Use of Particular Spanish Verbs
Merely knowing what a Spanish verb means doesn't always tell you much about how it is used. These lessons go into detail on the usage of various Spanish verbs.
Using 'Contar'
Use of the Spanish verb 'contar,' which usually means 'to count' but has other meanings as well.
Use of the Spanish verb 'contar,' which usually means 'to count' but has other meanings as well.
Using 'Oler'
The Spanish verb 'oler' is used much like the English verb 'to smell,' but it has other uses as well.
The Spanish verb 'oler' is used much like the English verb 'to smell,' but it has other uses as well.
I Like It!
The Spanish verb 'gustar' is often used to translated English sentences that use the verb 'to like.'
The Spanish verb 'gustar' is often used to translated English sentences that use the verb 'to like.'
Uses of 'Estar'
Although the Spanish verb 'estar' usually means 'to be,' it also has a wide variety of other uses.
Although the Spanish verb 'estar' usually means 'to be,' it also has a wide variety of other uses.
Using 'Ser'
'Ser' is one of the Spanish verbs for 'to be.' This lesson, aimed at beginning Spanish students, explains its most common uses and gives examples with English translations.
'Ser' is one of the Spanish verbs for 'to be.' This lesson, aimed at beginning Spanish students, explains its most common uses and gives examples with English translations.
Expressions Using 'Ir'
Like its equivalent in English, 'to go,' the Spanish verb ir is versatile and is used in various expressions to expand its meaning.
Like its equivalent in English, 'to go,' the Spanish verb ir is versatile and is used in various expressions to expand its meaning.
Using 'Gustar' With More than One Subject
Question-and-answer lesson on the use of the Spanish verb 'guster' with multiple subjects.
Question-and-answer lesson on the use of the Spanish verb 'guster' with multiple subjects.
Using the Verb 'Gustar'
Learn how to use the Spanish verb 'gustar,' which is used to say that someone likes something.
Learn how to use the Spanish verb 'gustar,' which is used to say that someone likes something.
Idioms Using 'Haber'
Many Spanish phrases use the verb 'haber.' Here is a list of some of the most common ones.
Many Spanish phrases use the verb 'haber.' Here is a list of some of the most common ones.
'Ser' or 'Estar, That Is the Question
Both the verbs 'ser' and 'estar' mean 'to be,' but to the Spanish speaker they don't mean the same thing. Learn what the difference between the verbs is.
Both the verbs 'ser' and 'estar' mean 'to be,' but to the Spanish speaker they don't mean the same thing. Learn what the difference between the verbs is.
'Poner' a Verb of Many Meanings
The Spanish verb 'poner' has many meanings. This lesson provides the most common one along with sample sentences.
The Spanish verb 'poner' has many meanings. This lesson provides the most common one along with sample sentences.
Using 'Buscar'
How to use the Spanish verb 'buscar.' This brief lesson includes sample sentences with translations.
How to use the Spanish verb 'buscar.' This brief lesson includes sample sentences with translations.
Meet the 'Sentir' Family
By adding prefixes to the Spanish verb 'sentir,' you can create verbs with new meanings. Most of them have similarities to English verbs you already know.
By adding prefixes to the Spanish verb 'sentir,' you can create verbs with new meanings. Most of them have similarities to English verbs you already know.
Following "Tener" With "A"
How to use 'tener a' in Spanish.
How to use 'tener a' in Spanish.
Using 'Sentir' and 'Sentirse'
How to use the Spanish verb sentir, which typically means "to feel."
How to use the Spanish verb sentir, which typically means "to feel."
Using the Verb 'Esperar'
Here is a guide to the common meanings of the Spanish verb 'esperar,' which usually refers to waiting, hoping or expecting.
Here is a guide to the common meanings of the Spanish verb 'esperar,' which usually refers to waiting, hoping or expecting.
Meet the "Seguir" Family
'Seguir' is a common Spanish verb that usually means 'to follow' or 'to continue.' This lesson looks at four related verbs.
'Seguir' is a common Spanish verb that usually means 'to follow' or 'to continue.' This lesson looks at four related verbs.
