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B1 verb #3,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

constituir

Top 3,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces constituir en 30 secondes

Explication constituir in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'constituir' is quite advanced. You probably won't use it yourself yet, but you might see it in very simple texts about geography or basic facts. Think of it as a formal way to say 'is' or 'makes.' For example, if you want to say 'The sun and the planets make the solar system,' a formal book might say 'constituyen.' At this stage, focus on the fact that it ends in -uir, which is a special group of verbs. You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet; just recognize it as a word that means 'to form' or 'to be part of.' If you see 'constituye,' just think 'it is' or 'it forms.' It is much more common to use 'es' or 'son' at this level. For instance, instead of 'El agua constituye la base,' you would simply say 'El agua es la base.' This is perfectly fine for a beginner. However, knowing that 'constituir' exists will help you when you start reading news headlines or official signs in Spanish-speaking countries.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to group things together and describe collections. 'Constituir' becomes useful when you want to talk about what makes up a group or a team. You might encounter it when reading about history or simple science. It is important to notice the spelling: because it ends in -uir, it changes its 'i' to a 'y' in many forms. For example: 'Ellos constituyen' (They form). You might use it to describe your family or your work team in a slightly more formal way. 'Mi familia constituye mi mayor apoyo' (My family constitutes my greatest support). This sounds more professional than just saying 'es.' You should also start to recognize the noun 'constitución,' which means the fundamental law of a country. Understanding the verb 'constituir' helps you understand that a 'constitución' is something that 'forms' or 'establishes' the rules of a nation. Try to use it once or twice in your writing to practice the 'y' spelling, but don't feel pressured to use it in casual conversation yet.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more abstract topics and express opinions with more precision. 'Constituir' is a key verb for this. Instead of always using 'ser' (to be) or 'hacer' (to make), you can use 'constituir' to describe the essence of a situation. For example, when discussing social problems, you might say: 'La falta de trabajo constituye un problema grave' (The lack of jobs constitutes a serious problem). This shows you have a higher vocabulary range. You should also be comfortable with the reflexive form 'constituirse,' which means to form into something or to establish oneself. For instance, 'Se constituyeron en una organización' (They formed themselves into an organization). At B1, you should be careful with the present tense conjugations (constituyo, constituyes, constituye, constituyen) and the past tense (constituyó). This verb is very common in news articles and formal letters, so being able to use it correctly will make your Spanish sound much more natural and 'grown-up' in professional or academic settings.

At the B2 level, 'constituir' should be a regular part of your formal vocabulary. You should use it to define concepts, legal statuses, and structural relationships. For example, in a debate, you might argue that 'Esta medida constituye una violación de la privacidad.' You should also understand its use in specific collocations like 'constituir un delito' (to constitute a crime) or 'constituir una amenaza' (to constitute a threat). At this level, you should also be aware of the nuances between 'constituir,' 'componer,' and 'formar.' You use 'constituir' when the emphasis is on the definition or the formal existence of the whole. You should be able to use it in various tenses, including the subjunctive ('Es importante que esto no constituya un obstáculo'). You will encounter this verb frequently in literature and technical reports. Using it effectively allows you to avoid the repetitive use of 'ser' and gives your arguments more weight and authority. It is a 'bridge' verb that moves your Spanish from functional to professional.

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At the C1 level, you must have a complete grasp of 'constituir' and its various shades of meaning. You should use it to discuss complex philosophical, legal, or scientific structures. At this level, you might use the reflexive 'constituirse en' to describe someone taking on a specific role or authority, often with a nuance of self-appointment: 'Se constituyó en el portavoz del grupo' (He made himself the spokesperson of the group). You should also be familiar with its use in legal terminology, such as 'constituir una sociedad' (to incorporate a company) or 'constituir una fianza' (to post bail/deposit). Your usage should be precise; you know that 'constituir' defines the very nature of something. For instance, 'El lenguaje constituye la realidad' (Language constitutes reality). You should also be comfortable using it in complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses or with advanced connectors. At C1, the verb is no longer just a 'formal word' but a precise tool for defining the ontological or legal status of whatever you are discussing.

