My Language Classes

Present Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto de Indicativo) 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

Simple Conditional (Condicional Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

Simple Future (Futuro Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

Tiempo Pretérito Perfecto Compuesto / Present Perfect Tense in Spanish

The Imperfect Subjunctive Tense in Spanish: Tiempo pretérito imperfecto de subjuntivo

Tiempo Futuro Compuesto / Future Perfect Tense in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Master the Spanish Simple Conditional Tense: The Ultimate Expert Guide

Tiempo Condicional Compuesto: Conditional Perfect Tense in Spanish

How to Use the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: A Complete B2 Guide on Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo

Past Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: How to Use Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto de Subjuntivo with Examples and Easy Rules

February 24, 2025

Relative Clauses (Oraciones relativas) with Indicative in Spanish

Relative clauses, or oraciones relativos, are an essential part of Spanish grammar. They allow us to provide additional information about a noun without starting a new sentence. When combined with the indicative mood, relative clauses are used to express factual or certain information. Understanding how to use them correctly can significantly improve your fluency and comprehension in Spanish.

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about relative clauses with the indicative mood, including common expressions, conjugation rules, and practical examples.

Common Expressions Using Relative Clauses with Indicative

Here’s a list of common expressions that use relative clauses with the indicative mood in everyday Spanish:

El libro que leí – The book that I read.
La persona que me ayudó – The person who helped me.
El lugar donde vivimos – The place where we live.
El momento en que llegó – The moment when he/she arrived.
La razón por la que vine – The reason why I came.
Las cosas que me gustan – The things that I like.
El chico que sabe mucho – The boy who knows a lot.
La casa que compramos – The house that we bought.
El día que nos conocimos – The day we met.
La comida que preparé – The food that I prepared.

These expressions are widely used in daily conversations and are a great starting point for mastering relative clauses with the indicative.

Things to Keep in Mind

When using relative clauses with the indicative mood, keep the following points in mind:

Articles and Agreement: The relative pronoun (que, quien, donde, etc.) must agree in number and gender with the noun it refers to. For example:
- El hombre que habla (The man who speaks).
- Las mujeres que cantan (The women who sing).
Indicative Mood: The indicative is used when the information in the relative clause is factual or certain. For example:
- El niño que estudia mucho (The boy who studies a lot).
Relative Pronouns:
- Que is the most common relative pronoun and can refer to people, things, or ideas.
- Quien/quienes is used for people, especially after prepositions.
- Donde refers to places.
- El cual/la cual/los cuales/las cuales are more formal and used to avoid ambiguity.
Prepositions: When a preposition is needed, it is placed before the relative pronoun. For example:
- La chica con la que hablé (The girl I spoke with).

When to Use Relative Clauses with Indicative

Relative clauses with the indicative mood are used in the following situations:

To Provide Specific Information:
- El coche que compré es rojo (The car I bought is red).
To Describe People or Things:
- La profesora que enseña español es muy amable (The teacher who teaches Spanish is very kind).
To Indicate Time or Place:
- El día que llegaste fue especial (The day you arrived was special).
To Explain Reasons:
- La razón por la que no vine es el tráfico (The reason I didn’t come is the traffic).

Conjugation of Regular Verbs

To form relative clauses with the indicative, conjugate the verb in the indicative mood according to the subject. Here’s how to conjugate regular verbs:

1. -AR Verbs (e.g., hablar – to speak):

Yo hablo
Tú hablas
Él/Ella/Usted habla
Nosotros/Nosotras hablamos
Vosotros/Vosotras habláis
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes hablan

2. -ER Verbs (e.g., comer – to eat):

Yo como
Tú comes
Él/Ella/Usted come
Nosotros/Nosotras comemos
Vosotros/Vosotras coméis
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes comen

3. -IR Verbs (e.g., vivir – to live):

Yo vivo
Tú vives
Él/Ella/Usted vive
Nosotros/Nosotras vivimos
Vosotros/Vosotras vivís
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes viven

Irregular Verbs and Their Conjugation

Here are some common irregular verbs and their conjugation in the indicative mood:

Ser (to be):
- Yo soy
- Tú eres
- Él/Ella/Usted es
- Nosotros/Nosotras somos
- Vosotros/Vosotras sois
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes son
Example: El hombre que es médico (The man who is a doctor).
Ir (to go):
- Yo voy
- Tú vas
- Él/Ella/Usted va
- Nosotros/Nosotras vamos
- Vosotros/Vosotras vais
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes van
Example: El lugar al que vamos (The place we are going to).
Tener (to have):
- Yo tengo
- Tú tienes
- Él/Ella/Usted tiene
- Nosotros/Nosotras tenemos
- Vosotros/Vosotras tenéis
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes tienen
Example: La chica que tiene un perro (The girl who has a dog).

10 Regular Verbs in Relative Clauses with Indicative

Verb	Example Sentence 1	Example Sentence 2
Hablar	El hombre que habla es mi profesor.	La mujer que habla español es mi amiga.
Comer	El niño que come fruta está sano.	La comida que comimos fue deliciosa.
Vivir	La ciudad donde vivo es muy bonita.	Las personas que viven aquí son amables.
Escuchar	La música que escucho es relajante.	El chico que escucha música es mi hermano.
Escribir	El libro que escribió es famoso.	Las cartas que escribimos son importantes.
Leer	El artículo que leí es interesante.	Los libros que leemos son educativos.
Correr	El atleta que corre rápido ganó la carrera.	El perro que corre en el parque es mío.
Bailar	La chica que baila es mi hermana.	La música que bailamos es salsa.
Cantar	El cantante que canta bien es famoso.	Las canciones que cantamos son divertidas.
Trabajar	El hombre que trabaja aquí es ingeniero.	La empresa donde trabajamos es grande.

More Example Sentences

El coche que conduzco es nuevo. (The car I drive is new.)
La casa que construyeron es enorme. (The house they built is huge.)
El libro que leíste es interesante. (The book you read is interesting.)
El lugar donde nos conocimos es especial. (The place where we met is special.)
La persona que me llamó es mi jefe. (The person who called me is my boss.)
El día que llegaste fue inolvidable. (The day you arrived was unforgettable.)
La razón por la que estudias es importante. (The reason why you study is important.)
Las flores que compraste son hermosas. (The flowers you bought are beautiful.)
El niño que juega en el parque es mi hijo. (The boy who plays in the park is my son.)
La comida que preparaste está deliciosa. (The food you prepared is delicious.)

Fill in the Blanks

El libro ___ leí es muy interesante.
La persona ___ me ayudó es mi amiga.
El lugar ___ vivimos es tranquilo.
El día ___ nos conocimos fue especial.
La razón ___ vine es importante.
Las cosas ___ me gustan son simples.
El chico ___ sabe mucho es mi hermano.
La casa ___ compramos es grande.
El momento ___ llegó fue inesperado.
La comida ___ preparé es saludable.

