Language/Galician/Grammar/Irregular-Verbs
Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn how to conjugate irregular verbs in the present tense in Galician. Verbs are essential for forming sentences and communicating in any language. Irregular verbs, in particular, do not follow the typical conjugation patterns, making them essential to master to become proficient in Galician.
We will focus on common irregular verbs that are frequently used in everyday conversations. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to communicate simple ideas and concepts using irregular verbs in Galician.
Overview
Before we dive into irregular verbs, let's review some basic concepts of verb conjugation. In Galician, verbs are conjugated according to person (1st, 2nd, and 3rd), number (singular and plural), and tense (present, past, and future).
For example, let's take a look at the present tense of the regular verb "falar" (to speak):
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | falo | falamos |
| 2nd Person | falas | falades |
| 3rd Person | fala | falan |
Here, we can see that the verb "falar" has been conjugated according to person and number in the present tense. It's essential to learn this conjugation pattern for regular verbs before moving on to irregular verbs.
Common Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs in Galician are verbs that do not follow the standard conjugation patterns of regular verbs. These verbs have unique conjugation patterns that must be memorized. Here are some commonly used irregular verbs:
- ser (to be)
- ir (to go)
- estar (to be)
- tener (to have)
- facelo (to do)
- vir (to come)
Ser (To Be)
The verb "ser" is essential in any language, as it is used to describe people, places, and things. In Galician, the verb "ser" is irregular in all tenses. Here is how to conjugate the verb "ser" in the present tense:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | son | somos |
| 2nd Person | es | sodes |
| 3rd Person | é | son |
Notice that the verb "ser" has a unique conjugation pattern that must be memorized. The present tense of "ser" is used to describe permanent characteristics or states, such as nationality, profession, and physical characteristics.
For example:
- Son galego/a. (I am Galician.)
- És médico/a. (You are a doctor.)
- É alta. (She is tall.)
- Somos católicos. (We are Catholics.)
- Sodes inteligentes. (You all are intelligent.)
- Son artistas. (They are artists.)
Ir (To Go)
The verb "ir" is another essential verb in Galician, used to talk about travel and movement. The verb "ir" is irregular in the present tense. Here is how to conjugate the verb "ir" in the present tense:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | vou | vamos |
| 2nd Person | vas | ides |
| 3rd Person | vai | van |
Notice that the verb "ir" has a unique conjugation pattern that must be memorized. The present tense of "ir" is used to describe ongoing actions, such as going to a place or event.
For example:
- Vou ao cinema. (I am going to the cinema.)
- Vas ao supermercado. (You are going to the supermarket.)
- Vai ao concerto. (He is going to the concert.)
- Vamos á praia. (We are going to the beach.)
- Ides ao parque. (You all are going to the park.)
- Van ao restaurante. (They are going to the restaurant.)
Estar (To Be)
The verb "estar" is used to talk about temporary states or conditions, such as emotions, location, and health. The verb "estar" is irregular in some tenses, including the present tense. Here is how to conjugate the verb "estar" in the present tense:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | estou | estamos |
| 2nd Person | estás | estades |
| 3rd Person | está | están |
Notice that the verb "estar" has a unique conjugation pattern that must be memorized. The present tense of "estar" is used to describe temporary states or conditions.
For example:
- Estou cansado/a. (I am tired.)
- Estás contento/a. (You are happy.)
- Está en casa. (He/She is at home.)
- Estamos nerviosos/as. (We are nervous.)
- Estades tranquilos/as. (You all are calm.)
- Están en la plaza. (They are in the square.)
Tener (To Have)
The verb "tener" is used to talk about possession or relationships. The verb "tener" is irregular in the present tense. Here is how to conjugate the verb "tener" in the present tense:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | teño | temos |
| 2nd Person | tes | tedes |
| 3rd Person | ten | teñen |
Notice that the verb "tener" has a unique conjugation pattern that must be memorized. The present tense of "tener" is used to talk about possession or relationships.
For example:
- Teño un coche. (I have a car.)
- Tes moitos amigos. (You have many friends.)
- Ten un gato. (He/She has a cat.)
- Temos moitas responsabilidades. (We have many responsibilities.)
- Tedes unha casa grande. (You all have a big house.)
- Teñen moitas cousas en común. (They have many things in common.)
Facelo (To Do)
The verb "facelo" is used to talk about actions and tasks. The verb "facelo" is irregular in the present tense. Here is how to conjugate the verb "facelo" in the present tense:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | fágoo | facémolo |
| 2nd Person | fas | facedes |
| 3rd Person | fai | fan |
Notice that the verb "facelo" has a unique conjugation pattern that must be memorized. The present tense of "facelo" is used to talk about actions and tasks.
For example:
- Fágoo agora. (I am doing it now.)
- Fas os deberes pola noite. (You do your homework at night.)
- Fai moito deporte. (He/She does a lot of sports.)
- Facémolo xuntos. (We do it together.)
- Facedes unha boa presentación. (You all gave a good presentation.)
- Fan moitas cousas ó mesmo tempo. (They do many things at the same time.)
Vir (To Come)
The verb "vir" is used to talk about movement and arrival. The verb "vir" is irregular in the present tense. Here is how to conjugate the verb "vir" in the present tense:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | vino | viñemos |
| 2nd Person | vés | vedes |
| 3rd Person | ven | veñen |
Notice that the verb "vir" has a unique conjugation pattern that must be memorized. The present tense of "vir" is used to talk about movement and arrival.
For example:
- Vino a miña casa onte. (He/She came to my house yesterday.)
- Vés conmigo ó cine. (You come with me to the cinema.)
- Ven con nós á praia. (He/She comes with us to the beach.)
- Viñemos en coche. (We came by car.)
- Vedes moitas veces o programa. (You all watch the program many times.)
- Veñen sempre tarde. (They always come late.)
Practice Exercises
Now that we have gone over these commonly used irregular verbs in Galician, let's practice using them in sentences. Here are some exercises to help you practice:
- Completa as frases con "ser", "estar" ou "ter":
- - Onde _____ as chaves? (Where are the keys?)
- - _____ xordo. Non oín nada. (I am deaf. I can't hear anything.)
- - _____ médico/a. (You are a doctor.)
- - _____ os meus libros na tenda. (I have my books in the store.)
- - _____ galego/a. (I am Galician.)
- Completa as frases con "ir", "vir" ou "facelo":
- - _____ ó cinema esta tarde. (We are going to the cinema this afternoon.)
- - _____ temente ó concerto? (Are you coming to the concert?)
- - _____ un bolo este sábado. (They are going to a party this Saturday.)
- - Non p