Using 'Cuesta' vs. 'Cuestan'

The 'o' in the root changes to 'ue' in most present tense forms, except for the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms. This makes it irregular.

Stem-Changing Verb

When expressing difficulty, Spanish uses 'cuesta' with an indirect object pronoun (me, te, le, etc.): 'Me cuesta' means 'I find it hard' or 'It's hard for me.'

Using 'Cuesta' for Difficulty

Think of the phrase 'Me cuesta' as a shortcut for 'This action costs me effort.' It's one of the most natural ways to express personal difficulty in Spanish.

The 'Me Cuesta' Structure

Extremely common. This is the third-person singular ('it' or 'he/she') present tense form of the verb 'costar'.

Mixing up the Noun and Verb

'Cuesta' is always feminine, so you must use 'la cuesta' or 'una cuesta'. Pay attention to the definite article.

Gender and Articles

Visualize a road that requires effort to climb. This links the noun meaning (steep slope) and the verb meaning (requires effort/cost).

Visualizing 'Cuesta'

Commonly used when describing geography, roads, or paths.

Comprehensive dictionary entry for the Spanish word 'cuesta,' covering its two main roles: the 3rd person singular conjugation of the verb 'costar' (to cost/be difficult) and the feminine noun meaning 'slope' or 'hill.'

cuesta

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations