Forgetting the Stem Change

This verb is irregular. In the present tense, the 'e' changes to 'ie' in all forms except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'. Remember: 'hiero' (I wound) but 'herimos' (we wound).

The 'e' to 'ie' Change

In the simple past (preterite), the third-person forms change 'e' to 'i': 'él hirió' (he wounded) and 'ellos hirieron' (they wounded). This is a common pattern for many 'ir' stem-changing verbs.

The 'e' to 'i' Change in the Past

To describe an accidental injury where the person is the victim, use the passive 'se': 'Se hirió la pierna' (He/She injured their leg).

Using 'Se' for Accidents

Very common when discussing physical injuries, accidents, or conflict.

Unlike the verb 'doler' (which means 'to ache' and works like 'gustar'), 'herir' is a direct action verb. You 'herir' someone or something (their feelings, their pride).

Direct Action on Feelings

This verb is often used when discussing damage to reputation, pride, or self-esteem, emphasizing the severity of the emotional harm.

Use with Esteem

Commonly used in figurative speech to describe emotional pain or offense.

Learn the Spanish verb 'herir' (to wound, to injure, to hurt feelings). Master its irregular e>ie stem-changing conjugation, see examples for both physical and emotional meanings, and understand how it differs from 'doler'.

herir

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

imperfect

preterite

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations