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Reported Speech (Estilo Indirecto) in Spanish
Reported speech, or estilo indirecto, is a fundamental aspect of Spanish grammar that allows us to relay what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, making it an essential skill for effective communication in Spanish. Whether you’re recounting a conversation, sharing news, or summarizing someone’s thoughts, mastering estilo indirecto will significantly enhance your fluency.
In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about estilo indirecto, including common expressions, conjugation rules, irregular verbs, and practical examples. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to use reported speech confidently in Spanish.
Common Expressions Using Estilo Indirecto
Here’s a list of common expressions used in daily life with estilo indirecto. These phrases are frequently used to report speech or thoughts:
- Dijo que… – He/She said that…
- Me preguntó si… – He/She asked me if…
- Quería saber si… – He/She wanted to know if…
- Explicó que… – He/She explained that…
- Comentó que… – He/She commented that…
- Aseguró que… – He/She assured that…
- Negó que… – He/She denied that…
- Prometió que… – He/She promised that…
- Sugirió que… – He/She suggested that…
- Advirtió que… – He/She warned that…
These expressions are often followed by a verb in the indicative or subjunctive mood, depending on the context.
Things to Keep in Mind
When using estilo indirecto, there are several key points to remember:
- Verb Tense Changes: The tense of the verb in the original statement often changes in reported speech. For example, present tense may shift to imperfect, and preterite may shift to pluperfect.
- Pronoun Adjustments: Pronouns often change to reflect the new perspective. For example, yo (I) may become él/ella (he/she).
- Time and Place References: Words like hoy (today) may change to aquel día (that day) in reported speech.
- Use of Que: The word que (that) is frequently used to introduce reported speech.
- Subjunctive Mood: If the original statement expresses doubt, uncertainty, or a recommendation, the subjunctive mood is used in estilo indirecto.
- Gender and Number Agreement: Ensure that adjectives and articles agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify.
When to Use Estilo Indirecto
Estilo indirecto is used in the following situations:
- Reporting Statements: To relay what someone has said.
- Example: Juan dijo que tenía hambre. (Juan said he was hungry.)
- Reporting Questions: To report questions asked by someone.
- Example: Me preguntó si quería café. (He asked me if I wanted coffee.)
- Reporting Commands or Requests: To relay instructions or requests.
- Example: Ella me pidió que cerrara la puerta. (She asked me to close the door.)
- Reporting Thoughts or Feelings: To share someone’s thoughts or emotions.
- Example: Pensé que no vendrías. (I thought you wouldn’t come.)
Conjugation
Regular Verbs
In estilo indirecto, regular verbs follow the same conjugation rules as in direct speech. However, the tense may change depending on the context. Here’s how to conjugate regular verbs in the three main categories:
- -AR Verbs (e.g., hablar)
- Present: habla → Imperfect: hablaba
- Preterite: habló → Pluperfect: había hablado
- -ER Verbs (e.g., comer)
- Present: come → Imperfect: comía
- Preterite: comió → Pluperfect: había comido
- -IR Verbs (e.g., vivir)
- Present: vive → Imperfect: vivía
- Preterite: vivió → Pluperfect: había vivido
Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs in estilo indirecto follow the same conjugation patterns as in direct speech, but their forms must be memorized. Here are some common irregular verbs and their conjugations:
- Ser (to be)
- Present: es → Imperfect: era
- Preterite: fue → Pluperfect: había sido
- Ir (to go)
- Present: va → Imperfect: iba
- Preterite: fue → Pluperfect: había ido
- Decir (to say)
- Present: dice → Imperfect: decía
- Preterite: dijo → Pluperfect: había dicho
- Hacer (to do/make)
- Present: hace → Imperfect: hacía
- Preterite: hizo → Pluperfect: había hecho
- Tener (to have)
- Present: tiene → Imperfect: tenía
- Preterite: tuvo → Pluperfect: había tenido
List of common Verbs in Estilo Indirecto
Verb Estilo Indirecto Form Example Sentence 1 Example Sentence 2 Meaning Hablar hablaba Dijo que hablaba con su madre. Ella comentó que hablaba español. He said he was talking to his mom. / She mentioned she spoke Spanish. Comer comía Me dijo que comía pizza. Ellos aseguraron que comían saludable. He told me he was eating pizza. / They assured they ate healthy. Vivir vivía Explicó que vivía en Madrid. Pensé que vivías cerca. He explained he lived in Madrid. / I thought you lived nearby. Ser era Dijo que era médico. Creí que era tarde. He said he was a doctor. / I thought it was late. Ir iba Me preguntó si iba al cine. Ella dijo que iba a llamarte. He asked me if I was going to the cinema. / She said she was going to call you. Decir dijo Juan dijo que no vendría. Ellos dijeron que tenían prisa. Juan said he wouldn’t come. / They said they were in a hurry. Hacer hizo Aseguró que hizo la tarea. Pensé que hacías ejercicio. He assured he did the homework. / I thought you were exercising. Tener tenía Me dijo que tenía sueño. Creí que tenías razón. He told me he was sleepy. / I thought you were right. Poder podía Dijo que podía ayudarme. Ellos comentaron que podían venir. He said he could help me. / They mentioned they could come. Querer quería Me preguntó si quería café. Ella dijo que quería viajar. He asked me if I wanted coffee. / She said she wanted to travel.
