Verbs Flashcards
Ser
To be.
Used to describe permanent characteristics or inherent qualities of someone or something.
Examples:
Yo soy alto. (I am tall.) (permanent characteristic)
Ella es médica. (She is a doctor.) (profession)
Madrid es la capital de España. (Madrid is the capital of Spain.) (fact)
Estar
Estar (to be)
Used to describe temporary states or conditions of someone or something.
Examples:
Estoy feliz. (I am happy.) (temporary feeling)
La comida está en la mesa. (The food is on the table.) (temporary location)
Ella está enferma. (She is sick.) (temporary state)
Tener
To have
Hacer
to make; to do
Poder
to be able to; can
Decir
to say
Haber
to have; there is/there are (No hay leche en la nevera)
Ir
go
Dar
give
Ver
see
Saber
to know:
Used to express knowledge of facts, information, or how to do something.
Focuses on acquiring and possessing knowledge.
Often followed by:
Facts or information: Yo sé que la Tierra es redonda. (I know the Earth is round.)
An infinitive: Yo sé hablar español. (I know how to speak Spanish.)
Pasar
To happen: Similar to the English “to pass,” pasar can be used to say that something happens or occurs. For example, Pasaron muchas cosas el año pasado (A lot happened last year).
To move from one place to another: This can mean physically moving something, like Pásame la sal, por favor (Pass me the salt, please), or it can refer to time passing, like El tiempo pasa volando (Time flies).
To spend time: Pasé el fin de semana en la playa (I spent the weekend at the beach).
To pass (an exam): Estudié mucho para pasar el examen (I studied a lot to pass the exam).
To go through (a difficult situation): Pasó por una etapa muy dura en su vida (He went through a very difficult time in his life).
To come in (invitation): Pasa, por favor (Come in, please).
Expressions with pasar: There are many idiomatic expressions that use pasar. Here are a couple of examples:
Pasar por alto (to overlook something)
No pasa nada (It’s nothing)
Deber
To owe; obligation or necessity
Querer
To want
Llegar
- To arrive: This is the most general meaning of llegar. It can be used to talk about arriving at a destination, such as your home, work, or school. For example, you could say “He llegado a la oficina” (I have arrived at the office).
- To reach: Llegar can also mean to reach a certain point or state. For example, you could say “El agua le llegaba a las rodillas” (The water reached his knees).
Dejar
To Leave (leave a book, left the door open)
Encontrar
To find
Seguir
Meaning:
To follow: This is the most common translation, referring to going behind someone or something. (e.g., Sigue al líder, Follow the leader)
To continue: Seguir can also express continuing an action or activity. (e.g., Sigue estudiando, Keep studying)
To keep doing something: Similar to continuing, but emphasizes persistence. (e.g., Sigue sonriendo, Keep smiling)
Conjugation: Seguir is a regular verb (-ar ending), so its conjugation follows a predictable pattern across tenses. You can find conjugation tables online for reference.
Examples:
Present tense: “Sigo las noticias todos los días” (I follow the news every day)
Past tense: “Seguimos las instrucciones cuidadosamente” (We followed the instructions carefully)
Future tense: “¿Seguirás trabajando mañana?” (Will you keep working tomorrow?)
Other uses:
Seguir + infinitive: Seguir can be followed by an infinitive verb to express a continued action. (e.g., Sigo esperando, I’m still waiting)
Seguir adelante: This phrase means “to move forward” or “to keep going.” (e.g., No te rindas, sigue adelante, Don’t give up, keep going)
Poner
To put
Quedar
To stay; to be left over/to remain
Paracer
To seem; to appear
Hablar
To speak
Vestirse
Get dressed
Acostarse
Go to bed
Despartarse
Wake up
Ducharse
Shower
Banarse
Bath
Conocer
To know (e.g., familiarity with a person or place)
Tocar
To touch; To play (an instrument)
Jugar
To plan (a game)
Lavarse
- Basic meaning: To wash any part of your body. (e.g., Me lavo las manos antes de comer, I wash my hands before eating)
- With specific body parts: You can specify which body part you’re washing by adding it after the verb. (e.g., Me lavo la cara, I wash my face)
- With indirect object pronouns: You can use indirect object pronouns to indicate who is washing whom. (e.g., Te lavo el pelo, I wash your hair)
- Reflexive expressions: Lavarse can be used in various expressions, such as “lavarse las manos” (to wash one’s hands) or “lavarse la cara” (to wash one’s face).
- Conjugation: Lavarse is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugation follows a consistent pattern across tenses. You can find conjugation tables online for reference.
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Examples:
- Present tense: “Me lavo los dientes dos veces al día” (I brush my teeth twice a day)
- Past tense: “Se lavó el pelo con champú y acondicionador” (He washed his hair with shampoo and conditioner)
- Future tense: “¿Nos lavaremos las manos antes de la cena?” (Will we wash our hands before dinner?)
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Other uses:
- Lavarse los platos: To wash the dishes
- Lavarse la ropa: To wash clothes
- Lavarse el coche: To wash the car
Ir de compras
Go shopping
Salir
to go out
Llevar
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Main Meanings:
To carry: This is the most direct translation, referring to physically holding or transporting something. (e.g., Llevo una mochila, I'm carrying a backpack)*
- To take: Similar to “carry,” but can also imply taking someone or something somewhere. (e.g., Te llevo al aeropuerto, I’ll take you to the airport)
- To wear: Used for clothing or accessories. (e.g., Llevo una camisa azul, I’m wearing a blue shirt)
- Conjugation: Llevar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugation follows a consistent pattern across tenses. You can find conjugation tables online for reference.
- Examples:
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Present tense: “Llevo dinero en efectivo” (I carry cash)
** Past tense: “Llevé a los niños al parque” (I took the children to the park)
Future tense: “¿Qué vas a llevar a la fiesta?” (What are you going to wear to the party?)
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Present tense: “Llevo dinero en efectivo” (I carry cash)
Other Uses:
Llevar + tiempo (time): This construction indicates how long something has been happening. (e.g., Llevamos tres horas esperando, We’ve been waiting for three hours)
Llevar + participio (past participle): This expresses a state resulting from a past action. (e.g., Lleva rota la camisa, His shirt is ripped) Llevarse (reflexive verb): This changes the meaning to "to get along with someone" or "to take something for oneself." (e.g., Los hermanos se llevan muy bien, The siblings get along very well)
I hope this explanation is helpful! Feel free to ask if you’d like to see some examples of “llevarse” or have any other questions about “llevar.”*
Deber
The Spanish verb “deber” has a few different meanings:
- To owe: This is a common translation of “deber” and can refer to owing money, a favor, or gratitude.
- Obligation: “Deber” can also be used to express obligation or necessity. In this case, it can be translated as “must” or “should.”
- Probability: In some contexts, “deber” can be used to indicate probability. Here, it can be translated as “must be” or “must have.”
Llegar
Arrive
Encontrar
To find
Seguir
To follow; to continue
Quedar
General meaning: It comes from the Latin verb “quietare” which means “to appease” or “to rest.” In Spanish, it generally means “to stay” or “to stop” in a place, either necessarily or voluntarily.
Different flavors of “to stay”:
Location: This is similar to using “to be” to indicate location. For example, “El restaurante queda a tres calles de aquí” (The restaurant is three blocks from here).
Wait: You can use “quedar” to say you’re waiting for someone. For instance, “No me pidas que quede si no vas a volver” (Don’t ask me to stay if you’re not coming back).
Remaining: This is like saying something is left. “No queda comida” (There’s no food left).
Pensar
To think
Volver
Return; go back to
Salir
To go out
Realizar
To carry out/execute; to achieve or accomplish
Tomar
The Spanish verb “tomar” has two main meanings:
- To take: This is the most general translation of “tomar” and can refer to taking something physically, like taking a book, or taking an action, like taking a nap.
- To drink: “Tomar” is also commonly used to refer to the act of drinking.
Tratar
To treat (e.g., treat others with respect); deal with, address; to try or attempt
Contar
To count; sometimes, to tell a story or share information
Llamar
To call
Venir
to come
Mirar
To see
Presentar
To present
Permitir
To allow
Esperar
The Spanish verb “esperar” can mean “to wait,” “to expect,” or “to hope.” The specific meaning depends on the context of the sentence.
Sentir
To feel
Vivir
To live
Buscar
To search
Creer
To believe
Crear
To create; to establish or found something
Perder
To lose
Existir
Exist
Considerar
Consider
Abrir
Open
Trabajar
Work
Recibir
Receive
Mantener
to maintain; to keep
Explicar
Explain
Lograr
Main Meanings:
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Achieve: This is a common translation of “lograr,” especially when referring to accomplishing a goal or desired outcome that required effort. For example:
- “Logró graduarse de la universidad con honores” (She achieved graduating from university with honors).
- “El equipo logró anotar un gol en el último minuto” (The team managed to score a goal in the last minute).
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Obtain: When referring to acquiring something, “lograr” can be translated as “obtain.” This could be something tangible or intangible, like a job, a skill, or a certain feeling. For example:
- “Logró un trabajo como ingeniera” (She obtained a job as an engineer).
- “Logré finalmente entender el concepto” (I finally managed to understand the concept).
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Succeed: In some cases, “lograr” can be translated as “succeed” when referring to a successful outcome. For example:
- “Lograron escapar de la isla desierta” (They succeeded in escaping the deserted island).
Additional Notes:
- Effort implied: “Lograr” often implies that some effort or difficulty was involved in achieving the desired outcome.
- Formal register: This verb is generally considered formal and appropriate for various contexts.
Here are some examples to illustrate the different nuances:
- “Lograré mi sueño de viajar a Europa” (I will achieve my dream of traveling to Europe) (achieve a goal)
- “No logré encontrar las llaves” (I wasn’t able to find the keys) (obtain - negative connotation)
- “La negociación logró un acuerdo de paz” (The negotiation succeeded in reaching a peace agreement) (succeed)
Empezar
To start
Recordar
Remember or recall
Comenzar
Start
Pedir
To ask for; to order
Preguntar
To ask a question
Producir
To Produce
Convertir
Convert
Entrar
To enter
Mostrar
To Show
Señalar
- To point (at something): This is the most common translation, referring to using your finger or another object to indicate something specific. (e.g., Señaló la casa roja, He pointed at the red house)
- To mark or highlight: Señalar can also be used to indicate something important or to mark something for future reference. (e.g., Señalé los errores en el texto, I marked the errors in the text)
- To indicate or mention: In a more general sense, señalar can mean to mention or bring something to someone’s attention. (e.g., Señaló la importancia de llegar a tiempo, He mentioned the importance of arriving on time)
- To assign or designate: Less commonly, señalar can also mean to assign or designate something to someone or something else. (e.g., Señalaron a María como líder del proyecto, They assigned Mary as the project leader)
- Conjugation: Señalar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugation follows a consistent pattern across tenses. You can find conjugation tables online for reference.
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Examples:
- Present tense: “Señalo la salida en caso de incendio” (I point to the fire exit)
- Past tense: “Señalaron las palabras clave del texto” (They highlighted the keywords in the text)
- Future tense: “¿Señalarás el camino hacia la playa?” (Will you point the way to the beach?)
I hope this explanation clarifies the different meanings and uses of “señalar.” If you have any questions about specific conjugations or examples, feel free to ask!
Escribir
Write
Utilizar
Use
Entender
Understand
Terminar
Finish
Ganar
Win
Incluir
Include
Morir
Die
Asegurar
The Spanish verb “asegurar” has several meanings, depending on the context:
* To make sure of something: This meaning is similar to “garantizar” (guarantee) and implies certainty or confidence.
* To fasten or secure something: This meaning refers to making something physically stable or firmly attached.
* To insure something: This meaning is used in the context of insurance policies and contracts.
Occurir
to occur
Ofrecer
to offer
Gustar
Like
Escuchar
List to
Sentar
to sit; to set down
Cambiar
to change
Aparecer
To appear
Acabar
The Spanish verb “acabar” means “to finish” or “to end” something. It has various usages depending on the context:
* To complete an action: Acabar can express finishing an activity or task. For instance, “Acabé de comer” (I finished eating).
* To come to an end: It can also signify something reaching its conclusion. For example, “La película acabó tarde” (The movie ended late).
* To use up something: Acabar can indicate using all of something. For instance, “He acabado la leche” (I’ve used up the milk).
* Expressions: “Acabar con” means “to put an end to” something, while “acabar de + infinitive” emphasizes a recent completion of an action.
Decidir
to Decide
Resultar
Result
Caer
To fall
Desarrollar
To evolve; to grow
Necesitar
to need
Sacar
to take out; to extract
Establecer
to Establish
Conseguir
The Spanish verb “conseguir” means “to achieve,” “to obtain,” or “to get” something. It can be used in many different contexts to refer to achieving a goal, getting a desired object, or obtaining a result. Here are some examples of how to use “conseguir” in a sentence:
* Conseguí el trabajo que quería. (I got the job I wanted.)
* Están consiguiendo todos sus objetivos. (They are achieving all of their goals.)
* No pude conseguir una cita con el doctor. (I couldn’t get an appointment with the doctor.)
Indicar
Indicate
Formar
to form
Reconocer
to Recognize
Dirigir
To address; to lead
Servir
to Servce
Acabar
The Spanish verb “acabar” means “to finish” or “to end” something. It has various usages depending on the context:
* To complete an action: Acabar can express finishing an activity or task. For instance, “Acabé de comer” (I finished eating).
* To come to an end: It can also signify something reaching its conclusion. For example, “La película acabó tarde” (The movie ended late).
* To use up something: Acabar can indicate using all of something. For instance, “He acabado la leche” (I’ve used up the milk).
