Grammar
Common irregular verbs in Spanish
Learn common irregular Spanish verbs such as ser, estar, tener, ir, hacer and poder.
Some of the most useful Spanish verbs are irregular, so they must be learned as high-frequency patterns.
Pattern and examples
Read the Spanish example first, then check the English meaning. The note explains what to notice.
| Pattern | Spanish example | English meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ser | soy, eres, es | to be | identity and characteristics |
| estar | estoy, estás, está | to be | location and states |
| tener | tengo, tienes, tiene | to have | possession and age |
| ir | voy, vas, va | to go | movement and near future |
| hacer | hago, haces, hace | to do / make | activities |
| poder | puedo, puedes, puede | can / be able to | ability or permission |
How to study this grammar point
Spanish grammar becomes easier when you learn small sentence patterns. Repeat one example aloud, then change only the noun, verb or time expression.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Avoiding irregular verbsThey are too common to skip.
- Using one form for all subjects“Yo tengo”, but “tú tienes”.
Make your own examples
Say three sentences aloud using one Spanish expression from this page. Then replace one word to make the sentence personal.
- Read the Spanish example slowly.
- Repeat it without looking at the English meaning.
- Change the person, time or place.
FAQ
What should I practice first?
Start by copying the examples aloud, then change one word at a time to make your own sentences.
Do I need perfect grammar to communicate?
No. Clear communication comes first, but these patterns help you sound more natural and avoid confusing mistakes.