Missing the Accent

The accent mark on the 'í' is crucial! It tells you to pronounce the 'a' and 'i' as two separate sounds (kah-EE), not blended together like in English 'rain'.

The Special Accent on 'caí'

The present tense 'yo' form is irregular: 'yo caigo' (I fall), not 'yo caeo'. This 'g' sound carries over into the present subjunctive verb forms as well.

Irregular 'Yo' Form

Use 'caí' (Preterite) when the fall was a specific, sudden event. Use 'caía' (Imperfect) if you are describing falling as a background action or a habitual event in the past.

Using the Preterite Tense

Extremely common. This is how you say 'I fell' when talking about a single, completed action in the past.

When using 'caer' to mean 'to realize' (caer en la cuenta), it always requires the preposition 'en' and the specific noun 'cuenta'.

Using 'Caer' Figuratively

To say 'I fell for it' (meaning you were tricked), use the reflexive form 'Caí en ella' or simply 'Caí'.

The 'Trick' Meaning

Commonly used in figurative ways, especially to describe yielding to temptation or being tricked.

'Caí' is the Spanish past tense (preterite) form of 'caer' (to fall). Learn how to use 'caí' for both physical accidents and figurative meanings like 'I was tricked' or 'I realized.' Includes full conjugation.

caí

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations