The Spelling Error

For verbs ending in -car, the 'c' changes to 'qu' when followed by an 'e'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past (Preterite) and all forms of the 'special wish' verb mode (Subjunctive) to keep the hard 'K' sound.

The Spelling Change Rule

Just like in English, you don't need a preposition after 'masticar'. You simply 'masticar [something]' directly.

Direct Objects with Masticar

While you can use 'masticar' for gum, many natives use the shorter verb 'mascar' specifically for 'mascar chicle' or 'mascar tabaco'.

Chewing Gum

Extremely common for everyday conversation about eating and health.

When using 'masticar' for thoughts, it implies the same slow, repetitive process as chewing food—breaking something big down into smaller, digestible pieces.

Metaphorical Usage

Context is key. If you are talking about speech, 'masticar las palabras' means mumbling. If you are talking about a problem, it means thinking it over.

Mumbling vs. Thinking

Common in figurative speech when talking about ideas or bad news.

Learn how to use the Spanish verb 'masticar' (to chew). Includes full conjugation tables, examples, regionalisms, and tips for figurative usage.

Masticar Meaning & Conjugation | Spanish Dictionary | InkLingo

Save words with our smart SRS, track your progress, and access the full library in the Inklingo app.

Take Your Learning to the Next Level

No boring lessons. Just beautiful stories you can actually understand. Try free for 7 days.

Start Reading Spanish Today

Move beyond Duolingo with illustrated stories designed for your level. Start reading from day one.

Ready to Read Real Spanish?

Read illustrated stories at your level. Tap to translate. Track your progress. Try free for 7 days.

Learn Spanish Through Stories

200+ illustrated Spanish stories from A1 to Advanced. Tap any word for instant translation.

Practice Reading with Real Stories

200+ illustrated stories from beginner to advanced. Tap any word to translate. Track your progress.

Learn Spanish the fun way

You hit your target for today

Daily Goal Complete!

200+ illustrated stories with tap-to-translate, word-by-word audio & progress tracking. Free to download.

Check your inbox!

Frequently Asked Questions

Keep going — every word brings you closer to fluency.

You reached a new level

Level Up!

Sign in with 1 click to save words and build your personal vocabulary

Save Your Progress

200+ illustrated stories at every level. Tap any word to translate. Audio for every word.

Want more stories like this?

You're in!

Welcome, {name}!

Unlock Instant Translations

Explore full conjugations for {verbCount} Spanish verbs. Search by verb, translation, or filter by ending to find exactly what you need.

Spanish Verb Conjugator

Master Every Tense

A filterable list of {verbCount} Spanish verbs with full conjugation tables.

Complete conjugation tables and interactive practice exercises.

Interactive conjugation exercises for the Spanish verb '{infinitive}'

Complete conjugation tables and interactive practice exercises for the Spanish verb '{infinitive}' ({translation}). Master all tenses and moods with our conjugation trainer.

The Spanish verb '{infinitive}' meaning '{translation}'.

Test your knowledge with interactive exercises

Go beyond simple translations with multiple example sentences for each word, showing you how to use vocabulary naturally in real conversations.

💬 Context is Key

Every core word is paired with a unique image to create strong memory links, helping you learn faster and recall vocabulary more effectively.

🎨 Learn Visually

Listen to crystal-clear audio from native speakers for every entry, ensuring you build an authentic Spanish accent from day one.

🔊 Master Pronunciation

Words are organized by CEFR level (A1-C2), so you can focus on the most relevant vocabulary for your proficiency and study goals.

📈 Structured for Learners

Your ultimate guide to Spanish vocabulary. Explore {totalWordCount} words with images, native audio, contextual examples, and CEFR levels designed for learners.

Browse {totalWords} Spanish words organized by grammatical category. Each category includes detailed explanations, CEFR levels, translations, and usage examples.

Browse Spanish words by grammatical category. Explore {totalWords} words organized by parts of speech with translations and examples.

Comprehensive guide to Spanish {pluralPosLower}. Learn grammar rules, usage patterns, and explore {wordCount} {pluralPosLower} with translations and examples.

Explore our complete collection of Spanish {pluralPosLower}, organized by CEFR proficiency level. Click any word to see detailed definitions, usage examples, and pronunciation guides.

Explore these {pluralPosLower} with images and audio pronunciation from our visual dictionary.

Search and browse {wordCount} Spanish words with English translations, images, audio, and CEFR levels. An essential tool for Spanish learners.

❌ Common Pitfalls

🔄 Conjugations

🧠 Deeper Learning

📝 In Action

Quick Quiz:

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

💡 Master Spanish

Words that Rhyme with {word}

Word Family

Words that translate to "{word}" in Spanish:

Translate to Spanish

Practice the pronunciation of this word with these Spanish tongue twisters.

{word} - Spanish Dictionary

Select a letter to see a complete list of all Spanish words in our dictionary that begin with it.

Browse {wordCount} Spanish {wordPlural} that {startVerb} with the letter {letter}, organized by part of speech.

Browse {wordCount} Spanish words that start with the letter {letter}. Complete with translations, definitions, and examples.

masticar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

subjunctive

imperfect

present

imperative

negative

affirmative

indicative

conditional

preterite

imperfect

present

future

Practice Conjugations