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At the C2 level, 'constituir' is used with total precision and stylistic flair. You understand its deepest etymological roots (from the Latin 'constituere' - to place together, to establish) and how it functions in highly specialized fields like jurisprudence, philosophy, and high-level diplomacy. You can distinguish between its use as a simple linking verb of essence and its performative use in law, where the act of saying 'se constituye' actually brings the entity into being. You might use it in literary analysis to discuss how certain elements 'constitute' the narrative arc of a novel. You are also aware of rare or archaic uses and can navigate the subtle differences between 'constituir,' 'erigirse,' and 'instituir.' Your mastery of the 'y' insertion in all moods (including the rarely used future subjunctive) is flawless. At this level, 'constituir' is a fundamental building block of your sophisticated discourse, allowing you to articulate the structural and essential nature of complex systems with the same ease as a native-speaking academic or legal expert.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

constituir en 30 secondes

Constituir is a formal Spanish verb meaning to form, establish, or represent.
It is irregular, inserting a 'y' in most present tense forms (e.g., constituyo).
Commonly used in legal, academic, and news contexts to define essential roles.
Can be used reflexively (constituirse) to mean 'to establish oneself as.'

The Spanish verb constituir is a sophisticated and versatile term that English speakers often translate as 'to constitute,' 'to form,' 'to make up,' or 'to establish.' While it may sound overly formal to a beginner, it is an essential component of mid-to-high-level Spanish, particularly when discussing abstract concepts, legal frameworks, or the composition of a whole. At its core, constituir describes the relationship between parts and the whole they create, or the act of officially bringing something into existence.

Compositional Use: This is when you describe what something is made of. For example, 'These three ingredients constitute the base of the sauce.' In Spanish, you would say: Estos tres ingredientes constituyen la base de la salsa.

La educación y el respeto constituyen los pilares de nuestra sociedad.

Beyond simple composition, the verb is frequently used to identify the essence or the legal status of an action or object. If a behavior 'constitutes' a crime, we use constituir. This usage is vital in journalism, law, and academic writing. It elevates the register of your speech, moving from the simple es (is) to a more precise description of a functional role.

Legal and Formal Establishment: It is used when a company or an organization is officially founded. La empresa se constituyó en 1995. (The company was incorporated/established in 1995.)

Esa acción podría constituir una violación de los derechos humanos.

In everyday conversation, you might hear it when people discuss health or personal habits. For instance, 'Sugar constitutes a danger to health.' Even though es is grammatically correct, constituye adds a layer of authoritative weight to the statement. It suggests a definitive characteristic rather than a temporary state.

Los jóvenes constituyen la mayor parte de la población activa.

The Reflexive Form: When used as constituirse, it often means to set oneself up as something or to assemble as a body (like a jury). El comité se constituyó ayer.

Se constituyeron en asamblea para decidir el futuro del barrio.

Esta nueva evidencia constituye una prueba irrefutable de su inocencia.

Using constituir correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb that links a subject (the parts or the essence) to an object (the whole or the definition). It behaves much like the English 'to be' but with a focus on structure and validity. Unlike 'ser,' which is a general linking verb, constituir implies that the subject is the fundamental building block of the object.

Subject-Verb-Object Structure: The most common pattern is [A] constituye [B]. Example: El agua constituye el 70% del cuerpo humano. (Water constitutes 70% of the human body.)

Diez personas constituyen el equipo de rescate.

When using it in the passive voice or describing how something is formed, you might use it with the preposition 'en' in the reflexive form: se constituye en. This is often used when a group transforms into a specific entity. For example, 'The group constituted itself into a political party.' In Spanish: El grupo se constituyó en partido político. This 'en' is crucial here; it marks the resulting state or identity.

Abstract Subjects: It is very common with abstract nouns like 'falta,' 'riesgo,' or 'oportunidad.' Su ausencia constituye una falta de respeto. (His absence constitutes a lack of respect.)

Este descubrimiento constituye un gran avance para la ciencia.

In formal writing, you will see it used to define categories. If you are writing a report, you might say: 'The following points constitute our main objectives.' Los siguientes puntos constituyen nuestros objetivos principales. Notice how the verb agrees with the subject (los puntos), which is plural.

La familia constituye la unidad básica de la sociedad.

The Preterite vs. Imperfect: Use the preterite (constituyó) for the act of establishing something at a specific point in time. Use the imperfect (constituía) to describe what something used to represent or be made of over a period.

Aquel gesto constituyó el inicio de una larga amistad.

Las exportaciones constituyen el motor de la economía local.

While you might not hear constituir while ordering a coffee at a busy 'cafetería,' you will encounter it constantly in the Spanish-speaking world's intellectual and professional life. It is a 'high-frequency formal' word. If you turn on the news in Madrid, Mexico City, or Buenos Aires, you are almost guaranteed to hear it within the first ten minutes of a broadcast concerning law, economics, or social issues.

News and Media: Journalists use it to define the gravity of a situation. 'The drought constitutes a national emergency.' La sequía constituye una emergencia nacional. It sounds more objective and serious than using 'es.'

El aumento de precios constituye una preocupación para las familias.

In the workplace, specifically during meetings or when reading contracts, constituir is the standard for discussing the formation of teams or the creation of legal entities. If a manager says, 'We need to constitute a task force,' they will use constituir un grupo de trabajo. It implies a formal, structured beginning rather than just a casual gathering of people.

Legal and Political Discourse: This is perhaps the most common domain. Laws 'constitute' rights; courts 'constitute' themselves to hear cases. The word 'Constitución' (Constitution) comes directly from this verb, emphasizing its role in establishing the very foundation of a state.

El tribunal se constituyó para juzgar los hechos denunciados.

Even in sports commentary, if a player's performance is legendary, a commentator might say: 'This victory constitutes a milestone in his career.' Esta victoria constituye un hito en su carrera. It adds a sense of historical importance. In essence, whenever a Spanish speaker wants to frame an event or a fact as something significant, structural, or official, they reach for constituir.

Estas reformas constituyen un cambio radical en el sistema educativo.

Formal Invitations and Announcements: Sometimes used in very formal social contexts: 'Your presence constitutes a great honor for us.' Su presencia constituye un gran honor para nosotros.

El patrimonio cultural constituye la herencia de nuestros antepasados.

Learning constituir comes with a few linguistic traps that can trip up even advanced learners. The most frequent errors involve conjugation, confusion with similar-looking words, and using the wrong register. Because it is a verb that ends in -uir, it follows a specific irregular pattern that doesn't apply to most -ir verbs.

The 'Y' Conjugation Error: Many students forget to insert the 'y' in the present tense. They might say 'él constituye' correctly but then fail at 'yo constituyo' (often incorrectly saying 'constituo'). Remember: yo constituyo, tú constituyes, él constituye, ellos constituyen. The 'y' is essential for the sound and the spelling.

Incorrecto: Los libros constituien la base. Correcto: Los libros constituyen la base.

Another common mistake is confusing constituir with construir (to build). While they share a similar root, construir refers to physical construction (building a house), whereas constituir refers to the abstract formation or legal establishment. You 'build' a wall, but you 'constitute' a committee. Using construir when you mean 'form a group' sounds very strange in Spanish.

Overuse in Informal Settings: While not a 'grammar' mistake, using constituir while hanging out with friends can make you sound like a textbook. If you say 'This pizza constitutes my dinner' (Esta pizza constituye mi cena), your friends might think you're being funny or overly dramatic. Stick to es or forma for casual talk.

