Regular -ir verbs might be the smallest group, but they’re essential for everyday conversations. Let’s unravel the simple pattern behind their conjugation and see how they help you express present actions and states in Spanish.
Conjugation Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Start with the infinitive: Take any regular -ir verb (e.g., vivir, escribir, abrir).
- Remove the “-ir” ending: You’ll be left with the verb stem.
- Add the appropriate ending for each subject:
| Subject Pronoun | Ending | Example (vivir) |
|---|---|---|
| yo | -o | vivo |
| tú | -es | vives |
| él/ella/usted | -e | vive |
| nosotros/nosotras | -imos | vivimos |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | -en | viven |
Common Examples: Bringing -IR Verbs to Life
- Vivir (to live): Yo vivo en Madrid. (I live in Madrid.)
- Escribir (to write): Tú escribes poesía. (You write poetry.)
- Abrir (to open): La tienda abre a las 9:00. (The store opens at 9:00.)
Using -IR Verbs: Expressing the Present
Regular -ir verbs are commonly used to describe:
- Ongoing states: “Ellos viven cerca del parque.” (They live near the park.)
- General truths: “El sol sale por el este.” (The sun rises in the east.)
- Habitual actions: “Nosotros escribimos un blog.” (We write a blog.)
Key Takeaway
With practice and regular use, these verbs will become second nature, allowing you to express yourself clearly and confidently in the present tense.
Synonyms:
- English: Regular -IR Verbs Present Simple
- Spanish: Verbos Regulares en -IR en Presente Simple, Presente de Indicativo, Presente