definir Present Subjunctive Conjugation
definir — to define
Use the present subjunctive (defina/defina) after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion.
definir Present Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Present Subjunctive
The present subjunctive is triggered by phrases expressing doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty. When you want someone *to define* something, or when you *doubt* a definition, you'll use this tense.
Notes on definir in the Present Subjunctive
Definir is regular in the present subjunctive. The stem is 'defini-' and you add the standard '-ar' verb endings for the subjunctive: -e, -es, -e, -emos, -áis, -en. So, 'defina', 'definas', 'definamos', 'defináis', 'definan'.
Example Sentences
Espero que definas tus objetivos pronto.
I hope you define your goals soon.
tú
Dudo que él defina el término correctamente.
I doubt that he defines the term correctly.
él/ella/usted
Queremos que definamos el alcance del proyecto.
We want to define the scope of the project.
nosotros
Es importante que ustedes definan sus prioridades.
It's important that you define your priorities.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the present indicative instead of the present subjunctive.
Correct: Instead of 'Espero que tú defines...', use 'Espero que tú definas...'.
Why: Expressions of hope, doubt, or desire require the subjunctive mood, not the indicative.
Mistake: Forgetting the stem change for verbs like 'definir'.
Correct: The stem remains 'defini-' for all present subjunctive forms of 'definir', unlike some other -ir verbs.
Why: While some -ir verbs have stem changes in the present subjunctive, 'definir' is regular in this regard.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: defino
Use the present of 'definir' for 'I define', 'you define', 'they define' happening now or habitually.
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'.
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!'.