Incorrecto: Mi hermano constituye un buen amigo. Correcto: Mi hermano es un buen amigo.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the preposition 'en'. When something 'becomes' or 'is established as' something else, you need se constituye EN. Forgetting the 'en' changes the meaning or makes the sentence incomplete. 'Se constituyó en líder' means 'He established himself as a leader.' Without the 'en', the sentence feels like it's missing its destination.

Se constituyó en el principal defensor de la causa.

To master constituir, it is helpful to see how it fits into a family of verbs that deal with creation, formation, and essence. Depending on whether you are talking about physical parts, legal status, or abstract definitions, you might choose a different word to be more precise.

Formar vs. Constituir: Formar is the most common and versatile alternative. It can be used for both physical and abstract things. Formar un equipo is common. Constituir is more formal and implies that the formation has an official or essential status.

Ellos formaron un círculo (Physical). El acuerdo constituye un avance (Abstract/Official).

Another close relative is Componer. This verb is used specifically when talking about the ingredients or components that make up a whole. While constituir says 'X is Y,' componer (usually in passive estar compuesto por) says 'Y is made of X.' For example: 'The committee is composed of five members' (El comité está compuesto por cinco miembros) vs 'Five members constitute the committee' (Cinco miembros constituyen el comité).

Representar vs. Constituir: Representar is used when something stands in for or symbolizes something else. Constituir is used when something actually IS the thing by definition. 'His behavior represents his upbringing' vs 'His behavior constitutes a crime.'

Esta cifra representa el éxito (Symbolic). Esta cifra constituye el total (Literal/Structural).

For legal and official contexts, Establecer (to establish) is a strong alternative. If you are talking about setting up a rule or a company, establecer focuses on the act of starting it, while constituir focuses on its formal structure and existence. You 'establish' a law, and that law 'constitutes' a new reality.

El hidrógeno y el oxígeno forman el agua. El agua está compuesta por hidrógeno y oxígeno.

Summary of Alternatives

Ser: Simple identity.
Formar: General formation.
Componer: Structural makeup.
Erguirse: To set oneself up as (literary).
Integrar: To be part of.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'statue' comes from the same Latin root 'statuere', because a statue is something that is 'set up' or 'established' in a place.

Guide de prononciation

UK /konstituˈir/

US /konstituˈir/

The stress is on the final syllable 'ir' because it ends in 'r'.

Rime avec

sustituir destituir restituir instituir fluir huir concluir incluir

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it like the English 'constitute'.
Failing to flap the 'r' at the end.
Merging the 'u' and 'i' too quickly like a single vowel.
Stress on the wrong syllable (don't say con-STI-tuir).
Nasalizing the 'on' like in French.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Common in texts, but requires knowing the -uir pattern.

Écriture 4/5

Challenging due to the 'y' insertion in conjugations.

Expression orale 4/5

Hard to use naturally without sounding overly formal.

Écoute 2/5

Usually clear context in news or academic speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

ser formar hacer parte grupo

Apprends ensuite

instituir sustituir destituir restituir establecer

Avancé

ontología jurisprudencia estatutario inherente

Grammaire à connaître

Irregularity of -uir verbs

Verbs like constituir, huir, and incluir change 'i' to 'y' before 'o', 'e', and 'a'.

Reflexive pronouns for establishment

Se constituyó (It was established/formed).

Transitive verb agreement

Los libros (plural) constituyen (plural) la base.

Preposition 'en' with status changes

Se constituyó en líder (He became/established himself as leader).

Subjunctive with doubt/opinion

No creo que esto constituya un riesgo.

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Exemples par niveau

Estos libros constituyen mi colección.

These books make up my collection.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

El agua constituye la mayor parte de la fruta.

Water constitutes most of the fruit.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Cinco personas constituyen el grupo.

Five people make up the group.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Esto constituye un regalo para ti.

This is (constitutes) a gift for you.

Note: 'Es' is more common at A1, but 'constituye' is formal.

La harina y el agua constituyen la masa.

Flour and water make up the dough.

Compound subject with plural verb.

Ellos constituyen un buen equipo.

They form a good team.

