A1 Present Tense 17 min read Easy

Present Tense -AR Verbs: Speaking (Hablar)

Master -ar endings to unlock the most common verb group in the Spanish language.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

To conjugate regular -AR verbs, drop the -AR and add the endings: -o, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an.

  • Identify the stem by removing the -AR ending from the infinitive (e.g., Hablar -> Habl-).
  • Match the subject pronoun to the correct ending (e.g., Yo hablo, Tú hablas).
  • Remember that the 'yo' form always ends in -o, regardless of the verb type.
Subject + [Stem] + [Ending] = Action!

Overview

Spanish verbs are the dynamic core of the language, indicating action, state, or occurrence. Unlike English, where verbs often change minimally, Spanish verbs undergo significant modifications—known as conjugation—to reflect who is performing the action and when. The dictionary form of a Spanish verb, called the infinitive, always ends in one of three ways: -ar, -er, or -ir.

These endings categorize verbs into distinct conjugation patterns.

Verbs ending in -ar constitute the largest and most regular group, making them foundational for any beginner. Approximately 70% of all Spanish verbs follow this consistent pattern, which provides a reliable framework for understanding a vast portion of the language's verbal system. Mastering the conjugation of a single regular -ar verb like hablar (to speak, to talk) therefore unlocks the ability to conjugate thousands of others, establishing a critical linguistic pattern.

When you conjugate hablar, you remove the -ar ending to find the stem (habl-), and then attach new endings that precisely communicate the subject of the verb. This system allows for efficient communication, often enabling native speakers to omit explicit subject pronouns like yo (I) or tú (you) because the verb's ending already clarifies who is performing the action. For instance, hablo distinctly means "I speak," with the -o ending singularly identifying yo as the subject.

This inherent self-identification within the verb form is a hallmark of Spanish grammar.

Conjugation Table

Subject Pronoun Conjugated Form Translation (Literal) Translation (Common)
:------------------ :-------------- :---------------------------- :---------------------------------------
yo (I) hablo I speak I speak
tú (you, informal) hablas You speak You speak
él (he) habla He speaks He speaks
ella (she) habla She speaks She speaks
usted (you, formal) habla You (formal) speak You speak (formal)
nosotros/as (we) hablamos We speak We speak
vosotros/as (you all, Spain) habláis You all (Spain) speak You all speak (Spain)
ellos (they, masc.) hablan They (masc.) speak They speak
ellas (they, fem.) hablan They (fem.) speak They speak
ustedes (you all, LatAm/formal) hablan You all (LatAm/formal) speak You all speak (Latin America/formal)

How This Grammar Works

The mechanism of Spanish verb conjugation in the present tense fundamentally differs from English, especially for regular verbs like hablar. In English, the verb form changes primarily for the third-person singular (e.g., "I speak," "he speaks"). Spanish, however, employs a system of unique endings for nearly every subject pronoun.
This approach encodes the grammatical person (first, second, third) and number (singular, plural) directly into the verb itself, providing a highly precise and compact way to convey information.
This inherent information within the verb ending has a profound effect on sentence structure and communication efficiency. Because the ending identifies the subject, Spanish speakers frequently omit explicit subject pronouns. For example, when you hear trabajo (I work), the -o ending immediately signifies "I" as the subject, rendering yo optional unless used for emphasis, contrast, or clarity.
This makes Spanish sound more fluid and less repetitive than a direct English translation might suggest.
Consider the sentences Ella habla español. (She speaks Spanish.) versus Habla español. (She speaks Spanish.). Both are grammatically correct. The latter, without the pronoun ella, is more common in everyday speech due to the verb ending -a clearly pointing to a third-person singular subject.
This principle of pro-drop (pronoun dropping) is a cornerstone of Spanish fluency, allowing for more concise expression once learners internalize the verb patterns. It reflects a linguistic economy where redundant information is often omitted, relying on context and verb morphology to ensure clarity.

Formation Pattern

1
Conjugating regular -ar verbs in the present tense follows a consistent, two-step process. This pattern is crucial because it applies to the vast majority of verbs ending in -ar, making it a highly transferable skill that forms the backbone of your early Spanish vocabulary. Once you master this for hablar, you can apply it to hundreds of other verbs.
2
Identify the Stem: Begin with the infinitive form of the verb (the -ar form). The infinitive is the unconjugated form, representing the verb's basic meaning. To find the stem, simply remove the -ar ending. The remaining part is the stem (also known as the root or radical).
3
For hablar (to speak), remove -ar to get habl-.
4
For cantar (to sing), remove -ar to get cant-.
5
For estudiar (to study), remove -ar to get estudi-.
6
Add the Appropriate Ending: Once you have isolated the stem, attach one of the following specific endings. These endings are determined by the subject pronoun you intend to use and are consistent for all regular -ar verbs in the present tense. Each ending clearly marks the grammatical person and number of the subject:
7
For yo (I), add -o.
8
habl- + -o = hablo (I speak)
9
cant- + -o = canto (I sing)
10
For tú (you, informal singular), add -as.
11
habl- + -as = hablas (You speak)
12
estudi- + -as = estudias (You study)
13
For él/ella/usted (he/she/formal singular you), add -a.
14
habl- + -a = habla (He/She/You formal speaks)
15
trabaj- + -a = trabaja (He/She/You formal works)
16
For nosotros/nosotras (we), add -amos.
17
habl- + -amos = hablamos (We speak)
18
cocin- + -amos = cocinamos (We cook)
19
For vosotros/vosotras (you all, informal plural in Spain), add -áis.
20
habl- + -áis = habláis (You all speak)
21
bail- + -áis = bailáis (You all dance)
22
For ellos/ellas/ustedes (they/formal plural you all), add -an.
23
habl- + -an = hablan (They/You all speak)
24
busc- + -an = buscan (They/You all search)
25
This predictable pattern allows learners to conjugate thousands of new verbs once they internalize these six endings and the straightforward two-step process of stem identification and ending attachment.

When To Use It

The Spanish simple present tense (presente de indicativo) is a remarkably versatile tense, used for a wide array of situations beyond just actions happening right now. For A1 learners, grasping these core applications is fundamental to forming meaningful sentences and engaging in basic communication. The simple present describes various temporal realities, from timeless facts to imminent plans.
  • Habitual Actions or Routines: Use the present tense to describe actions that occur regularly, habitually, or as part of a routine. This is one of its most frequent applications, depicting established patterns of behavior or recurrent events.
  • Cada día hablo con mis vecinos. (Every day I speak with my neighbors.) This clearly indicates a recurring action.
  • Mi hermana trabaja en un hospital. (My sister works in a hospital.) This describes a routine or standing activity, a characteristic of her life.
  • Cenamos juntos los domingos. (We dine together on Sundays.) This specifies a weekly habit, an ongoing tradition.
  • General Truths or Facts: It is employed to state universal truths, facts, permanent conditions, or general statements about the world or individuals. These are statements considered true at all times.
  • El sol calienta la Tierra. (The sun heats the Earth.) This is a scientific fact, a timeless truth.
  • Hablo español y un poco de francés. (I speak Spanish and a little French.) This is a personal fact about your language abilities, a current and generally true statement.
  • Los gatos duermen mucho. (Cats sleep a lot.) This is a general characteristic of cats, an accepted truth.
  • Actions Happening in the Present Moment: While the present progressive often focuses on ongoing actions with emphasis, the simple present can also describe what is happening right now, especially with verbs that imply a completed action, a state, or an immediate response. It is less about the process and more about the event itself.
  • ¿Qué haces? Leo un libro. (What are you doing? I'm reading a book.) Here, leo describes the immediate action, a response to the question.
  • Ella me llama ahora mismo. (She is calling me right now.) While está llamando is also possible, llama can be used to emphasize the event's immediacy or occurrence.
  • Te escucho atentamente. (I am listening to you attentively.) This describes your current state or action without emphasizing its continuous nature.
  • Near Future Events (with Time Expression): In conversational Spanish, the present tense is frequently used to refer to events scheduled for the near future, particularly when a time expression (e.g., mañana, el lunes, esta noche) clarifies the context. This conveys a sense of certainty or a fixed plan.
  • Hablamos mañana por la mañana. (We talk/will talk tomorrow morning.) This is a common and natural way to express a future plan, assuming it's a fixed appointment.
  • El tren sale a las ocho. (The train leaves at eight.) This refers to a scheduled future event, implying certainty, like a timetable.
  • Compro el billete el lunes. (I buy/will buy the ticket on Monday.) This states a decided action for the near future.
  • Historical Present: Sometimes, the present tense is used to recount past events as if they are happening now, to make the narration more vivid. While less common for A1, it's a valid use.
  • En 1492 Colón descubre América. (In 1492, Columbus discovers America.)
The versatility of the simple present tense makes it indispensable for A1 learners, covering a broad range of communicative needs from daily routines to basic factual statements and immediate future plans. It is the workhorse of everyday Spanish communication.

