A2 Spanish grammar
Common Irregular Spanish Present-Tense Verbs for Everyday Use
A2 communication depends on a small group of irregular verbs used for saying, knowing, giving, bringing, leaving, and placing things. Practise them in complete messages rather than as isolated tables.
Irregular present strategy
subject + complete present form
Match the whole form to the subject; do not assume that an irregular yo form applies to every person.
Decir and saber
| Person | decir | saber |
|---|---|---|
| yo | digo | sé |
| tú | dices | sabes |
| él / ella / usted | dice | sabe |
| nosotros | decimos | sabemos |
| vosotros | decís | sabéis |
| ellos / ellas / ustedes | dicen | saben |
Dar and traer
| Person | dar | traer |
|---|---|---|
| yo | doy | traigo |
| tú | das | traes |
| él / ella / usted | da | trae |
| nosotros | damos | traemos |
| vosotros | dais | traéis |
| ellos / ellas / ustedes | dan | traen |
Poner, salir, and oír
| Person | poner | salir | oír |
|---|---|---|---|
| yo | pongo | salgo | oigo |
| tú | pones | sales | oyes |
| él / ella / usted | pone | sale | oye |
| nosotros | ponemos | salimos | oímos |
| vosotros | ponéis | salís | oís |
| ellos / ellas / ustedes | ponen | salen | oyen |
Oír also changes spelling outside nosotros and vosotros: oy- keeps the y sound.
irregular Spanish present tense verbs: Choose the form that matches the subject
Irregularity may affect only yo or several forms, so always match the complete form to its subject.
Mis amigos dicen la verdad.Quick check
Nosotros ___ la mesa. (poner)
Select the verb for the intended meaning
Saber means to know information or how to do something; dar gives, traer brings, and salir leaves or goes out.
Traigo pan para la cena.Use irregular verbs in natural combinations
Learn common chunks such as decir que, poner algo, salir de, traer algo, and dar algo a alguien.
Le doy el libro a Ana.Common mistakes
Ella digo que sí.
Ella dice que sí.
Ella needs dice; digo belongs to yo.
Sé a María.
Conozco a María.
Use conocer for being acquainted with a person.
Salimos la casa.
Salimos de la casa.
Use salir de for leaving a place.
Ready to practise irregular Spanish present tense verbs?
Complete an eight-question round and save skill-level progress for future review.
More irregular present verbs FAQ
What does more irregular present verbs cover?
A2 communication depends on a small group of irregular verbs used for saying, knowing, giving, bringing, leaving, and placing things. Practise them in complete messages rather than as isolated tables.
What is the first rule to remember?
Irregularity may affect only yo or several forms, so always match the complete form to its subject.
What is another important A2 pattern?
Saber means to know information or how to do something; dar gives, traer brings, and salir leaves or goes out.
How can I practise irregular Spanish present tense verbs?
Complete the focused round, review each correction, and repeat the lesson when its skills become due again.