BEGINNING SPANISH GRAMMAR

Spanish Alphabets

The Spanish alphabet is very similar to the English alphabet, but there are some differences. There are vowels and consonants, but in Spanish there are 3 consonants that don’t exist in English: ch, ll, rr.

Unlike in English, Spanish letters are almost always pronounced the same. In English for example, the first “o” in “doctor” is pronounced differently than the second. In Spanish, the first “o” in “doctor” pronounced the same as the second.

Additional Vocabulary:

Dipthongs

Diphthongs occur when two vowels are side-by-side and pronounced together and the vowels do not have an accent mark (the accent breaks the diphthong).

Syllable Stress

There are three rules to syllable stress

Diphthongs occur when two vowels are side-by-side and pronounced together and the vowels do not have an accent mark (the accent breaks the diphthong).

Accents

Accents are primarily used to indicate syllable stress. When accents are not indicating syllable stress, they are used to differentiate words that have the same spelling.  For example,

Greetings & Goodbyes

Some common greetings and goodbyes are listed below.

Numbers

The spelling of “uno” (one in English) will change depending on the gender of the noun it modifies. “Uno” is spelled “un” before a masculine noun and “una” before a feminine noun. For example, un chico (one boy) or una chica (one girl).  See Lesson “Nouns & Articles (Sustantivos)” for more information about Nouns and gender.

“Mil” (1000) is never pluralized however “million” (1,000,000) is pluralized. For example, dos mil chicos (two thousand boys) or dos millones de chicos (two million boys). Numbers 16 to 29 are commonly written as one word or as two words connected by “y” (and).  An accent is added to the one word spelling of 16, 22, 23 and 26.  For example:

Telling Time

In Spanish, “es” or “son” (translated as “is”) is used to express time. “Es” is used for the singular times (1 o’clock) and “son” is used for plural times (2, 3, etc.). A couple of other rules are:

• Mañana (morning), tarde (afternoon) and noche (night) are used instead of “a.m.” or “p.m.”
• The word “o’clock” is not used in Spanish.
• Note: But you can say “en punto” for very specific time. Ex: Es la una y quince, en punto.

For example,

Days and Months

Both the days and months in Spanish are masculine and not capitalized. Lunes (Monday) is typically the first day of the week in the Spanish calendar.

Definite Article

In English, the definite article “the” is used to modify any noun. In Spanish, the definite article changes when the noun is plural and depending on the gender. In English, nouns like telephone and apple are genderless.  In Spanish, nouns are considered either masculine or feminine. Masculine nouns are preceded by el (singular) or los (plural). Feminine nouns are preceded by la (singular) or las (plural). For example:

Definite articles are typically used:

• To communicate an abstract concept.   For example, “La verdad es necesaria para la justicia (The truth is necessary for justice).”
• With a series of nouns.  For example, “Mira la manzana, la naranja y el banano (Look at the apple, orange and banana).”
• When telling the time of day, “Es la una (it is one o’clock).”
• With the days of the week, (replacing “on” in English) except when following the verb “ser”.  For example, “Tengo una lección el sabado (I have a lesson on Saturday).”
• With the seasons.  For example, “Voy a ir a Guatemala en el verano (I am going to Guatemalain the summer).”
• With weights and measures(replacing “per” in English).  For example, “El arroz cuesta 2 dólares lalibra (Rice costs $2 per pound).”
• With the parts of the body or articles of clothinginstead of the possessive pronoun (i.e., yours/mine/his/etc.).  For example, “Dejé los zapatos en el cuarto (I lefty my shoes in the room).”
• Before a proper name when it is modified by an adjective.  For example, “Mira el pequeño Ricardo (Look at little Richard).”
• When speaking about (not speaking directly to) people with titles.  For example, “Tengo que visitar la doctor (I have to visit the woman doctor).”
• Before the names of languagesbut not after hablar, de or en.  For example, “El español es fácil para enseñar (Spanish is easy to teach).”