Notice the 'y' in constituyen.

Las flores constituyen el jardín.

The flowers make up the garden.

Plural subject and verb.

Tú constituyes una parte importante de la clase.

You are (constitute) an important part of the class.

2nd person singular with 'y'.

La familia constituye el núcleo de la sociedad.

The family constitutes the core of society.

Common sociological phrase.

Estos documentos constituyen la prueba.

These documents constitute the proof.

Formal use of 'prueba'.

El azúcar constituye un peligro para los dientes.

Sugar constitutes a danger to teeth.

Abstract concept: danger.

Ocho provincias constituyen Andalucía.

Eight provinces make up Andalusia.

Geographical description.

Su opinión constituye una ayuda para nosotros.

Your opinion constitutes a help for us.

Using 'constituye' to add importance.

Los jóvenes constituyen el futuro.

Young people constitute the future.

Common rhetorical use.

El sol constituye la fuente de energía.

The sun constitutes the source of energy.

Scientific context.

Esta casa constituye su único patrimonio.

This house constitutes his only asset.

Formal word for assets: patrimonio.

La falta de lluvia constituye una amenaza para el campo.

The lack of rain constitutes a threat to the countryside.

B1 vocabulary: amenaza.

Se constituyeron en comité para investigar el caso.

They formed themselves into a committee to investigate the case.

Reflexive 'se constituyeron en'.

Este descubrimiento constituye un hito histórico.

This discovery constitutes a historical milestone.

B1 vocabulary: hito.

No creo que esto constituya un problema real.

I don't think this constitutes a real problem.

Present subjunctive after 'no creo que'.

Las exportaciones constituyen la base de la economía.

Exports constitute the base of the economy.

Economic context.

Su comportamiento constituye una falta grave.

His behavior constitutes a serious offense.

Legal/Formal context.

La empresa se constituyó el año pasado.

The company was established last year.

Preterite reflexive for establishment.

Estas piezas constituyen el motor completo.

These parts make up the complete engine.

Describing mechanical components.

La educación constituye un derecho fundamental.

Education constitutes a fundamental right.

Legal/Human rights context.

El tribunal se constituyó a las diez de la mañana.

The court convened (constituted itself) at ten in the morning.

Specific legal use for 'convening'.

Espero que mi ausencia no constituya un inconveniente.

I hope my absence does not constitute an inconvenience.

Subjunctive mood used for politeness.

Las pymes constituyen el tejido empresarial del país.

SMEs constitute the business fabric of the country.

B2 vocabulary: tejido empresarial.

Su renuncia constituye una sorpresa para todos.

His resignation constitutes a surprise for everyone.

Formal reporting.

La ley constituye el marco de nuestra convivencia.

The law constitutes the framework of our coexistence.

Abstract legal framework.

El hidrógeno constituye el elemento más abundante.

Hydrogen constitutes the most abundant element.

Scientific fact.

Se constituyó una fianza para asegurar su libertad.

Bail was posted (constituted) to ensure his freedom.

Technical legal use for bail.

La cultura constituye el alma de un pueblo.

Culture constitutes the soul of a people.

Metaphorical/Philosophical use.

Tales actos constituyen un delito de alta traición.

Such acts constitute a crime of high treason.

High-level legal terminology.

La subjetividad constituye la esencia de su obra.

Subjectivity constitutes the essence of his work.

Literary/Artistic analysis.

El grupo se constituyó en parte interesada en el proceso.

The group established itself as an interested party in the process.

Reflexive + 'en' + legal status.

La biodiversidad constituye una riqueza incalculable.

Biodiversity constitutes an incalculable wealth.

Environmental discourse.

Sus palabras constituyen un testimonio de la época.

His words constitute a testimony of the era.

Historical/C1 register.

La transparencia constituye un pilar de la democracia.

Transparency constitutes a pillar of democracy.

Political science terminology.

El contrato se constituyó bajo fe notarial.

The contract was established under a notary's faith.

