Stem-changing verbs, also known as “boot verbs” or “shoe verbs,” change the vowel in their stem (the part of the verb before the ending) in all forms except nosotros and vosotros. This change occurs in the present tense, present subjunctive, and some forms of the preterite and imperative.
Types of Stem Changes
There are three main types of stem changes:
Conjugation Patterns
e → ie (e.g., cerrar)
| Spanish Conjugation |
|---|
| cierro |
| English Translation |
| Pronoun |
| yo |
o → ue (e.g., dormir)
| Spanish Conjugation |
|---|
| duermo |
| English Translation |
| Pronoun |
| yo |
e → i (e.g., pedir)
| Spanish Conjugation |
|---|
| pido |
| English Translation |
| Pronoun |
| yo |
Important Notes
- The stem change only occurs in the boot-shaped forms: yo, tú, él/ella, ellos/ellas.
- The nosotros and vosotros forms remain regular.
- This pattern applies to the present tense, present subjunctive, and some commands.
- A few verbs have a stem change in the preterite tense (e.g., dormir → durmió).
Examples
Stem-changing verbs are common and important for fluency in Spanish. Practice them regularly to become comfortable with the patterns.
| Spanish Example | |
|---|---|
| Ella cierra la puerta. | |
| English Example | |
| Verb | Meaning |
| cerrar | to close |
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Last updated: Thu Jul 17, 2025