Spanish Verbal Periphrases: Definition, Types, and Examples
What is a verbal periphrasis in Spanish?
A verbal periphrasis is a construction made up of two verbs that work together as one unit.
It usually combines:
- A conjugated auxiliary verb (for example: voy, tengo, estoy).
- A verb in a non-personal form: infinitive (comer), gerund (comiendo), or participle (comido).
Sometimes a preposition (de, a) or the conjunction que appears between them.
Examples of Spanish verbal periphrases
- Voy a estudiar español esta tarde. → “I’m going to study Spanish this afternoon.” (near future, intention)
- Tengo que trabajar mañana. → “I have to work tomorrow.” (obligation)
- Estoy aprendiendo español. → “I’m learning Spanish.” (action in progress)
- Acabo de comer pizza. → “I’ve just eaten pizza.” (recently finished action)
- Sigo leyendo este libro. → “I keep on reading this book.” (continuing action)
- He vuelto a ver esa película. → “I’ve watched that movie again.” (repeated action)
- Llevo estudiando dos horas. → “I’ve been studying for two hours.” (duration)
Types of verbal periphrases in Spanish
- Obligation:
- Tener que + infinitive → Tengo que estudiar = “I have to study.”
- Future or intention:
- Ir a + infinitive → Voy a viajar a México = “I’m going to travel to Mexico.”
- Aspectual periphrases (beginning, continuation, and, repetition):
- Empezar a + infinitive → Empiezo a trabajar = “I’m starting to work.”
- Seguir + gerund → Sigo practicando = “I keep practicing.”
- Dejar de + infinitive → He dejado de fumar = “I’ve stopped smoking.”
- Volver a + infinitive → Vuelvo a intentarlo = “I try again.”
- Perfective periphrases (completed or recent action):
- Acabar de + infinitive → Acabo de llegar = “I’ve just arrived.”
- Terminar de + infinitive → He terminado de comer = “I’ve finished eating.”
Why are Spanish verbal periphrases important?
- They are used constantly in everyday Spanish conversation.
- They help express time, intention, obligation, repetition, and duration of actions.
- Learning verbal periphrases is essential for students who want to speak Spanish more fluently and naturally.
Comparte esta entrada:
