LES: Lesson - Verb Conjugation, Subject Pronouns

Verb Conjugation - Subject Pronouns

Unlike English, in Spanish the speaker (I, you, etc.) is implied in the verb form.

We can say Hablo inglés, and it is understood to mean: I speak English, even though the Spanish sentence only included the verb form hablo.

However, we can also add the implied pronoun Yo (meaning I) for stress or clarification. Also, Spanish has a special rule for the informal you, and the polite (formal) you. Using the verb hablar as our example:

  • I would address a family member by saying:
    • Hablas bien. - You speak well.
  • However, to a stranger or a superior, I would say:
    • Usted habla bien. - You speak well.
    • We achieve this by adding the polite you (usted) and using the habla (third person, singular) form.

How Complicated Will This Get?

Remember the English conjugation, where we had a total of four (or five) verb forms? Spanish is going to ask a lot more of us, in terms of verb forms.

To begin with, Spanish has 14 different conjugations for each verb - yes, you read that right: 14! Each tense has its own set of endings and then there are other factors that affect how a verb is formed (stuff that you don't need to worry about right now, but that we will learn much later!).

In addition to learning the 14 separate conjugations of each verb, we are also faced with the sometimes confusing task of deciding when to use the particular conjugation.

For example (brace yourself) Spanish has two simple past tenses, the preterit and the imperfect, that are translated into English in the same way but used in separate contexts.

Take a breath...don't let all of this information overwhelm you! This is Spanish I.

We will begin with just one conjugation: present tense verb conjugation. Eventually, we will add a few other simple conjugations. The most important thing is to take your time and get a good foundation. Learn these basic conjugation rules the best that you can so you can build the best foundation!

Download Conjugation Chart Handout

Download the Verb Conjugation Practice Charts Links to an external site. handout.

We prepared this document for you to practice verb conjugation during this entire course. Have the chart open or print a copy, follow the videos below, and complete a few charts. This is your first conjugation lesson and is very important. You may want to watch these next video lessons a few times before you move forward with your studies.

Video Lesson - Conjugation Basics

A notebook and pen with ¡Toma apuntes! written on it.

Now, understanding pronouns is the first step for verb conjugation. If you need to review pronouns, go back to module 2. Take your time, review, and come back. No rush, we are here!

Before we begin with AR verb conjugation, the conjugation we will learn in this module, let’s view a video lesson on basic verb conjugation. Don’t forget your agua, un cuaderno y un lápiz.

We suggest you practice your verb conjugation chart as demonstrated in this video. You will use it often in this course and in your mind as you conjugate verbs in Spanish.

Video credit: Cyber Profe: cyberprofe.com

[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Links to an external site.] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION - INTENDED ONLY FOR USE WITHIN LESSON.