Ellos solían jugar al fútbol. (They used to play soccer.)

💡 Quick Rules to Remember

Only conjugate “soler”, never the infinitive verb that follows.
Use present tense for current habits.
Use imperfect tense for past routines.
Don’t try to use “soler” in the preterite or future—those forms don’t exist in normal usage.

📚 ‘Soler’ + Infinitive Grammar Rules You Need to Know

Using “soler” + infinitive correctly requires understanding some important grammar rules. These rules will help you avoid confusion and make your Spanish sound natural and fluent.

1. “Soler” Is Always Followed by an Infinitive

The verb after “soler” never changes form. It always stays in the infinitive (the base verb form, like hablar, comer, vivir).

Correct:

Suelo leer libros.
Ella solía viajar mucho.

Incorrect:

Suelo leo libros.
Ella solía viajó mucho.

2. Tense Agreement: Present or Imperfect Only

Use present tense of “soler” to talk about habits or routines happening now.
Use imperfect tense of “soler” to describe habits or routines that happened in the past but no longer do.

3. No Use of Preterite or Future

Do not use “soler” in the preterite or future tenses. It doesn’t make sense to say solí, soleré, or similar.

Instead, use other expressions to talk about actions that happened once or will happen:

Ayer hice ejercicio. (I exercised yesterday.)
Mañana voy a correr. (I’m going to run tomorrow.)

4. Negative Sentences

To make negative sentences, just add no before the conjugated “soler.”

Example:

No suelo comer mucho por la noche.
(I don’t usually eat much at night.)

5. Questions

To ask questions, invert the subject and the verb or simply add question marks and raise your intonation.

Examples:

¿Sueles practicar deportes?
¿Solías viajar con tu familia?

6. Subject Pronouns Can Be Omitted

Spanish often drops the subject pronouns because the verb conjugation already shows who is doing the action.

Examples:

(Yo) Suelo leer antes de dormir.
(Nosotros) Solíamos ir a la playa.

7. Expressing Frequency or Habit

“Soler” is stronger than just saying “usually” because it emphasizes a habitual tendency.

Example:

No sólo corro los lunes, sino que suelo correr tres veces a la semana.
(I don’t just run on Mondays, but I usually run three times a week.)

These rules will guide you to use “soler” + infinitive clearly and correctly every time.

💡 Important Tips for Using ‘Soler’ Correctly

Mastering “soler” + infinitive will boost your Spanish fluency, but a few handy tips can make your learning smoother and your sentences sound natural.

1. Remember: “Soler” Expresses Habit, Not One-Time Actions

Use “soler” only when talking about things you do regularly or usually.
For actions happening once or rarely, avoid “soler.”

Right:

Suelo desayunar a las 8. (I usually have breakfast at 8.)

Wrong:

Suelo ir al cine ayer. (I usually went to the movies yesterday.)

2. Practice Using the Imperfect Tense for Past Habits

When talking about past habits, don’t forget to conjugate “soler” in imperfect (solía, solías, etc.).
This is different from preterite, which talks about completed actions.

3. Use the Infinitive Verb After ‘Soler’

No matter the subject or tense of “soler,” the verb after it always stays in infinitive.
Practicing this rule will prevent common mistakes.

4. Pair ‘Soler’ with Adverbs to Be More Specific

You can combine “soler” with adverbs like mucho, a menudo, casi siempre to describe how often the action happens.

Examples:

Suelo estudiar mucho antes de un examen.
Solía ir a la playa casi siempre en verano.

5. Listen to Native Speakers and Practice

Hearing how native speakers use “soler” will help you grasp the natural flow and rhythm.
Try repeating sentences aloud or using them in conversations.

6. Don’t Overuse ‘Soler’—Use Alternatives

Sometimes using alternatives like “normalmente,” “generalmente,” or “habitualmente” can make your speech or writing richer.

7. Be Mindful of Regional Differences

While “soler” is common everywhere in the Spanish-speaking world, usage frequency can vary by country.
Listen carefully to how people in your target dialect use it.

8. Use ‘Soler’ to Make Your Spanish More Expressive

This verb is perfect for adding color and nuance to your descriptions about habits.
Instead of “I do this,” say “I usually do this” to sound more natural.

Keep these tips in mind as you practice, and you’ll find yourself using “soler” + infinitive like a pro in no time!

⚠️ Common Mistakes with ‘Soler’ and How to Fix Them

Even experienced Spanish learners sometimes slip up with “soler” + infinitive. Knowing these common errors will help you avoid them and speak more confidently.

1. Mistake: Conjugating the Verb After ‘Soler’

Wrong: Suelo voy al gimnasio.
Right: Suelo ir al gimnasio.

Remember: The verb following “soler” must always be in the infinitive form, never conjugated.

2. Mistake: Using ‘Soler’ in Preterite or Future Tense

Wrong: Solí estudiar mucho ayer.
Right: Solía estudiar mucho ayer.

Tip: Use the imperfect tense (solía, solías, etc.) to talk about habitual past actions. Don’t use preterite or future with “soler.”

3. Mistake: Confusing ‘Soler’ With Other Frequency Words

Wrong: Suelo a veces ir al cine.
Right: Suelo ir al cine a veces.

Tip: Place frequency adverbs like a veces, siempre, nunca after the infinitive, not between “soler” and the infinitive.