Exception:The definite article “el” precedes feminine nouns that begin with an “a” when the stress is on the first syllable. This is done to avoid placing “la” before words like “agua” creating “la agua”, which is difficult to pronounce. However, when the stress is not on the first syllable the definite article “la” is used: For example:

Gender of Nouns

Most nouns that end in “o”are considered masculine and those that end in “a” are considered feminine. For example:

Here are the most common exceptions where a masculine word ends in “a” and a feminine word ends in “o”.

Nouns that end in -dor and -sor are typically masculine and can be converted to feminine by adding an “a” at the end.

The nouns for persons and animals will end in “o” if the are masculine and in “a” if they are feminine.

Some nouns and those that end in -ista, -ante, or -ente do not change for masculine or femine. The gender of these nouns is indicated by the definite article preceding it. For example,

Plural Nouns

There are only 4 rules for making nouns plural:

1.      If the noun ends in a vowel add “s”

2.      If the noun ends in a consonant ad “es”

3.      If the noun ends in an “s” do not change the word

4.      If the noun ends in a “z” change the “z” to a “c” and ad “es”

Indefinite Article

The Spanish indefinite article “un” or “una” translates to “a” or “one” with singular nouns. “Unos” and “unas” translates to  “some” with plural nouns. For example:

Just like the definite article, the indefinite article “un” precedes feminine nouns that begin with an “a” when the stress is on the first syllable. This is done to avoid placing “una” before words like “agua” creating “una agua”, which is difficult to pronounce. However, when the stress is not on the first syllable the indefinite article “una” is used. For example:

Indefinite articles are used with a series of nouns. For example, “Mira una manzana, una naranja y un banano (Look at an apple, an orange and a banana).”

In Spanish, indefinite articles are often omitted where you might use them in English. Indefinite articles are not used:

·         Before an unmodified noun after a form of the verb “ser”(to be). For example,

·         When the noun is not of a specific nature and typically following the verbs: tener (to have), necesitar (to need), buscar (to look for). For example, “Voy a necesitar trabajo (I will need a job)”

·         With otro (another), medio (half), cien (100), mil (1000), con (with), sin (without). For example,

Definite Article “lo”

“Lo” is used prior to an adjective that is acting like a noun. It roughly translates to an indefinite “thing” or “part”. For example, “Lo bueno es que el viaje ha terminado (The good thing is that the trip has ended).”

Subject Pronouns

Similar to English, subject pronouns replace a name for a person.

When speaking Spanish, verb endings indicate the subject so the subject pronoun is not typically spoken but only used for clarification. For example,

Prepositional Pronouns

Prepositional pronouns follow prepositions. Examples of prepositions in Spanish (English): ante (before), con (with), desde (since,from), hasta (until), para (for), sin (without).

For example,

When the prepostion con (with) is followed by mí, or ti a compound word is formed ending in “go”. For example, conmigo (with me), contigo (with you). With him (él) and her (ella) use consigo (with himself, herself). Consigo is reflexive which will be covered in more detail in Beginning Spanish II.

Possessive Pronouns

Possessive pronouns are used to express to whom things pertain. Which possessive pronoun is used is dependent on the gender of the noun and if it is singular or plural.

A possessive pronoun is used so we don’t have to repeat the object possessed. For example,

Courteous Phrases

Courteous phrases exist in both English and Spanish. Instead of saying, “Can I have some bread?” in English we say, “May I have some bread?” to sound more polite. The same concept applies to Spanish. Instead of saying, “Tráigamelo”, which sounds like a command, one says, “Podrías traerme…?” (Would you bring me…?). Some commands, depending on the inflection of the voice, can sound like commands or polite sentences. (Please sit down. Go ahead. Wait a moment.) The following are polite sentences used in Spanish.

Question Words, Negatives and Affirmatives

In Spanish, as in English, we use question words to signify the type of information we are looking for. For example, when we say, “Where is the store?” we want to know the location or existence of the store. The same applies in Spanish. The question words ask for specific information to help us find what we want. We also use negative and positive words to answer some types of questions. “Who is here?” “Nobody is here.” “Someone is here.” We use different words to differentiate between two things: “You can choose either bread or salad” or “You can neither watch TV nor talk to your friends.”

