Spanish verb conjugation is based on applying suffix(es) to the stem to mark the mood, tense, and person. The suffixes are the same except for certain irregular verbs. Irregular verbs also may undergo changes in the stem. The end of the stem may also undergo ortographic changes to preserve correct spelling.
Conjugate any Spanish verb by writing the infinitive below and clicking Conjugate.
The verb conjugations contain specific colors to denote irregularities and ortographic changes:
The Spanish verbs are conjugated by adding endings to the verb stem.
The stem is obtained from the infinitive by dropping the infinitive ending: -ar, -er, -ir. The infinitive ending also tells to which conjugation the verb belongs.
The conjugations are named ar-verbs, er-verbs, and ir-verbs depending in the infinitive ending. Some books also name these the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd conjugation.
The table below shows sample verb infinitives for each of the 3 Spanish verb conjugations:
-ar verb |
-er verb 2nd conjugation |
-ir verb -- 3rd conjugation |
|---|---|---|
| cantar | comer | vivir |
There are compound forms for all moods and tenses, except the imperative. The compound forms are formed with the auxiliary verb 'haber' that is conjugated and the past participle of the the verb bearing the meaning. The compound forms typically indicate that the action has been completed, thus they have perfective aspect. Also simple past (preterite) has perfective aspect.
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