The most common Spanish verbs

When learning Spanish, there are some verbs that appear constantly in conversations, texts, and in your classes. Although mastering all the verb conjugations in Spanish is difficult due to the number of tenses, moods, and persons, knowing the most basic verbs in Spanish will help you express yourself in any context.

That's why, in this article, don Quijote teaches you the most common Spanish verbs, their meanings, and easy examples so that you can understand and use them in your daily life. Don't miss anything and keep reading!

You can also read this article in Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, or German.

Verb ser (to be)

The verb “ser” in Spanish is essential and basic. It is used to talk about permanent characteristics, identity, origin, or profession. This verb indicates what or how something or someone is. For example:

• Yo soy estudiante (I am a student)
• Madrid es la capital de España (Madrid is the capital of Spain)
• Ella es simpática (She is friendly)
• Nosotros somos de México (We are from Mexico)

Verb estar (to be)

The verb “estar” is another basic verb in Spanish and is used for temporary states, emotions, and location. It indicates how someone is or where they are. For example:

• Estoy cansado (I am tired)
• ¿Dónde estás? (Where are you?)
• El libro está en la mesa (The book is on the table)
• Hoy estamos muy contentos (Today we are very happy)

Verb tener (to have)

Another of the most common Spanish verbs is the verb “tener”. It means to possess something or to express a need. For example:

• Tengo un coche (I have a car)
• Tengo hambre (I am hungry)
• ¿Tienes tiempo? (Do you have time?)
• Ellos tienen dos hermanos (They have two brothers)

Verb hacer (to do)

The verb “hacer” is also essential in Spanish. It is used to talk about general actions, weather, and activities. It literally means to perform an action. For example:

• Hago deporte (I play sports)
• ¿Qué haces hoy? (What are you doing today?)
• Hace frío (It's cold)
• Ellos hacen la tarea (They do their homework)

Verb ir (to go)

Another very common verb in Spanish is “ir”, used to talk about travel and the near future. It means to move from one place to another. Examples:

• Voy a la escuela (I'm going to school)
• Vamos al trabajo (We're going to work)
• Mañana voy a estudiar español (Tomorrow I'm going to study Spanish)
• ¿Vas al cine? (Are you going to the movies?)

Verb decir (to say)

The verb “decir” appears frequently in everyday conversation. It means to express words or information. For example:

• Te digo la verdad (I'll tell you the truth)
• Ella dice su nombre (She says her name)
• ¿Qué dices? (What are you saying?)
• Nos dicen la hora (They tell us the time)

Verb poder (can)

The verb “poder” is very useful for asking for things politely and means to have the possibility or permission to do something. Examples:

• Puedo ayudarte (I can help you)
• ¿Puedes repetir, por favor? (Can you repeat that, please?)
• No puedo venir hoy (I can't come today)
• Ellos pueden entrar (They can come in)

Verb querer (to want)

The verb “querer” is used to express what you like or want. It means to love or desire something or someone. Examples:

• Quiero aprender español (I want to learn Spanish)
• ¿Quieres café? (Would you like some coffee?)
• Ella quiere viajar (She wants to travel)
• Queremos descansar (We want to rest)

Verb ver (to see/watch)

The verb “ver” is very common in everyday language and means to look or observe. Examples:

• Veo la televisión (I watch television)
• ¿Ves el problema? (Do you see the problem?)
• Nos vemos mañana (See you tomorrow)
• Ellos ven una película (They watch a movie)

Verb dar (to give)

The verb “dar” appears in many common expressions and means to give or offer something to someone. Examples:

• Te doy las gracias (I thank you)
• Me da miedo (I'm afraid)
• Ella da un regalo (She gives a gift)
• Nos dan información (They give us information)

Other basic verbs in Spanish

Although these last Spanish verbs are the most basic and the main ones you should master in Spanish, here is a more complete list. Use these Spanish verbs in basic conversations and texts; they will be very useful for expanding your vocabulary:

• Hablar – to speak
• Comer – to eat
• Beber – to drink
• Vivir – to live
• Trabajar – to work
• Estudiar – to study
• Aprender - to learn
• Escuchar – to listen
• Leer – to read
• Escribir – to write
• Levantarse – to get up
• Dormir – to sleep
• Salir – to go out
• Entrar – to enter
• Volver - to return
• Llegar – to arrive
• Gustar – to like
• Encantar – to love
• Sentir – to feel
• Pensar – to think
• Preguntar – to ask
• Responder – to answer
• Buscar – to look for
• Encontrar – to find
• Empezar – to start
• Terminar – to finish

Fill in the blanks with basic Spanish verbs

Fill in the blanks in these sentences with the correct form of the verb in Spanish. You will find the answers at the end of the article.

• Yo ___ estudiante de español
• Nosotros ___ en casa ahora
• ¿Tú ___ hambre?
• Mañana voy a ___ deporte
• Ella ___ aprender español
• ¿___ tú ayudarme, por favor?
• Madrid ___ en España
• Hoy ___ mucho frío
• Ellos ___ al trabajo en metro
• ¿Dónde ___ tú ahora?
• Yo ___ español en clase todos los días
• Nosotros ___ en Madrid
• ¿Tú ___ en una oficina o en casa?
• A ella le ___ mucho el café
• Ellos ___ a las ocho de la mañana
• ¿A qué hora ___ tú al trabajo?
• Yo ___ un libro en español
• ¿Dónde ___ vosotros hoy?
• Los estudiantes ___ a las nueve
• Yo ___ ocho horas cada noche

Although there are many basic verbs in Spanish, and there are many more, don't try to memorize them all at once. Start by learning the most basic ones, in small groups of 10 or 15, and use them in simple sentences and real-life situations.

Mastering Spanish verbs is one of the most difficult tasks for a student, but with practice and study, it will become easier and you will gradually understand them all. And if you want to continue practicing or improving your command of the language, don Quijote's intensive Spanish courses are ideal for you. Our native teachers will help you master verbs, communicate with ease, and improve your conversational skills. Don't hesitate any longer and come visit and discover Spain with don Quijote.

Answers: soy, estamos, tienes, hacer, quiere, puedes, está, hace, va, estás, hablo, vivimos, trabajas, gusta, comen, llegas, leo, vais, estudian, duermo.