Using "Probar"
The Spanish verb 'probar' has meanings that include 'to prove,' 'to test,' 'to try' and 'to taste.'
The Spanish verb 'probar' has meanings that include 'to prove,' 'to test,' 'to try' and 'to taste.'
Uses of "Llegar"
Meanings and uses of the Spanish verb 'llegar,' which typically means 'to arrive' or 'to come' but also has other meanings.
Meanings and uses of the Spanish verb 'llegar,' which typically means 'to arrive' or 'to come' but also has other meanings.
Using 'Haber De'
'Haber de' can be used to express obligation or probability in Spanish.
'Haber de' can be used to express obligation or probability in Spanish.
Saying 'I Love You': 'Te Amo' or 'Te Quiero'?
Look at many textbooks, and you may be told that 'Te amo' is the way to say 'I love you' in Spanish. But in real life, you're more likely to hear 'Te quiero.' So which is correct?
Look at many textbooks, and you may be told that 'Te amo' is the way to say 'I love you' in Spanish. But in real life, you're more likely to hear 'Te quiero.' So which is correct?
Using 'Ganar'
'Ganar' is a cousin of the English verb 'gain' and has similar meanings. It is often used to mean 'to win' or 'to earn.'
'Ganar' is a cousin of the English verb 'gain' and has similar meanings. It is often used to mean 'to win' or 'to earn.'
Verbs Meaning 'To Introduce'
This brief lesson focuses on the differences between two Spanish verbs that can be used for 'to introduce.'
This brief lesson focuses on the differences between two Spanish verbs that can be used for 'to introduce.'
'Soy Casada' or 'Estoy Casada'?
When used with adjectives of marital status, 'ser' and 'estar' are sometimes used more or less interchangeably.
When used with adjectives of marital status, 'ser' and 'estar' are sometimes used more or less interchangeably.
Using 'Tomar'
The Spanish verb often, but far from always, means 'to take.' This lesson features meanings of this verb along with sample sentences.
The Spanish verb often, but far from always, means 'to take.' This lesson features meanings of this verb along with sample sentences.
Using the Verb 'Seguir'
The Spanish verb seguir has a basic meaning of "to continue" or "to follow," but it is often used in ways that are different than the English verbs.
The Spanish verb seguir has a basic meaning of "to continue" or "to follow," but it is often used in ways that are different than the English verbs.
Using 'Volver'
This brief lesson explains the uses of the verbs 'volver' and 'volverse.'
This brief lesson explains the uses of the verbs 'volver' and 'volverse.'
Translating 'To Be' When Referring to Location
Usually, the Spanish verb estar is used to translate "to be" when referring to locatio. But when we're talking about an event, we use ser.
Usually, the Spanish verb estar is used to translate "to be" when referring to locatio. But when we're talking about an event, we use ser.
'Reír' and 'Reírse'
Here is how to use the Spanish verbs for 'to laugh.'
Here is how to use the Spanish verbs for 'to laugh.'
Verbs of Beginning
The Spanish verbs empezar and comenzar are the most common ways of saying "to begin" in Spanish.
The Spanish verbs empezar and comenzar are the most common ways of saying "to begin" in Spanish.
Verbs Translating 'To Ask'
Spanish has several verbs that can be translated as "to ask," although they aren't all used in the same way. Among the most common are pedir and preguntar.
Spanish has several verbs that can be translated as "to ask," although they aren't all used in the same way. Among the most common are pedir and preguntar.
The Power of 'Poder'
Poder means "to be able" and is often used as the Spanish equivalent of the English auxiliary verb "can."
Poder means "to be able" and is often used as the Spanish equivalent of the English auxiliary verb "can."
Using 'Llevar'
The Spanish verb llevar can be translated to English in a wide variety of ways.
The Spanish verb llevar can be translated to English in a wide variety of ways.
'Ser' and 'Estar,' the Two Verbs for 'To Be'
Both ser and estar are used as equivalents of the English "to be," but they have different meanings and are used in different ways.
