Present Tense - Irregular Vebs (Junior Cert Spanish): Revision Notes
Present tense - Irregular verbs
Overview
Irregular verbs are verbs that don't follow the standard conjugation patterns you learn for regular -ar, -er, and -ir verbs. In Spanish, some of the most commonly used verbs are irregular, which means you need to memorise their unique forms. These irregular verbs are essential for everyday communication, so learning them well will greatly improve your Spanish fluency.
While irregular verbs might seem challenging at first, they're actually some of the most frequently used verbs in Spanish. This means you'll encounter them constantly in conversation, making them easier to remember through regular practice and exposure.
Rules & formation
Unlike regular verbs, irregular verbs don't follow predictable patterns. However, we can group them into different categories to make learning easier:
Complete irregulars
Some verbs are irregular in most or all of their forms. The two most important ones to learn first are ir (to go) and tener (to have).
Stem-changing irregulars
Some verbs change their stem (the main part of the verb) but keep some regular endings.
'Yo' form irregulars
Many verbs are only irregular in the 'I' form (yo), whilst the other forms follow normal patterns.
The 'yo' form irregulars are particularly common and useful to master early. Once you know the irregular 'yo' form, the rest of the conjugation typically follows regular patterns, making these verbs much more manageable.
Spelling change irregulars
Some verbs change spelling in certain forms to maintain correct pronunciation.
Tables of key forms
Most important irregular verbs
ir (to go)
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| yo voy | I go |
| tú vas | you go |
| él/ella/usted va | he/she goes, you go (formal) |
| nosotros/as vamos | we go |
| vosotros/as vais | you go (plural) |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes van | they go, you go (plural) |
tener (to have)
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| yo tengo | I have |
| tú tienes | you have |
| él/ella/usted tiene | he/she has, you have (formal) |
| nosotros/as tenemos | we have |
| vosotros/as tenéis | you have (plural) |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes tienen | they have, you have (plural) |
Other common irregular verbs
decir (to say): digo, dices, dice, decimos, decís, dicen
oír (to hear): oigo, oyes, oye, oímos, oís, oyen
venir (to come): vengo, vienes, viene, venimos, venís, vienen
Verbs irregular only in 'yo' form
| Infinitive | English | 'Yo' form | Other forms follow pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| conocer | to know/meet | conozco | conoces, conoce, conocemos, conocéis, conocen |
| dar | to give | doy | das, da, damos, dais, dan |
| hacer | to make/do | hago | haces, hace, hacemos, hacéis, hacen |
| poner | to put | pongo | pones, pone, ponemos, ponéis, ponen |
| sabre | to know | sé | sabes, sabe, sabemos, sabéis, saben |
| salir | to go out | salgo | sales, sale, salimos, salís, salen |
| traer | to bring | traigo | traes, trae, traemos, traéis, traen |
Example sentences
Practical Usage Examples:
Tengo que hacer los deberes y luego voy al cine. I have to do my homework and then I'm going to the cinema. This sentence uses 'tengo' (I have) to express obligation and 'voy' (I go/I'm going) to talk about future plans.
Mis amigos vienen a mi casa esta tarde. My friends are coming to my house this afternoon. Here 'vienen' (they come) describes a planned action happening today.
Siempre digo la verdad. I always tell the truth. This uses 'digo' (I say/tell) to describe a habitual action.
No oigo bien la música. I can't hear the music well. 'Oigo' (I hear) expresses current ability or state.
Conozco a tu hermana. I know your sister. 'Conozco' (I know) is used for knowing people or places.
Common mistakes & tips
Critical Points to Avoid Common Errors:
Mixing up ser/estar with tener: Remember that Spanish uses 'tener' (to have) for age, hunger, and thirst, not 'ser' or 'estar'. Say "Tengo hambre" (I'm hungry), not "Soy hambre".
Forgetting the irregular 'yo' forms: Many students remember that 'hacer' means 'to do/make' but forget that 'I do' is 'hago', not 'haco'. Practice these irregular first-person forms specifically.
Confusing 'ir' with 'ser': Both 'ir' and 'ser' have the same forms in some tenses, but in present tense they're completely different. 'Voy' means 'I go', not 'I am'.
Accent marks matter: Don't forget the accent on 'sé' (I know) - without it, 'se' means something completely different.
Use 'conocer' vs 'sabre': Use 'conocer' for people and places, 'sabre' for facts and skills. "Conozco a María" (I know María) vs "Sé nadar" (I know how to swim).
Mini practice
Quick Practice Exercise:
Spanish → English:
- Voy a la biblioteca después de las clases.
- Mis padres tienen un coche nuevo.
- Siempre hago mi cama por la mañana.
English → Spanish: 4. I know your brother. 5. We are going to the beach tomorrow. 6. She has three cats.
Answers:
- I go to the library after classes.
- My parents have a new car.
- I always make my bed in the morning.
- Conozco a tu hermano.
- Vamos a la playa mañana.
- Ella tiene tres gatos.
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- The verbs 'ir' and 'tener' are completely irregular and must be memorised fully
- Many common verbs are only irregular in the 'yo' form - the other forms follow regular patterns
- 'Conocer' is for knowing people and places, 'sabre' is for knowing facts and skills
- Some verbs change spelling to keep pronunciation correct (like proteger → protejo)
- These irregular verbs are some of the most frequently used in Spanish, so learning them well is essential