More Example Sentences
- Dijo que no podía venir a la fiesta. (He said he couldn’t come to the party.)
- Me preguntó si había terminado el proyecto. (He asked me if I had finished the project.)
- Ella aseguró que sabía la respuesta. (She assured she knew the answer.)
- Explicó que no tenía tiempo. (He explained he didn’t have time.)
- Comentó que le gustaba el café. (He mentioned he liked coffee.)
- Advirtió que llovería mañana. (He warned it would rain tomorrow.)
- Prometió que llamaría más tarde. (He promised he would call later.)
- Negó que hubiera robado el dinero. (He denied he had stolen the money.)
- Sugirió que fuéramos al parque. (He suggested we go to the park.)
- Quería saber si habías visto la película. (He wanted to know if you had seen the movie.)
Fill in the Blanks
- Ella _____ que no _____ tiempo. (decir, tener)
- Me _____ si _____ al cine. (preguntar, ir)
- Dijo que _____ la tarea. (hacer)
- Nos _____ que _____ temprano. (pedir, llegar)
- Creí que _____ en casa. (estar)
- Explicó que no _____ la respuesta. (saber)
- Ellos _____ que _____ a la fiesta. (decir, venir)
- Pensé que _____ más tarde. (llamar)
- Aseguró que _____ el libro. (leer)
- Me _____ si _____ ayuda. (preguntar, necesitar)
Answers:
- dijo, tenía
- preguntó, iba
- había hecho
- pidió, llegáramos
- estabas
- sabía
- dijeron, vendrían
- llamarías
- había leído
- preguntó, necesitaba
Conclusion
Mastering estilo indirecto is a crucial step toward achieving fluency in Spanish. By understanding the rules of conjugation, recognizing common expressions, and practicing with real-life examples, you’ll be able to report speech accurately and naturally. Remember to pay attention to verb tense changes, pronoun adjustments, and the use of the subjunctive mood when necessary. With consistent practice, you’ll soon find yourself using estilo indirecto with confidence in everyday conversations.
¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
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! 😊
- 100 Spanish Example Sentences
- 100 Spanish Fill-in-the-Blanks Exercises
- 100 Spanish Vocabulary Lists
- Spanish – Advanced
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Expressing a Change in Ability or Habit: 〜ようになる | My Language Classes
Using 〜ようになる
The phrase 〜ようになる is an essential part of Japanese grammar, used to express a change in state, habit, or ability. It highlights the process of becoming able to do something, beginning to develop a habit, or shifting circumstances over time. Let’s dive into its nuances, usage, and variations.
Basic Structure
- Verb Dictionary Form + ようになる
- Used to indicate a change in ability or habit.
- Example:
- 日本語が話せるようになる。
(Nihongo ga hanaseru you ni naru.)
“I’ve become able to speak Japanese.”
- 日本語が話せるようになる。
- Verb Negative Form (〜ない) + ようになる
- Indicates a change where something that used to occur does not happen anymore.
- Example:
- 甘いものを食べないようになる。
(Amai mono o tabenai you ni naru.)
“I’ve stopped eating sweets.”