Both ser and estar are used as equivalents of the English "to be," but they have different meanings and are used in different ways.
Perder
An explanation of the Spanish verb perder, including its meaning, usage and conjugation.
An explanation of the Spanish verb perder, including its meaning, usage and conjugation.
'Ser' and 'Estar' - Verbs for 'To Be'
There are few things more confusing for beginning Spanish students, at least those who have English as their first language, than learning the differences between ser and estar.
There are few things more confusing for beginning Spanish students, at least those who have English as their first language, than learning the differences between ser and estar.
Using 'Andar'
Although andar in literal usage means "to walk," it can have a much more broad and vague meaning, sometimes even substituting for estar.
Although andar in literal usage means "to walk," it can have a much more broad and vague meaning, sometimes even substituting for estar.
Use of 'Haber'
Haber is used most of the time as an auxiliary verb but it has other common uses as well.
Haber is used most of the time as an auxiliary verb but it has other common uses as well.
Using 'Ser'
Among the purposes of ser are to indicate the existence of something or in describe its essential characteristics.
Among the purposes of ser are to indicate the existence of something or in describe its essential characteristics.
Using 'ver' and 'mirar'
The Spanish verbs 'mirar' and 'ver' have similar meanings, but they aren't typically interchangeable. Here's a quick guide to their use.
The Spanish verbs 'mirar' and 'ver' have similar meanings, but they aren't typically interchangeable. Here's a quick guide to their use.
Using the Existential 'Haber'
Although haber can be used as an auxiliary verb, it also can stand alone as a verb that does little more than indicate mere existence of the subject of the sentence.
Although haber can be used as an auxiliary verb, it also can stand alone as a verb that does little more than indicate mere existence of the subject of the sentence.
Verbs Derived from 'Decir'
Several Spanish verbs are derived from the very common verb 'decir.'
Several Spanish verbs are derived from the very common verb 'decir.'
Using 'Creer'
The Spanish verb creer typically means "believe" or "to think." This lesson includes examples of its usage as well as a list of related words and an explanation of its conjugation.
The Spanish verb creer typically means "believe" or "to think." This lesson includes examples of its usage as well as a list of related words and an explanation of its conjugation.
Using 'Deber'
How to use the Spanish verb deber to express obligation and likelihood. This lesson also includes use of deber de.
How to use the Spanish verb deber to express obligation and likelihood. This lesson also includes use of deber de.
Using 'Hacer'
Hacer is one of the most versatile verbs in the Spanish language, and it is used in a wide range of expressions that you'll use daily. Although it is often said to mean "to make" or "to do," in context it can refer to almost any activity as well as the act of becoming.
Hacer is one of the most versatile verbs in the Spanish language, and it is used in a wide range of expressions that you'll use daily. Although it is often said to mean "to make" or "to do," in context it can refer to almost any activity as well as the act of becoming.
Using 'Tocar'
Tocar often means "to touch" and is descended from the same Latin verb as the English word is. Tocar also often means "to play (a musical instrument)" and has other meanings as well.
Tocar often means "to touch" and is descended from the same Latin verb as the English word is. Tocar also often means "to play (a musical instrument)" and has other meanings as well.
Is 'There Were' 'Había' or 'Habían'?
My Spanish textbook says that había is used to say 'there were,' but I've heard people say habían.'
My Spanish textbook says that había is used to say 'there were,' but I've heard people say habían.'
Using 'Dejar'
The Spanish verb 'dejar' has the basic meaning of 'to leave.' However, it can be translated in a wide variety of ways depending on its context.
The Spanish verb 'dejar' has the basic meaning of 'to leave.' However, it can be translated in a wide variety of ways depending on its context.
Using 'Pensar'
This brief lesson explains the various uses of pensar, the Spanish verb that typically means "to think."
This brief lesson explains the various uses of pensar, the Spanish verb that typically means "to think."
Spanish Idioms of the Form 'Tener' + Noun
Tener, the verb meaning "to have" in the sense of "to possess," is frequently used in idioms to refer to a wide range of emotions and other states of being.
Tener, the verb meaning "to have" in the sense of "to possess," is frequently used in idioms to refer to a wide range of emotions and other states of being.
Two Verbs for 'To Know': 'Saber' and 'Conocer'
Just because the Spanish words saber and conocer both mean "to know" in English doesn't mean they're interchangeable. The two verbs are fully different verbs with meanings that aren't the same at all.
Just because the Spanish words saber and conocer both mean "to know" in English doesn't mean they're interchangeable. The two verbs are fully different verbs with meanings that aren't the same at all.
Idioms Using 'Haber'
Haber, which most often is used an auxiliary verb, also is used in some common idioms.
Haber, which most often is used an auxiliary verb, also is used in some common idioms.
Using 'Echar'
The Spanish verb 'echar' can be translated in literrally dozens of ways, so learning to understand context is important.
The Spanish verb 'echar' can be translated in literrally dozens of ways, so learning to understand context is important.
Using 'Bastar'
One common way to express the idea of "enough" or sufficiency in Spanish is to use the verb bastar.
One common way to express the idea of "enough" or sufficiency in Spanish is to use the verb bastar.
'Gustar': I Like It
If you like something, it pleases you. The truth of that statement is obvious, but it nevertheless is important to know when expressing the thought of liking something when speaking Spanish.
If you like something, it pleases you. The truth of that statement is obvious, but it nevertheless is important to know when expressing the thought of liking something when speaking Spanish.
Confusing Verbs: A Quiz
Do you know how to distinguish among some of the Spanish verbs that English-speakers often find confusing? Find out by taking this self-correcting quiz.
Do you know how to distinguish among some of the Spanish verbs that English-speakers often find confusing? Find out by taking this self-correcting quiz.
Using 'Gustar' To Express Liking Something
Although gustar is often used as the equivalent of the English verb "to like," it is not used in the same way.
Although gustar is often used as the equivalent of the English verb "to like," it is not used in the same way.
Using 'Tratar'
The Spanish verb tratar has a variety of meanings that don't seem initially related. They include "to try" and "to treat." This brief lesson lists some of the common meanings and provides sample sentences.
The Spanish verb tratar has a variety of meanings that don't seem initially related. They include "to try" and "to treat." This brief lesson lists some of the common meanings and provides sample sentences.
Using 'Pasar'
Like its English cognate "to pass," the Spanish verb pasar has a variety of meanings that generally relate to the idea of movement in space or time.
Like its English cognate "to pass," the Spanish verb pasar has a variety of meanings that generally relate to the idea of movement in space or time.
'There Is' and 'There Are' - Using 'Estar' and 'Haber'
Translating a phrase such as "there is" or "there are" is sometimes confusing to Spanish students, because they can be translated different ways depending on the meaning.
Translating a phrase such as "there is" or "there are" is sometimes confusing to Spanish students, because they can be translated different ways depending on the meaning.
Using 'Tener'
How to use the Spanish verb tener, which usually means "to have." This lesson includes the basic conjugations and some common idioms.
How to use the Spanish verb tener, which usually means "to have." This lesson includes the basic conjugations and some common idioms.
'Haber' vs. 'Estar'
Both the Spanish verbs estar and haber can be used to indicate that somnething exists or is. However, there are differences, sometimes subtle, in meaning.
Both the Spanish verbs estar and haber can be used to indicate that somnething exists or is. However, there are differences, sometimes subtle, in meaning.
Using "Estar"
Learn how the Spanish verb estar,usually translated as "to be," is used. The reference lesson includes a conjugation table for the most common tenses.
Learn how the Spanish verb estar,usually translated as "to be," is used. The reference lesson includes a conjugation table for the most common tenses.
Using 'Doler'
How to use the Spanish verb doler, which typically means "to cause pain" or "to hurt."
How to use the Spanish verb doler, which typically means "to cause pain" or "to hurt."
Prepositions Following 'Hablar'
Learn which prepositions most commonly are used after "hablar," the Spanish verb that means "to speak."
Learn which prepositions most commonly are used after "hablar," the Spanish verb that means "to speak."
