In this lesson we are going to take a look at “Verb Periphrasis” (Verbal Periphrasis). “Verb Periphrasis” are constructions of 2 or more wo...
In this lesson we are going to take a look at “Verb Periphrasis” (Verbal Periphrasis). “Verb Periphrasis” are constructions of 2 or more words that form an idea, but sometimes they are not translated literally from Spanish to English. We use these phrases by conjugating a main verb and following it with an infinitive verb. This may sound confusing at first, but once we take a look at some examples, it should make more sense. Let’s dive straight into it.
Thinking and Infinitive: means making a plan.
“I plan to buy a new TV when I have my next salary.” (I think I’m going to buy a new TV when I receive my next salary).
Want and Infinitive: indicates a desire.
“We want to spend a weekend together in the mountains.” (We want to spend a weekend together in the mountains).
Power and Infinitive: it is used to express a talent or to ask permission.
Talent: “Christian is a good magician, he can make a rabbit disappear.” (Christian is a good magician, he can make a rabbit disappear).
Permission: “When the bell rings, they can go to recess.” (When the bell rings, you can go take a break).
Prefer and Infinitive: to express a preference.
“I prefer coffee to tea.” (I’d rather drink coffee than tea).
Duty and Infinitive: it is used to express an obligation or to advise.
Obligation: “They must deliver the exam answers tomorrow afternoon.” (You must provide the test answers tomorrow afternoon).
To give advice: “If you go to Argentina, you must visit Bariloche.” (If you go to Argentina, you must visit Bariloche).
Need and Infinitive: indicates need.
“I need to find my glasses.” (I need to find my glasses).
Knowledge and Infinitive: express to know how to do something well.
“My husband knows how to cook.” (My husband knows how to cook).
Having to and Infinitive: is to express a personal obligation.
“Last night I had to work.” (Last night I had to work).
Try and Infinitive: to try to do something.
“I try to speak Spanish when I can.” (I try to speak Spanish when I can).
Stop and Infinitive: used to express the end of an action.
“Ana quit smoking 3 months ago.” (Ana quit smoking 3 months ago).
There is that and Infinitive: it is an impersonal or general advice.
“You have to drink 2 liters of water per day.” (You have to drink 2 liters of water per day).
Finish and Infinitive: Finish doing something or having finished an action recently.
Finally: “When I finish dinner I will leave.” (When I finish dinner I will leave).
Action taken recently: “I’m not hungry. I just had dinner.” (I’m not hungry. I just had dinner.)
Start and Infinitive: start doing something.
“I started working at 17” (I started working when I was 17).
Go to + Infinitive: do something in the future.
“We’re getting married in August” (We’re getting married in August).
Hopefully this article will provide you with additional vocabulary to speak more fluently. If you can incorporate some of these phrases into your daily vocabulary, you will already be on your way to speaking more naturally since these “Periphrasis” are very common in Spanish!
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