Perífrasis Verbales in Spanish: Master Verbal Periphrases with Easy Rules & Examples

Written by

Learning Spanish grammar can sometimes feel overwhelming, but understanding perífrasis verbales (verbal periphrases) is essential for mastering the language. These special verb constructions help express intentions, actions in progress, repetition, obligation, probability, and more.

In simple terms, a perífrasis verbal is a combination of two verbs that work together as a single unit to convey a specific meaning. The first verb is conjugated, while the second verb usually appears in its infinitive, gerund, or participle form. For example:

✅ Voy a estudiar español. (I am going to study Spanish.)
✅ Estoy aprendiendo español. (I am learning Spanish.)
✅ Tengo que practicar español. (I have to practice Spanish.)

These expressions are extremely common in everyday conversations and essential for speaking naturally and fluently in Spanish.

In this guide, we will explore:

✔️ Common expressions using verbal periphrases
✔️ How and when to use them correctly
✔️ Grammar rules and tricky points to keep in mind
✔️ 20 example sentences with translations
✔️ Exercises and answers to test your understanding

By the end of this lesson, you will have a strong grasp of Spanish verbal periphrases and be able to use them confidently in daily conversations. Let’s get started!

Common Expressions

Here are 10 essential expressions using perífrasis verbales:

Voy a estudiar español. (I am going to study Spanish.)
Tienes que hacer la tarea. (You have to do the homework.)
Está lloviendo mucho. (It is raining a lot.)
Llevo tres años viviendo en Madrid. (I have been living in Madrid for three years.)
Debes decir la verdad. (You must tell the truth.)
Volvió a llamar a su amigo. (He/She called their friend again.)
Sigo aprendiendo japonés. (I am still learning Japanese.)
Hay que comer frutas y verduras. (One must eat fruits and vegetables.)
Empezó a nevar de repente. (It suddenly started to snow.)
Debe de estar en casa ahora. (He/She must be at home now.)

Usage of Perífrasis Verbales in Spanish

Verbal periphrases allow Spanish speakers to express time, obligation, ongoing actions, repetition, probability, and more with precision. Below are the six main categories, along with common structures and example sentences that help illustrate their usage in real-life communication.

1. Perífrasis to Express the Future or Intention

Ir a + infinitive → Expresses near-future actions or intentions
✅ Voy a estudiar español. (I am going to study Spanish.)
✅ ¿Vas a viajar este verano? (Are you going to travel this summer?)
Estar por + infinitive → Indicates something is about to happen
✅ Estoy por llamar a mi amigo. (I’m about to call my friend.)
✅ El tren está por salir. (The train is about to leave.)
Andar + gerundio → Indicates an action happening intermittently or informally
✅ Anda diciendo mentiras sobre mí. (He/She keeps spreading lies about me.)
✅ Ando buscando un buen restaurante. (I’m going around looking for a good restaurant.)

2. Perífrasis to Express Obligation or Necessity

Tener que + infinitive → Expresses personal obligation
✅ Tienes que hacer la tarea. (You have to do the homework.)
✅ Tengo que estudiar para el examen. (I have to study for the exam.)
Deber + infinitive → Expresses moral obligation or strong recommendation
✅ Debes decir la verdad. (You must tell the truth.)
✅ Deberías ayudar a tus padres. (You should help your parents.)
Haber de + infinitive → Expresses a formal obligation or a personal resolution
✅ Has de respetar las normas de la empresa. (You must respect the company rules.)
✅ Hemos de salir temprano mañana. (We have to leave early tomorrow.)
Haber que + infinitive → Expresses necessity in an impersonal way
✅ Habrá que esperar hasta mañana. (We will have to wait until tomorrow.)
✅ Habrá que ver cómo reacciona. (We will have to see how he/she reacts.)

3. Perífrasis to Express Actions in Progress

Estar + gerundio → Expresses an action happening right now
✅ Está lloviendo mucho. (It is raining a lot.)
✅ Estoy aprendiendo español. (I am learning Spanish.)
Llevar + gerundio → Indicates the duration of an action
✅ Llevo tres años viviendo en Madrid. (I have been living in Madrid for three years.)
✅ Llevamos una hora esperando. (We have been waiting for an hour.)
Ir + gerundio → Expresses a gradual action
✅ Voy entendiendo mejor la gramática. (I am gradually understanding grammar better.)
✅ Va mejorando su español con el tiempo. (His/Her Spanish is improving over time.)
Andar + gerundio → Indicates an action done repeatedly or without a clear direction
✅ Anda buscando trabajo desde hace meses. (He/She has been looking for a job for months.)
✅ Siempre anda diciendo cosas sin pensar. (He/She is always saying things without thinking.)

