A "stem-changing verb" in Spanish (also known as an "irregular verb") is a verb that undergoes a change in its stem vowel when conjugated in certain forms. This change typically occurs in the present tense (for all forms except nosotros and vosotros) and in the subjunctive mood.
For example, the verb "pensar" (to think) changes its stem from "e" to "ie" in most present tense conjugations:
- Yo pienso (I think)
- Tú piensas (You think)
- Él/Ella/Usted piensa (He/She/You think)
Other common types of stem changes include:
- "o" to "ue" (e.g., "dormir" - to sleep: "duermo," "duermes")
- "e" to "i" (e.g., "pedir" - to ask: "pido," "pides")
These changes are part of what makes conjugating these verbs different from regular verbs, which follow more predictable patterns.
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