Formal legal procedure.

La otredad constituye el eje central de su filosofía.

Otherness constitutes the central axis of his philosophy.

Advanced philosophical term: otredad.

La infracción constituyó un agravante en la sentencia.

The infraction constituted an aggravating factor in the sentence.

Legal nuance: agravante.

El lenguaje no solo describe, sino que constituye el mundo.

Language not only describes, but also constitutes the world.

Ontological/Linguistic assertion.

Se constituyó en el garante de la paz en la región.

He established himself as the guarantor of peace in the region.

Specific role: garante.

La mera sospecha constituye un insulto a su honor.

Mere suspicion constitutes an insult to his honor.

Refined rhetorical structure.

Estas variables constituyen el núcleo del modelo matemático.

These variables constitute the core of the mathematical model.

Advanced scientific modeling.

La asamblea se constituyó en sesión permanente.

The assembly went into (constituted itself as) permanent session.

Parliamentary terminology.

La dialéctica constituye el motor de la historia según Marx.

Dialectics constitutes the engine of history according to Marx.

Historical materialism context.

Collocations courantes

constituir un delito

constituir una amenaza

constituir la base

constituir una sociedad

constituir un ejemplo

constituir un hito

constituir un riesgo

constituir una prueba

constituir un obstáculo

constituirse en parte

Phrases Courantes

constituir un todo

— To form a complete unit or whole.

Las partes individuales constituyen un todo coherente.

constituir domicilio

— Legal phrase meaning to designate an official address.

El demandado debe constituir domicilio legal.

constituir en mora

— Legal phrase meaning to officially declare someone in default/late.

El acreedor constituyó en mora al deudor.

constituirse en autoridad

— To take on a position of power or command.

Se constituyó en autoridad máxima del pueblo.

constituir un precedente

— To set a precedent for future actions.

Esta sentencia constituye un precedente importante.

constituir el grueso

— To make up the majority of something.

Los voluntarios constituyen el grueso de la fuerza.

constituir un honor

— A very formal way to say something is an honor.

Constituye un honor recibir este premio.

constituir un reto

— To represent a challenge.

Aprender chino constituye un gran reto.

constituir una ventaja

— To be an advantage.

Ser bilingüe constituye una ventaja competitiva.

constituir el núcleo

— To be the central or most important part.

Ellos constituyen el núcleo del problema.

Souvent confondu avec

constituir vs construir

Means to build physically (houses, bridges). Constituir is for abstract/legal formation.

constituir vs constar de

Means 'to consist of'. Constituir means 'to form'.

constituir vs destituir

Means to remove someone from office. It is the opposite of a formal appointment.

Expressions idiomatiques

"constituirse en juez y parte"

— To be both the judge and a party involved (to have a conflict of interest).

No puedes constituirte en juez y parte en este conflicto.

Formal/Legal

"constituir una piña"

— To form a very tight-knit, united group (mostly Spain).

El equipo constituye una piña ante la adversidad.

Informal

"constituir un mundo aparte"

— To be something completely different or separate.

Esa región constituye un mundo aparte dentro del país.

Metaphorical

"constituir el pan de cada día"

— To be a daily occurrence (though 'ser' is more common).

Las quejas constituyen el pan de cada día aquí.

Idiomatic

"constituirse en ley"

— To become the absolute rule or standard.

Su palabra se constituyó en ley para sus seguidores.

Rhetorical

"constituir un secreto a voces"

— To be an open secret.

Su relación constituye un secreto a voces en la oficina.

Colloquial/Formal mix

"constituir un callejón sin salida"

— To be a dead end or a situation with no solution.

Esta negociación constituye un callejón sin salida.

Metaphorical

"constituir una bofetada"

— To be a figurative slap in the face or an insult.

Su desprecio constituye una bofetada a nuestro trabajo.

Emotive

"constituir el eje"

— To be the pivot or central axis of something.

La paz constituye el eje de su discurso.