4. Perífrasis to Express the Start, Continuation, or End of an Action

Empezar a + infinitive → Expresses the beginning of an action
✅ Empezó a nevar de repente. (It suddenly started to snow.)
✅ Ana empezó a trabajar en una nueva empresa. (Ana started working at a new company.)
Volver a + infinitive → Expresses repetition of an action
✅ Volvió a llamar a su amigo. (He/She called their friend again.)
✅ Tengo que volver a estudiar este tema. (I have to study this topic again.)
Seguir + gerundio → Expresses continuity of an action
✅ Sigo aprendiendo japonés. (I am still learning Japanese.)
✅ Seguimos esperando el autobús. (We are still waiting for the bus.)
Dejar de + infinitive → Expresses the interruption of an action
✅ Dejé de fumar el año pasado. (I stopped smoking last year.)
✅ Por favor, deja de molestar. (Please stop bothering me.)
Acabar de + infinitive → Expresses an action that was completed very recently
✅ Acabo de terminar el informe. (I just finished the report.)
✅ Acabamos de llegar a casa. (We just got home.)

5. Perífrasis to Express Probability or Assumption

Deber de + infinitive → Expresses probability or speculation
✅ Debe de estar en casa ahora. (He/She must be at home now.)
✅ Debe de hacer frío afuera. (It must be cold outside.)
Tener que + infinitive → Can also indicate probability
✅ Tienen que estar cansados después de un día tan largo. (They must be tired after such a long day.)
✅ Tiene que ser muy interesante ese libro. (That book must be very interesting.)
Venir a + infinitive → Expresses approximation or estimation
✅ Esto viene a costar unos 50 euros. (This costs approximately 50 euros.)
✅ Viene a ser lo mismo. (It turns out to be the same.)
Parecer + infinitive → Expresses a tentative assumption
✅ Parece ser una persona amable. (He/She seems to be a kind person.)
✅ Parece haber un problema con la conexión. (There seems to be a problem with the connection.)

6. Perífrasis to Express the Result of an Action (Advanced / C1 Level)

Tener + participio → Expresses a completed action with an effect
✅ Tengo hechas todas mis tareas. (I have all my tasks done.)
✅ Ya tienes escrita la carta. (You already have the letter written.)
Llevar + participio → Emphasizes the quantity of something completed
✅ Llevo leídos tres capítulos del libro. (I have read three chapters of the book.)
✅ Llevamos recorridos 100 kilómetros. (We have traveled 100 kilometers.)

Final Thoughts on Usage👇👇

These six key categories of verbal periphrases allow for more precise, natural, and advanced communication in Spanish. For students preparing for DELE C1, mastering these expressions is essential for achieving fluency and accuracy in both spoken and written Spanish.

Conjugation of Perífrasis Verbales in Spanish

Verbal periphrases always consist of two or more verbs:

An auxiliary (conjugated) verb → This verb provides tense, mood, person, and number.
A main verb (non-conjugated) → This verb remains in infinitive, gerund, or past participle form.

Let’s break down the conjugation for each type of periphrasis across different verb forms.

1. Conjugation with Infinitive (Perífrasis de Infinitivo)

These periphrases use an auxiliary verb followed by an infinitive verb.

Conjugation Examples:

✅ Tener que + infinitive (Expressing obligation)

Subject	Present	Preterite	Imperfect	Future
Yo	Tengo que estudiar	Tuve que estudiar	Tenía que estudiar	Tendré que estudiar
Tú	Tienes que salir	Tuviste que salir	Tenías que salir	Tendrás que salir
Él/Ella	Tiene que trabajar	Tuvo que trabajar	Tenía que trabajar	Tendrá que trabajar
Nosotros	Tenemos que esperar	Tuvimos que esperar	Teníamos que esperar	Tendremos que esperar
Vosotros	Tenéis que comer	Tuvisteis que comer	Teníais que comer	Tendréis que comer
Ellos/Ellas	Tienen que irse	Tuvieron que irse	Tenían que irse	Tendrán que irse

📝 Other common periphrases with infinitives:

Ir a + infinitive → Voy a viajar, Iba a viajar, Fui a viajar, Iré a viajar
Deber + infinitive → Debo estudiar, Debía estudiar, Debí estudiar, Deberé estudiar

2. Conjugation with Gerund (Perífrasis de Gerundio)

These periphrases use an auxiliary verb with a gerund (-ando, -iendo) to show ongoing or repetitive actions.