When Not To Use It

While the Spanish simple present tense is highly versatile, there are specific situations where its usage would be incorrect or unnatural. Recognizing these instances is as crucial as knowing when to use it, preventing common errors that can hinder clear communication and lead to misunderstandings. The most prominent case involves continuous or ongoing actions that began in the past.
  • Ongoing Actions Emphasizing Continuous Process (Present Progressive): If an action is actively in progress at this very moment and you want to emphasize its continuous, unfinished nature, Spanish typically uses the present progressive (estar + gerund) instead of the simple present. The simple present describes the action itself, while the progressive describes the process of the action.
  • Incorrect: Hablo por teléfono. (While grammatically possible, especially if referring to a habit like "I speak on the phone often," it sounds less natural if you mean "I am currently speaking.")
  • Correct: Estoy hablando por teléfono. (I am speaking on the phone right now.) The construction estar + verb ending in -ndo (e.g., hablando, comiendo, viviendo) specifically conveys "to be -ing," highlighting the ongoing nature.
  • Incorrect: Ellos comen pizza. (They eat pizza - generally or habitually.)
  • Correct: Ellos están comiendo pizza. (They are eating pizza - right now, at this very moment.)
  • If a friend asks, ¿Qué haces? (What are you doing?), responding Leo un libro (I read a book) is fine, implying you're occupied with it. But Estoy leyendo un libro emphasizes the ongoing act of reading.
  • Actions That Began in the Past and Continue to the Present: For actions that started at some point in the past and are still ongoing into the present moment, Spanish uses specific constructions to convey duration, rather than the simple present. This is a key difference from English, which often uses the present perfect continuous ("I have been living").
  • Incorrect: Vivo aquí por cinco años. (I live here for five years.) - While vivo means "I live," using it with a duration phrase like por cinco años implies it started in the past and continues, which requires a different structure.
  • Correct: Llevo cinco años viviendo aquí. (I have been living here for five years.) This construction literally means "I carry five years living here." Llevar + duration + gerund is the standard way to express this.
  • Alternatively: Hace cinco años que vivo aquí. (It has been five years that I live here.) Here, hace (from hacer, to make/do) is used to indicate a duration since an event, followed by que and the simple present verb.
  • Estudio español desde 2023. (I study Spanish since 2023.) This implies a habitual study since then, but sounds less natural than:
  • Llevo estudiando español desde 2023. (I have been studying Spanish since 2023.)
Understanding these nuances helps learners avoid direct, word-for-word translations from English and instead adopt the natural flow and precision of Spanish tense usage, especially when conveying ongoing actions or durations.