Answers: 1. que, 2. que, 3. donde, 4. que, 5. por la que, 6. que, 7. que, 8. que, 9. en que, 10. que

Conclusion

Mastering relative clauses with the indicative mood in Spanish is a key step toward fluency. By understanding the rules, practicing conjugation, and using common expressions, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively and naturally. Keep practicing with the examples and exercises provided, and soon you’ll find yourself using relative clauses with confidence in your conversations.

¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)

Happy learning! 😊

Mastering the Present Indicative Mode in Spanish (Regular verbs)

Present Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto de Indicativo) 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

Simple Conditional (Condicional Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

Simple Future (Futuro Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

Tiempo Pretérito Perfecto Compuesto / Present Perfect Tense in Spanish

The Imperfect Subjunctive Tense in Spanish: Tiempo pretérito imperfecto de subjuntivo

Tiempo Futuro Compuesto / Future Perfect Tense in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Master the Spanish Simple Conditional Tense: The Ultimate Expert Guide

Tiempo Condicional Compuesto: Conditional Perfect Tense in Spanish

How to Use the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: A Complete B2 Guide on Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo

Past Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: How to Use Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto de Subjuntivo with Examples and Easy Rules

February 23, 2025

100 Example Sentences on Subordinate Clauses in Spanish | My Language Classes

Causal Subordinate Clauses (Expressing Cause/Reason)

No fui a la fiesta porque estaba cansado. (I didn’t go to the party because I was tired.)
Estudio mucho porque quiero sacar buenas notas. (I study a lot because I want to get good grades.)
Como no teníamos dinero, no compramos nada. (Since we didn’t have money, we didn’t buy anything.)
No salí porque llovía mucho. (I didn’t go out because it was raining heavily.)
Ella lloró porque estaba triste. (She cried because she was sad.)
No pude dormir porque hacía mucho ruido. (I couldn’t sleep because it was too noisy.)
Falté a clase porque estaba enfermo. (I missed class because I was sick.)
No comí porque no tenía hambre. (I didn’t eat because I wasn’t hungry.)
Ganó el premio porque trabajó duro. (He won the prize because he worked hard.)
No llegué a tiempo porque había tráfico. (I didn’t arrive on time because there was traffic.)

Conditional Subordinate Clauses (Expressing Conditions)

Si estudias, aprobarás el examen. (If you study, you’ll pass the exam.)
Si tengo tiempo, te ayudaré. (If I have time, I’ll help you.)
No iré a menos que tú vayas. (I won’t go unless you go.)
Aunque haga frío, saldré a correr. (Even if it’s cold, I’ll go running.)
Si hubiera sabido, habría venido antes. (If I had known, I would have come earlier.)
Si llueve, nos quedaremos en casa. (If it rains, we’ll stay home.)
Si no comes, te sentirás débil. (If you don’t eat, you’ll feel weak.)
Si me llamas, iré contigo. (If you call me, I’ll go with you.)
Si no estudias, reprobarás. (If you don’t study, you’ll fail.)
Si no llegas a tiempo, perderás el tren. (If you don’t arrive on time, you’ll miss the train.)

Temporal Subordinate Clauses (Expressing Time)

Cuando llegues, avísame. (When you arrive, let me know.)
Después de que termines, podemos salir. (After you finish, we can go out.)
Antes de que empiece la película, compra palomitas. (Before the movie starts, buy popcorn.)
Mientras cocino, escucho música. (While I cook, I listen to music.)
Tan pronto como llegue, te llamaré. (As soon as I arrive, I’ll call you.)
Cuando termine de llover, saldremos. (When it stops raining, we’ll go out.)
Antes de que oscurezca, regresaremos. (Before it gets dark, we’ll return.)
Mientras estudias, yo prepararé la cena. (While you study, I’ll prepare dinner.)
Cuando tengas tiempo, hablamos. (When you have time, we’ll talk.)
Después de que comas, lavaremos los platos. (After you eat, we’ll wash the dishes.)

Purpose Subordinate Clauses (Expressing Purpose)

Estudio para que pueda aprobar. (I study so that I can pass.)
Trabaja duro para que tu familia esté orgullosa. (Work hard so that your family can be proud.)
Ahorro dinero para que pueda viajar. (I save money so that I can travel.)
Hablo despacio para que me entiendas. (I speak slowly so that you can understand me.)
Escribe claramente para que no haya confusiones. (Write clearly so that there are no misunderstandings.)
Estudia mucho para que consigas un buen trabajo. (Study hard so that you can get a good job.)
Llegamos temprano para que no nos regañen. (We arrived early so that they wouldn’t scold us.)
Compré flores para que ella esté feliz. (I bought flowers so that she would be happy.)
Practico todos los días para que mejore mi español. (I practice every day so that my Spanish improves.)
Hice la tarea para que no me castiguen. (I did the homework so that they wouldn’t punish me.)

Concessive Subordinate Clauses (Expressing Contrast)

Aunque hace frío, voy a salir. (Even though it’s cold, I’m going out.)
A pesar de que llueve, iremos al parque. (Even though it’s raining, we’ll go to the park.)
Aunque no tengo dinero, soy feliz. (Even though I don’t have money, I’m happy.)
Aunque esté cansado, terminaré el trabajo. (Even though I’m tired, I’ll finish the work.)
Aunque no me gusta, lo haré. (Even though I don’t like it, I’ll do it.)
Aunque es difícil, lo intentaré. (Even though it’s difficult, I’ll try.)
Aunque no tengo experiencia, me contrataron. (Even though I don’t have experience, they hired me.)
Aunque no lo entiendas, sigue intentando. (Even though you don’t understand, keep trying.)
Aunque no tengas razón, te escucharé. (Even though you’re not right, I’ll listen to you.)
Aunque no quieras, debes hacerlo. (Even though you don’t want to, you must do it.)

Relative Subordinate Clauses (Adding Information)

El libro que compré es interesante. (The book that I bought is interesting.)
La chica que canta es mi hermana. (The girl who is singing is my sister.)
El lugar donde nos conocimos es especial. (The place where we met is special.)
El hombre que habla es mi profesor. (The man who is speaking is my teacher.)
La casa que vimos es muy cara. (The house that we saw is very expensive.)
El perro que ladra es de mi vecino. (The dog that is barking belongs to my neighbor.)
La película que vimos era aburrida. (The movie that we watched was boring.)
El coche que compré es nuevo. (The car that I bought is new.)
La persona que llamó era mi jefe. (The person who called was my boss.)
El restaurante donde comimos es famoso. (The restaurant where we ate is famous.)

Subordinate Clauses with Regular Verbs

Espero que hables con él. (I hope you talk to him.)
Quiero que comas sano. (I want you to eat healthy.)
Espero que vivas feliz. (I hope you live happily.)
A menos que estudies, no aprobarás. (Unless you study, you won’t pass.)
Cuando trabajes, sé responsable. (When you work, be responsible.)
Espero que escribas una carta. (I hope you write a letter.)
Quiero que leas este libro. (I want you to read this book.)
A menos que corras, no llegarás. (Unless you run, you won’t arrive.)
Espero que bailes conmigo. (I hope you dance with me.)
Quiero que cantes en la fiesta. (I want you to sing at the party.)