Conjugation Examples:

✅ Estar + gerundio (Expressing an ongoing action)

Subject	Present	Preterite	Imperfect	Future
Yo	Estoy estudiando	Estuve estudiando	Estaba estudiando	Estaré estudiando
Tú	Estás comiendo	Estuviste comiendo	Estabas comiendo	Estarás comiendo
Él/Ella	Está trabajando	Estuvo trabajando	Estaba trabajando	Estará trabajando
Nosotros	Estamos escribiendo	Estuvimos escribiendo	Estábamos escribiendo	Estaremos escribiendo
Vosotros	Estáis leyendo	Estuvisteis leyendo	Estabais leyendo	Estaréis leyendo
Ellos/Ellas	Están durmiendo	Estuvieron durmiendo	Estaban durmiendo	Estarán durmiendo

📝 Other common periphrases with gerunds:

Seguir + gerundio → Sigo aprendiendo, Seguí aprendiendo, Seguía aprendiendo, Seguiré aprendiendo
Andar + gerundio → Anda diciendo cosas raras, Andaba diciendo cosas raras

3. Conjugation with Past Participle (Perífrasis de Participio)

These periphrases use an auxiliary verb followed by a past participle (-ado, -ido, irregular forms) to express a completed or resulting action.

Conjugation Examples:

✅ Llevar + participio (Expressing quantity of completed actions)

Subject	Present	Preterite	Imperfect	Future
Yo	Llevo terminados dos libros	Llevé terminados dos libros	Llevaba terminados dos libros	Llevaré terminados dos libros
Tú	Llevas hechos los deberes	Llevaste hechos los deberes	Llevabas hechos los deberes	Llevarás hechos los deberes
Él/Ella	Lleva corregidos los errores	Llevó corregidos los errores	Llevaba corregidos los errores	Llevará corregidos los errores
Nosotros	Llevamos vistos muchos episodios	Llevamos vistos muchos episodios	Llevábamos vistos muchos episodios	Llevaremos vistos muchos episodios
Vosotros	Lleváis aprendidas tres canciones	Llevasteis aprendidas tres canciones	Llevabais aprendidas tres canciones	Llevaréis aprendidas tres canciones
Ellos/Ellas	Llevan completados cinco informes	Llevaron completados cinco informes	Llevaban completados cinco informes	Llevarán completados cinco informes

📝 Other common periphrases with participles:

Tener + participio → Tengo hechas las tareas, Tenía hechas las tareas
Dar por + participio → Doy por terminada la reunión, Daba por terminada la reunión

4. Conjugation of Verbal Periphrases with Reflexive Verbs

Some periphrases involve reflexive verbs, meaning the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se) must be placed correctly.

Example: Ir a + infinitive with a reflexive verb

✅ Me voy a duchar. (I am going to take a shower.)
✅ Voy a ducharme. (I am going to take a shower.)

📌 Placement Rules:

The reflexive pronoun can be before the conjugated verb or attached to the infinitive/gerund.
Gerund example:
✅ Me estoy duchando. = ✅ Estoy duchándome.

Key Takeaways on Conjugation 👇👇

✔ The first verb (auxiliary verb) is conjugated in the required tense.
✔ The second verb remains in the infinitive, gerund, or participle form.
✔ In reflexive periphrases, the pronoun can be before the conjugated verb or attached to the non-conjugated verb.
✔ Some periphrases work with multiple conjugation patterns depending on tense and aspect.

Grammar Rules for Perífrasis Verbales in Spanish

Verbal periphrases follow specific grammatical structures that determine their correct usage. Below, we’ll break down these rules to help you use them accurately.

