In this lesson, we will learn how to use regular Spanish verbs in the present tense.

We will focus on three types of verbs: -ar, -er, and -ir verbs. We’ll also share some important grammar tips to help you get it right.

Present Tense Conjugation of Regular Verbs

1. Regular -ar Verbs

For regular -ar verbs, we change the endings like this:

• Yo (I): -o
• Tú (you): -as
• Él/Ella (he/she): -a
• Nosotros/Nosotras (we): -amos
• Vosotros/Vosotras (you all): -áis
• Ellos/Ellas (they): -an

Example with "hablar" (to speak):

• Yo hablo (I speak)
• Tú hablas (You speak)
• Él/Ella habla (He/She speaks)
• Nosotros hablamos (We speak)
• Vosotros habláis (You all speak)
• Ellos/Ellas hablan (They speak)

2. Regular -er Verbs

Now, let’s look at regular -er verbs. Here are the endings:

• Yo: -o
• Tú: -es
• Él/Ella: -e
• Nosotros/Nosotras: -emos
• Vosotros/Vosotras: -éis
• Ellos/Ellas: -en

Example with "comer" (to eat):

• Yo como (I eat)
• Tú comes (You eat)
• Él/Ella come (He/She eats)
• Nosotros comemos (We eat)
• Vosotros coméis (You all eat)
• Ellos/Ellas comen (They eat)

3. Regular -ir Verbs

Finally, here are the endings for regular -ir verbs:

• Yo: -o
• Tú: -es
• Él/Ella: -e
• Nosotros/Nosotras: -imos
• Vosotros/Vosotras: -ís
• Ellos/Ellas: -en

Example with "vivir" (to live):

• Yo vivo (I live)
• Tú vives (You live)
• Él/Ella vive (He/She lives)
• Nosotros vivimos (We live)
• Vosotros vivís (You all live)
• Ellos/Ellas viven (They live)

Key Grammar Points

Use of Articles

In Spanish, we have two kinds of articles: definite and indefinite.

• Definite Articles (the):

  • El (masculine singular): El libro (the book)
  • La (feminine singular): La casa (the house)

• Indefinite Articles (a/an):

  • Un (masculine): Un perro (a dog)
  • Una (feminine): Una mesa (a table)

Subject Pronouns

These are the subject pronouns we use in Spanish:

• Yo (I)
• Tú (you - informal)
• Él (he)
• Ella (she)
• Nosotros/Nosotras (we)
• Vosotros/Vosotras (you plural)
• Ellos/Ellas (they)

Making Negative Sentences

To make a simple negative sentence in Spanish, just put "no" before the verb.

Example:

• Yo no hablo (I do not speak).

Present Progressive Tense

The present progressive tense shows us what is happening right now. We use the verb "estar" and a gerund (a verb ending in -ando for -ar verbs and -iendo for -er and -ir verbs).

Example:

• Estoy hablando (I am speaking).
• Estás comiendo (You are eating).

By learning these basic parts of Spanish, you will get a good understanding of the language. This will help you make simple sentences when you talk.

Remember to practice these verb endings often so you feel more comfortable using them!