Subordinate Clauses with Irregular Verbs

Espero que seas feliz. (I hope you are happy.)
Voy a la tienda antes de que cierre. (I’m going to the store before it closes.)
A menos que tengas dinero, no podemos ir. (Unless you have money, we can’t go.)
Espero que vengas a la reunión. (I hope you come to the meeting.)
Si tienes tiempo, te ayudaré. (If you have time, I’ll help you.)
Espero que puedas venir. (I hope you can come.)
Quiero que sepas la verdad. (I want you to know the truth.)
Aunque esté cansado, terminaré el trabajo. (Even though I’m tired, I’ll finish the work.)
Espero que hagas tu tarea. (I hope you do your homework.)
Si sales, llévate un paraguas. (If you go out, take an umbrella.)

More Example Sentences

Espero que vengas a la fiesta. (I hope you come to the party.)
Si llueve, no iremos al parque. (If it rains, we won’t go to the park.)
Aunque esté cansado, terminaré el trabajo. (Even though I’m tired, I’ll finish the work.)
Cuando llegues, avísame. (When you arrive, let me know.)
Estudio mucho para que pueda aprobar. (I study a lot so that I can pass.)
No iré a menos que tú vayas. (I won’t go unless you go.)
Después de que termines, llámame. (After you finish, call me.)
Llegaré antes de que empiece la película. (I’ll arrive before the movie starts.)
Como no estudiaste, reprobaste. (Since you didn’t study, you failed.)
Mientras cocino, escucho música. (While I cook, I listen to music.)

Additional Sentences for Practice

Espero que vengas a la reunión. (I hope you come to the meeting.)
Si tienes tiempo, te ayudaré. (If you have time, I’ll help you.)
Aunque esté cansado, terminaré el trabajo. (Even though I’m tired, I’ll finish the work.)
Cuando llegues, avísame. (When you arrive, let me know.)
Estudio mucho para que pueda aprobar. (I study a lot so that I can pass.)
No iré a menos que tú vayas. (I won’t go unless you go.)
Después de que termines, llámame. (After you finish, call me.)
Llegaré antes de que empiece la película. (I’ll arrive before the movie starts.)
Como no estudiaste, reprobaste. (Since you didn’t study, you failed.)
Mientras cocino, escucho música. (While I cook, I listen to music.)

Conclusion

Subordinate clauses are a powerful tool for expressing complex ideas in Spanish. By practicing these 100 example sentences, you’ll gain confidence in using oraciones subordinadas in your conversations and writing. Whether you’re talking about causes, conditions, time, or purpose, these examples will help you master this essential aspect of Spanish grammar.

Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be using subordinate clauses like a native speaker! ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)

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

Simple Conditional (Condicional Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

Simple Future (Futuro Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

Estar + Gerund (Progressive Actions) in Spanish

Tiempo Pretérito Perfecto Compuesto / Present Perfect Tense in Spanish

The Imperfect Subjunctive Tense in Spanish: Tiempo pretérito imperfecto de subjuntivo

Tiempo Futuro Compuesto / Future Perfect Tense in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Master the Spanish Simple Conditional Tense: The Ultimate Expert Guide

Tiempo Condicional Compuesto: Conditional Perfect Tense in Spanish

Mastering Present Progressive in Spanish

How to Use the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: A Complete B2 Guide on Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo

Past Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: How to Use Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto de Subjuntivo with Examples and Easy Rules

February 22, 2025

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!)

Happy learning! 😊

Mastering the Present Indicative Mode in Spanish (Regular verbs)

Present Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto de Indicativo) 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

Simple Conditional (Condicional Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

Simple Future (Futuro Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

Tiempo Pretérito Perfecto Compuesto / Present Perfect Tense in Spanish

The Imperfect Subjunctive Tense in Spanish: Tiempo pretérito imperfecto de subjuntivo

Tiempo Futuro Compuesto / Future Perfect Tense in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Master the Spanish Simple Conditional Tense: The Ultimate Expert Guide

Tiempo Condicional Compuesto: Conditional Perfect Tense in Spanish

How to Use the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: A Complete B2 Guide on Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo

Past Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: How to Use Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto de Subjuntivo with Examples and Easy Rules

February 21, 2025

Acabar de + Infinitivo in Spanish

In Spanish, the phrase “Acabar de + infinitivo” is a common and useful construction that allows speakers to express that an action has just been completed. It translates to “to have just done something” in English. This structure is widely used in everyday conversations and is essential for anyone learning Spanish to master. Whether you’re talking about finishing a meal, completing a task, or arriving somewhere, “Acabar de + infinitivo” is a go-to phrase.

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this construction, including common expressions, conjugation rules, and practical examples.

Common Expressions Using Acabar de + Infinitivo

Here’s a list of common expressions using “Acabar de + infinitivo” that you’ll hear in daily Spanish conversations:

Acabar de comer – To have just eaten
Acabar de llegar – To have just arrived
Acabar de terminar – To have just finished
Acabar de hablar – To have just spoken
Acabar de salir – To have just left
Acabar de escribir – To have just written
Acabar de limpiar – To have just cleaned
Acabar de estudiar – To have just studied
Acabar de trabajar – To have just worked
Acabar de ducharse – To have just showered

These expressions are used frequently in everyday life, making them essential for conversational Spanish.

Things to Keep in Mind

When using “Acabar de + infinitivo”, there are a few key points to remember:

No Articles Needed: Unlike other constructions, you don’t need to use articles (el, la, los, las) before the infinitive verb.
Example: Acabo de comer (I have just eaten) – Not Acabo de la comer.
Gender and Plurality: The verb “acabar” conjugates according to the subject, but the infinitive verb remains unchanged regardless of gender or number.
Example: Ella acaba de comer (She has just eaten) / Ellos acaban de comer (They have just eaten).
Tense Consistency: “Acabar de + infinitivo” is primarily used in the present tense to describe recent actions. However, it can also be used in the past tense to indicate that something had just happened.
Example: Acababa de salir (I had just left).
Reflexive Verbs: If the infinitive verb is reflexive, the reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject.
Example: Acabo de ducharme (I have just showered).

When to Use Acabar de + Infinitivo

The construction “Acabar de + infinitivo” is used in the following situations:

To Describe Recent Actions: It’s used to talk about something that just happened.
Example: Acabo de ver a María (I have just seen María).
To Emphasize Timing: It highlights that an action was completed very recently.
Example: Acaban de llegar cuando empezó a llover (They had just arrived when it started to rain).
In Narratives: It’s often used in storytelling to indicate the sequence of events.
Example: Acababa de salir de casa cuando sonó el teléfono (I had just left the house when the phone rang).

Conjugation

Regular Verbs

The verb “acabar” is conjugated according to the subject, while the infinitive verb remains in its base form. Here’s how to conjugate “acabar” in the present tense:

Pronoun	Conjugation
Yo	acabo
Tú	acabas
Él/Ella/Usted	acaba
Nosotros/Nosotras	acabamos
Vosotros/Vosotras	acabáis
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes	acaban

Examples:

Yo acabo de comer (I have just eaten).
Ellos acaban de llegar (They have just arrived).

Irregular Verbs

While “acabar” itself is a regular verb, some infinitive verbs used with it may be irregular. However, since the infinitive form is used, there’s no need to worry about irregular conjugations. The focus remains on conjugating “acabar” correctly.

List of Verbs in Acabar de + Infinitivo

Verb (Infinitive)	Example Sentence 1	Meaning	Example Sentence 2	Meaning
Comer	Acabo de comer.	I have just eaten.	Ellos acaban de comer.	They have just eaten.
Llegar	Acabas de llegar.	You have just arrived.	Ella acaba de llegar.	She has just arrived.
Terminar	Acabamos de terminar.	We have just finished.	Usted acaba de terminar.	You have just finished.
Hablar	Acabo de hablar.	I have just spoken.	Ellos acaban de hablar.	They have just spoken.
Salir	Acabas de salir.	You have just left.	Nosotros acabamos de salir.	We have just left.
Escribir	Acabo de escribir.	I have just written.	Ellas acaban de escribir.	They have just written.
Limpiar	Acabas de limpiar.	You have just cleaned.	Él acaba de limpiar.	He has just cleaned.
Estudiar	Acabo de estudiar.	I have just studied.	Ustedes acaban de estudiar.	You have just studied.
Trabajar	Acabas de trabajar.	You have just worked.	Ellos acaban de trabajar.	They have just worked.
Ducharse	Acabo de ducharme.	I have just showered.	Ella acaba de ducharse.	She has just showered.

More Example Sentences

Acabo de ver una película. (I have just watched a movie.)
Acabas de perder tu oportunidad. (You have just missed your chance.)
Él acaba de comprar un coche nuevo. (He has just bought a new car.)
Nosotros acabamos de limpiar la casa. (We have just cleaned the house.)
Ellos acaban de ganar el partido. (They have just won the game.)
Acabo de recibir una noticia importante. (I have just received important news.)
Ella acaba de terminar su tarea. (She has just finished her homework.)
Usted acaba de llegar a tiempo. (You have just arrived on time.)
Acabamos de conocer a nuestros vecinos. (We have just met our neighbors.)
Ellas acaban de salir de la reunión. (They have just left the meeting.)

Fill in the Blanks

Yo _______ de comer. (acabar)
Tú _______ de llegar. (acabar)
Él _______ de terminar su trabajo. (acabar)
Nosotros _______ de limpiar la casa. (acabar)
Ellos _______ de estudiar para el examen. (acabar)
Ella _______ de ducharse. (acabar)
Usted _______ de hablar con el jefe. (acabar)
Vosotros _______ de salir del cine. (acabar)
Ellas _______ de escribir una carta. (acabar)
Yo _______ de ver una película interesante. (acabar)

Answers:

acabo
acabas
acaba
acabamos
acaban
acaba
acaba
acabáis
acaban
acabo

Conclusion

Mastering “Acabar de + infinitivo” is a game-changer for anyone learning Spanish. It’s a simple yet powerful construction that allows you to express recent actions with ease. By understanding its conjugation, usage, and common expressions, you’ll be able to incorporate it seamlessly into your conversations. Practice with the examples and exercises provided, and soon enough, you’ll be using “Acabar de + infinitivo” like a native speaker! ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)

Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to share it with others!

Happy learning! 😊

Mastering the Present Indicative Mode in Spanish (Regular verbs)

Present Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto de Indicativo) 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

Simple Conditional (Condicional Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

Simple Future (Futuro Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

Tiempo Pretérito Perfecto Compuesto / Present Perfect Tense in Spanish

The Imperfect Subjunctive Tense in Spanish: Tiempo pretérito imperfecto de subjuntivo

Tiempo Futuro Compuesto / Future Perfect Tense in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Master the Spanish Simple Conditional Tense: The Ultimate Expert Guide

Tiempo Condicional Compuesto: Conditional Perfect Tense in Spanish

How to Use the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: A Complete B2 Guide on Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo

Past Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: How to Use Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto de Subjuntivo with Examples and Easy Rules

February 20, 2025

Mastering “Ir a + Infinitivo” in Spanish

In Spanish, the structure “Ir a + infinitivo” is one of the most commonly used grammatical constructions to express future actions or intentions. It is the equivalent of saying “going to + verb” in English. For example, “Voy a comer” translates to “I am going to eat.” This structure is straightforward, versatile, and essential for everyday communication in Spanish. Whether you’re planning to travel, make plans with friends, or simply talk about your future goals, mastering “Ir a + infinitivo” is a must.

In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this structure, including common expressions, conjugation rules, irregular verbs, and practical examples. Let’s dive in!

Common Expressions Using “Ir a + Infinitivo”

Here’s a list of common expressions using “Ir a + infinitivo” that you’ll hear in day-to-day conversations:

Voy a comer – I am going to eat.
Vamos a bailar – We are going to dance.
Va a llover – It is going to rain.
Vas a estudiar – You are going to study.
Van a viajar – They are going to travel.
Voy a trabajar – I am going to work.
Vamos a cenar – We are going to have dinner.
Va a llegar tarde – He/She is going to arrive late.
Vas a ganar – You are going to win.
Van a comprar – They are going to buy.

These expressions are used frequently in Spanish, making them essential for learners to practice and memorize.

Things to Keep in Mind

When using “Ir a + infinitivo,” there are a few key points to remember:

Articles and Gender: Unlike nouns, infinitives (the base form of verbs) do not require articles or change according to gender. For example, “Voy a leer” (I am going to read) remains the same regardless of the speaker’s gender.
Plurality: The verb “ir” conjugates based on the subject, but the infinitive remains unchanged. For example, “Voy a correr” (I am going to run) vs. “Vamos a correr” (We are going to run).
Contractions: In Spanish, “a” (to) and “el” (the) combine to form “al.” For example, “Voy al parque” (I am going to the park). However, this contraction does not apply to infinitives.
Pronunciation: The “a” in “Ir a + infinitivo” is pronounced softly, almost blending with the infinitive.

When to Use “Ir a + Infinitivo”

The structure “Ir a + infinitivo” is used in the following situations:

Future Plans: To talk about future actions or plans.
- Example: Voy a visitar a mi abuela mañana. (I am going to visit my grandmother tomorrow.)
Predictions: To make predictions based on current evidence.
- Example: Va a llover esta tarde. (It is going to rain this afternoon.)
Intentions: To express intentions or goals.
- Example: Voy a aprender español este año. (I am going to learn Spanish this year.)
Immediate Future: To describe actions that will happen soon.
- Example: Vamos a salir en cinco minutos. (We are going to leave in five minutes.)