1. Structure of Verbal Periphrases

A verbal periphrasis consists of:
✅ Auxiliary verb (conjugated) + Link word (sometimes) + Main verb (non-conjugated)

Types of Non-Conjugated Main Verbs:

Infinitive: Voy a estudiar (I am going to study)
Gerund: Estoy estudiando (I am studying)
Participle: Tengo hecha la tarea (I have the homework done)

Some periphrases require a preposition (de, a, por, en, con) between the verbs:

Acabar de + infinitive → Acabo de llegar. (I just arrived.)
Tener que + infinitive → Tienes que comer. (You have to eat.)

2. Agreement Between Verbs

📌 The first verb is conjugated, while the second verb remains unchanged:
✅ Debemos estudiar. (We must study.)
✅ Seguí trabajando. (I kept working.)

📌 If the first verb changes in tense or mood, the second verb does not:
✅ Voy a viajar. (I am going to travel.) → Future intention
✅ Fui a viajar. (I was going to travel.) → Past intention

3. Reflexive Verbs in Verbal Periphrases

When using reflexive verbs in periphrases, the reflexive pronoun can be:
✅ Before the conjugated auxiliary verb: Me voy a duchar. (I am going to shower.)
✅ Attached to the infinitive or gerund: Voy a ducharme.

For periphrases with gerunds, an accent is needed when the pronoun is attached:
✅ Estoy bañándome. (I am taking a bath.)

4. Subjunctive with Verbal Periphrases

Some periphrases require the subjunctive mood in certain cases:
✅ Puede que + subjunctive → Puede que llueva mañana. (It might rain tomorrow.)
✅ Deber de + subjunctive → Debe de haber llegado ya. (He must have arrived already.)

5. Verbal Periphrases and Passive Voice

Certain periphrases work in passive constructions:
✅ Se debe trabajar con esfuerzo. (One must work hard.)
✅ Las tareas deben de estar terminadas. (The tasks must be finished.)

6. Key Exceptions & Irregular Cases

❌ Not all verbs can form periphrases. Some verbs need prepositions but don’t function as periphrases (e.g., “insistir en hacer algo” is not a periphrasis).
❌ Perífrasis with ‘estar + participio’ are NOT true periphrases but function as descriptions (Está roto = It is broken).

Key Takeaways on Grammar Rules

✔ First verb is conjugated; second verb remains infinitive, gerund, or participle.
✔ Some periphrases require prepositions (a, de, por, en).
✔ Reflexive pronouns can attach to infinitives/gerunds but require accents.
✔ Some periphrases use the subjunctive.
✔ Certain periphrases work in passive voice.

Things to Keep in Mind About Perífrasis Verbales

While verbal periphrases are widely used in Spanish, there are some tricky points, exceptions, and special considerations to be aware of. Let’s explore them in detail.

1. Not All Verb + Infinitive Constructions Are Perífrasis

Not every combination of a conjugated verb + an infinitive forms a true verbal periphrasis. Some verbs simply govern an infinitive without forming a fixed grammatical structure.

❌ Incorrect example (not a periphrasis):

Quiero cantar. (I want to sing.) → “Querer” acts as a modal verb, not a periphrasis.

✅ Correct periphrasis example:

Voy a cantar. (I am going to sing.) → “Ir a + infinitive” is a true verbal periphrasis.

📌 Tip: If the first verb can stand alone with full meaning (like quiero in quiero cantar), it’s not a periphrasis.

2. Differences Between “Deber” and “Deber de”

Many learners confuse these two structures:

✅ Deber + infinitive → Expresses obligation.

Debes estudiar más. (You must study more.)

✅ Deber de + infinitive → Expresses probability or assumption.

Debe de estar en casa. (He must be at home.)

📌 Tip: If you can replace “deber de” with “probablemente”, it means probability.

3. When to Use “Tener que” vs. “Haber que”

✅ Tener que + infinitive → Expresses a personal obligation.

Tengo que trabajar. (I have to work.)

✅ Haber que + infinitive → Expresses a general necessity (impersonal).

Hay que estudiar mucho. (One must study a lot.)

📌 Tip: Haber que is only used in third-person singular (hay que).

4. Reflexive Verbs in Perífrasis: Placement of Pronouns

When using reflexive verbs, the pronoun position changes depending on the structure.

✅ Before the conjugated verb:

Me voy a duchar. (I am going to shower.)

✅ Attached to the infinitive or gerund:

Voy a ducharme.
Estoy duchándome. (With accent for correct stress)

📌 Tip: If attaching a pronoun to a gerund, add an accent to maintain pronunciation.

