How to memorize Spanish verb conjugations

Learning how to conjugate verbs in Spanish is something most people struggle with at first. But don't worry! In this article, we'll provide you with some tips for memorizing verb conjugations so that you can speak like a pro in no time.

The first thing you'll want to do is find a conjugation chart for a specific, known irregular verb or for a regular verb ending in -ar, -er, or -ir. The DLE generates conjugation charts automatically when you look up a verb (just click "Conjugar" and scroll down). This will give you the infinitive, gerund, and participle forms of the verb, along with its tenses and how to change it for each grammatical person: "yo" (I), "tú" (you), etcetera, i.e. conjugate it.

In order to memorize Spanish verb conjugations, you need to spend time doing lots of repetition and practice. This might sound a little obvious and a little tedious, but it really pays off in the long run! You'll want to keep practicing until you're able to remember all the persons in all the important tenses in all the important verbs without looking at your conjugation charts.

Writing sentences in Spanish requires many skills in addition to your already memorized vocabulary, but conjugation work is mostly memory-based, so you have to "put in your reps" to get good at it. Research shows there are two great techniques to use your study time more efficiently:

Repetition and recollection

Try to do four sets of conjugations for each verb tense. You can start with the present, then move on to the future and the two main past tenses (pretérito perfecto and imperfecto). Repeat them a few times while reading them, and then repeat them a few times in your head.

After that, practice testing your memory by creating timed quizzes for yourself in which you have a few seconds per question to recall the correct answer before moving forward.

Spacing

Try to leave some time between your studying sessions. For example, you can study for 20 minutes and then have a two-hour break before reviewing again. A good way to do this without thinking that much about it is by keeping your studying materials (textbook, quizzes you've created, notes, online tools, etc.) handy all the time and going back to them for a few minutes every time you take a break at work, you get in the train, you do laundry, etc.

There are many different ways to learn your verb conjugations in Spanish. Use the tips above and your own creativity to make a plan that works best for you.

Memorizing verb conjugations is an extremely important part of learning a second language, no matter which one it is. Put in the time and get better in just a few weeks!