Academic

"constituir una mina de oro"

— To be a gold mine (a source of great wealth/value).

Esos datos constituyen una mina de oro para el marketing.

Business

Facile à confondre

constituir vs Instituir

Similar sound and meaning.

Instituir is specifically for setting up laws, customs, or systems. Constituir is broader and includes composition.

Instituyeron el voto femenino. / El hidrógeno constituye el agua.

constituir vs Componer

Both deal with parts and wholes.

Componer is usually used in the passive (está compuesto por). Constituir is active (A constituye B).

El agua está compuesta por... / El agua constituye...

constituir vs Formar

Direct synonyms in many cases.

Formar is more common and can be physical. Constituir is more formal and official.

Formar una fila. / Constituir una asamblea.

constituir vs Representar

Both can mean 'to be'.

Representar implies symbolism. Constituir implies literal essence or definition.

Esto representa mi amor. / Esto constituye un contrato.

constituir vs Sustituir

Rhyming verbs ending in -uir.

Sustituir means to replace. Constituir means to form.

Voy a sustituir el azúcar por miel.

Structures de phrases

Sujeto + constituye + Sustantivo

Esto constituye mi trabajo.

Sujeto plural + constituyen + Sustantivo

Ellos constituyen un equipo.

Sujeto abstracto + constituye + un/una + Sustantivo

Su ayuda constituye una gran ventaja.

Sujeto + se constituyó + en + Sustantivo

El grupo se constituyó en asociación.

No + creer que + Sujeto + constituya + ...

No creo que constituya un problema.

Sujeto + constituir + el + [núcleo/eje/pilar] + de + ...

La paz constituye el eje de la política.

Pasiva con ser: Fue constituido por...

El comité fue constituido por el decano.

Sujeto + constituye + de por sí + un/una + ...

Su mera presencia constituye de por sí un desafío.

Famille de mots

Noms

constitución

constituyente

constitucionalidad

Verbes

reconstituir

desconstituir

Adjectifs

constitucional

constitutivo

constituyente

Apparenté

estatuto

reglamento

institución

formación

composición

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in written/formal Spanish, Medium in spoken Spanish.

Erreurs courantes

Los libros constituien la base. → Los libros constituyen la base.
Verbs in -uir change the 'i' to 'y' in the present plural form.
La casa constituye de tres pisos. → La casa consta de tres pisos.
'Constituir' does not mean 'to consist of'; for that, use 'constar de'.
Yo constituo una empresa. → Yo constituyo una empresa.
The first person singular also needs the 'y'.
Vamos a construir un comité. → Vamos a constituir un comité.
'Construir' is for physical buildings; 'constituir' is for abstract groups.
Esto es constituye un problema. → Esto constituye un problema.
Don't use 'es' and 'constituye' together; 'constituye' already acts as the verb.

Astuces

The Y Rule

Always remember the 'y' in the present tense: constituyo, constituyes, constituye, constituyen. Without it, the word is misspelled and mispronounced.

Elevate Your Essays

Replace 'es' with 'constituye' in your B2/C1 essays when defining concepts. It instantly makes your writing sound more academic.

Business Formation

If you are starting a business in a Spanish-speaking country, the verb you will see on all the paperwork is 'constituir'.

Synonym Choice

Use 'formar' for physical shapes and 'constituir' for abstract definitions or legal entities.

Stress the End

For the infinitive 'constituir', make sure the stress is on the 'ir' at the very end.

Essence vs. Part

Constituir often implies that the subject is the most important or defining part of the object.

Self-Establishment

Use 'se constituyó en' when someone takes on a formal role, like 'se constituyó en portavoz'.

No 'De'

Never say 'constituye de'. It is a transitive verb that takes a direct object. 'Constituye la base' (Correct) vs 'Constituye de la base' (Incorrect).

DELE Tip

In the DELE exam, using 'constituir un hito' or 'constituir una amenaza' shows high lexical control.