Common Mistakes

As A1 learners navigate the initial stages of Spanish present tense conjugation, certain patterns of error frequently emerge. Identifying these mistakes and understanding their underlying causes can significantly accelerate the learning process and improve grammatical accuracy. These errors often stem from direct translation from English or a lack of full internalization of Spanish's morphological system.
  • Forgetting the -s for tú: This is perhaps one of the most common oversights, especially for verbs ending in -ar. The second-person informal singular (tú) ending for -ar verbs is -as. Learners sometimes incorrectly apply the third-person singular (-a) ending instead.
  • Error: Tú habla español. (You speak Spanish.)
  • Correction: Tú hablas español.
  • Why it happens: Learners might subconsciously transfer the simpler English pattern ("you speak," "he speaks") where the verb form is often identical for "you" and "he/she" (unless a specific ending like -s is added to the third person in English). In Spanish, tú always demands the -s for regular present tense verbs, making it a clear identifier.
  • Overusing Subject Pronouns: While explicitly using yo, tú, él, ella, usted, etc., is grammatically correct, it sounds unnatural and redundant in most conversational contexts. The verb ending already provides the necessary information, making the pronoun largely superfluous.
  • Error: Yo hablo. Tú hablas. Ella habla. (Emphasizing every pronoun).
  • Correction: Hablo. Hablas. Habla. (More natural and common in everyday Spanish.)
  • Why it happens: This is a direct consequence of translating from English, which is a "pro-drop" language (pronoun-requiring). Learners initially rely on pronouns for clarity, but this habit needs to be broken for natural Spanish speech. Use pronouns primarily for emphasis (e.g., Yo hablo, no él.) or to resolve ambiguity when the context doesn't clearly indicate the subject.
  • Mixing Endings Between Verb Types: Accidentally applying an -er or -ir verb ending to an -ar verb, or vice-versa, is another frequent error. For example, using -emos (the nosotros ending for -er/-ir verbs) instead of -amos (the nosotros ending for -ar verbs).
  • Error: Nosotros trabajemos mucho. (Incorrect, trabajar is an -ar verb, so it needs -amos.)
  • Correction: Nosotros trabajamos mucho. (We work a lot.)
  • Why it happens: Insufficient practice distinguishing the patterns, especially when first encountering all three verb types. Each verb type (the -ar, -er, and -ir families) has its own set of "family" endings that must be memorized and applied consistently. The -ar verbs strongly favor the vowel a in their endings, while -er and -ir verbs tend to use e or i.
  • Confusing tú and usted forms: Using the informal tú form with someone deserving of formal address, or vice versa, can lead to social awkwardness. Remember tú corresponds to hablas, and usted corresponds to habla. The choice reflects the social relationship and level of respect.
  • Error: Addressing your professor with ¿Cómo estás? (How are you? - informal).
  • Correction: Addressing your professor with ¿Cómo está (usted)? (How are you? - formal). The usted form is crucial in professional or respectful contexts.
  • Why it happens: Lack of awareness of the social implications of formality in Spanish, or not yet internalizing that the singular usted shares its verb form with él/ella. It’s a cultural as much as a grammatical point that requires conscious effort to master.
  • Incorrect vosotros usage or formation: Forgetting the accent mark in habláis or using vosotros outside of Spain (where ustedes is almost universally preferred) are common regional mistakes. The accent mark is essential to maintain the correct stress.
  • Error: Vosotros hablais mucho. (Missing accent)
  • Correction: Vosotros habláis mucho.
  • Error: ¿Qué hacéis en México? (Using vosotros in Mexico, where it's not used in this context)
  • Correction: ¿Qué hacen (ustedes) en México? (Using ustedes in Mexico, which is the standard plural "you").
  • Why it happens: Regional differences are often confusing for learners exposed to both Peninsular (Spain) and Latin American Spanish. Explicitly knowing your target dialect helps, but understanding both variations is valuable.
By being aware of these common pitfalls, learners can proactively practice the correct forms and usage, building a solid foundation in Spanish present tense conjugation.

Memory Trick

Internalizing the present tense endings for -ar verbs can be made easier with a simple memory trick, particularly by focusing on the dominant vowel sound associated with this verb group. The key is the letter 'A'. Think of -ar verbs as the "A-Team" of Spanish verbs because almost all of their unique conjugations prominently feature the vowel a.

- yo: The ending -o is universal for the yo form across all verb types (-ar, -er, -ir). So, hablo. This is the exception to the 'A' rule, but it's consistent everywhere.

- tú: The ending is -as. Notice the A.

