Spanish Verb Tenses Guide

Master all Spanish verb tenses with our comprehensive guide. Learn when and how to use each tense with clear explanations and examples.

Understanding Spanish Verb Moods

Indicative Mood

Used for facts, statements, and reality

When to use:

When stating facts, asking questions, or describing reality

Examples:

  • • Yo hablo español
  • • Ella fue a la tienda
  • • Vamos a comer

Subjunctive Mood

Used for wishes, doubts, emotions, and hypothetical situations

When to use:

After expressions of emotion, doubt, desire, or uncertainty

Examples:

  • • Espero que hables
  • • Dudo que venga
  • • Quiero que estudies

Imperative Mood

Used for commands and requests

When to use:

When giving orders, instructions, or making requests

Examples:

  • • ¡Habla!
  • • ¡Ven aquí!
  • • ¡Estudia más!

Non-Personal Forms

Infinitive, gerund, and participle forms

When to use:

Used as nouns, adjectives, or in compound tenses

Examples:

  • • hablar (to speak)
  • • hablando (speaking)
  • • hablado (spoken)

Time Frames

Past

Actions that happened before now

Present

Actions happening now or generally true

Future

Actions that will happen after now

Quick Start Guide

Start with these tenses:

  1. 1
    Present Indicative - For current actions and facts
  2. 2
    Preterite - For completed past actions
  3. 3
    Future - For future actions

Learning Tips:

  • Practice with common verbs first (ser, estar, tener, hacer)
  • Learn one tense at a time
  • Use the tenses in real sentences

Ready to Practice?

Practice "hablar" (Present)Practice "ser" (Irregular)View Common Verbs

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Use our interactive conjugator to practice the tenses you've studied

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