5. Some Perífrasis Have Multiple Meanings Depending on Context

✅ Andar + gerundio → Usually means “to go around doing something,” but can also express a negative tone (complaints).

Ando buscando un nuevo trabajo. (I am looking for a new job.) → Neutral
Anda diciendo tonterías. (He keeps saying nonsense.) → Negative

📌 Tip: Be careful with the tone and context when using andar + gerundio.

6. Perífrasis Can Change Meaning in Different Tenses

Some periphrases change in meaning depending on the tense:

✅ Ir a + infinitive (Present) → Future intention

Voy a comprar pan. (I am going to buy bread.)

✅ Ir a + infinitive (Past) → Unfulfilled intention

Iba a comprar pan, pero se me olvidó. (I was going to buy bread, but I forgot.)

📌 Tip: In past tenses (iba a + infinitive), the action never happened!

7. Be Aware of Regional Variations

Some periphrases are more common in certain Spanish-speaking regions.

✅ “Ir a + infinitive” is universally used to express future actions.
✅ “Llevar + gerundio” (e.g., llevo estudiando 2 años) is more common in Spain.
✅ “Estar por + infinitive” (meaning “to be about to do something”) is more common in Latin America.

📌 Tip: Spanish varies across regions, so be mindful of how certain periphrases are used differently.

Key Takeaways on Tricky Points & Exceptions

✔ Not all verb + infinitive structures are periphrases.
✔ Deber vs. Deber de → Obligation vs. probability.
✔ Tener que vs. Haber que → Personal vs. impersonal obligation.
✔ Reflexive pronouns can attach to infinitives or gerunds (with accents).
✔ Some periphrases change meaning in past tenses.
✔ Regional differences exist for some periphrases.

More Example Sentences Using Perífrasis Verbales

Each sentence demonstrates a different type of verbal periphrasis in Spanish with its English translation.

1. Perífrasis to Express the Future or Intention

🔹 Ir a + infinitive → Expresses near-future actions or intentions.

Voy a comprar un coche nuevo el próximo mes.
I am going to buy a new car next month.
Mañana vamos a visitar a mis abuelos.
Tomorrow we are going to visit my grandparents.

🔹 Estar por + infinitive → Indicates something is about to happen.

El avión está por despegar, abróchense los cinturones.
The plane is about to take off, fasten your seatbelts.
La película está por comenzar, apaga el teléfono.
The movie is about to start, turn off your phone.

2. Perífrasis to Express Obligation or Necessity

🔹 Tener que + infinitive → Expresses personal obligation.

Tengo que hacer la tarea antes de salir.
I have to do my homework before going out.
Mi hermano tiene que cuidar a su perro este fin de semana.
My brother has to take care of his dog this weekend.

🔹 Haber que + infinitive → Expresses general obligation.

Hay que ser responsable con el trabajo.
One must be responsible with work.
Para mantenerse sano, hay que hacer ejercicio regularmente.
To stay healthy, one must exercise regularly.

🔹 Deber + infinitive → Expresses moral or ethical obligation.

Debes respetar las opiniones de los demás.
You must respect other people’s opinions.
Debemos ayudar a quienes lo necesitan.
We must help those in need.

3. Perífrasis to Express the Start, Continuation, or End of an Action

🔹 Empezar a + infinitive → Expresses the beginning of an action.

Empezamos a estudiar japonés este semestre.
We started studying Japanese this semester.
El bebé empezó a caminar la semana pasada.
The baby started walking last week.

🔹 Ponerse a + infinitive → Expresses a sudden or voluntary start of an action.

Me puse a reír cuando escuché el chiste.
I started laughing when I heard the joke.
Se puso a llover justo cuando salimos.
It started raining just as we went out.

🔹 Seguir + gerundio → Expresses the continuation of an action.

Sigo aprendiendo francés en mi tiempo libre.
I am still learning French in my free time.
Después de tanto tiempo, él sigue trabajando en la misma empresa.
After so much time, he is still working at the same company.

🔹 Llevar + gerundio → Expresses the duration of an action.

Llevo estudiando español cinco años.
I have been studying Spanish for five years.
Llevamos viviendo aquí desde 2010.
We have been living here since 2010.

🔹 Acabar de + infinitive → Expresses an action that has just finished.