- hablas

- él/ella/usted: The ending is -a. Just a single A.

- habla

- nosotros/nosotras: The ending is -amos. Two A's! (And the o from yo).

- hablamos

- vosotros/vosotras: The ending is -áis. Again, two A's, one with an accent for stress.

- habláis

- ellos/ellas/ustedes: The ending is -an. The A returns.

- hablan

Visual Link: Imagine a large letter 'A' painted on an -ar verb. This visual cue reinforces that if the infinitive ends in -ar, you should generally expect to see the vowel a in its present tense conjugated forms (with the exception of yo). This trick helps solidify the distinct pattern of -ar verbs compared to -er and -ir verbs, which will typically feature e and i respectively.

Real Conversations

Understanding how hablar and other -ar verbs are used in authentic, everyday Spanish conversations provides crucial context beyond textbook examples. Native speakers leverage the efficiency of conjugated verbs to communicate effectively across various modern platforms, from casual chats to more formal exchanges.

- Casual Chat / Texting: In informal settings, subject pronouns are almost always dropped unless needed for emphasis or clarity, making sentences concise.

- Friend A: ¿Qué tal? ¿Hablas con María a menudo? (How are you? Do you talk with Maria often?)

- Friend B: Sí, hablamos casi todos los días por WhatsApp. (Yes, we talk almost every day on WhatsApp.)

- Here, hablas and hablamos are understood without tú or nosotros.

- A text message might simply say: Hablamos luego. (We'll talk later.) This concise phrase is universally understood as a plan to converse soon.

- **Phone Calls (often meaning

Conjugation of Hablar (To Speak)

Pronoun Ending Verb Form
Yo
-o
hablo
Tú
-as
hablas
Él/Ella/Ud
-a
habla
Nosotros/as
-amos
hablamos
Vosotros/as
-áis
habláis
Ellos/Ellas/Uds
-an
hablan

Meanings

The present indicative is used to describe actions happening now, habitual actions, or general truths.

1

Habitual Action

Things you do regularly.

“Yo estudio español cada día.”

“Ella trabaja en una oficina.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Present Tense -AR Verbs: Speaking (Hablar)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subject + Verb
Yo hablo.
Negative
No + Verb
Yo no hablo.
Question
¿ + Verb + Subject?
¿Hablas tú?
Short Answer
Sí/No + Verb
Sí, hablo.
Plural
Subject + Verb
Ellos hablan.
Formal
Usted + Verb
Usted habla.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Hablo con el gerente.

Hablo con el gerente. (Work)

Neutral
Hablo con el encargado.

Hablo con el encargado. (Work)

Informal
Hablo con el jefe.

Hablo con el jefe. (Work)

Slang
Hablo con el patrón.

Hablo con el patrón. (Work)

The -AR Verb Engine

Infinitive

Step 1

  • Remove -AR Habl-

Step 2

  • Add Ending -o, -as, -a...
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Examples by Level

1

Yo hablo español.

I speak Spanish.

2

Tú estudias mucho.

You study a lot.

3

Ella trabaja hoy.

She works today.

4

Nosotros bailamos bien.

We dance well.

1

¿Hablas tú con ellos?

Do you speak with them?

2

No escuchamos la radio.

We don't listen to the radio.

3

Ellos compran comida.

They buy food.

4

Vosotros cantáis canciones.

You all sing songs.

1

Pienso que es importante.

I think it is important.

2

Ella intenta ayudar siempre.

She always tries to help.

3

Nosotros empezamos el proyecto.

We start the project.

4

Ellos cierran la tienda.

They close the store.

1

Aunque ellos hablen rápido, entiendo.

Even though they speak fast, I understand.

2

Es necesario que trabajemos juntos.

It is necessary that we work together.

3

Si ellos ganaran, celebrarían.

If they won, they would celebrate.

4

Ella ha trabajado mucho.

She has worked a lot.

1

Resulta que ellos siempre llegan tarde.

It turns out they always arrive late.

2

No obstante, ellos rechazan la oferta.

However, they reject the offer.

