A number of verbs in the Spanish language undergo a stem change in the present tense form. There are three categories of stem changing verbs and dozens of verbs in each of the three categories. These verbs must be memorized individually. Below are examples of each.
1. dormir-to sleep (o-ue)
duermo dormimos* *note: ‘nosotros’ is not changed
duermes x
duerme duermen
Other verbs that have the same change include:
volver -to return, encontrar-to find, poder-to be able to, recordar- to remember
*There is one unique verb in the Spanish language ‘jugar’ which means to play games and sports. This is the only verb which undergoes a u-ue stem change. For example, Yo juego al golf.
2. querer-to want, to like, to love (e-ie)
quiero queremos
quieres x
quiere quieren
Other verbs that have the same change include:
pensar (en) -to think (about), comenzar (a)-to begin (to) , cerrar- to close, entender- to understand
3. pedir-to ask for, to request (e-i)
pido pedimos
pides x
pide piden
Other verbs that have the same change include:
servir-to serve, repetir-to repeat