Descriptive Adjectives

In Spanish, as in English, we use adjectives to describe things. Instead of saying, “He is a boy,” we can give the boy more life and more character by saying, “He is a tall boy.” The adjective “tall” helps to describe the noun “boy”. The same is done in Spanish.

Gender

In Spanish, the spelling of adjectives usually change depending if the noun is feminine or masculine. Most adjectives end in “o” for masculine nouns and “a” for feminine nouns. For example, “El chico es alto,” (The boy is tall) and “La chica es alta” (The girls is tall). However, there are some exceptions:

• Adjectives that end in “dor” are masculine and “dora” are feminine
• Adjectives that end in “e” are both masculine and feminine

Singular/Plural

The 4 rules for making adjectives plural are the same for making nouns plural:

1. If the adjective ends in a vowel add “s”.
2. If the adjective ends in a consonant ad “es”
3. If the adjective ends in an “s” do not change the word
4. If the adjective ends in a “z” change the “z” to a “c” and ad “es”

Placement

Generally, adjectives follow the noun. For example, “La maestra inteligente (The intelligent tutor).” There are a few exceptions to this rule,

• “Buen”is used before a noun and “bueno” is used after a noun and they both translate to “good”. This same rule applies to “mal” and “malo” which means “bad”.

• “Gran”is used before a noun which means “great” but “grande” is used after a noun which means “big”. For example,

• Some adjectives change meaning if used before or after a noun:

Possessive Adjectives

The following adjectives are used to describe the person who possesses the object:

However, the possessive adjective is made plural only if the object is plural. The possessive adjective is not made plural if the number of possessors is plural.

Quantity Adjectives

Some adjectives describe quantity or how much. These adjectives are used almost always before the noun. Here is a list of common quantity adjectives (notice the masculine singular spelling of algún and ningún):

Uses of Ser and Estar

In Spanish, there are two main verbs that express “to be”: ser and estar. Each verb has specific uses within the language and the uses cannot be interchanged.  The spelling of ser and estar changes depending on the subject.

1.  Ser

Ser is used to express the inherent nature of a person or thing. Here are some rules:

• To be + adjectiveexpresses essential characteristics of people or things (i.e., physical descriptions).

• To be + of/fromexpresses possession, origin, or material.  “Of/from” are translated to “de” in Spanish.

• To be + forexpresses destination or the expiration date. “For” is translated to “por” or “para” in Spanish.

• To be + noun or pronounexpresses identity between the subject and the noun or pronoun, profession.

• To be + the existence of temporary activities or events.

• To be + the day, the date, the time, and seasons.

2.  Estar

Estar is used to express the temporary nature of a person or thing. Here are some rules:

• To be + adjectiveexpresses changing conditions and appearance of people or things.

• To be + expresses the location of people or things.

• To be + adverb expresses the temporary quality or state of an emotion or activity.

• Estar + para + infinitive is equivalent to “to be about to”.

Present Indicative Formation

In Spanish, the spelling of verbs will change depending on the tense, subject and quantity. This process of changing the spelling is called “conjugation”. The unconjugated form of the verb is called “infinitive.”  Most infinitives end in “ar”, “er” and “ir” and can be conjugated by only changing the ending.

Present Indicative Formation

In Spanish, the spelling of verbs will change depending on the tense, subject and quantity. This process of changing the spelling is called “conjugation”. The unconjugated form of the verb is called “infinitive.”  Most infinitives end in “ar”, “er” and “ir” and can be conjugated by only changing the ending.

Present Tense Conjugation of Regular Verbs

The Present Tense is used to express:

1. What is happening now. For example, “I live here.”
2. What happens regularly. For example, “I eat at home.”
3. What will happen in the near future. For example, “I am eating lunch soon.”

