Spanish Irregular Verb Difference Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering differences in present-tense meaning and usage among common Spanish irregular verb pairs.

SER

to be - Used for what someone/something is: identity, origin, characteristics, profession.

ESTAR

to be - Used for how or where someone/something is: location, feelings, conditions.

IR

to go - Movement away from where you are; focuses on where you are going.

VENIR

to come - Movement toward the speaker or destination being discussed.

TENER

to have - Used for possession and for some ideas English expresses with 'to be' (e.g., Tengo hambre, Tengo 25 años).

HACER

to do / make - Used for doing/making things and for weather (e.g., Hace calor, Hace frío).

SABER

to know information, facts, or how to do something (when followed by an infinitive).

CONOCER

to know / be familiar with a person, place, or thing.

DECIR

to say / tell - Focuses on what is being said.

HABLAR

to speak / talk - Focuses on the act of speaking.

PONER

to put/place - Places something somewhere.

TRAER

to bring - Moves something toward you/somewhere.

SALIR

to leave / go out - Focuses on leaving a place.

PODER

can / to be able to - Having the ability or opportunity to do something.

QUERER

to want.

DORMIR

to sleep - Describes the action of sleeping.

ESTAR CANSADO

to be tired - Describes a person's condition.

PEDIR

to ask for / request something.

PREGUNTAR

to ask a question.

OÍR

to hear - Sound reaches your ears, even if you are not trying.

ESCUCHAR

to listen - Intentionally paying attention.

VER

to see - Something enters your vision.

MIRAR

to look at / watch - Intentionally directing your eyes toward something.

DAR

to give - Something goes from one person to another.