definir Present Conjugation
definir — to define
Use the present of 'definir' for 'I define', 'you define', 'they define' happening now or habitually.
definir Present Forms
When to Use the Present
The present tense is for actions happening right now, habitual actions, or general truths. You'd use 'definir' in the present to say 'I define my terms' regularly, or to state 'A dictionary defines words'.
Notes on definir in the Present
Definir is regular in the present indicative. It follows the standard pattern for -ir verbs: yo defino, tú defines, él/ella/usted define, nosotros definimos, vosotros definís, ellos/ellas/ustedes definen.
Example Sentences
Yo defino mi trabajo como creativo.
I define my work as creative.
yo
¿Tú defines bien las palabras difíciles?
Do you define difficult words well?
tú
El profesor define el tema de la clase.
The professor defines the topic of the class.
él/ella/usted
Nosotros definimos las reglas del juego.
We define the rules of the game.
nosotros
Ellos definen el éxito de manera diferente.
They define success differently.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using 'yo definiendo' instead of 'yo defino'.
Correct: Use 'Yo defino' for the present tense; 'Yo definiendo' is the gerund, used with 'estar'.
Why: The simple present describes habitual or current actions, while the present progressive (estar + gerund) describes actions in progress.
Mistake: Confusing 'define' (él/ella/usted) with 'defino' (yo).
Correct: Ensure you match the verb ending to the subject: 'Yo defino', 'Él define'.
Why: Subject-verb agreement is crucial in Spanish.
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Related Tenses
Preterite
yo: definí
Use the preterite of 'definir' for completed actions like 'I defined' or 'she defined'.
Imperfect
yo: definía
Use the imperfect of 'definir' for ongoing or habitual past actions like 'I used to define' or 'she was defining'.
Future
yo: definiré
Use the future of 'definir' for 'I will define', 'you will define', 'they will define'.
Conditional
yo: definiría
Use the conditional of 'definir' for 'I would define', 'you would define', 'they would define'.
Present Subjunctive
yo: defina
Use the present subjunctive (defina/defina) after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: definiera
Use the imperfect subjunctive (definiera/definiese) for past hypotheticals or wishes.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: define
Use the imperative of definir for direct commands like 'define!', 'let's define!'.
Negative Imperative
yo: no definas
Use 'no + present subjunctive' for negative commands like 'don't define!'.