Confusing 'Comen' and 'Comen'

This form is used for two subjects: 'ellos' (they, masculine or mixed group), 'ellas' (they, feminine group), and 'ustedes' (you all, the plural formal address).

Who is 'comen'?

The verb 'comer' follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -er. Just drop the -er and add the correct ending (-en for the 'they/you all' form).

Regular -ER Verb

If the subject is clear from context (e.g., 'Los turistas'), you don't need to say 'ellos' or 'ellas'. Just 'Los turistas comen' is enough.

Implied Subject

Extremely common. This is the primary, literal meaning of the verb 'comer' (to eat).

When 'comen' is used figuratively, it often refers to things (like machines or processes) being the subject, rather than people.

Figurative Use

Figurative meaning: refers to consumption of resources, time, or space.

When talking about games like chess, 'comer' is the standard verb used to say a piece takes another piece.

Board Games

Specialized meaning, often used in contexts like board games or chemistry.

Learn the meaning of the Spanish verb form 'comen' (they/you all eat). Includes literal, figurative (consume), and specialized (corrode, capture) definitions, conjugations, and simple grammar explanations.

comen

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations