Stem Changing Patterns

The Spanish language has 5 different stem-changing patterns.

• e changes to ie
• o changes to ue
• e changes to i
• u changes to ue 
• i changes to ie 

Each verb has its own set of endings that are added to the verb stem.

Let’s learn about them!

E Changes to IE

Notice that the e in pensar changes to ie when it is conjugated in the present tense.

The nosotros and vosotros forms are unaffected by this change.

e changes to ie spanish chart

• yo pienso
• tú piensas
• él piensa
• nosotros pensamos
• vosotros pensáis
• ellos piensan

Here are common -ar, -er, and -ir verbs that suffer this stem change.

Examples

• acertar (guess)
• alentar (encourage)
• apretar (tighten)
• arrendar (rent)
• asentar (settle)
• querer (love, want)
• ascender (promote)
• atender (attend)
• defender (defend)
• desatender (neglect)
• preferir (prefer)
• mentir (lie)
• concernir (concern)
• adherir (adhere, attach)
• adquirir (acquire, buy)

O Changes to UE

Notice that the o in volver changes to ue when it is conjugated in the present tense.

o changes to ue spanish chart

• yo vuelvo
• tú vuelves
• él vuelve
• nosotros volvemos
• vosotros volvéis
• ellos vuelven

These are common -ar, -er, and -ir verbs that suffer this stem change.

Examples

• acordar (agree)
• apostar (bet)
• aprobar (approve)
• asolar (destroy)
• colar (strain)
• absolver (absolve)
• conmover (stir)
• demoler (demolish)
• desenvolver (unfold)
• devolver (return)
• morir (die)
• dormir (sleep)

E Changes to I

Notice that the e in pedir changes to i when it is conjugated in the present tense.

e changes to i spanish chart

• yo pido
• tú pides
• él pide
• nosotros pedimos
• vosotros pedís
• ellos piden

Only -ir verbs suffer this stem change. Look!

Examples

• seguir (follow)
• sonreír (smile)
• repetir (repeat)
• teñir (dye)
• elegir (choose)
• regir (govern)
• pedir (ask)
• derretir (melt)
• despedir (dismiss)
• freír (fry)
• gemir (groan)
• impedir (prevent)

U Changes to UE

Notice that the u in jugar changes to ue when it is conjugated in the present tense.

• yo juego
• tú juegas
• él juega
• nosotros jugamos
• vosotros jugáis
• ellos juegan

Jugar is the only verb in this category. 

I Changes to IE

Notice that the i in adquirir changes to ie when it is conjugated in the present tense.

• yo adquiero
• tú adquieres
• él adquiere
• nosotros adquirimos
• vosotros adquirís
• ellos adquieren

Adquirir (to acquire) and inquirir (to inquire) are the only verbs in this category.