caiga
“caiga” means “(that) I fall” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
(that) I fall, (that) he/she/it falls, (that) you fall
Also: (that) it suits, (that) it happens/lands
📝 In Action
Espero que la pelota no caiga al suelo.
A2I hope the ball doesn't fall to the ground.
No creo que le caiga bien mi nuevo amigo.
B1I don't think my new friend suits him (or: that he likes my new friend).
Necesito que la responsabilidad caiga sobre mí.
B2I need the responsibility to fall upon me.
Fall!, Drop!
Also: Let it fall!
📝 In Action
Señor, no se mueva; ¡caiga lentamente!
B1Sir, don't move; fall slowly!
Caiga en la cuenta de lo que hizo.
B2Realize (fall into the account of) what you did. (Formal command.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: caiga
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'caiga' to express a wish or desire?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'caer' comes from the Latin verb *cadere*, meaning 'to fall' or 'to sink.' The irregular 'g' sound present in 'caiga' developed later in Spanish to help distinguish it from other verb forms, making it easier to pronounce the tricky vowel sequence.
First recorded: Before the 10th century (in its Latin root form)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'caer' suddenly have a 'g' in 'caiga'?
This is a feature of many irregular verbs in Spanish! The 'g' appears in the first person singular of the present indicative ('yo caigo') and carries over to the entire present subjunctive ('caiga', 'caigas', etc.). It helps to create a clear, distinct sound for these specific forms.
When do I use 'caiga' versus 'cae'?
Use 'caiga' when you are expressing doubt, desire, emotion, or necessity (the Subjunctive Mood): 'Dudo que caiga' (I doubt it will fall). Use 'cae' when stating a fact (Indicative Mood): 'La manzana cae' (The apple falls).