Common Verbs in Spanish for Everyday Use: A Beginner’s Guide


Learning Spanish can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to communicate in daily life. One of the best ways to start is by mastering the most common Spanish verbs. These verbs form the foundation of everyday conversation, from asking for directions to ordering food.

In this guide, we’ll cover essential verbs, their meanings, and tips on how to use them naturally in conversation.


1. Why Learn Common Spanish Verbs?

Spanish verbs are the backbone of sentences. By knowing the most frequently used verbs, you can:

  • Speak and understand everyday conversations more easily.

  • Build sentences quickly without memorizing complex phrases.

  • Improve comprehension in reading, listening, and media consumption.


2. 20 Essential Spanish Verbs for Everyday Use

1. Ser – to be (permanent/identity)

  • Example: Yo soy estudiante. → I am a student.

2. Estar – to be (temporary/location/condition)

  • Example: Estoy cansado. → I am tired.

3. Tener – to have

  • Example: Tengo dos hermanos. → I have two brothers.

4. Hacer – to do / to make

  • Example: Hago la tarea. → I do the homework.

5. Ir – to go

  • Example: Voy al supermercado. → I’m going to the supermarket.

6. Poder – can / to be able to

  • Example: Puedo ayudarte. → I can help you.

7. Decir – to say / to tell

  • Example: Ella dice la verdad. → She tells the truth.

8. Ver – to see

  • Example: Veo la televisión. → I watch TV.

9. Dar – to give

  • Example: Te doy un regalo. → I give you a gift.

10. Saber – to know (facts / information)

  • Example: Sé la respuesta. → I know the answer.

11. Querer – to want / to love

  • Example: Quiero comer pizza. → I want to eat pizza.

12. Llegar – to arrive

  • Example: Llegamos tarde. → We arrived late.

13. Pasar – to pass / to spend (time)

  • Example: Paso tiempo con amigos. → I spend time with friends.

14. Deber – should / to owe

  • Example: Debo estudiar más. → I should study more.

15. Poner – to put / to place

  • Example: Pongo el libro en la mesa. → I put the book on the table.

16. Parecer – to seem / to appear

  • Example: Parece fácil. → It seems easy.

17. Quedar – to stay / to remain

  • Example: Quedamos en casa. → We stay at home.

18. Creer – to believe

  • Example: Creo en ti. → I believe in you.

19. Hablar – to speak / to talk

  • Example: Hablo español. → I speak Spanish.

20. Llevar – to carry / to wear

  • Example: Llevo una chaqueta. → I wear a jacket.


3. Tips for Using Spanish Verbs in Daily Life

  1. Start with present tense – Most daily conversations use the present tense first.

  2. Practice with common phrases – Use verbs in context, e.g., Quiero agua (I want water).

  3. Listen and repeat – Watch Spanish TV shows or listen to podcasts to hear verbs naturally.

  4. Use flashcards or apps – Tools like Duolingo or Anki help reinforce verb conjugations.

  5. Mix verbs with nouns and adjectives – For example, Tengo hambre (I am hungry) combines verb + noun.


4. Final Thoughts

Mastering these common Spanish verbs is a crucial step toward fluency. They appear in countless daily situations, from casual chats to travel and work interactions. By practicing these verbs regularly, you’ll gain confidence and communicate more naturally.