4. Mistake: Using ‘Soler’ for One-Time or Rare Actions

Wrong: Suelo ir a esa fiesta el año pasado.
Right: Fui a esa fiesta el año pasado. (No “soler” here!)

Tip: Use “soler” only for habitual or repeated actions, not single events.

5. Mistake: Forgetting the Negative ‘No’ Placement

Wrong: Suelo no comer tarde.
Right: No suelo comer tarde.

Tip: The no should come before the conjugated verb “soler.”

6. Mistake: Overusing ‘Soler’ When Alternatives Work Better

Wrong: Suelo normalmente ir al mercado.
Right: Normalmente suelo ir al mercado.
Or simply: Normalmente voy al mercado.

Tip: Don’t stack frequency words unnecessarily; keep sentences clear and natural.

7. Mistake: Using ‘Soler’ with Imperative (Commands)

Wrong: Suele ir al médico. (As a command)
Right: Ve al médico.

Tip: “Soler” isn’t used in commands. Use the imperative form of the verb instead.

By catching these errors early, your use of “soler” + infinitive will become more accurate and fluent!

✨ 20 ‘Soler’ Example Sentences for Better Understanding

Suelo levantarme temprano todos los días.
(I usually get up early every day.)
Mi hermana suele estudiar por la noche.
(My sister usually studies at night.)
Antes solíamos ir a la playa en verano.
(We used to go to the beach in summer.)
¿Sueles tomar café por la mañana?
(Do you usually drink coffee in the morning?)
No suelo comer mucha carne.
(I don’t usually eat much meat.)
Solíamos pasar las vacaciones con nuestros abuelos.
(We used to spend vacations with our grandparents.)
Mi padre suele trabajar hasta tarde.
(My father usually works until late.)
Suelo leer libros antes de dormir.
(I usually read books before sleeping.)
Ellos suelen llegar tarde a las reuniones.
(They usually arrive late to meetings.)
No solía hacer ejercicio cuando era joven.
(I didn’t use to exercise when I was young.)
¿Solías vivir en esta ciudad?
(Did you use to live in this city?)
Suelo ver la televisión después de cenar.
(I usually watch TV after dinner.)
Nosotros solemos viajar en verano.
(We usually travel in summer.)
No suelo ir al cine los fines de semana.
(I don’t usually go to the movies on weekends.)
Solía estudiar francés en la universidad.
(I used to study French in college.)
¿Sueles cocinar en casa o salir a comer?
(Do you usually cook at home or eat out?)
Ella suele escuchar música mientras trabaja.
(She usually listens to music while working.)
Antes no solíamos tener tanto tiempo libre.
(We didn’t used to have so much free time before.)
Suelo hacer ejercicio por las mañanas.
(I usually exercise in the mornings.)
No solíamos ver tanta televisión cuando éramos niños.
(We didn’t use to watch so much TV when we were kids.)

These sentences show “soler” in present and imperfect tenses and cover positive, negative, and question forms.

📝 ‘Soler’ Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Test Your Knowledge

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “soler” (present or imperfect) followed by the infinitive verb in parentheses.

Yo _________ (levantarse) temprano todos los días.
Antes nosotros _________ (ir) a la playa cada verano.
¿Tú _________ (beber) café por la mañana?
Ella no _________ (comer) carne.
Mis padres _________ (trabajar) hasta tarde.
Cuando era niño, no _________ (hacer) ejercicio.
Nosotros _________ (viajar) en verano.
¿Usted _________ (estudiar) español en la universidad?
Ellos _________ (llegar) tarde a las reuniones.
Yo no _________ (ver) mucha televisión cuando era pequeño.
¿Tú _________ (escuchar) música mientras estudias?
Solíamos _________ (pasar) las vacaciones con la familia.
Él _________ (leer) libros antes de dormir.
No _________ (salir) mucho los fines de semana.
Vosotros _________ (cocinar) en casa, ¿verdad?
Ella _________ (trabajar) en esa empresa antes.
Nosotros no _________ (usar) redes sociales hace años.
¿Ustedes _________ (practicar) deportes cuando estaban en la escuela?
Mi hermano _________ (jugar) al fútbol los sábados.
Yo no _________ (hacer) tarea los domingos.

✅ Check Your Answers for the ‘Soler’ Exercise

Yo suelo levantarme temprano todos los días.
Antes nosotros solíamos ir a la playa cada verano.
¿Tú sueles beber café por la mañana?
Ella no suele comer carne.
Mis padres suelen trabajar hasta tarde.
Cuando era niño, no solía hacer ejercicio.
Nosotros solemos viajar en verano.
¿Usted solía estudiar español en la universidad?
Ellos suelen llegar tarde a las reuniones.
Yo no solía ver mucha televisión cuando era pequeño.
¿Tú sueles escuchar música mientras estudias?
Solíamos pasar las vacaciones con la familia. (“Solíamos” already conjugated)
Él suele leer libros antes de dormir.
No suelo salir mucho los fines de semana.
Vosotros soléis cocinar en casa, ¿verdad?
Ella solía trabajar en esa empresa antes.
Nosotros no solíamos usar redes sociales hace años.
¿Ustedes solían practicar deportes cuando estaban en la escuela?
Mi hermano suele jugar al fútbol los sábados.
Yo no suelo hacer tarea los domingos.

Feel free to review these examples, and try making your own sentences with “soler”!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Using ‘Soler’ + Infinitive

1. What does “soler” mean in Spanish?

“Soler” means to usually do something or to be accustomed to doing something. It talks about habitual or repeated actions in the past or present.

2. How is “soler” different from the verb “hacer”?

“Hacer” means to do or to make, but it doesn’t express habit. “Soler” specifically indicates that something happens regularly or usually.

3. Can I use “soler” in the future tense?

No, “soler” is rarely used in the future tense. Instead, you use the present tense to talk about future habits or plans.

4. What tenses can I use with “soler”?

The most common tenses are present (suelo, sueles, suele…) and imperfect past (solía, solías…). You can also find it in the preterite, but it’s uncommon.

5. Does “soler” always need an infinitive after it?

Yes, “soler” is always followed by an infinitive verb to express the habitual action.

6. Can “soler” be used with reflexive verbs?

Yes! For example:

Suelo levantarme temprano. (I usually get up early.)
The infinitive includes the reflexive pronoun attached.

7. How do I form negative sentences with “soler”?

Place “no” before the conjugated “soler”:

No suelo comer mucho. (I don’t usually eat much.)

8. Can “soler” be used in questions?

Yes, just invert the subject and the verb or use question words:

¿Sueles ir al cine? (Do you usually go to the movies?)

9. Is “soler” formal or informal?

“Soler” is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

10. Can “soler” express habits in the past?

Yes, use the imperfect tense to express past habitual actions:

Cuando era niño, solía jugar en el parque. (When I was a child, I used to play in the park.)

📌 Key Takeaways: ‘Soler’ Summary and Important Points

“Soler” + infinitive is used to talk about habitual or usual actions in Spanish.
It means to usually do or to be accustomed to doing something.
The verb is most commonly used in the present tense (suelo, sueles, suele…) and imperfect past tense (solía, solías, solía…).
Always follow “soler” with an infinitive verb (e.g., soler comer, soler viajar).
It can be used with reflexive verbs by attaching the reflexive pronoun to the infinitive (e.g., suelo levantarme).
Negative sentences place “no” before the conjugated form of “soler” (e.g., no suelo beber).
“Soler” is rarely used in the future tense; habitual future actions are usually expressed with the present tense.
You can form questions by inverting the subject and verb (e.g., ¿Sueles ir…?).
It is a neutral form appropriate for both formal and informal speech.
The imperfect form is great for expressing past habits or repeated actions (e.g., solía jugar).

🎯 Conclusion: Mastering “Soler” + Infinitive for Habitual Actions in Spanish

Understanding how to use “soler” + infinitive is a powerful step toward speaking Spanish naturally and fluently. This handy verb allows you to express habits and routines clearly, whether in the present or when talking about past repeated actions. By practicing conjugation, paying attention to common mistakes, and using “soler” in everyday sentences, you’ll gain confidence and add nuance to your Spanish conversations.

Remember, habitual actions form an essential part of language fluency. Keep practicing the examples, fill in the blanks, and FAQs shared here to deepen your understanding. Soon, you’ll find it easy to describe your routines, habits, and customary behaviors with precision.

📚 Continue Learning Spanish

Spanish Nouns and Plural Forms | My Language Classes

Spanish Demonstrative Pronouns | My Language Classes

Spanish Descriptive Adjectives | My Language Classes

Spanish Demonstrative Adjectives | My Language Classes

Possessive Adjectives in Spanish | My Language Classes

Present Indicative Mode in Spanish (Regular verbs)| My Language Classes

Irregular Verbs in the Present Indicative mode in Spanish | My Language Classes

Direct Object Pronouns in Spanish | My Language Classes

Indirect Object Pronouns in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use Gustar and Similar Spanish Verbs | My Language Classes

Near Future Tense in Spanish: Mastering Ir a + Infinitive | My Language Classes

Present Progressive in Spanish | My Language Classes

Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Ask and Tell Time in Spanish | My Language Classes

Affirmative Sentences in Spanish | My Language Classes

Negative Sentences in Spanish | My Language Classes

Common Spanish Expressions for Everyday Conversations | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Soler’ + Infinitive in Spanish to Talk About Habits | My Language Classes

Mastering ‘Tener que’ and ‘Hay que’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Ya’, ‘Todavía’, and ‘Aún’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use ‘Más que’, ‘Menos que’, and ‘Tan como’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

June 2, 2025

How to Use “Lo” in Spanish

If you’ve been learning Spanish and stumbled upon the little word “lo”, you’re not alone in wondering what it really means. This tiny but mighty word shows up in so many different places—lo importante, lo mejor, lo que dijiste—that it can leave even advanced learners scratching their heads. So, what exactly is “lo” in Spanish, and why is it used so often?

Understanding the Spanish article “lo” is like unlocking a secret level in a video game—it gives you access to deeper, more natural expressions that native speakers use every day. Whether you’re just starting your Spanish learning journey or you’re brushing up on grammar, knowing how to use “lo” properly will make your conversations sound more fluent, more natural, and much more confident.

In this complete guide, we’ll explore:

What “lo” really means and why it’s different from el or la
Everyday phrases where “lo” is essential
When and how to use “lo” with adjectives, verbs, and clauses
The grammar rules and exceptions that make “lo” unique
Real-life examples and practice exercises to help you learn by doing

This is your one-stop explanation of everything you need to know about “lo” in Spanish grammar, written in a way that’s easy to understand and packed with practical examples. Let’s dive into the world of neutral articles, abstract ideas, and essential expressions with “lo”—and learn how to use it like a pro.

What Is the Spanish Article “Lo”?

The word “lo” in Spanish might look small, but it plays a big role in how native speakers express thoughts, ideas, and descriptions. Unlike “el” and “la”, which are masculine and feminine definite articles for nouns, “lo” is a neutral article. That means it’s not used to describe a specific object or person, but rather abstract ideas, qualities, or unknown things.

Think of “lo” as a tool for turning adjectives, clauses, or verbs into general concepts or neutral ideas. You’ll see it used in phrases like:

Lo bueno – The good thing
Lo que dices – What you’re saying
Lo importante es estudiar – The important thing is to study

Here’s a breakdown to understand it better:

🧠 Quick Facts About “Lo”

“Lo” is not masculine or feminine—it’s neutral
It is not used before a regular noun (like lo gato ❌)
It is used before adjectives, past participles, or clauses to express abstract ideas
It helps you talk about “the thing that is…”, “what is…”, or “how something is…”

📘 Examples to Understand Its Function:

Lo mejor de la película fue el final.
The best thing about the movie was the ending.
No entiendo lo que dijiste.
I don’t understand what you said.
Lo difícil no es empezar, es continuar.
The hard part isn’t starting, it’s continuing.

So, when you want to describe something that isn’t a physical object, but rather an idea, a quality, or a situation, “lo” is your go-to word.

Common Expressions Using “Lo” in Spanish

When you listen to native Spanish speakers, you’ll hear “lo” used all the time in everyday phrases. These expressions are super useful because they help you sound more natural and fluent, especially when talking about opinions, situations, or abstract ideas.

Here are 10 real-life example sentences using “lo” that you can start practicing today:

🔟 Real-Life Spanish Sentences with “Lo”

Lo bueno de vivir aquí es la tranquilidad.
The good thing about living here is the peace.
Lo importante es nunca rendirse.
The important thing is to never give up.
Lo que quiero es ayudarte.
What I want is to help you.
Lo malo de esta película es el final.
The bad thing about this movie is the ending.
Lo que dijiste me hizo pensar.
What you said made me think.
No me gusta lo que está pasando.
I don’t like what’s happening.
Lo mejor fue cuando ganamos el partido.
The best part was when we won the game.
Lo raro es que no contestó el mensaje.
The strange thing is that he didn’t reply to the message.
Siempre valoro lo que haces por mí.
I always value what you do for me.
Lo difícil no es aprender, es practicar todos los días.
The hard part isn’t learning, it’s practicing every day.

📌 Why These Expressions Matter:

These expressions don’t just teach you grammar—they help you express feelings, thoughts, and reactions in a natural way. By using “lo,” you talk about “the thing that…”, “what…”, or “how something is…”, which adds depth to your Spanish.

You’ll often hear these patterns in conversations, books, and even music, so start listening for them!

How “Lo” Works: Structure and Pairing Rules

Although “lo” doesn’t conjugate, understanding how it works with different parts of a sentence is key to using it correctly. This includes what words “lo” can go with, how it forms abstract nouns, and how it functions in complex clauses.

🔧 1. “Lo” + Adjective → Abstract Idea

When “lo” is followed by an adjective, it turns that adjective into an abstract idea, often meaning “the [adjective] thing”.

✅ Structure:

Lo + [adjective (masculine singular form)]

📘 Examples:

Lo bueno = The good thing
Lo bueno de este trabajo es el horario flexible.
The good thing about this job is the flexible schedule.
Lo interesante = The interesting thing
Lo interesante es que nadie lo sabía.
The interesting thing is that no one knew.
Lo difícil = The hard part
Lo difícil es mantener la motivación.
The hard part is staying motivated.

🔧 2. “Lo” + Past Participle → Result or Quality

“Lo” can be used with past participles to describe the result of an action or an observed quality.

✅ Structure:

Lo + [past participle]

📘 Examples:

Lo dicho = What was said
Lo dicho por el profesor fue muy importante.
What the teacher said was very important.
Lo hecho = What was done / The done thing
Ya no podemos cambiar lo hecho.
We can’t change what’s done.

🔧 3. “Lo” + “Que” + Clause → What / That Which

This is one of the most common ways “lo” is used in conversation. It introduces a subordinate clause and is often translated as “what” or “that which”.

✅ Structure:

Lo que + [clause]

📘 Examples:

Lo que me gusta es la comida.
What I like is the food.
No entiendo lo que dices.
I don’t understand what you’re saying.
Haz lo que quieras.
Do what you want.

🔧 4. “Lo” as a Direct Object Pronoun

In some cases, “lo” also acts as a direct object pronoun meaning “him”, “it”, or “you” (formal, masculine). However, this usage is different from the neutral article and belongs to pronoun grammar. We’ll keep our focus here mainly on the neutral article usage.

🧠 Pro Tip:

The adjective or participle after “lo” must be in masculine singular form, even if you’re talking about something feminine or plural in meaning. Why? Because “lo” is neutral, and the grammar after it follows that structure.

Usage of “Lo” in Spanish: When and How to Use It

In Spanish, “lo” is a powerful word that lets you talk about ideas, qualities, actions, or unknown things without referring to a specific person or object. Below are the main situations where “lo” is used, with easy explanations and examples.

✅ 1. To Express Abstract Qualities or Ideas

Use “lo” with adjectives to refer to general ideas or qualities like “the good,” “the bad,” “the strange,” etc.

🔹 Structure:

Lo + [masculine singular adjective]

📘 Examples:

Lo bueno de estudiar es aprender.
The good thing about studying is learning.
Lo malo es que llueve mucho.
The bad thing is that it rains a lot.

✅ 2. To Refer to Something Previously Mentioned (Lo + Past Participle)

Use “lo” with past participles to refer to actions or events already done or mentioned.

📘 Examples:

Lo dicho por el director fue claro.
What the director said was clear.
Lo escrito en el libro es interesante.
What’s written in the book is interesting.

✅ 3. To Introduce Clauses with “Lo que” (What / That Which)

This is one of the most common uses of “lo.” Use “lo que” to mean “what” or “the thing that”.

📘 Examples:

Lo que quiero es ayudarte.
What I want is to help you.
No entiendo lo que está pasando.
I don’t understand what is happening.
Haz lo que puedas.
Do what you can.

✅ 4. To Emphasize or Generalize a Characteristic

Use “lo” to highlight how something is or how someone behaves. This is often used in literary or poetic contexts.

📘 Examples:

Lo fuerte que es este niño me sorprende.
How strong this boy is surprises me.
Lo rápido que terminó el examen fue increíble.
How quickly he finished the exam was incredible.

✅ 5. To Talk About How Things Happen (Lo + Adjective + Que)

Use this structure to emphasize the intensity or degree of something.

📘 Examples:

No sabes lo cansado que estoy.
You don’t know how tired I am.
Lo feliz que estaba no se puede explicar.
How happy she was can’t be explained.

✅ 6. To Express Something in a General, Gender-Neutral Way

“Lo” is perfect when you want to keep your sentence neutral, especially when talking about non-countable or non-specific things.

📘 Examples:

Lo que necesitas es paciencia.
What you need is patience.
Lo que importa es la intención.
What matters is the intention.

✅ 7. To Form Emphatic or Comparative Structures

In advanced usage, “lo” helps create comparative or superlative statements.

📘 Examples:

Lo más importante es la familia.
The most important thing is family.
Lo mejor de todo fue el viaje.
The best part of all was the trip.

✅ 8. To Replace an Idea, Action, or Situation as a Neutral Pronoun

Sometimes, “lo” acts like a neutral pronoun replacing an idea or situation.

📘 Examples:

¿Estás cansado? Lo entiendo.
Are you tired? I understand it.
No lo sabía.
I didn’t know that.

✅ 9. In Set Phrases and Idioms

Some phrases with “lo” are commonly used and should be memorized.

📘 Examples:

A lo mejor – Maybe
Por lo general – Generally
Por lo tanto – Therefore

✅ 10. As a Formal, Masculine Object Pronoun (Extra Use)

Though this blog focuses on “lo” as a neutral article, remember that “lo” can also mean “him” or “it” when used as a direct object pronoun.

📘 Example:

Lo vi ayer.
I saw him yesterday. or I saw it yesterday.

🎯 Quick Recap of Situations to Use “Lo”:

To describe qualities (Lo bueno, lo malo)
To introduce ideas or clauses (Lo que…)
With past participles (Lo dicho)
For generalization or emphasis (Lo rápido que…)
In idiomatic expressions (A lo mejor)
To refer back to entire ideas or actions (Lo entiendo)

Grammar Rules for Using “Lo” in Spanish

Understanding how “lo” works grammatically will boost your Spanish fluency. Although it seems simple, it has specific rules that guide how and when to use it correctly — especially since it’s gender-neutral, abstract, and sometimes used as a pronoun.

Let’s break it down step by step with simple explanations and real-life examples.

🧠 Rule 1: “Lo” is Neutral and Only Used with Masculine Singular Adjectives or Participles

“Lo” doesn’t agree with gender or number like other articles (el, la, los, las). It stays the same — always neutral and singular.

🔹 Use:

Lo + [masculine adjective]
Lo + [past participle]

📘 Examples:

Lo bonito = the beautiful thing
Lo dicho = what was said

✨ You don’t say “la bonita” or “las dichas” with this structure. Always keep it neutral: lo + masculine singular.

🧠 Rule 2: “Lo” Can’t Stand Alone — It Must Be Paired

“Lo” doesn’t function alone. It must be followed by:

An adjective
A past participle
A relative clause (with “que”)

📘 Examples:

❌ Incorrect: Lo es importante.
✅ Correct: Lo importante es estudiar.
(The important thing is to study.)

🧠 Rule 3: “Lo que” Introduces Clauses — Meaning “What” or “That Which”

Use “lo que” to refer to ideas, actions, or concepts.

📘 Examples:

Lo que necesito es tiempo.
What I need is time.
No comprendo lo que haces.
I don’t understand what you’re doing.

✅ “Lo que” is one of the most flexible ways to express abstract or unknown things in Spanish.

🧠 Rule 4: “Lo” with Comparatives or Emphasis

“Lo” can be used to express degree or intensity, especially with the word “que”.

📘 Examples:

Lo mucho que trabajas es admirable.
How much you work is admirable.
No sabes lo feliz que me hace.
You don’t know how happy that makes me.

🧠 Rule 5: “Lo” as a Neutral Pronoun (Referencing Ideas, Not People)

In this case, “lo” works like “it” in English but refers to a situation, idea, or statement — not a person.

📘 Examples:

Lo entiendo.
I understand it (the situation).
No lo sabía.
I didn’t know it.

⚠️ Don’t confuse this with “lo” as a masculine direct object pronoun (him/it). This rule focuses on the neutral, idea-based use of “lo”.

🧠 Rule 6: Use “Lo” with Superlative and Generalizing Expressions

You can use “lo” to emphasize what’s best, worst, or most important.

📘 Examples:

Lo mejor de la película fue el final.
The best part of the movie was the ending.
Lo más difícil es empezar.
The most difficult thing is to begin.

🧠 Rule 7: “Lo” in Set Phrases Should Be Memorized

Many common expressions in Spanish include “lo.” These don’t follow strict grammar patterns — they’re idiomatic.

📘 Common Examples:

A lo mejor = maybe
Por lo tanto = therefore
Por lo visto = apparently

⚠️ What NOT to Do:

Don’t use “lo” with feminine or plural adjectives (e.g., lo bonita, lo buenos ❌)
Don’t use “lo” to refer to people by gender (use el/la/los/las or proper pronouns)
Don’t confuse neutral “lo” with masculine object “lo” (used as a direct object pronoun)

🎯 Golden Rule:

If you’re talking about an idea, concept, action, or general characteristic — especially in an abstract, genderless way — use “lo.”

With these grammar rules, you’re well-equipped to use “lo” like a pro!

🧐 Things to Keep in Mind When Using “Lo” in Spanish

Although “lo” may seem simple, it’s one of those small words in Spanish that can get tricky fast if you’re not paying close attention. It behaves differently from other articles, has abstract uses, and can often be confused with pronouns or prepositions.

Let’s break down the most important points, exceptions, and tips to avoid confusion.

⚠️ 1. “Lo” Is Not Masculine – It’s Neutral

This is a common beginner mistake. Unlike el (masculine) or la (feminine), “lo” doesn’t refer to people or objects with gender. Instead, it talks about ideas, actions, or qualities in a neutral way.

Wrong: Lo chico está aquí.
Right: El chico está aquí.
(Use “el” for masculine nouns like “chico.”)

Correct usage of “lo”:

Lo bueno de viajar es conocer culturas nuevas.
(The good thing about traveling is learning about new cultures.)

⚠️ 2. Don’t Use “Lo” Before Feminine or Plural Adjectives

Since “lo” is neutral and singular, it cannot be used with feminine or plural forms.

Incorrect: Lo buenas son las galletas.
Correct: Las galletas son buenas.
Or: Lo bueno de las galletas es su sabor.
(The good thing about cookies is their taste.)

⚠️ 3. Don’t Confuse “Lo” with the Masculine Direct Object Pronoun “Lo”

Spanish uses “lo” in two very different ways:

As a neutral article (Lo importante es estudiar.)
As a masculine object pronoun (Lo vi ayer. – I saw him/it yesterday.)

Even though they look the same, their functions are totally different. Focus on what “lo” is replacing or introducing in the sentence to understand its role.

⚠️ 4. “Lo que” Is Different from “Lo cual” and “Lo mismo”

These similar-looking phrases have different meanings and uses:

Lo que = what / that which
Lo que dijiste fue cierto.
(What you said was true.)
Lo cual = which (used after a whole clause)
Estudió mucho, lo cual fue útil.
(He studied a lot, which was useful.)
Lo mismo = the same thing
Dijo lo mismo otra vez.
(He said the same thing again.)

🧠 Pro Tip: “Lo que” is much more common in daily conversation than “lo cual.”

⚠️ 5. “Lo” Can Show Degree or Quantity — Be Careful With These Structures

When expressing degree or emphasis, “lo” is followed by adjectives or adverbs plus “que.” These expressions sound dramatic or emotional, so use them to add flavor to your Spanish!

Examples:

No sabes lo cansado que estoy.
(You don’t know how tired I am.)
¡Lo bien que canta esa niña!
(How well that girl sings!)

These structures are tricky at first, but incredibly useful once you get the hang of them.

⚠️ 6. Set Phrases with “Lo” Can’t Be Translated Word for Word

Some expressions using “lo” don’t translate directly into English. It’s better to memorize them as set phrases.

Common expressions:

A lo mejor = maybe/perhaps
Por lo tanto = therefore
Por lo menos = at least
Por lo visto = apparently

📝 Learn these as they are — they’re used all the time in spoken and written Spanish!

⚠️ 7. You Can’t Say “Lo es” Alone to Mean “It is”

This is a classic learner error.

Incorrect: Lo es importante.
Correct: Lo importante es…
(The important thing is…)

Use “lo” + adjective + “es” to express general ideas or abstract subjects.

✅ Quick Recap of Tricky Points to Watch Out For

“Lo” is neutral and singular — no gender or plural forms.
Never use “lo” before feminine or plural adjectives.
Don’t confuse the neutral article “lo” with the direct object pronoun “lo.”
“Lo que,” “lo cual,” and “lo mismo” have different meanings — memorize their uses.
Use “lo que + verb” to refer to abstract actions or ideas.
Watch out for degree/emphasis structures: lo + adjective/adverb + que.
Learn common set phrases with “lo” by heart — they’re not literal.