Here is a conjugation example of a regular verb with an “ar” ending.  These same endings are used for all “regular verbs” that end in “ar”,

Here is a conjugation example of a regular verb with an “er” ending. These same endings are used for all “regular verbs” that end in “er”,

Here is a conjugation example of a regular verb with an “ir” ending. These same endings are used for all “regular verbs” that end in “ir”

Present Indicative Stem-changing Verbs

When “regular verbs” are conjugated the ending changes and the front part (a.k.a. stem or root) doesn’t change. When “stem-changing verbs” are conjugated the stem changes. Most stem-changing verbs follow a few rules when conjugated, however, there are some verbs that don’t follow a consistent rule when they are conjugated, and these are called, “irregular verbs”.

Fortunately, most stem-changing verbs follow a few rules when they are conjugated.

1. Change the “e” to “ie” in the stem. However, the subject “nosotros” is conjugated as a regular verb.  For example:

Here is a list of stem-changing verbs that follow this rule:

2. Change the “o” to “ue” in the stem. However, the subject “nosotros” is conjugated as a regular verb. For example:

Here is a list of stem-changing verbs that follow this rule:

3. Change the “e” to “i” in the stem. However, the subject “nosotros” is conjugated as a regular verb. For example:

Here is a list of stem-changing verbs that follow this rule:

4. For verbs that end in “cer” change “c” to “zc” but only for the subject “yo“. The other subjects are conjugated as a regular verb. For example:

Here is a list of stem-changing verbs that follow this rule:

5. For verbs that end in “ger” and “gir” change “g” to “j” but only for the subject “yo“. The other subjects are conjugated as regular verbs. For example:

Here is a list of stem-changing verbs that follow this rule:

6. For verbs that end in “eguir” change “egu” to “ig” for the subject “yo” and to “igu” for “tú “, “usted/él/ella” and “ustedes/ellos/ellas“. However, the subject “nosotros” is conjugated as a regular verb.  For example:

Here is a list of stem-changing verbs that follow this rule:

Here is a list of stem-changing verbs that follow this rule:

Present Indicative Stem-changing Verbs

When “regular verbs” are conjugated the ending changes and the front part (a.k.a. stem or root) doesn’t change. When “stem-changing verbs” are conjugated the stem changes. Most stem-changing verbs follow a few rules when conjugated, however, there are some verbs that don’t follow a consistent rule when they are conjugated, and these are called, “irregular verbs”.

Fortunately, most stem-changing verbs follow a few rules when they are conjugated.

1. Change the “e” to “ie” in the stem. However, the subject “nosotros” is conjugated as a regular verb.  For example:

Here is a list of stem-changing verbs that follow this rule:

2. Change the “o” to “ue” in the stem. However, the subject “nosotros” is conjugated as a regular verb. For example:

Here is a list of stem-changing verbs that follow this rule:

3. Change the “e” to “i” in the stem. However, the subject “nosotros” is conjugated as a regular verb. For example:

Here is a list of stem-changing verbs that follow this rule:

4. For verbs that end in “cer” change “c” to “zc” but only for the subject “yo“. The other subjects are conjugated as a regular verb. For example:

Here is a list of stem-changing verbs that follow this rule:

5. For verbs that end in “ger” and “gir” change “g” to “j” but only for the subject “yo“. The other subjects are conjugated as regular verbs. For example:

Here is a list of stem-changing verbs that follow this rule:

6. For verbs that end in “eguir” change “egu” to “ig” for the subject “yo” and to “igu” for “tú “, “usted/él/ella” and “ustedes/ellos/ellas“. However, the subject “nosotros” is conjugated as a regular verb.  For example:

Here is a list of stem-changing verbs that follow this rule:

Here is a list of stem-changing verbs that follow this rule:

Present Indicative Irregular Verbs

When “regular verbs” are conjugated the ending changes and the front part (a.k.a. stem or root) doesn’t change. When “stem-changing verbs” are conjugated the stem changes. Most stem-changing verbs follow a few rules when conjugated, however, there are some verbs that don’t follow a consistent rule when they are conjugated, and these are called, “irregular verbs”.