Conjugation

To form “Ir a + infinitivo,” you need to conjugate the verb “ir” (to go) according to the subject, followed by “a” and the infinitive of the main verb. Here’s how to conjugate “ir” in the present tense:

Pronoun	Conjugation of “Ir”
Yo	Voy
Tú	Vas
Él/Ella/Usted	Va
Nosotros/Nosotras	Vamos
Vosotros/Vosotras	Vais
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes	Van

Regular Verbs

Regular verbs in Spanish fall into three categories based on their infinitive endings: -ar, -er, and -ir. Here’s how “Ir a + infinitivo” works with each category:

-AR Verbs:
- Example: Voy a hablar. (I am going to speak.)
-ER Verbs:
- Example: Vas a comer. (You are going to eat.)
-IR Verbs:
- Example: Va a vivir. (He/She is going to live.)

Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs do not follow the standard conjugation patterns, but their infinitives remain unchanged when used with “Ir a + infinitivo.” Here are some common irregular verbs and their conjugations:

Hacer (to do/make):
- Voy a hacer la tarea. (I am going to do the homework.)
Tener (to have):
- Vas a tener suerte. (You are going to have luck.)
Decir (to say/tell):
- Va a decir la verdad. (He/She is going to tell the truth.)
Venir (to come):
- Vamos a venir tarde. (We are going to come late.)
Poner (to put):
- Van a poner la mesa. (They are going to set the table.)

Verbs in “Ir a + Infinitivo”

Verb (Infinitive)	“Ir a + Infinitivo” Form	Example Sentence 1	Example Sentence 2
Hablar (to speak)	Voy a hablar	Voy a hablar con él. (I am going to speak with him.)	Vas a hablar en público. (You are going to speak in public.)
Comer (to eat)	Vamos a comer	Vamos a comer pizza. (We are going to eat pizza.)	Va a comer temprano. (He/She is going to eat early.)
Vivir (to live)	Van a vivir	Van a vivir en España. (They are going to live in Spain.)	Voy a vivir solo. (I am going to live alone.)
Hacer (to do/make)	Vas a hacer	Vas a hacer ejercicio. (You are going to exercise.)	Voy a hacer un pastel. (I am going to make a cake.)
Tener (to have)	Va a tener	Va a tener una fiesta. (He/She is going to have a party.)	Vamos a tener un examen. (We are going to have an exam.)
Decir (to say)	Voy a decir	Voy a decir la verdad. (I am going to tell the truth.)	Vas a decir algo importante. (You are going to say something important.)
Venir (to come)	Vamos a venir	Vamos a venir mañana. (We are going to come tomorrow.)	Va a venir tarde. (He/She is going to come late.)
Poner (to put)	Van a poner	Van a poner la mesa. (They are going to set the table.)	Voy a poner música. (I am going to put on music.)
Salir (to leave)	Vas a salir	Vas a salir temprano. (You are going to leave early.)	Voy a salir con amigos. (I am going to go out with friends.)
Ver (to see)	Va a ver	Va a ver una película. (He/She is going to watch a movie.)	Vamos a ver el partido. (We are going to watch the game.)

More Example Sentences

Voy a estudiar para el examen. (I am going to study for the exam.)
Vas a comprar un regalo. (You are going to buy a gift.)
Va a escribir una carta. (He/She is going to write a letter.)
Vamos a viajar a México. (We are going to travel to Mexico.)
Van a jugar fútbol. (They are going to play soccer.)
Voy a cocinar la cena. (I am going to cook dinner.)
Vas a aprender español. (You are going to learn Spanish.)
Va a llover esta noche. (It is going to rain tonight.)
Vamos a bailar en la fiesta. (We are going to dance at the party.)
Van a construir una casa. (They are going to build a house.)

Fill in the Blanks

Voy a ___ (eat) pizza.
Vamos a ___ (study) juntos.
Va a ___ (rain) mañana.
Vas a ___ (buy) un coche.
Van a ___ (travel) a Europa.
Voy a ___ (do) ejercicio.
Vamos a ___ (have dinner) en un restaurante.
Va a ___ (write) un libro.
Vas a ___ (learn) español.
Van a ___ (build) una casa.

Answers:

comer
estudiar
llover
comprar
viajar
hacer
cenar
escribir
aprender
construir

Conclusion

Mastering “Ir a + infinitivo” is a game-changer for anyone learning Spanish. It’s a simple yet powerful structure that allows you to express future plans, intentions, and predictions with ease. By practicing the conjugations, memorizing common expressions, and using the examples provided, you’ll be well on your way to sounding like a native speaker.

So, what are you waiting for? ¡Vamos a practicar! (Let’s practice!)

¡Hasta luego! (See you later!)

Happy learning! 😊

Mastering the Present Indicative Mode in Spanish (Regular verbs)

Present Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto de Indicativo) 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

Simple Conditional (Condicional Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

Simple Future (Futuro Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

Tiempo Pretérito Perfecto Compuesto / Present Perfect Tense in Spanish

The Imperfect Subjunctive Tense in Spanish: Tiempo pretérito imperfecto de subjuntivo

Tiempo Futuro Compuesto / Future Perfect Tense in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Master the Spanish Simple Conditional Tense: The Ultimate Expert Guide

Tiempo Condicional Compuesto: Conditional Perfect Tense in Spanish

How to Use the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: A Complete B2 Guide on Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo

Past Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: How to Use Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto de Subjuntivo with Examples and Easy Rules

February 19, 2025

Estar + Gerund (Progressive Actions) in Spanish

In Spanish, the structure Estar + gerund is used to express actions that are in progress at the moment of speaking or during a specific time frame. This is equivalent to the English present continuous tense (e.g., “I am eating”) or past continuous tense (e.g., “I was eating”). The gerundio (gerund) is a verb form that ends in -ando (for -ar verbs) or -iendo (for -er and -ir verbs). Understanding how to use Estar + gerund is essential for describing ongoing actions in Spanish.

In this blog, we’ll explore common expressions, conjugation rules, irregular verbs, and examples to help you master this grammatical structure.

