Present tense -AR verbs
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In Spanish, verbs are divided into three categories for all tenses: -ar verbs, -er verbs, and -ir verbs. The -ar, -er, and -ir refer to the unconjugated infinitive ending of the verb. Examples of each are hablar (to speak), comer (to eat), and vivir (to live). Verbs are classified in this manner because each type has its own conjugation pattern. In this display, -ar present tense verb conjugations are the focus.
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hablar (to speak) |
Singular |
yo
|
habl-
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+ o
|
tú
|
habl-
|
+ as
|
usted
|
habl-
|
+ a
|
él / ella
|
habl-
|
+ a
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EXAMPLES: |
Yo hablo español. Él habla francés.
|
Plural |
nosotros / nosotras
|
habl-
|
+ amos
|
vosotros / vosotras
|
habl-
|
+ áis
|
ustedes
|
habl-
|
+ an
|
ellos / ellas
|
habl-
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+ an
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EXAMPLES: |
Nosotros hablamos inglés. Ellos hablan alemán.
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In the table above hablar is divided by its stem habl- and its conjugation ending, which changes with the subject. To conjugate any regular -ar verb, remove the -ar to find the verb stem, then add the proper ending.
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Attention: The verb conjugations for Ud., él, and ella are the same. Also, Uds., ellos, and ellas have the same conjugation ending. This is true for all verbs in all tenses.
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Attention: The Spanish present tense is equivalent to three English forms.
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Yo hablo español.
I speak Spanish.
I am speaking Spanish.
I do speak Spanish.
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Attention: The verb endings indicate who is doing the action, so often the subject pronouns are omitted. However, they can be used at any time, especially for emphasis or clarification.
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Trabajo mañana.
I work tomorrow.
¿Trabaja ella también? Does she also work?
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