Fortunately, there aren’t many irregular verbs. Unfortunately, some of the irregular verbs listed below are used frequently:

Expressions about time used in the present tense

In Spanish, as in English, we use words to describe the present situation. Today, now, right now, this year, and other similar words explain what is happening right now. With these words, we use verbs in the present tense.

The Verb Haber Used to Express Existence

Haber has two uses. The first is as a verb. As such it is conjugated based on the subject (yo, tú, etc.). The second, “Hay,” is to express the existence of something, “There is” or “There are”. It’s impersonal, invariable and it doesn’t reflect gender, person or number.

Impersonal Statements

We use impersonal expressions when we don’t want to personalize a situation, and we speak in a general sense to send a somewhat persuasive message. For example, instead of personalizing the situation and obligating ourselves by saying, “I have to study,” we can use the third person and say, “I think it’s important to study.”

Verbs Saber and Conocer

There are two verbs that mean “to know” in Spanish: saber and conocer. Each one has different use.

1.  Saber

Saber (to know) is used to express knowledge of information, abilities or facts. For example, “I know your address” or “They know how to dance.”

2.  Conocer

Conocer is used to express knowledge of in the sense of being acquainted with or recognizing. Conocer is always used to express knowledge of places or people. For example, “She knows (has been to) Tikal”, or “We know Juan.”

The Infinitive

The expressions with an infinitive are formed with a conjugated verb plus an infinitive that changes the meaning of the sentence (verb + infinitive).

This lesson includes information on:

1. To have to + infinitive
2. To have just + infinitive
3. Should + infinitive
4. Might + infinitive
5. To begin to + infinitive
6. To stop (interrupt) + infinitive
7. To be at the point of (verge of) + infinitive
8. To be about to + infinitive
9. To be going to + infinitive
10. To carry without + infinitive
11. To be in agreement with in order to accomplish something + infinitive
12. To begin/commence + infinitive
13. To want + infinitive
14. To do again + infinitive

1.  To have to + infinitive(Tener que + infinitivo) – Expresses personal necessity or obligation

2.  To have just + infinitive (Acabar de + infinitivo) – Expresses an immediate past

3.  Should + infinitive (Deber + infinitivo) – Expresses moral obligation

4.  Might + infinitive (Deber de + infinitivo) – Expresses probability

5.  To begin to + infinitive (Echarse a + infinitivo or comenzar a + infinitivo) – Expresses the beginning of something

6.  To stop (interrupt) + infinitive(Dejar de + infinitivo) – Expresses the end or stopping of something

7.  To be at the point of (verge of) + infinitive(Estar a punto de + infinitivo) – Expresses an imminent future

8.  To be about to + infinitive(Estar por + infinitivo) – Expresses intention or in favor of

9.  To be going to + infinitive (Ir a + infinitivo) – Expresses future

10.  To carry without + infinitive(Llevar sin + infinitivo) – Expresses duration

11.  To be in agreement with in order to accomplish something + infinitive(Quedar en + infinitive) – Expresses agreement to make something happen

12.  To begin/commence + infinitive(Ponerse a + infinitivo) – Expresses to begin or to commence

13.  To want + infinitive(Querer + infinitivo) – Expresses a desire or preference.

14.  To do again + infinitive(Volver a + infinitivo) – Expresses to do again

Imperative or Command Form

The imperative or command form only exists in the tú, usted, ustedes, and nosotros forms of the verbs.

This lesson includes information on:

1. Imperative or Command Formation Affirmative
2. Imperative or Command Formation Negative
3. Indirect and Direct Object Pronouns with Imperatives
4. Irregular Imperative or Command Verbs

1.  Imperative or Command Formation Affirmative

The imperative or command form is used to express:

1.      A command or an order.  For example: Coma usted los vegetales. ({You (formal)} Eat the vegetables.) Mira tú.({You (informal)} Look.)

