Conjugate stem-changing (g > j) verbs: -ger and -gir verbs in the present tense in Spanish (El Presente)
Spanish verbs ending in -ger and -gir replace the -g- with a -j- only in the yo form in El Presente. This is to maintain the original sound of the infinitive.
Here are two verbs that undergo this change:
Conjugation of stem-changing verb "proteger" in El Presente in Spanish
| PROTEGER to protect |
|
| yo | protejo |
| tú | proteges |
|
él / ella |
protege |
| nosotros nosotras |
protegemos |
| vosotros vosotras |
protegéis |
| ellos / ellas ustedes |
protegen |
Notice how the -g- from the infinitive has switched to a -j- in the yo form.
Conjugation of stem-changing verb "dirigir" in El Presente in Spanish
| DIRIGIR to lead |
|
| yo | dirijo |
| tú | diriges |
|
él / ella |
dirige |
| nosotros nosotras |
dirigimos |
| vosotros vosotras |
dirigís |
| ellos / ellas ustedes |
dirigen |
Notice how the -g- from the infinitive has switched to a -j- in the yo form.
Other verbs affected by this change are:
- Coger (to take) Note that Latin American Spanish speakers use the verb "tomar" instead of 'coger".
- Acoger (to take in/to receive)
- Recoger (to pick up)
- Escoger (to choose)
- Exigir (to demand)
- Sumergir (to plunge)
- Fingir (to pretend)
Have a look and listen to these examples:
Yo cojo el autobús todos los días.I take the bus every day.
Note that Latin American Spanish speakers use the verb "tomar" instead of "coger".
Siempre recojo mi habitación.I always tidy up my room.
Marta escoge muy bien su ropa.Marta chooses her clothes very well .
Nosotros protegemos el medio ambiente con el reciclaje.We protect the environment by recycling.
Mis abuelos exigen respeto para los mayores.My grandparents demand respect for the elderly.
Ustedes acogen a niños sirios durante el verano.You take in Syrian children during the summer.
Yo protejo a mi hija demasiado.I protect my daughter too much.
For more verbs that follow this pattern see List of Spanish -ger/-gir stem-changing verbs (g > j).
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