These verbs require a spelling change in the stem of the verb. Note the two parts of a verb infinitive:

Verb Stem Verb Ending

(Last 2 letters)

There are 4 basic stem changes that occur in the

present tense in Spanish:

There are 4 basic stem changes that occur in the

present tense in Spanish:

These symbols mean that the first letter changes to the second letter(s). Jugar is the only (u---ue) verb.

Some rules to keep in mind:

Some rules to keep in mind:

The stem change never occurs in the nosotros or vosotros forms.

These verbs use regular -ar/-er/-ir endings.

The stem change never occurs in the nosotros or vosotros forms.

These verbs use regular -ar/-er/-ir endings.

One example verb:pensar (to think)

One example verb:pensar (to think)

Singular Subjects

Yo pienso (I think)

Tú piensas (you think)

Ud. piensa (you think)Él piensa (he thinks)Ella piensa (she thinks)

Plural Subjects

Nosotros pensamos (we think)

Vosotros(as) pensáis (you all think)

Uds. piensan (you all think)Ellos piensan (they think)Ellas piensan (they think)

These verbs are sometimes called “boot” or “shoe” verbs as the forms inside the “footwear-like” shape above have the stem change.

Some examplesSome examples

¿Qué piensas del nuevo profesor?What do you think of the new teacher?

Yo no entiendo a esa señora.I don’t understand that lady.

Miguel nunca merienda por la tarde.Miguel never has a snack in the afternoon.

Nuestro equipo siempre pierde los partidos de ping-pong.Our team always loses the ping-pong games.

Nosotros preferimos comer en Burger King.We prefer to eat at Burger King.

¿Qué piensas del nuevo profesor?What do you think of the new teacher?

Yo no entiendo a esa señora.I don’t understand that lady.

Miguel nunca merienda por la tarde.Miguel never has a snack in the afternoon.

Nuestro equipo siempre pierde los partidos de ping-pong.Our team always loses the ping-pong games.

Nosotros preferimos comer en Burger King.We prefer to eat at Burger King.