3

Es imperativo que ellos analicen los datos.

It is imperative that they analyze the data.

4

Ellos se desplazan por la ciudad.

They move around the city.

1

Aun cuando ellos clamen justicia, el sistema falla.

Even when they clamor for justice, the system fails.

2

Ellos fraguan un plan secreto.

They hatch a secret plan.

3

La situación amerita que ellos intervengan.

The situation merits that they intervene.

4

Ellos se jactan de sus logros.

They boast of their achievements.

Easily Confused

Present Tense -AR Verbs: Speaking (Hablar) vs Yo vs. Él/Ella

Learners often mix up the -o and -a endings.

Present Tense -AR Verbs: Speaking (Hablar) vs Infinitive vs. Conjugated

Using the dictionary form instead of the conjugated form.

Present Tense -AR Verbs: Speaking (Hablar) vs Vosotros vs. Ustedes

When to use which plural form.

Common Mistakes

✗

Yo hablar

✓

Yo hablo

Must conjugate the verb.
✗

Él hablas

✓

Él habla

Wrong ending for third person.
✗

Nosotros hablamos

✓

Nosotros hablamos

Actually correct, but often confused with past tense.
✗

Ellos habla

✓

Ellos hablan

Plurality mismatch.
✗

Ustedes hablas

✓

Ustedes hablan

Plural subject requires plural verb.
✗

No hablo tú

✓

Tú no hablas

Word order in negatives.
✗

Habla yo

✓

Yo hablo

Subject placement.
✗

Yo pienso estudiar

✓

Yo pienso estudiar

Actually correct, but learners often conjugate both verbs.
✗

Ellos intentan de hablar

✓

Ellos intentan hablar

Incorrect preposition usage.
✗

Nosotros empezamos a trabajamos

✓

Nosotros empezamos a trabajar

Double conjugation error.
✗

Si ellos hablarían

✓

Si ellos hablaran

Conditional/Subjunctive confusion.
✗

Es importante que ellos hablan

✓

Es importante que ellos hablen

Subjunctive mood required.
✗

Aunque ellos hablan

✓

Aunque ellos hablen

Subjunctive mood required.

Sentence Patterns

Yo ___ (hablar) español.

Nosotros ___ (estudiar) mucho.

Ellos ___ (trabajar) aquí.

Tú ___ (escuchar) música.

Real World Usage

Texting constant

¡Hablamos luego!

Job Interview very common

Yo trabajo bien en equipo.

Ordering Food common

Yo deseo una pizza.

Travel common

¿Ustedes hablan inglés?

Social Media very common

Ellos bailan muy bien.

Classroom constant

Nosotros estudiamos la lección.

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💡

The 'O' Rule

The 'yo' form always ends in 'o'. It's your best friend!
⚠️

Don't skip the subject

While you can drop pronouns, beginners should keep them for clarity.
🎯

Listen for the rhythm

Spanish is a timed language; listen to the endings to hear the rhythm.
💬

Regional differences

Remember that 'vosotros' is Spain-only.

Smart Tips

Visualize the 'AR' falling off.

Yo hablar → Yo hablo

Think of the 'yo' form first.

Él hablo → Él habla

Check if you are in Spain or Latin America.

Vosotros hablan → Vosotros habláis

Use the 'usted' form.

Tú trabajas → Usted trabaja

Pronunciation

ha-BLA-mos

Stress

In -AR verbs, the stress is usually on the second-to-last syllable.

Question

¿Hablas tú? ↑

Rising intonation at the end.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

O-AS-A, AMOS-ÁIS-AN: The rhythm of the -AR clan!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant 'AR' block being chopped off a verb, and then colorful puzzle pieces (the endings) snapping into place.

Rhyme

Drop the AR, don't be slow, add the ending, watch it go!

Story

Maria wants to speak Spanish. She takes the word 'Hablar', chops off the 'AR' with a sword, and glues on an 'o' because she is the one doing it. Now she can say 'Yo hablo'!

Word Web

HablarEstudiarTrabajarCantarBailarEscuchar

Challenge

Conjugate 5 -AR verbs in 60 seconds.