Acabo de hablar con mi madre por teléfono.
I just talked to my mother on the phone.
Acabamos de llegar a casa después del viaje.
We just arrived home after the trip.

🔹 Dejar de + infinitive → Expresses stopping an action.

Dejé de comer azúcar por motivos de salud.
I stopped eating sugar for health reasons.
Ellos dejaron de fumar hace años.
They stopped smoking years ago.

4. Perífrasis to Express Probability or Assumption

🔹 Deber de + infinitive → Expresses probability or assumption.

Debe de estar cansado después del viaje.
He must be tired after the trip.
La tienda debe de estar cerrada a esta hora.
The store must be closed at this hour.

🔹 Poder + infinitive → Expresses possibility.

Puede llover más tarde, lleva un paraguas.
It might rain later, take an umbrella.
El tren puede haber llegado ya.
The train might have arrived already.

5. Perífrasis to Express Repetition or Habit

🔹 Volver a + infinitive → Expresses repeating an action.

Volví a ver la película porque me encantó.
I watched the movie again because I loved it.
Voy a volver a intentarlo mañana.
I am going to try again tomorrow.

🔹 Soler + infinitive → Expresses a habit or customary action.

Suele desayunar café y tostadas.
He usually has coffee and toast for breakfast.
No suelo salir los domingos.
I don’t usually go out on Sundays.

6. Perífrasis to Express Gradual Progress or Result

🔹 Ir + gerundio → Expresses gradual progress of an action.

Voy aprendiendo español poco a poco.
I am gradually learning Spanish.
Ellos van mejorando en cada partido.
They are improving in every match.

🔹 Acabar + gerundio → Expresses an action that results in something.

Acabé perdiendo mi teléfono en el viaje.
I ended up losing my phone on the trip.
Siempre acaba discutiendo con su hermano.
He always ends up arguing with his brother.

🔹 Andar + gerundio → Expresses doing something continuously or aimlessly.

Ando buscando un libro interesante para leer.
I am going around looking for an interesting book to read.
Anda diciendo mentiras sobre mí.
He is going around telling lies about me.

Exercise: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences using the correct perífrasis verbal. The verb to be used is given in parentheses in its plain form.

Example:
(_______) estudiar más para el examen. (Tener que)
✅ Tengo que estudiar más para el examen.
💡 I have to study more for the exam.

Complete the sentences:

Mañana __________ a la playa con mis amigos. (Ir a – viajar)
El tren __________ en cinco minutos. (Estar por – salir)
Para ser saludable, __________ frutas y verduras. (Haber que – comer)
Mis abuelos __________ la televisión todas las noches. (Soler – ver)
No puedo hablar ahora, __________ con el director. (Estar – hablar)
Después de muchos intentos, __________ ganar el torneo. (Acabar – conseguir)
¿__________ a llamarme más tarde? (Volver a – llamar)
Es tarde, ya __________ en casa. (Deber de – estar)
Mi hermano __________ el violín hace dos años. (Dejar de – tocar)
Mis amigos __________ mudarse a otra ciudad. (Pensar – mudarse)
Cuando terminó la película, todos __________ a aplaudir. (Ponerse a – aplaudir)
Si sigues así, __________ problemas en el futuro. (Poder – tener)
Él __________ mucho en el trabajo últimamente. (Andar – quejarse)
Mis padres __________ de preparar la cena. (Acabar de – preparar)
Desde hace años, ella __________ en la misma empresa. (Llevar – trabajar)
El maestro dijo que __________ más para el examen. (Tener que – estudiar)
Después del accidente, él __________ caminar lentamente. (Ir – recuperar)
El cielo está nublado, __________ a llover pronto. (Estar por – llover)
Siempre __________ levantarse temprano para hacer ejercicio. (Solía – levantarse)
El niño __________ llorar cuando vio su juguete roto. (Echarse a – llorar)

Answers

(Complete the sentences with the correct perífrasis verbal. The correct answer is in bold.)

