Backward Verbs in Spanish
1. Identify the verb
2. Remove the ending (-ar, -er, -ir)
3. Reverse the remaining letters
4. Add the appropriate ending (-é, -aste, -ó, -amos, -asteis, -aron)
5. Use the new conjugated verb in a sentence to practice.
How to Say Backward Verbs in Spanish
Introduction
Learning a new language can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding verb conjugation. In Spanish, there are regular verbs that follow a predictable pattern, but there are also backward verbs that require a different approach. Backward verbs, also known as stem-changing verbs or shoe verbs, undergo a change in the stem of the verb when conjugated. In this article, we will explore how to conjugate backward verbs in Spanish.Understanding Backward Verbs
Backward verbs are called so because the vowel in the stem of the verb changes when conjugated. The most common type of backward verbs in Spanish are those that end in -ir, such as “dormir” (to sleep), “pedir” (to ask for), and “sentir” (to feel). The vowel in the stem of these verbs changes from “o” to “ue” or from “e” to “ie” in certain conjugations.Conjugating Backward Verbs
To conjugate backward verbs, we need to identify the stem vowel change and apply it to the appropriate pronouns. Let’s take a look at the conjugation of the verb “dormir” (to sleep) in the present tense:- Yo duermo (I sleep)- Tú duermes (You sleep)- Él/Ella/Usted duerme (He/She/You sleep)- Nosotros/Nosotras dormimos (We sleep)- Vosotros/Vosotras dormís (You all sleep)- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes duermen (They/You all sleep)As you can see, the stem vowel “o” changes to “ue” in the first three singular pronouns. Similarly, the verb “sentir” (to feel) undergoes a stem vowel change from “e” to “ie” in certain pronouns. Let’s see its present tense conjugation:- Yo siento (I feel)- Tú sientes (You feel)- Él/Ella/Usted siente (He/She/You feel)- Nosotros/Nosotras sentimos (We feel)- Vosotros/Vosotras sentís (You all feel)- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes sienten (They/You all feel)Common Backward Verbs
Apart from “dormir” and “sentir,” there are several other common backward verbs in Spanish. Here are a few examples:- Pedir (to ask for)- Preferir (to prefer)- Querer (to want)- Pensar (to think)- Empezar (to start)- Volver (to return)- Costar (to cost)Remember that each of these verbs has a specific stem vowel change in certain conjugations, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with their patterns.Practice Makes Perfect
Now that you understand the concept of backward verbs and how to conjugate them, it’s time to practice. Try creating sentences using the backward verbs mentioned above and use different pronouns to conjugate them correctly. Additionally, you can find exercises and online resources that provide further practice opportunities.Conclusion
Conjugating backward verbs in Spanish requires understanding the stem vowel changes that occur in certain pronouns. By familiarizing yourself with the patterns and practicing regularly, you can master the conjugation of these verbs. Remember that consistency and perseverance are key when learning a new language, so keep practicing and soon you’ll be conjugating backward verbs effortlessly. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)Background Information in Spanish