Verbs Related to 'Tener'
The Spanish verbs ending in -tener are generally cognates of the English verbs ending in "tener."
The Spanish verbs ending in -tener are generally cognates of the English verbs ending in "tener."
More Idioms Using 'Tener'
Tener que is one of the most well-known of the idioms using tener. Here are some others you should know.
Tener que is one of the most well-known of the idioms using tener. Here are some others you should know.
Other Meanings for 'Estar'
You may know estar as one of the verbs for "to be," but it also has other uses.
You may know estar as one of the verbs for "to be," but it also has other uses.
Translating 'Quedar'
More so than most verbs, 'quedar' can be translated in numerous ways depending on how it is used in context.
More so than most verbs, 'quedar' can be translated in numerous ways depending on how it is used in context.
Imperative of 'Ir'
In everyday speech, vamos and vámonos are used as the first-person plural imperative for ir.
In everyday speech, vamos and vámonos are used as the first-person plural imperative for ir.
'Estar' Used With 'Muerto'
To the beginning Spanish student, it might seem that the verb ser should be used with the adjective muerto (which means "dead"). However, the correct verb to use is estar. Here are two explanations of why.
To the beginning Spanish student, it might seem that the verb ser should be used with the adjective muerto (which means "dead"). However, the correct verb to use is estar. Here are two explanations of why.
Using 'Ser' with an Indirect Object
It may appear strange to those who speak English as a first language, but in Spanish it is very common to use an indirect object pronoun with ser.
It may appear strange to those who speak English as a first language, but in Spanish it is very common to use an indirect object pronoun with ser.
Is the Subjunctive Used after 'Opinar'?
Although the subjunctive mood normally is used after que in an expression that expresses doubt, this does not extend to statements of mere opinion.
Although the subjunctive mood normally is used after que in an expression that expresses doubt, this does not extend to statements of mere opinion.
Which Preposition Goes with 'Reírse'?
It may seem arbitrary, but de is the preposition of choice to use with Reírse.
It may seem arbitrary, but de is the preposition of choice to use with Reírse.
Use of 'Haber De'
Haber de can be used to express a mild sense of obligation.
Haber de can be used to express a mild sense of obligation.
'Encantar' in Other than the Third Person
Luke gustar, encantar is usually used in the third person. However, there are some circumstances where it might be used in the first or third persons.
Luke gustar, encantar is usually used in the third person. However, there are some circumstances where it might be used in the first or third persons.
Is 'There Were' 'Había' or 'Habían'?
Although the textbooks say that the third-person impersonal form of haber is había, in real life you'll often hear habían used.
Although the textbooks say that the third-person impersonal form of haber is había, in real life you'll often hear habían used.
Past Tenses of 'Ser' and 'Estar'
The differences in meaning between the preterite and imperfect tenses of the verbs for "to be" aren't always translatable to English.
The differences in meaning between the preterite and imperfect tenses of the verbs for "to be" aren't always translatable to English.
'Soy casada' or 'estoy casada'?
Both ser and estar are used with adjectives of marital status.
Both ser and estar are used with adjectives of marital status.
'Conocer' and Related Words
Learn about the Spanish word conocer, often meaning "to know," and words derived from it.
Learn about the Spanish word conocer, often meaning "to know," and words derived from it.
'Les,' 'Gustar' and the Personal 'A'
When using the verb gustar, it is necessary to use the personal a with a named person, even though use of the pronoun le or les gives redundancy to the sentence.
When using the verb gustar, it is necessary to use the personal a with a named person, even though use of the pronoun le or les gives redundancy to the sentence.
Using 'Haber'
Haber is a common auxiliary verb used to form the perfect tenses.
Haber is a common auxiliary verb used to form the perfect tenses.
Verbs Derived from 'Poner'
By itself, poner typically has the meaning of "to place" or "to put." So there may be little surprise that over the centuries it has been combined with numerous prefixes.
By itself, poner typically has the meaning of "to place" or "to put." So there may be little surprise that over the centuries it has been combined with numerous prefixes.