Foundational Roots

Think of the 'Constitution' to remember that this verb is about the 'foundation' of things.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Constituir' as 'Constructing an Institution.' Both words start with 'Const' and deal with building something formal.

Association visuelle

Imagine a group of people holding up different parts of a giant law book. They 'constitute' the book's support.

Word Web

Ley Formar Base Sociedad Delito Grupo Esencia Estructura

Défi

Try to write a paragraph about your country's government using 'constituir' at least three times in different tenses.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'constituere', which is formed by the prefix 'com-' (together) and 'statuere' (to set, to place, to establish).

Sens originel : To set up together, to station, to arrange, or to appoint.

Romance (Latin root)

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but ensure not to confuse it with 'destituir' (to dismiss from office), which has a negative connotation.

English speakers often use 'make up' or 'be' where Spanish speakers prefer 'constituir' in formal writing.

La Constitución Española de 1978. The phrase 'Se constituye la sesión' in parliamentary proceedings. The legal concept of 'Cuerpo del delito' (corpus delicti) which constitutes the proof of a crime.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Law

Constituir un delito
Constituir una sociedad
Constituirse en parte
Constituir una fianza

Science

Constituir la materia
Constituir el núcleo
Elementos que constituyen
Constituir una muestra

Business

Constituir una empresa
Constituir el capital
Constituir un fondo
Constituir un comité

Politics

Constituir un gobierno
Constituir una coalición
Constituir la oposición
Constituir un derecho

Social/Abstract

Constituir una falta
Constituir un honor
Constituir una sorpresa
Constituir un hito

Amorces de conversation

"¿Qué elementos crees que constituyen una buena amistad?"

"¿Crees que el dinero constituye la base de la felicidad?"

"En tu opinión, ¿qué constituye el mayor reto para los jóvenes hoy?"

"¿Cómo se constituye una empresa legalmente en tu país?"

"¿Qué tipo de acciones constituyen una falta de respeto en tu cultura?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe los valores que constituyen tu personalidad y por qué son importantes para ti.

Escribe sobre un evento en tu vida que constituyó un cambio radical en tu forma de pensar.

Analiza qué elementos constituyen el éxito profesional desde tu punto de vista.

Imagina que fundas una organización. Describe cómo se constituye y cuáles son sus pilares.

Reflexiona sobre si las redes sociales constituyen una amenaza para la privacidad real.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, es irregular. Como otros verbos terminados en -uir, inserta una 'y' en las formas donde la terminación empieza con 'o', 'e' o 'a'. Por ejemplo: yo constituyo, tú constituyes, ellos constituyen.

'Ser' es el verbo básico para identidad. 'Constituir' se usa en contextos más formales para indicar que algo es la esencia, la base o la definición oficial de otra cosa. Ejemplo: 'Él es el líder' vs 'Él se constituyó en líder'.

Sí, pero suena muy formal. Puedes decir 'Las piezas constituyen el reloj', pero en el habla cotidiana es más normal decir 'Las piezas forman el reloj' o 'El reloj está hecho de piezas'.

Es un término legal. Significa que una persona o grupo se presenta formalmente en un juicio o proceso legal como un interesado con derechos y obligaciones.

Se usa con la forma reflexiva 'constituirse en' para indicar que algo o alguien se transforma o se establece con un nuevo rol o estatus. Ejemplo: 'El pueblo se constituyó en asamblea'.

Sí, es un término estándar en todo el mundo hispanohablante, especialmente en medios de comunicación y documentos oficiales.

Depende. Para un hecho puntual, usas el pretérito: 'constituyó'. Para una descripción en el pasado, usas el imperfecto: 'constituía'.

Puedes, pero suena como un libro de texto de química. 'La harina constituye la base' es correcto pero muy formal para una cocina.

Exactamente. La 'Constitución' es el conjunto de leyes que 'constituyen' o establecen la estructura de un Estado.

Confundirlo con 'to consist of'. Recuerda que 'constituir' no lleva 'de'. No digas 'constituye de', di simplemente 'constituye'.

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