ataca
ah-TAH-kah
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
El perro ataca si te acercas a su plato.
A2The dog attacks if you approach its bowl.
Siempre me ataca con críticas injustas.
B1He always attacks me with unfair criticism.
¡Ataca! No dejes que se escape.
B1Attack! Don't let him escape.
La enfermedad ataca el sistema nervioso.
B2The disease affects the nervous system.
💡 Grammar Points
Three Roles of 'Ataca'
'Ataca' can mean three things: 1) He/She/It attacks (El perro ataca); 2) You (formal) attack (Usted ataca); 3) Attack! (the informal command to a friend: ¡Ataca!)
The -CAR Spelling Rule
Even though 'atacar' is regular, Spanish adds a 'u' to the verb stem before an 'e' sound to keep the 'k' sound. This is why the 'yo' preterite is 'ataqué' and the subjunctive form is 'ataque'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'qu'
Mistake: "When forming the past tense 'I attacked,' learners sometimes write *atacó* instead of the correct *ataqué*."
Correction: Always remember the 'c' changes to 'qu' before 'e' in verbs ending in -car: 'Yo ataqué el problema' (I attacked the problem).
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
You will often hear 'atacar' used figuratively, meaning to heavily criticize or go after someone verbally, just like in English.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ataca
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences uses 'ataca' as a direct command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'ataca' the same form used for 'you' (formal) and 'he/she'?
Yes, 'ataca' is the standard third-person singular form, which is used for 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), and 'usted' (you formal). For example: 'Él ataca' (He attacks) and 'Usted ataca' (You formal attack).
How do I say 'Don't attack!' using the informal command?
Since 'atacar' is a verb that requires the special Subjunctive form for negative commands, you would say: '¡No ataques!' (Note the 'es' ending).