estrechar Present Conjugation
estrechar — to shake hands
The present tense of estrechar is regular: estrecho, estrechas, estrecha, estrechamos, estrecháis, estrechan.
estrechar Present Forms
When to Use the Present
Use the present tense for actions happening right now, habitual actions, or general truths related to shaking hands or strengthening something. For example, 'Siempre estrechamos la mano al presentarnos' (We always shake hands when we meet) or 'Este gesto estrecha la amistad' (This gesture strengthens friendship).
Notes on estrechar in the Present
Estrechar is a regular -ar verb in the present indicative. All conjugations follow the standard pattern.
Example Sentences
Yo estrecho su mano con respeto.
I shake his hand with respect.
yo
¿Tú estrechas los lazos con tu familia?
Do you strengthen ties with your family?
tú
Ella estrecha la puerta porque hace frío.
She closes the door tightly because it's cold.
él/ella/usted
Nosotros estrechamos lazos comerciales.
We strengthen business ties.
nosotros
Vosotros siempre estrecháis la mano correctamente.
You all always shake hands correctly.
vosotros
Ellos estrechan la distancia entre los equipos.
They narrow the distance between the teams.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using 'estrecho' (I narrow/shake) when meaning 'narrow' in a general sense, instead of a more specific verb.
Correct: While 'estrechar' can mean 'to narrow', consider if a verb like 'reducir' or 'acortar' might be more precise depending on context.
Why: While technically correct, 'estrechar' often implies a more intimate or direct action of making something tighter or closer.
Mistake: Confusing present indicative 'estrechamos' with preterite 'estrechamos'.
Correct: Context is key. 'Nosotros estrechamos la mano' can mean 'We shake hands' (present) or 'We shook hands' (preterite).
Why: The form is identical, so the surrounding sentence or situation clarifies the tense.
Master Spanish verbs in context
Memorizing tables only gets you so far. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see verbs like 'estrechar' used naturally — in the tenses you're learning.
Related Tenses
Preterite
yo: estreché
The preterite of estrechar is regular: estreché, estrechaste, estrechó, estrechamos, estrechasteis, estrecharon.
Imperfect
yo: estrechaba
The imperfect of estrechar is regular: estrechaba, estrechabas, estrechaba, estrechábamos, estrechabais, estrechaban.
Future
yo: estrecharé
The future tense of estrechar is regular: estrecharé, estrecharás, estrechará, estrecharemos, estrecharéis, estrecharán.
Conditional
yo: estrecharía
The conditional of estrechar is regular: estrecharía, estrecharías, estrecharía, estrecharíamos, estrecharíais, estrecharían.
Present Subjunctive
yo: estreche
The present subjunctive of estrechar (estreche, estreches, etc.) is used after expressions of doubt, emotion, or desire.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: estrechara
The imperfect subjunctive of estrechar (estrechara/estrechase) is used for past hypotheticals or polite requests.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: estrecha
Use the imperative of estrechar for direct commands: ¡estrecha!, ¡estrechemos!, ¡estrechen!, ¡estrechad!
Negative Imperative
yo: no estreches
Use 'no' + present subjunctive for negative commands: ¡no estreches!, ¡no estrechemos!, ¡no estrechen!, ¡no estrechéis!