Common Expressions Using Estar + Gerund

Here’s a list of common expressions using Estar + gerundio that are frequently used in day-to-day Spanish conversations:

Expression	Meaning
Estoy hablando	I am speaking
Estás comiendo	You are eating
Está leyendo	He/She is reading
Estamos trabajando	We are working
Están corriendo	They are running
Estoy aprendiendo	I am learning
Estás durmiendo	You are sleeping
Está escribiendo	He/She is writing
Estamos viajando	We are traveling
Están bailando	They are dancing

Things to Keep in Mind

When using Estar + gerund, keep the following points in mind:

Articles and Gender: The gerund form does not change according to gender or number. It remains the same regardless of the subject.
- Example:
  - Estoy hablando (I am speaking)
  - Estamos hablando (We are speaking)
Reflexive Verbs: When using reflexive verbs, the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se) can be placed before estar or attached to the gerund.
- Example:
  - Me estoy lavando. (I am washing myself.)
  - Estoy lavándome. (I am washing myself.)
Tense Agreement: Estar must agree with the subject in person and number. The gerund remains unchanged.
- Example:
  - Estoy comiendo (I am eating)
  - Están comiendo (They are eating)
Avoid Overuse: In Spanish, the simple present tense is often used to describe ongoing actions, especially in informal contexts. Use Estar + gerund when emphasizing the progression of an action.

When to Use Estar + Gerund

The structure Estar + gerundio is used in the following situations:

Actions in Progress: To describe actions happening at the moment of speaking.
- Example: Estoy cocinando. (I am cooking.)
Temporary Actions: To describe actions that are ongoing but not permanent.
- Example: Está estudiando para el examen. (He/She is studying for the exam.)
Simultaneous Actions: To describe two actions happening at the same time.
- Example: Estoy hablando por teléfono mientras cocino. (I am talking on the phone while cooking.)
Emphasizing Duration: To emphasize the duration of an action.
- Example: Estuvimos esperando por horas. (We were waiting for hours.)

Conjugation of Estar + Gerund

Regular Verbs

To form the gerund of regular verbs:

-AR Verbs: Replace -ar with -ando.
- Example: Hablar → Hablando (speaking)
-ER Verbs: Replace -er with -iendo.
- Example: Comer → Comiendo (eating)
-IR Verbs: Replace -ir with -iendo.
- Example: Vivir → Viviendo (living)

Irregular Verbs

Some verbs have irregular gerund forms. Here are the most common ones:

Ir (to go) → Yendo (going)
Leer (to read) → Leyendo (reading)
Oír (to hear) → Oyendo (hearing)
Dormir (to sleep) → Durmiendo (sleeping)
Morir (to die) → Muriendo (dying)

10 Regular and Irregular Verbs in Estar + Gerund

Verb	Gerund	Example Sentence	Meaning
Hablar	Hablando	Estoy hablando con mi amigo.	I am talking to my friend.
Comer	Comiendo	Está comiendo una manzana.	He/She is eating an apple.
Vivir	Viviendo	Estamos viviendo en Madrid.	We are living in Madrid.
Escribir	Escribiendo	Están escribiendo una carta.	They are writing a letter.
Leer	Leyendo	Estoy leyendo un libro interesante.	I am reading an interesting book.
Dormir	Durmiendo	Está durmiendo en su cama.	He/She is sleeping in their bed.
Ir	Yendo	Estamos yendo al parque.	We are going to the park.
Oír	Oyendo	Está oyendo música.	He/She is listening to music.
Correr	Corriendo	Están corriendo en el parque.	They are running in the park.
Bailar	Bailando	Estoy bailando en la fiesta.	I am dancing at the party.

More Example Sentences

Estar + Gerund In Spanish Example sentences

Estoy aprendiendo español. (I am learning Spanish.)
Estás cocinando la cena. (You are cooking dinner.)
Están jugando fútbol en el parque. (They are playing soccer in the park.)
Está lloviendo mucho hoy. (It is raining a lot today.)
Estamos esperando el autobús. (We are waiting for the bus.)
Estoy trabajando desde casa. (I am working from home.)
Está nevando en las montañas. (It is snowing in the mountains.)
Están estudiando para el examen. (They are studying for the exam.)
Estamos planeando un viaje. (We are planning a trip.)
Estoy leyendo las noticias. (I am reading the news.) My Language Classes

Fill in the Blanks

Estoy __________ (hablar) por teléfono.
Ella está __________ (comer) una pizza.
Nosotros estamos __________ (vivir) en México.
Ellos están __________ (escribir) un ensayo.
Estoy __________ (leer) un libro.
Tú estás __________ (dormir) en el sofá.
Estamos __________ (ir) al cine.
Está __________ (oír) música clásica.
Ellos están __________ (correr) en el parque.
Estoy __________ (bailar) salsa.

Answers:

hablando
comiendo
viviendo
escribiendo
leyendo
durmiendo
yendo
oyendo
corriendo
bailando

Conclusion

Mastering Estar + gerund is a key step in becoming fluent in Spanish. This structure allows you to describe ongoing actions, emphasize duration, and express simultaneous activities. By practicing the conjugations, memorizing common expressions, and understanding the rules, you’ll be able to use this grammatical form confidently in your conversations. ¡Sigue practicando! (Keep practicing!)

Let me know if you need further clarification or additional examples! 😊

Happy learning! 😊

Mastering the Present Indicative Mode in Spanish (Regular verbs)

Present Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto de Indicativo) 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

Simple Conditional (Condicional Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

Simple Future (Futuro Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

Tiempo Pretérito Perfecto Compuesto / Present Perfect Tense in Spanish

The Imperfect Subjunctive Tense in Spanish: Tiempo pretérito imperfecto de subjuntivo

Tiempo Futuro Compuesto / Future Perfect Tense in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Master the Spanish Simple Conditional Tense: The Ultimate Expert Guide

Tiempo Condicional Compuesto: Conditional Perfect Tense in Spanish

How to Use the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: A Complete B2 Guide on Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo

Past Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: How to Use Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto de Subjuntivo with Examples and Easy Rules

February 18, 2025

Negative Imperative with Subjunctive in Spanish

The Negative Imperative with subjunctive is a fascinating and essential aspect of Spanish grammar. It is used to give negative commands or instructions, telling someone not to do something. Unlike the affirmative imperative, which directly tells someone to do something, the negative imperative is formed using the present subjunctive. This structure is unique because it combines the negation “no” with the subjunctive mood, making it a bit tricky for learners. However, once mastered, it becomes an invaluable tool for effective communication in Spanish.

In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about the Negative Imperative with subjunctive, including common expressions, conjugation rules, irregular verbs, and practical examples. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently use this grammatical structure in your daily conversations.

Common Expressions Using Negative Imperative with Subjunctive

Here’s a list of common expressions that use the Negative Imperative with subjunctive. These are frequently used in day-to-day Spanish conversations:

No hables – Don’t speak.
No comas eso – Don’t eat that.
No vayas allí – Don’t go there.
No lo toques – Don’t touch it.
No llegues tarde – Don’t be late.
No te preocupes – Don’t worry.
No lo hagas – Don’t do it.
No digas mentiras – Don’t tell lies.
No olvides – Don’t forget.
No fumes aquí – Don’t smoke here.

These expressions are straightforward and can be used in various contexts, from giving advice to issuing warnings.