Now that we’ve cleared up all the tricky spots and common errors, let’s put your knowledge to work with 20 powerful example sentences using “lo” naturally and correctly in Spanish.

20 Example Sentences Using “Lo” in Spanish

Lo bueno de viajar es conocer nuevas culturas. (The good thing about traveling is meeting new cultures.)
Lo que quiero es descansar. (What I want is to rest.)
Lo peor de todo es que no lo sabía. (The worst part is that I didn’t know.)
Lo que más me gusta es leer libros. (What I like most is reading books.)
Lo fácil que fue el examen me sorprendió. (How easy the exam was surprised me.)
Lo interesante de la historia es el final. (The interesting part of the story is the ending.)
Lo importante es estudiar cada día. (The important thing is to study every day.)
No sabes lo feliz que me haces. (You don’t know how happy you make me.)
Lo bueno de este lugar es que está cerca de todo. (The good thing about this place is that it’s close to everything.)
Lo que me preocupa es el futuro. (What worries me is the future.)
Lo mejor de las vacaciones fue la playa. (The best part of the vacation was the beach.)
Lo más difícil es empezar. (The most difficult part is starting.)
Por lo visto, él no va a venir. (Apparently, he is not coming.)
Lo que dijiste no tiene sentido. (What you said doesn’t make sense.)
Lo que pasa es que no entiendo. (What’s happening is that I don’t understand.)
A lo mejor nos vemos mañana. (Maybe we’ll see each other tomorrow.)
Lo importante es disfrutar el momento. (The important thing is to enjoy the moment.)
Lo que más me gusta de este libro es el personaje principal. (What I like most about this book is the main character.)
Lo bueno de estudiar en casa es que no pierdes tiempo en el transporte. (The good thing about studying at home is that you don’t waste time on transport.)
Lo que me molesta es el ruido. (What bothers me is the noise.)

20 Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises

____ bueno de estudiar es que puedes aprender cosas nuevas.
____ que más me gusta de este libro es el final.
____ fácil que fue el examen me sorprendió.
____ importante es mantener una actitud positiva.
____ que dije no fue tan claro.
____ peor de la situación es que no podemos hacer nada al respecto.
No sabes ____ feliz que me haces.
____ que me molesta es el ruido constante.
____ bueno de viajar es que te permite conocer otras culturas.
____ más difícil de aprender un idioma es la pronunciación.
____ que más me impactó fue la noticia.
____ que me gusta hacer en mi tiempo libre es leer.
____ mejor de este restaurante es la comida.
____ que ocurrió fue inesperado.
____ bueno de este día es que no ha llovido.
____ interesante de la película es el giro final.
____ que quiero hacer es descansar.
____ que pasó no lo esperaba.
____ malo de esta ciudad es el tráfico.
____ bueno de la fiesta fue ver a todos mis amigos.

Answers with the Correct Usage of “Lo”

Lo bueno de estudiar es que puedes aprender cosas nuevas.
(The good thing about studying is that you can learn new things.)
Lo que más me gusta de este libro es el final.
(What I like most about this book is the ending.)
Lo fácil que fue el examen me sorprendió.
(How easy the exam was surprised me.)
Lo importante es mantener una actitud positiva.
(The important thing is to maintain a positive attitude.)
Lo que dije no fue tan claro.
(What I said wasn’t very clear.)
Lo peor de la situación es que no podemos hacer nada al respecto.
(The worst part of the situation is that we can’t do anything about it.)
No sabes lo feliz que me haces.
(You don’t know how happy you make me.)
Lo que me molesta es el ruido constante.
(What bothers me is the constant noise.)
Lo bueno de viajar es que te permite conocer otras culturas.
(The good thing about traveling is that it allows you to experience other cultures.)
Lo más difícil de aprender un idioma es la pronunciación.
(The most difficult part of learning a language is the pronunciation.)
Lo que más me impactó fue la noticia.
(What impacted me the most was the news.)
Lo que me gusta hacer en mi tiempo libre es leer.
(What I like to do in my free time is read.)
Lo mejor de este restaurante es la comida.
(The best thing about this restaurant is the food.)
Lo que ocurrió fue inesperado.
(What happened was unexpected.)
Lo bueno de este día es que no ha llovido.
(The good thing about today is that it hasn’t rained.)
Lo interesante de la película es el giro final.
(The interesting thing about the movie is the final twist.)
Lo que quiero hacer es descansar.
(What I want to do is rest.)
Lo que pasó no lo esperaba.
(What happened, I didn’t expect it.)
Lo malo de esta ciudad es el tráfico.
(The bad thing about this city is the traffic.)
Lo bueno de la fiesta fue ver a todos mis amigos.
(The best thing about the party was seeing all my friends.)

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About “Lo” in Spanish

1. What does the article “lo” mean in Spanish?

The article “lo” in Spanish is a neutral definite article. It is used to refer to abstract ideas, concepts, or things that do not have a specific gender. It is often translated as “the” in English when referring to things like feelings, situations, or characteristics, but it doesn’t correspond to a specific masculine or feminine noun.

Example:

Lo importante es estudiar.
(The important thing is to study.)

