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Video lesson

Los verbos (III): el presente de los verbos en -ir

Duration: 3:46 Published: 10 Apr 2017

Third video of the series on Spanish verbs. Pilar explains the regular present tense of verbs ending in -ir, such as vivir, escribir or abrir.

Learn the basics about the Spanish verbs in this free Spanish lesson brought to you by Tilde Madrid Spanish school in Madrid

Key points

  • Present endings for -ir verbs: -o, -es, -e, -imos, -ís, -en.
  • Example: vivo, vives, vive, vivimos, vivís, viven.
  • -ir verbs share most endings with -er verbs; only nosotros and vosotros are different: comemos, vivimos; coméis, vivís.
  • The present is usually the first tense students learn, because it is very useful and easy to apply.

Frequent doubts

What is the difference between -er and -ir verbs in the present?

Only nosotros and vosotros: comemos and coméis, but vivimos and vivís. The other forms have the same endings.

Are there irregular -ir verbs in the present?

Yes, quite a few: pedir (pido), dormir (duermo), decir (digo), venir (vengo) or ir (voy).

How can I practise the three conjugations?

Take a regular verb from each group, such as hablar, comer and vivir, and conjugate them side by side. Then use them in short sentences about your routine.

Part of Spanish Sessions, the YouTube channel of the teachers at Tilde Madrid — more than 3 million views.

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