Mañana voy a viajar a la playa con mis amigos.
Tomorrow I am going to travel to the beach with my friends.
El tren está por salir en cinco minutos.
The train is about to leave in five minutes.
Para ser saludable, hay que comer frutas y verduras.
To be healthy, one must eat fruits and vegetables.
Mis abuelos suelen ver la televisión todas las noches.
My grandparents usually watch television every night.
No puedo hablar ahora, estoy hablando con el director.
I can’t talk now, I am talking with the director.
Después de muchos intentos, acabé consiguiendo ganar el torneo.
After many attempts, I ended up managing to win the tournament.
¿Vas a volver a llamarme más tarde?
Are you going to call me again later?
Es tarde, ya debe de estar en casa.
It’s late, he must be at home already.
Mi hermano dejó de tocar el violín hace dos años.
My brother stopped playing the violin two years ago.
Mis amigos piensan mudarse a otra ciudad.
My friends are planning to move to another city.
Cuando terminó la película, todos se pusieron a aplaudir.
When the movie ended, everyone started clapping.
Si sigues así, puedes tener problemas en el futuro.
If you continue like this, you might have problems in the future.
Él anda quejándose mucho en el trabajo últimamente.
He has been complaining a lot at work lately.
Mis padres acaban de preparar la cena.
My parents just finished preparing dinner.
Desde hace años, ella lleva trabajando en la misma empresa.
She has been working at the same company for years.
El maestro dijo que tenemos que estudiar más para el examen.
The teacher said that we have to study more for the exam.
Después del accidente, él va recuperando la capacidad de caminar.
After the accident, he is gradually recovering his ability to walk.
El cielo está nublado, está por llover pronto.
The sky is cloudy, it is about to rain soon.
Siempre solía levantarse temprano para hacer ejercicio.
He used to get up early to exercise.
El niño se echó a llorar cuando vio su juguete roto.
The child started crying when he saw his broken toy.

Summary: Key Takeaways on Perífrasis Verbales

Perífrasis verbales are verb phrases formed by combining an auxiliary verb and a main verb (infinitive, gerund, or participle).
They help express time, aspect, and modality in Spanish.
They can be grouped into six main categories based on their function:
- To express the future or intention: Ir a + infinitive, Estar por + infinitive
- To express obligation or necessity: Tener que + infinitive, Haber que + infinitive
- To express habit or repetition: Soler + infinitive, Andar + gerundio, Volver a + infinitive
- To express progress or continuity: Estar + gerundio, Llevar + gerundio, Seguir + gerundio, Ir + gerundio
- To express completion or result: Acabar de + infinitive, Acabar + gerundio, Dejar de + infinitive, Tener + participio
- To express probability or assumption: Deber de + infinitive, Poder + infinitive
Each periphrasis has specific grammar rules and conjugation patterns based on tense and subject.
Some tricky points and exceptions include:
- “Haber que” is always used impersonally (e.g., Hay que estudiar – One must study).
- “Deber de” expresses probability (Debe de estar en casa – He must be at home), while “deber” alone expresses obligation (Debes estudiar – You must study).
- “Ir + gerundio” implies gradual progress rather than a general present action.

Conclusion

Mastering perífrasis verbales is essential for achieving fluency in Spanish, especially at an advanced level. These verb constructions help convey nuance, intention, progression, obligation, and probability, making your speech and writing sound more natural and precise.

By understanding the different types of periphrasis and their specific uses, you can express yourself more effectively in various contexts. Whether you are talking about the future, describing habits, or indicating probability, using these structures correctly will improve your communication skills and comprehension.

To reinforce your learning:

Practice regularly by using these structures in daily conversations.
Read books, articles, and listen to native speakers to see them in real use.
Do exercises and quizzes to test your understanding.

With continuous exposure and practice, you will develop greater confidence and fluency in using perífrasis verbales naturally in Spanish! 🚀✨

💡 Which perífrasis verbal do you use the most in Spanish? Share your thoughts in the comments below! I’d love to hear how you use these expressions in daily conversations.

📢 Learning is more fun together! Share this post with your friends and fellow Spanish learners. 🚀

If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

Happy learning! 😊

Mastering the Present Indicative Mode in Spanish (Regular verbs)

Imperative Mode in Spanish

Preterite Tense (Pretérito Indefinido) in Spanish

Imperfect Tense (Pretérito Imperfecto) in Spanish

Future Simple Tense in Spanish

Spanish Conditional Tense (Condicional Simple)

Present Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto de Indicativo) in Spanish

Understanding the Subjunctive Mood in Spanish

Understanding the Present Subjunctive (Presente de Subjuntivo) in Spanish

Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto (Past Perfect) in Spanish

Pretérito Indefinido vs. Imperfecto – Usage and Contrast Between Two Types of Past Tense in Spanish