- 甘いものを食べないようになる。
Situations Where 〜ようになる Is Used
1. Expressing a Change in Ability
Usage: When describing the development of a new skill or ability.
- Example:
- ピアノが弾けるようになる。
(Piano ga hikeru you ni naru.)
“I’ve learned to play the piano.”
- ピアノが弾けるようになる。
- Context: This is often used to highlight personal growth or achievement after practice.
2. Expressing a Change in Habit
Usage: When describing the adoption or cessation of a habit.
- Example:
- 毎日運動するようになる。
(Mainichi undou suru you ni naru.)
“I’ve started exercising daily.” - 早く寝るようになる。
(Hayaku neru you ni naru.)
“I’ve started going to bed early.”
- 毎日運動するようになる。
3. Describing a Change in Circumstances
Usage: When external factors bring about a new state or condition.
- Example:
- このボタンを押すと、電気がつくようになります。
(Kono botan o osu to, denki ga tsuku you ni narimasu.)
“When you press this button, the light will turn on.”
- このボタンを押すと、電気がつくようになります。
- Context: Used in instructional contexts or technical explanations.
4. Cultural or Personal Shifts
Usage: Reflecting societal or personal changes.
- Example:
- 最近、日本で外国人がよく見られるようになった。
(Saikin, Nihon de gaikokujin ga yoku mirareru you ni natta.)
“Recently, foreigners have become more commonly seen in Japan.”
- 最近、日本で外国人がよく見られるようになった。
5. Subtle Emotional Changes
Usage: To highlight shifts in feelings or perspectives.
- Example:
- 一人で旅行するのが楽しいようになる。
(Hitori de ryokou suru no ga tanoshii you ni naru.)
“I’ve come to enjoy traveling alone.”
- 一人で旅行するのが楽しいようになる。
6. Children’s Development
Usage: Describing how children acquire new abilities.
- Example:
- 赤ちゃんが歩けるようになった。
(Akachan ga arukeru you ni natta.)
“The baby has learned to walk.”
- 赤ちゃんが歩けるようになった。
7. Technology and Innovations
Usage: Highlighting how innovations change daily life.
- Example:
- この機械のおかげで、簡単に料理が作れるようになった。
(Kono kikai no okage de, kantan ni ryouri ga tsukureru you ni natta.)
“Thanks to this machine, cooking has become easier.”
- この機械のおかげで、簡単に料理が作れるようになった。
Additional Points to Remember
- Focus on Gradual Change
- 〜ようになる emphasizes a process or transformation, not an instant change.
- Wrong: 一瞬で泳げるようになった。
(Isshun de oyogeru you ni natta.)
(This doesn’t fit, as the change isn’t gradual.) - Correct: 練習して、泳げるようになった。
(Renshuu shite, oyogeru you ni natta.)
“I practiced and became able to swim.”
- Used in Both Formal and Informal Speech
- Informal: 最近、本を読むようになった。
(Saikin, hon o yomu you ni natta.)
“Lately, I’ve started reading books.” - Formal: お客様は、アプリで簡単に予約できるようになりました。
(Okyakusama wa, apuri de kantan ni yoyaku dekiru you ni narimashita.)
“Customers can now easily make reservations via the app.”
- Informal: 最近、本を読むようになった。
- Expressing Negative Changes
- Example:
- 以前のように、お酒を飲まないようになりました。
(Izen no you ni, osake o nomanai you ni narimashita.)
“I’ve stopped drinking alcohol like I used to.”
- 以前のように、お酒を飲まないようになりました。
- Example:
Summary List of Situations
- Learning new abilities (e.g., learning a language, driving, etc.)
- Developing positive habits (e.g., exercising, studying)
- Quitting bad habits (e.g., smoking, procrastination)
- Changes in technology or convenience
- Social or cultural changes
- Children’s development milestones
- Shifts in feelings or perspectives
- Instructions or guidelines for devices or systems
- Changes in health or personal lifestyle
Conclusion
Mastering 〜ようになる allows you to express transformations and progressions effectively, making your Japanese conversations more dynamic and nuanced. Whether you’re discussing personal growth or societal trends, this grammar point is a must-know for achieving fluency. Try using 〜ようになる in your daily conversations or journaling to practice its usage!
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! 😊
- Verb Dictionary Form + ようになる