Stem-Changing Verbs: e → ie

Spanish: Verbos con cambio de raíz: e → ie

Level: A2 Elementary

Category: verbs

Explanation

In Spanish, some verbs change the vowel in their stem when conjugated. Stem-changing verbs of the e→ie type change the last "e" of the stem to "ie" in the forms where the stressed syllable falls on the stem. This happens in the present indicative for every person EXCEPT nosotros and vosotros, because in those two forms the stress falls on the ending rather than on the stem. For example, the verb "pensar" (to think) has the stem "pens-". When we conjugate it we say: yo pienso, tú piensas, él piensa, nosotros pensamos, vosotros pensáis, ellos piensan. Notice that "nosotros pensamos" and "vosotros pensáis" keep the original "e", while all the other forms change to "ie". This pattern applies to verbs from all three conjugations (-ar, -er, -ir). Some very common ones are: pensar (to think), querer (to want/love), preferir (to prefer), empezar (to begin), entender (to understand), cerrar (to close), and perder (to lose). Because these are everyday words, it is important to memorize them well. These verbs are sometimes called "boot verbs" or "shoe verbs", because if you draw a line around the forms that change (everything except nosotros and vosotros), the outline looks like a boot.

Examples

• ¿Qué prefieres, café o té? - What do you prefer, coffee or tea?
• Yo quiero un café con leche, por favor. - I want a coffee with milk, please.
• La cafetería empieza a servir el desayuno a las ocho. - The café starts serving breakfast at eight.
• No entiendo la carta, ¿me puede ayudar? - I do not understand the menu, can you help me?
• Nosotros preferimos una mesa cerca de la ventana. - We prefer a table near the window.