4.2 Spanish Stem-Changing Verbs Study Guide

Vocabulary and grammar rules for Spanish stem-changing verbs (e:ie, o:ue, u:ue) and specific usage patterns for verbs like jugar and pensar.

Stem-changing verbs

Verbs in which the stressed vowel of the stem changes when the verb is conjugated, except in the nosotros/as and vosotros/as forms.

empezar ($e:ie$)

To begin.

volver ($o:ue$)

To return.

cerrar ($e:ie$)

To close.

comenzar ($e:ie$)

To begin.

entender ($e:ie$)

To understand.

pensar ($e:ie$)

To think.

perder ($e:ie$)

To lose; to miss.

preferir ($e:ie$)

To prefer.

querer ($e:ie$)

To want; to love.

dormir ($o:ue$)

To sleep.

encontrar ($o:ue$)

To find.

mostrar ($o:ue$)

To show.

poder ($o:ue$)

To be able to; can.

recordar ($o:ue$)

To remember.

jugar ($u:ue$)

The only Spanish verb that has a $u:ue$ stem change; means to play a sport or a game.

jugar a + [definite article]

The construction used when the name of a sport or game is mentioned after the verb jugar.

Comenzar/Empezar a + [infinitive]

The construction required when the verbs comenzar or empezar are followed by an infinitive.

pensar + [infinitive]

A construction meaning to plan or to intend to do something.

pensar en

A construction meaning to think about someone or something.