Things to Keep in Mind

When using the Negative Imperative with subjunctive, there are several key points to remember:

Negation: Always start with “no” before the verb in the subjunctive form.
- Example: No hables (Don’t speak).
Pronoun Placement: Object pronouns (like lo, la, me, te) are placed before the verb.
- Example: No lo hagas (Don’t do it).
Gender and Number: The subjunctive form must agree with the subject in gender and number.
- Example: No habléis (Don’t speak – plural, informal).
Formal vs. Informal: Use usted or ustedes for formal commands and tú or vosotros for informal ones.
- Example: No hable (Don’t speak – formal), No habléis (Don’t speak – informal, plural).
Reflexive Verbs: For reflexive verbs, the pronoun precedes the verb.
- Example: No te preocupes (Don’t worry).

When to Use Negative Imperative with Subjunctive

The Negative Imperative with subjunctive is used in the following situations:

Giving Negative Commands: Telling someone not to do something.
- Example: No corras en la casa (Don’t run in the house).
Offering Advice: Suggesting that someone avoid a particular action.
- Example: No bebas demasiado café (Don’t drink too much coffee).
Issuing Warnings: Alerting someone to avoid danger or mistakes.
- Example: No toques el fuego (Don’t touch the fire).
Expressing Prohibitions: Forbidding an action in formal or informal settings.
- Example: No fumen aquí (Don’t smoke here).

Conjugation

Regular Verbs

To form the Negative Imperative with subjunctive, you need to know the present subjunctive conjugation of regular verbs. Here’s how it works for the three categories of regular verbs:

1. -AR Verbs (e.g., hablar – to speak)

No hables (Don’t speak)
No hable (Don’t speak – formal)
No habléis (Don’t speak – plural, informal)
No hablen (Don’t speak – plural, formal)

2. -ER Verbs (e.g., comer – to eat)

No comas (Don’t eat)
No coma (Don’t eat – formal)
No comáis (Don’t eat – plural, informal)
No coman (Don’t eat – plural, formal)

3. -IR Verbs (e.g., vivir – to live)

No vivas (Don’t live)
No viva (Don’t live – formal)
No viváis (Don’t live – plural, informal)
No vivan (Don’t live – plural, formal)

Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs have unique conjugations in the subjunctive mood. Here are some common irregular verbs and their forms:

1. Ser (to be)

No seas (Don’t be)
No sea (Don’t be – formal)
No seáis (Don’t be – plural, informal)
No sean (Don’t be – plural, formal)

2. Ir (to go)

No vayas (Don’t go)
No vaya (Don’t go – formal)
No vayáis (Don’t go – plural, informal)
No vayan (Don’t go – plural, formal)

3. Tener (to have)

No tengas (Don’t have)
No tenga (Don’t have – formal)
No tengáis (Don’t have – plural, informal)
No tengan (Don’t have – plural, formal)

Example Sentences:

No seas grosero (Don’t be rude).
No vayas al parque solo (Don’t go to the park alone).
No tengas miedo (Don’t be afraid).

List of Verbs in Negative Imperative with Subjunctive

Verb	Imperativo Negativo	Example Sentence 1	Example Sentence 2
Hablar (to speak)	No hables	No hables tan rápido. (Don’t speak so fast.)	No hables con extraños. (Don’t talk to strangers.)
Comer (to eat)	No comas	No comas eso. (Don’t eat that.)	No comas demasiado. (Don’t eat too much.)
Vivir (to live)	No vivas	No vivas con miedo. (Don’t live in fear.)	No vivas allí. (Don’t live there.)
Ser (to be)	No seas	No seas tonto. (Don’t be silly.)	No seas malo. (Don’t be mean.)
Ir (to go)	No vayas	No vayas allí. (Don’t go there.)	No vayas sin mí. (Don’t go without me.)
Tener (to have)	No tengas	No tengas miedo. (Don’t be afraid.)	No tengas prisa. (Don’t be in a hurry.)
Hacer (to do)	No hagas	No hagas eso. (Don’t do that.)	No hagas ruido. (Don’t make noise.)
Decir (to say)	No digas	No digas mentiras. (Don’t tell lies.)	No digas nada. (Don’t say anything.)
Salir (to leave)	No salgas	No salgas tarde. (Don’t leave late.)	No salgas sin abrigo. (Don’t go out without a coat.)
Poner (to put)	No pongas	No pongas eso aquí. (Don’t put that here.)	No pongas excusas. (Don’t make excuses.)

More Example Sentences

No olvides llamarme. (Don’t forget to call me.)
No fumes en el restaurante. (Don’t smoke in the restaurant.)
No corras en el pasillo. (Don’t run in the hallway.)
No bebas agua del grifo. (Don’t drink tap water.)
No abras la ventana. (Don’t open the window.)
No compres eso. (Don’t buy that.)
No mires directamente al sol. (Don’t look directly at the sun.)
No escribas en el libro. (Don’t write in the book.)
No llegues tarde a la reunión. (Don’t be late for the meeting.)
No te vayas sin despedirte. (Don’t leave without saying goodbye.)

Fill in the Blanks Exercise

No _______ (hablar) durante la película.
No _______ (comer) toda la pizza.
No _______ (ir) al parque solo.
No _______ (ser) grosero con ella.
No _______ (tener) miedo de intentarlo.
No _______ (hacer) ruido en la biblioteca.
No _______ (decir) mentiras a tus padres.
No _______ (salir) sin tu chaqueta.
No _______ (poner) los pies sobre la mesa.
No _______ (olvidar) tu tarea.

Answers:

hables
comas
vayas
seas
tengas
hagas
digas
salgas
pongas
olvides

Conclusion

Mastering the Negative Imperative with subjunctive is a significant step toward fluency in Spanish. It allows you to give negative commands, offer advice, and issue warnings effectively. By understanding the conjugation rules, common expressions, and usage scenarios, you can confidently incorporate this structure into your conversations. Practice regularly with the examples and exercises provided, and soon, using the negative imperative will feel like second nature. ¡No te rindas! (Don’t give up!)

Happy learning! 😊

Mastering the Present Indicative Mode in Spanish (Regular verbs)

Present Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto de Indicativo) 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

Simple Conditional (Condicional Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

Simple Future (Futuro Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

Tiempo Pretérito Perfecto Compuesto / Present Perfect Tense in Spanish

The Imperfect Subjunctive Tense in Spanish: Tiempo pretérito imperfecto de subjuntivo

Tiempo Futuro Compuesto / Future Perfect Tense in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Master the Spanish Simple Conditional Tense: The Ultimate Expert Guide

Tiempo Condicional Compuesto: Conditional Perfect Tense in Spanish

How to Use the Present Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: A Complete B2 Guide on Pretérito Perfecto de Subjuntivo

Past Perfect Subjunctive in Spanish: How to Use Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto de Subjuntivo with Examples and Easy Rules

February 17, 2025

Simple Conditional (Condicional Simple) Tense/Mode in Spanish

The Simple Conditional tense, known as “Condicional Simple” in Spanish, is used to express actions that would happen under certain conditions. It is equivalent to the English “would” form of verbs. This tense is commonly used to express hypothetical situations, polite requests, desires, and conjectures about the past. Understanding the Simple Conditional is essential for fluency in Spanish as it appears frequently in everyday conversations and formal writing.

