ostentar Present Conjugation
ostentar — to show off
The present tense 'ostento' describes habitual actions or things happening now.
ostentar Present Forms
When to Use the Present
Use the present tense of 'ostentar' for actions of showing off that happen regularly, habitually, or are happening right now. It's also used for general truths about people who tend to show off.
Notes on ostentar in the Present
'Ostentar' is regular in the present tense, following the standard -ar verb conjugation: ostento, ostentas, ostenta, ostentamos, ostentáis, ostentan.
Example Sentences
Él siempre ostenta su riqueza.
He always shows off his wealth.
él/ella/usted
Yo no ostento mis logros, prefiero la discreción.
I don't show off my achievements; I prefer discretion.
yo
Ellos ostentan su nuevo coche cada fin de semana.
They show off their new car every weekend.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
¿Por qué ostentas tanto tu conocimiento?
Why do you show off your knowledge so much?
tú
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using 'ostentar' (infinitive) instead of conjugating it in the present tense.
Correct: Conjugate the verb according to the subject: 'Yo ostento', 'Tú ostentas', etc.
Why: The infinitive is the base form; it needs to be conjugated to agree with the subject and tense.
Mistake: Confusing 'ostentamos' (present) with 'ostentamos' (preterite).
Correct: Context usually clarifies whether 'ostentamos' refers to a current habit or a completed past action.
Why: The nosotros form is identical in both the present and preterite indicative tenses.
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Related Tenses
Preterite
yo: ostenté
The preterite of 'ostentar' is regular: ostenté, ostentaste, ostentó, ostentamos, ostentasteis, ostentaron.
Imperfect
yo: ostentaba
The imperfect 'ostentaba' describes ongoing or habitual past actions of showing off.
Future
yo: ostentaré
The future tense 'ostentaré' talks about will happen, or expresses probability.
Conditional
yo: ostentaría
The conditional 'ostentaría' expresses hypotheticals ('would show off') or polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: ostente
Use 'ostente' or 'ostentes' after expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: ostentara
The imperfect subjunctive 'ostentara' or 'ostentase' is for past hypothetical situations or wishes.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: ostenta
Commands like 'ostenta' (you singular) or 'ostenten' (you plural) are used for direct orders with ostentar.
Negative Imperative
yo: no ostentes
Negative commands use the present subjunctive: 'no ostentes' (don't show off), 'no ostenten' (don't show off).