2.      To beg. For example, Quiero que usted hable conmigo. (I want you to speak to me.)

3.      To give advice or suggestions.  For example, Invitemos a Jorge a la fiesta.  (Let’s invite Jorge to the party.)

• Direct commandsin the tú form (familiar) are formed dropping the –s from the tú form in the present tense. For example:

• Direct commandsin the usted form (2nd person formal) are formed by dropping the –o in the yo (1st person singular) form of the present tense and adding the usted ending of the present subjunctive. In other words, for the verbs ending in –ar, drop the _ar and add “e”; and from the verbs ending in _er or –ir, drop these endings and add “a”. For example:

• Direct commandsin the ustedes form (2nd person plural) are formed by dropping the –o in the yo (1st person singular) form of the present tense and adding the ustedes ending of the present subjunctive. For example:

• Nosotros commandsare not direct commands but suggestions.  Suggestions in the nosotros form (1st person plural) are formed by using the present subjunctive form of nosotros. For example:

2.  Imperative or Command Formation Negative

The negative imperative or command form is used to express:

1.      A command or an order.  For example: No coma los vegetales. ({You (formal)} Don’t eat the vegetables.) No mires.({You (informal)} Don’t look.)

2.      To beg. For example, Quiero que usted no hable conmigo. (I want you to not speak to me.)

3.      To give advice or suggestions.  For example, No invitemos a Jorge a la fiesta.  (Let’s not invite Jorge to the party.)

• Negative direct commandsin the tú form (familiar) are formed by using the present subjunctive form of tú. For example:

• Negative direct commandsin the usted form (2nd person formal) are formed by dropping the –o in the yo (1st person singular) form of the present tense and adding the usted ending of the present subjunctive. For example:

• Negative direct commandsin the ustedes form (2nd person plural) are formed by dropping the –o in the yo (1st person singular) form of the present tense and adding the ustedes ending of the present subjunctive. For example:

• Negative suggestion commandsin the nosotros form (1st person plural) are formed by using the present subjunctive form of nosotros. For example:

3.  Indirect and Direct Object Pronouns with Imperatives

The imperative or command form is used to express:

1.      A command or an order.  For example, Cómalos. ({You (formal)} Eat them.)

2.      To give direct orders.  For example, Mírala.({You (informal)} Look at it.)

3.      To beg. For example, Quiero que usted me lo dé. (I want you to give it to me.)

4.      To give advice.  For example, Invitémosla a la fiesta.  (Let’s invite her to the party.)

• Affirmative direct commandswith direct and indirect object pronouns attach the pronouns to the end of the commands and an accent is added to the command to maintain proper pronunciation. For example:

The indirect object pronoun always goes before the direct object pronoun. For example:

• Negative Direct Commands withdirect and indirect object pronouns are formed by having the pronouns come before the command but after the word no. For example:

• In soft commands(beg) or desire statements, the pronouns come before the conjugated command verb.  The second clause of the sentence is always conjugated in the subjunctive form. For example:

4.  Irregular Imperative or Command Verbs

Irregular imperative verbs exist in the forms of tú, usted, ustedes and nosotros.

• The irregular imperative verbs in the tú form (familiar) are:

• The irregular imperative verbs in the usted/ustedes forms are:

• The irregular imperative verbs in the nosotros form are:

Demonstrative Adjectives

In Spanish, one uses “this/these” (este/estos/estas/esta) when things are close to the person speaking. “That/those” (ese/esos/esa/esas) are used when things are close to the person who is listening. “That/Those over there” (Aquel/aquellos/aquella/aquellas) are used when things are far from both people.

Demonstrative Pronouns

When the Demonstrative Adjective is used as a pronoun it is referred to as a Demonstrative Pronoun. Demonstrative Pronouns are spelled the same but include an accent to indicate the difference.

Demonstrative Pronouns are masculine or feminine depending on the noun they are modifying. If the noun is neutral (neither masculine or feminine) then the Demonstrative Pronoun ends in “o” and they do not take an accent (e.g., esto, eso, aquello).

Demonstrative Pronouns are also used to indicate former (forms of aquél) and latter (forms of ésto and éso).