Stem-Changing Verbs

Verbos con cambio radical

Verbs with two different stems or radicals in the present tense may be called stem-changing verbs, shoe verbs, or boot verbs. The last two names come from the fact that a line drawn around the stem-changed, present tense conjugations (all forms except nosotros and vosotros) creates a shoe or boot.

The endings for stem-changing verbs are the same as for regular -AR, -ER, and -IR verbs, so you should make sure that you understand those conjugations before working on this lesson.

Spanish has three different stem-changing patterns:

1. E changes to IE

Similarly-conjugated verbs (note that there are -AR, -ER, and -IR verbs in this category):

2. O changes to UE

Similar verbs (there are -AR, -ER, and -IR verbs in this category):

* In jugar, the U changes to UE (juego, juegas…)

** In oler, the O changes to HUE (huelo, hueles…)

3. E changes to I

Similar verbs (only -IR verbs in this category):

 Conjugations Quiz

Think you’ve got it? Test yourself on Spanish stem-changing verbs:

• Multiple choice quiz
• Fill-in-the-blanks: Los patios de Córdoba*

* Note: You must be logged into your Progress with Lawless Spanish account to take this test. If you don’t have one, sign up – it’s free!

 Related lessons

• Stem-changing verbs – PwLS super list
• Stem-changing verbs in the pretérito
• Stem-changing verbs in the subjunctive
• Present tense
• Spelling change verbs
• Introduction to verbs
• Vowels
   

 En français

• Verbes à deux radicaux
   

 Share / Tweet / Pin Me!

Spanish proficiency test by