
caracterizar Present Conjugation
caracterizar — to characterize
The present of caracterizar is regular, but remember the 'z' sounds like 's' (or 'th' in Spain): caracterizo, caracterizas, caracteriza.
caracterizar Present Forms
When to Use the Present
Use the present to describe the defining traits of a person, place, or thing that are true right now or generally constant.
Notes on caracterizar in the Present
This verb is completely regular in the present indicative. There are no stem changes or spelling shifts in this tense.
Example Sentences
Su honestidad lo caracteriza como un gran líder.
His honesty characterizes him as a great leader.
él/ella/usted
Estas montañas caracterizan el paisaje de la región.
These mountains characterize the landscape of the region.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Me caracterizo por ser una persona muy puntual.
I am characterized by being a very punctual person.
yo
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using 'caracterisar' with an 's'.
Correct: caracterizar
Why: While they sound the same in Latin America, the verb is always spelled with a 'z' in its infinitive and present forms.
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Related Tenses
Preterite
yo: caractericé
The preterite of caracterizar has a spelling change in the 'yo' form: caractericé.
Imperfect
yo: caracterizaba
The imperfect of caracterizar is regular: caracterizaba, caracterizabas, caracterizaba.
Future
yo: caracterizaré
The future of caracterizar is regular: caracterizaré, caracterizarás, caracterizará.
Conditional
yo: caracterizaría
The conditional of caracterizar is regular: caracterizaría, caracterizarías, caracterizaría.
Present Subjunctive
yo: caracterice
The present subjunctive of caracterizar requires a 'z' to 'c' spelling change in all forms.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: caracterizara
The imperfect subjunctive is regular: caracterizara, caracterizaras, caracterizara.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: caracteriza
The imperative uses 'caracteriza' for tú and 'caracterice' for formal commands.
Negative Imperative
yo: no caracterices
Negative commands all use the 'c' spelling change: no caracterices, no caracterice.