Common Expressions Using Simple Conditional

Here are some common expressions that use the Simple Conditional tense in Spanish along with their meanings:

Me gustaría – I would like
Podrías ayudarme? – Could you help me?
Deberías estudiar más. – You should study more.
Sería mejor si… – It would be better if…
Me encantaría ir contigo. – I would love to go with you.
Habría sido un buen día. – It would have been a good day.
Tendrías tiempo para hablar? – Would you have time to talk?
Querría saber más sobre esto. – I would like to know more about this.
Si fuera posible, viajaría por todo el mundo. – If it were possible, I would travel around the world.
No harías eso, ¿verdad? – You wouldn’t do that, right?

Things to Keep in Mind

Articles and Gender: As with other tenses in Spanish, the gender and number of nouns remain unchanged in the conditional tense.
Pronouns: Indirect and direct object pronouns are placed before the conjugated verb.
Regular vs. Irregular Verbs: While most verbs follow a predictable conjugation pattern, there are several irregular verbs that require memorization.
Plural Forms: The conditional tense applies to singular and plural subjects without changing the verb stem.
Politeness: This tense is commonly used for polite requests and suggestions.

When to Use

The Simple Conditional is used in the following situations:

Hypothetical Situations:
- Si tuviera más dinero, compraría un coche. (If I had more money, I would buy a car.)
Polite Requests:
- Podrías cerrar la ventana, por favor? (Could you close the window, please?)
Suggestions and Advice:
- Deberías dormir más. (You should sleep more.)
Desires and Preferences:
- Me encantaría visitar España. (I would love to visit Spain.)
Speculation about the Past:
- Sería alrededor de las 8 cuando llegó. (It must have been around 8 when he arrived.)

Conjugation of Regular Verbs

To form the Simple Conditional tense, take the infinitive verb and add the following endings for all three verb categories (-AR, -ER, -IR):

Subject	Ending
Yo	-ía
Tú	-ías
Él/Ella/Usted	-ía
Nosotros/as	-íamos
Vosotros/as	-íais
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes	-ían

Example of Regular Verb Conjugation:

Hablar (to speak) → hablaría, hablarías, hablaría, hablaríamos, hablaríais, hablarían
Comer (to eat) → comería, comerías, comería, comeríamos, comeríais, comerían
Vivir (to live) → viviría, vivirías, viviría, viviríamos, viviríais, vivirían

Irregular Verbs and Their Conjugation

Some verbs have irregular stems in the Simple Conditional tense. Here are common irregular verbs:

Infinitive	Stem Change	Example (Yo form)
Tener (to have)	tendr-	tendría
Poder (to be able to)	podr-	podría
Hacer (to do/make)	har-	haría
Decir (to say)	dir-	diría
Venir (to come)	vendr-	vendría
Poner (to put)	pondr-	pondría
Saber (to know)	sabr-	sabría
Salir (to leave)	saldr-	saldría
Querer (to want)	querr-	querría
Haber (to have – auxiliary)	habr-	habría

Example Sentences:

Tendría más tiempo si terminara mi trabajo temprano. (I would have more time if I finished my work early.)
Diría la verdad si me preguntaras. (I would tell the truth if you asked me.)

Regular Verbs in Simple Conditional

Verb	Meaning	Example 1 (Spanish)	Meaning (English)	Example 2 (Spanish)	Meaning (English)
Hablar	To speak	Hablaría con ella.	I would speak with her.	Hablaríamos sobre el tema.	We would talk about the topic.
Comer	To eat	Comeríamos en un restaurante.	We would eat in a restaurant.	Comería menos azúcar.	I would eat less sugar.
Vivir	To live	Viviríamos en España.	We would live in Spain.	Viviría en la playa.	I would live at the beach.
Trabajar	To work	Trabajaría más horas.	I would work more hours.	Trabajaríamos juntos.	We would work together.
Estudiar	To study	Estudiaría francés.	I would study French.	Estudiaríamos historia.	We would study history.
Viajar	To travel	Viajaría a México.	I would travel to Mexico.	Viajaríamos en verano.	We would travel in summer.
Escuchar	To listen	Escucharía música.	I would listen to music.	Escucharíamos el concierto.	We would listen to the concert.
Aprender	To learn	Aprendería a nadar.	I would learn to swim.	Aprenderíamos japonés.	We would learn Japanese.
Escribir	To write	Escribiría una carta.	I would write a letter.	Escribiríamos un libro.	We would write a book.
Comprar	To buy	Compraría un coche.	I would buy a car.	Compraríamos una casa.	We would buy a house.

More Example Sentences

Me encantaría viajar a Japón el próximo año. (I would love to travel to Japan next year.)
Si tuvieras tiempo, iríamos al cine juntos. (If you had time, we would go to the movies together.)
¿Qué harías si fueras el presidente del país? (What would you do if you were the president of the country?)
Juan dijo que llamaría más tarde. (Juan said he would call later.)
En su lugar, yo no diría nada. (In his place, I wouldn’t say anything.)
Mis abuelos vivirían en la playa si pudieran. (My grandparents would live at the beach if they could.)
¿Podrías ayudarme con esta tarea? (Could you help me with this homework?)
Nosotros compraríamos una casa más grande si tuviéramos más dinero. (We would buy a bigger house if we had more money.)
Ella nunca mentiría a sus amigos. (She would never lie to her friends.)
Si hiciera sol, saldríamos a caminar. (If it were sunny, we would go for a walk.)

Fill in the Blanks:

Si tuviera más dinero, ______ (comprar) un coche nuevo.
¿Qué ______ (hacer) tú si ganaras la lotería?
Nosotros ______ (viajar) por todo el mundo si pudiéramos.
Ella dijo que ______ (venir) a la fiesta, pero no pudo.
En tu lugar, yo no ______ (decir) nada sobre el asunto.
Mis padres me prometieron que me ______ (dar) un regalo especial para mi cumpleaños.
Si fueras famoso, ¿con quién ______ (trabajar)?
Ustedes ______ (poder) aprender español más rápido si practicaran todos los días.
Juan ______ (querer) aprender otro idioma, pero no tiene tiempo.
Si hiciera buen tiempo, nosotros ______ (salir) a pasear.

Answers

compraría
harías
viajaríamos
vendría
diría
darían
trabajarías
podrían
querría
saldríamos

Conclusion

Mastering the Simple Conditional tense in Spanish is crucial for expressing hypothetical situations, politeness, and speculations. By understanding its conjugations, irregular forms, and common expressions, you can enhance your fluency and confidence in Spanish conversations.

Happy learning! 😊

Mastering the Present Indicative Mode in Spanish (Regular verbs)

Present Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto de Indicativo) in Spanish