Common Irregular Verbs (Leaving Cert Spanish): Revision Notes
Common irregular verbs
Overview
Irregular verbs in Spanish don't follow the standard conjugation patterns you've learnt for regular verbs. Instead of simply removing the infinitive ending and adding regular endings, these verbs have unique forms that must be memorised. Two of the most important irregular verbs are ir (to go) and tener (to have), which appear constantly in everyday Spanish conversation.
These verbs are essential because they're used to express movement, possession, and form many common phrases. Mastering their conjugations early will significantly improve your ability to communicate in Spanish.
Rules & formation
Unlike regular verbs, irregular verbs don't follow predictable patterns. Each irregular verb has its own unique conjugation that you need to learn individually. However, there are some helpful patterns to notice:
- Some verbs are only irregular in the yo form (first person singular)
- Others change throughout most or all of their conjugations
- A few verbs change their spelling to maintain correct pronunciation
The key strategy is to practise these conjugations frequently until they become automatic, as there are no rules to help you work them out.
Key conjugations
Essential irregular verbs: ir and tener
| Pronoun | ir (to go) | English | tener (to have) | English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yo | voy | I go | tengo | I have |
| tú | vas | you go | tienes | you have |
| él/ella/usted | va | he/she goes, you go | tiene | he/she has, you have |
| nosotros/as | vamos | we go | tenemos | we have |
| vosotros/as | vais | you go | tenéis | you have |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | van | they go, you go | tienen | they have, you have |
Other important irregular verbs
| Verb | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| decir (to say) | digo, dices, dice, decimos, decís, dicen | I say, you say, etc. |
| oír (to hear) | oigo, oyes, oye, oímos, oís, oyen | I hear, you hear, etc. |
| venir (to come) | vengo, vienes, viene, venimos, venís, vienen | I come, you come, etc. |
Verbs irregular only in the 'yo' form
Many verbs follow regular patterns except for the first person singular. These are often easier to master:
| Infinitive | English | Yo form | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| conocer | to know/meet | conozco | I know/meet |
| dar | to give | doy | I give |
| hacer | to make/do | hago | I make/do |
| poner | to put | pongo | I put |
| sabre | to know | sé | I know |
| salir | to go out | salgo | I go out |
| traer | to bring | traigo | I bring |
Spelling changes for pronunciation
Some verbs change their spelling to keep the pronunciation correct:
These spelling changes ensure that the pronunciation remains consistent across different conjugations, maintaining the original sound of the verb stem.
- proteger (to protect) → protejo (I protect)
- coger (to take) → cojo (I take)
Example sentences
Example 1: Using tener que + infinitive
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 shows how tener is used in the phrase "tener que" (to have to) and ir indicates future movement.
Example 2: Combining irregular verbs in context
Siempre salgo el autobús cuando voy al instituto. I always catch the bus when I go to school.
Here salir is used in a regular context, while ir expresses habitual movement.
Example 3: Describing physical characteristics
Mis primos tienen los ojos azules y son rubios. My cousins have blue eyes and are blonde.
This demonstrates tener used to describe physical possession or characteristics.
Common mistakes & tips
Mistake 1: Using regular endings with irregular verbs
✗ Yo teno (trying to make tener regular)
✓ Yo tengo (correct irregular form)
Mistake 2: Forgetting the 'yo' form irregularities
✗ Yo salo temprano (treating salir as regular)
✓ Yo salgo temprano (remembering the irregular 'yo' form)
Mistake 3: Confusing similar irregular patterns
Don't assume all verbs ending in -cer follow the same pattern as conocer. Each verb needs to be learnt individually.
Top tip: Practice these verbs in context rather than just memorising tables. Create sentences using these verbs in situations relevant to your daily life.
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- Ir and tener are two of the most frequently used verbs in Spanish - learn them first
- Some verbs are only irregular in the yo form, making them easier to master
- Irregular verbs don't follow patterns, so regular practice and memorisation is essential
- Pay attention to spelling changes that maintain correct pronunciation
- Focus on learning these verbs in context through sentences rather than isolation