2. When do I use “lo” in Spanish?

“Lo” is used in the following situations:

To refer to abstract concepts or ideas (e.g., “lo bueno” = “the good thing”).
To emphasize an adjective or an adverb (e.g., “lo fácil” = “how easy”).
In fixed expressions like “a lo mejor” (maybe) or “por lo tanto” (therefore).

3. Can “lo” refer to people or objects?

No, “lo” cannot be used to refer to people or specific objects that have gender. If you’re referring to a person or a specific object, you will use gendered articles like “el” (masculine) or “la” (feminine). “Lo” is only for neutral concepts or situations.

4. What’s the difference between “lo” and “el”?

“Lo” is a neutral article, while “el” is a masculine article. “El” is used with masculine nouns, while “lo” is used with abstract concepts or when you want to emphasize an adjective or adverb.

Example:

El libro (the book – masculine)
Lo importante (the important thing – abstract concept)

5. Is there a difference between “lo” and “la”?

Yes, there is. “Lo” is used for neutral and masculine singular abstract nouns or when emphasizing adjectives/adverbs. “La” is the feminine article used with feminine singular nouns.

Example:

Lo difícil (the difficult thing)
La difícil situación (the difficult situation)

6. How do you use “lo que” and “lo cual”?

Both “lo que” and “lo cual” can be translated as “what” or “which,” but they are used differently:

Lo que is used to refer to something undefined or previously mentioned.
- Example: Lo que me gusta es leer. (What I like is reading.)
Lo cual is used when referring to a previous statement or idea in the sentence.
- Example: No me gustó, lo cual fue una sorpresa. (I didn’t like it, which was a surprise.)

7. Can “lo” be used with verbs?

Yes, “lo” can be used in constructions with verbs to emphasize or specify an action. For example, “lo de” is often used to refer to an event or situation that has been mentioned.

Example:

Lo de ayer fue increíble. (What happened yesterday was incredible.)

8. Is “lo” used the same way in all Spanish-speaking countries?

Yes, “lo” is used consistently in all Spanish-speaking countries in the same way. However, the specific expressions or contexts where “lo” is used might vary depending on regional idioms or slang.

9. Why do we use “lo” to mean “the thing” or “what”?

In Spanish, the article “lo” is used when referring to a non-specific idea, fact, or concept. It’s an easy way to talk about something that doesn’t have a direct, tangible object but still needs to be discussed.

Example:

Lo que pasó no lo esperaba. (What happened, I didn’t expect it.)

10. Can “lo” be used in the plural form?

No, “lo” is always singular. If you want to talk about something plural, you would use “los” or “las” depending on the gender of the noun.

Summary of Key Points:

“Lo” is a neutral definite article used with abstract concepts, ideas, or when emphasizing an adjective or adverb.
It is not used with feminine nouns or specific masculine/feminine objects.
Common expressions like “a lo mejor” (maybe), “lo que” (what), and “por lo tanto” (therefore) use “lo.”
It cannot be used with people or specific objects.
Use “lo” to refer to an abstract or generalized concept (e.g., lo bueno = the good thing).

Conclusion

The article “lo” is an important and versatile part of the Spanish language. It allows you to express abstract ideas, generalizations, and emphasized qualities in a clear and concise way. By mastering its use, you can speak and write more naturally and effectively in Spanish.

If you want to continue improving your Spanish skills, explore more lessons on my blog, My Language Classes.

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Subscribe My language Classes YouTube channel to receive more tips and tricks for learning Spanish, English, and Japanese!

This wraps up our deep dive into the article “lo” in Spanish!

I hope the explanations and examples were helpful.

Let me know if you have more questions in the comments below!

📚 Continue Learning Spanish

Preterite Tense (Pretérito Indefinido) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Imperfect Tense (Pretérito Imperfecto) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Future Simple Tense in Spanish | My Language Classes

Spanish Conditional Tense (Condicional Simple) | My Language Classes

Present Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto de Indicativo) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Present Subjunctive (Presente de Subjuntivo) in Spanish | My Language Classes

Expressions and Idioms with the Verb “Tener” in Spanish | My Language Classes

Expressions, Idioms, and Proverbs with the Verb Hacer | My Language Classes

Expressions, Idioms, and Proverbs with the Verb ‘Haber’ in Spanish | My Language Classes

Ir a + Infinitive: Expressing Near Future in Spanish | My Language Classes

Mastering Deber, Poder and Querer in Spanish | My Language Classes

Comparative and Superlative Forms of Adjectives in Spanish | My Language Classes

Possessive Adjectives in Spanish | My Language Classes

Adverbs of Quantity in Spanish | My Language Classes

How to Use Spanish Prepositions | My Language Classes

Everything You Need to Know About POR in Spanish | My Language Classes

Everything You Need to Know About PARA in Spanish | My Language Classes

Coordinating Conjunctions in Spanish: y, o, pero, sino, and Others | My Language Classes

Subordinating Conjunctions in Spanish: porque, que, cuando, aunque, and Others | My Language Classes

Questions with Interrogative Words in Spanish | My Language Classes

Time Expressions in Spanish: Hace + Time + Que, Desde, Desde Hace, and More | My Language Classes

Idiomatic Phrases Using Tener, Estar, and Hacer in Spanish | My Language Classes

Use of Infinitive After Prepositions in Spanish | My Language Classes

Correct Use of Accent Marks in Written Spanish | My Language Classes