* Expressions: “Acabar con” means “to put an end to” something, while “acabar de + infinitive” emphasizes a recent completion of an action.
Intentar
to try or attempt. Emphasizes effort rather than sampling something
Cumplir
- To fulfill or carry out an obligation, duty, or promise.
- To complete a task or action.
- To reach a certain age.
Leer
To Read
Obtener
To get; to obtain
Ayudar
to help
Usar
To use
Observar
to observe; notice
Responder
To answer
Afirmar
The Spanish verb “afirmar” means “to affirm,” “to state,” or “to declare” something. It is used to express certainty or conviction about something you are saying. Here are some examples of how to use “afirmar” in a sentence:
* Afirmó que era inocente. (He affirmed that he was innocent.)
* La profesora afirmó que el examen sería difícil. (The teacher affirmed that the exam would be difficult.)
* Afirmamos nuestro compromiso con la sostenibilidad. (We affirm our commitment to sustainability.)
Evitar
The Spanish verb “evitar” means “to avoid” or “to prevent” something from happening. It can be used in many different contexts to express the idea of keeping something undesirable from occurring.
Here are some examples of how to use “evitar” in a sentence:
* Evitamos las zonas peligrosas de la ciudad. (We avoided the dangerous parts of the city.)
* Evita comer demasiada comida chatarra. (Avoid eating too much junk food.)
* Tomó precauciones para evitar accidentes. (He took precautions to avoid accidents.)
Suponer
To assume; to suppose
Afectar
to affect; to influence
Generar
The Spanish verb “generar” means “to generate” or “to produce” something. It can be used in a variety of contexts to refer to the creation of something new, the production of energy or power, or the causing of a particular feeling or emotion.
Here are some examples of how to use “generar” in a sentence:
* La máquina genera electricidad. (The machine generates electricity.)
* Este evento generó mucho interés. (This event generated a lot of interest.)
* Las nuevas leyes generaron controversia. (The new laws generated controversy.)
Continuar
to continue
Cerrar
- General Meaning: To close, shut, block, or turn off.
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Specific Uses:
- Closing physical objects: Doors, windows, containers, etc. (e.g., Cierra la puerta, Close the door)
- Closing businesses or establishments: Shops, restaurants, etc. (e.g., ¿A qué hora cierran las tiendas? At what time do the shops close?)
- Blocking or obstructing something: A passage, view, etc. (e.g., Las rocas cerraban el camino, The rocks blocked the way)
- Turning off devices or utilities: Lights, water, gas, etc. (e.g., No te olvides de cerrar la luz antes de salir, Don’t forget to turn off the light before leaving)
- Finishing or concluding something: An agreement, deal, etc. (e.g., Cerraron el trato con un apretón de manos, They sealed the deal with a handshake)
- Conjugation: Cerrar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugation follows a consistent pattern across tenses. You can find conjugation tables online for reference.
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Examples:
- Present tense: “Cierro los ojos cuando duermo” (I close my eyes when I sleep)
- Past tense: “Cerramos el negocio porque no era rentable” (We closed the business because it wasn’t profitable)
- Future tense: “¿Cerrarás la ventana? It’s cold outside” (Will you close the window?)
Pagar
To pay
Acercar
The Spanish verb “acercar” means “to bring closer” or “to move closer.” It can be used in both literal and figurative senses.
* Literally: Acercar can refer to the physical movement of something or someone towards something else. For example, “Acercó la silla a la mesa” (He brought the chair closer to the table).
* Figuratively: Acercar can also be used to talk about bringing people or things together in a more abstract sense. For example, “El evento acercó a las dos culturas” (The event brought the two cultures closer together).
Levantar
Raise; lift
Participar
Participate
Representar
Represent
Tocar
To touch: This is the most literal translation, referring to the physical contact between two objects or people.
To play (an instrument): This usage refers to the act of playing a musical instrument.
To ring (a bell): This meaning signifies the sound produced by a bell or other object.
To concern (an issue): This usage implies that something is relevant or important to a particular topic or situation.
To be located (at a place): This meaning indicates the physical position of something.
To happen (at a time): This usage refers to the occurrence of an event at a specific moment.
To be someone’s turn: This meaning indicates that it is someone’s time to do something.
To feel (an emotion): This usage expresses the experience of a particular feeling.
The specific meaning of “tocar” often depends on the context and surrounding words. Here are some examples of how the verb can be used in different ways:
Tocar la guitarra (to play the guitar)
La campana toca a las cinco (the bell rings at five)
Este problema nos toca a todos (this issue concerns us all)
La casa toca la playa (the house is located near the beach)
Me toca a mí (it’s my turn)
Me toca el corazón (it touches my heart)
