The 10 Spanish verbs every beginner must learn first
Not all verbs are equal. These 10 Spanish verbs will carry you through 80% of everyday conversations — learn them before anything else.
With 500+ verbs in our database, it can be hard to know where to start. The answer: start with the verbs that appear in almost every conversation. Master these 10 and you'll be able to express the vast majority of everyday ideas in Spanish.
1. Ser — to be (permanent)
Ser is used for identity, nationality, profession, and permanent characteristics. Soy inglés. Somos estudiantes. Es una buena idea. Possibly the single most important verb in the language.
2. Estar — to be (temporary)
Estar handles location, emotional states, and temporary conditions. Estoy bien. ¿Dónde está el baño? Estamos en Madrid. Together with ser, these two verbs unlock a huge part of Spanish.
3. Tener — to have
Tener expresses possession but also age, hunger, thirst, and many idiomatic phrases. Tengo 30 años. ¿Tienes hambre? Tenemos que salir.
4. Ir — to go
Ir is essential for movement and, crucially, for forming the immediate future with ir a + infinitive. Voy al trabajo. ¿Adónde vas? Vamos a comer.
5. Querer — to want / to love
Querer is your go-to verb for expressing desires and affection. Quiero un café. ¿Qué quieres hacer? Te quiero.
6. Poder — can / to be able to
Poder expresses ability and permission. ¿Puedes ayudarme? No puedo venir hoy. ¿Puedo pasar?
7. Hacer — to do / to make
Hacer is used constantly: for activities, weather, and forming expressions. ¿Qué haces? Hace calor. Hago deporte todos los días.
8. Decir — to say / to tell
Decir is fundamental for reporting speech and giving information. ¿Qué dices? Me dijo que llegará tarde. Dime la verdad.
9. Hablar — to speak / to talk
Hablar is the model for all regular -AR verbs — and one you'll use constantly. ¿Hablas español? Hablo un poco. Hablamos mañana.
10. Saber — to know (facts / how to)
Saber handles knowledge of facts and skills. ¿Sabes nadar? No sé. Sabe cocinar muy bien. Remember: use conocer for knowing people and places.
How to practise
For each of these verbs, learn the full present tense conjugation first, then learn 5 example sentences. Make them personal — sentences about your own life are far easier to remember. Once you have all 10 in the present tense, move on to the preterite for the top 5.