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Apr 29

Exploring Yo-Go Verbs in Spanish

Updated: May 22


Learn Spanish, Spanish Online for adults



Among the various verb conjugations in Spanish, the "yo-go" verbs stand out as a unique category that follows a distinct pattern. These verbs undergo a spelling change in the first-person singular (yo) form of the present indicative tense. In this blog, we'll delve into the world of yo-go verbs, exploring their formation, usage, and common examples.


Understanding Yo-Go Verbs: Yo-go verbs, also known as "stem-changing verbs" or "boot verbs," exhibit a change in the stem vowel in the first-person singular (yo) form of the present tense. This alteration occurs in order to maintain the original pronunciation of the verb. The most common vowel changes in yo-go verbs are from -e to -ie or from -o to -ue.


Formation of Yo-Go Verbs: To conjugate yo-go verbs in the present tense, follow these steps:

  1. Start with the infinitive form of the verb.

  2. Identify the stem vowel change that occurs in the first-person singular (yo) form.

  3. Conjugate the verb as you would for regular verbs, but maintain the stem change in the appropriate forms. For example: Poder (to be able to): Yo puedo (I can) Tú puedes (you can) Él/Ella/Usted puede (he/she/you can) Nosotros/as podemos (we can) Vosotros/as podéis (you all can) Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes pueden (they/you all can) Querer (to want): Yo quiero (I want) Tú quieres (you want) Él/Ella/Usted quiere (he/she/you want) Nosotros/as queremos (we want) Vosotros/as queréis (you all want) Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes quieren (they/you all want)


Usage of Yo-Go Verbs:

  1. Expressing Desires and Preferences:

  • Quiero ir al cine esta noche. (I want to go to the movies tonight.)

  • Prefiero estudiar por la mañana. (I prefer to study in the morning.)

  1. Talking About Abilities and Capabilities:

  • Puedo hablar español con fluidez. (I can speak Spanish fluently.)

  • No puedo entender esta lección. (I can't understand this lesson.)

  1. Describing Changes or Actions:

  • Ella empieza a trabajar a las ocho. (She starts working at eight.)

  • Vuelvo a casa después del trabajo. (I return home after work.)


Common Yo-Go Verbs: Some common yo-go verbs include:

  • Poder (to be able to)

  • Querer (to want)

  • Empezar (to start)

  • Entender (to understand)

  • Volver (to return)

  • Dormir (to sleep)

  • Pedir (to ask for)

  • Jugar (to play)


Practice is key to mastering yo-go verbs in Spanish. Regular exposure to these verbs in various contexts, such as reading, listening, and speaking, can help solidify their conjugation patterns and usage rules. Additionally, incorporating yo-go verbs into your daily conversations and writing exercises can enhance your language proficiency over time.


Yo-go verbs add depth and nuance to Spanish communication, allowing speakers to express desires, preferences, abilities, and actions with precision. By understanding their formation, usage, and common examples, learners can navigate the intricacies of Spanish grammar with confidence. Embrace yo-go verbs as essential tools in your journey towards Spanish fluency, and watch as your language skills flourish.


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