Cultural Notes

Use 'vosotros' for informal plural.

Use 'ustedes' for all plural.

Often use 'chamba' for work.

Spanish -AR verbs come from the Latin first conjugation (-are).

Conversation Starters

“

¿Qué estudias?

“

¿Trabajas hoy?

“

¿Escuchas música?

“

¿Bailas salsa?

Journal Prompts

Describe your daily routine.
What do you and your friends do on weekends?
Write about your dream job.
Discuss the importance of learning languages.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Conjugate the verb.

Yo ___ (hablar) español.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hablo
Yo uses the -o ending.
Select the correct form. Multiple Choice

Ellos ___ (estudiar) mucho.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: estudian
Ellos is plural.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Tú habla español.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tú hablas
Tú needs -as.
Reorder the sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yo hablo español
Standard SVO order.
Conjugate for Nosotros. Conjugation Drill

Nosotros (trabajar)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: trabajamos
Nosotros uses -amos.
Match pronoun to ending. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: -o
Yo matches -o.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Ellos / bailar / bien

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ellos bailan bien
Ellos needs -an.
Is this true? True False Rule

The 'yo' form ends in -a.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
The 'yo' form ends in -o.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Conjugate the verb.

Yo ___ (hablar) español.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hablo
Yo uses the -o ending.
Select the correct form. Multiple Choice

Ellos ___ (estudiar) mucho.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: estudian
Ellos is plural.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Tú habla español.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tú hablas
Tú needs -as.
Reorder the sentence. Sentence Reorder

hablo / yo / español

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yo hablo español
Standard SVO order.
Conjugate for Nosotros. Conjugation Drill

Nosotros (trabajar)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: trabajamos
Nosotros uses -amos.
Match pronoun to ending. Match Pairs

Yo -> ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: -o
Yo matches -o.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Ellos / bailar / bien

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ellos bailan bien
Ellos needs -an.
Is this true? True False Rule

The 'yo' form ends in -a.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
The 'yo' form ends in -o.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Complete the sentence Fill in the Blank

Juan y María ___ mucho.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hablan
Translate to Spanish Translation

We talk every day.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Hablamos todos los días.
Put the words in order Sentence Reorder

español / muy / Usted / bien / habla

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Usted habla español muy bien
Match the pronoun to the verb form Match Pairs

Match the following:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yo - Hablo
Select the formal version Multiple Choice

How do you ask a teacher if they speak French?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ¿Usted habla francés?
Fix the ending Error Correction

Ellas hablas con el profesor.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ellas hablan con el profesor.
Complete the text message Fill in the Blank

Oye, ¿___ con tu hermano hoy?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hablas
Translate: 'I speak with my boss.' Translation

Translate the sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Hablo con mi jefe.
Order the question Sentence Reorder

hablan / ¿Por qué / mucho? / ellos

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ¿Por qué ellos hablan mucho?
Which is correct in Spain? Multiple Choice

You all (informal, Spain) talk a lot.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vosotros habláis mucho.

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

To get to the 'stem' of the verb so we can add the correct ending.

Yes, in Spanish, the present tense covers both simple and continuous actions.

Try to remember the 'O-AS-A' rhythm!

Most do, but some have stem changes.

Yes, 'Hablo español' is perfectly correct.

'Tú' is informal, 'usted' is formal.

It's a regional dialect choice.

Just add 'no' before the verb.

Scaffolded Practice

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Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

French high

parler

French has more silent endings.

German moderate

sprechen

German is less consistent.

Japanese low

hanasu

No person-based conjugation.

Arabic partial

yatakallam

Arabic uses gendered conjugation.

Chinese none

shuo

No conjugation at all.

English low

speak

English has very little conjugation.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
Spanish -ER Verbs: How to use 'Comer' (to eat)

Learn These First

A1 Requires

Spanish Subject Pronouns: I, You, He, She (Yo, Tú, Él...)

Overview Spanish subject pronouns, such as `yo` (I), `tú` (you), and `él` (he), function to explicitly identify the noun...

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