case
/KAH-seh/
(that) I marry
The image shows the commitment implied by case (that I marry).
case(Verb)
(that) I marry
?Present Subjunctive, 1st person singular
,(that) he/she/it marry
?Present Subjunctive, 3rd person singular
,Marry
?Formal command (Usted imperative)
get married
?often used reflexively as 'se case'
📝 In Action
Mi madre quiere que me case con un buen hombre.
A2My mother wants me to marry a good man.
No creo que ella se case tan joven.
B1I don't think she will marry so young.
Por favor, oficial, case a la pareja inmediatamente.
B2Please, officer, marry the couple immediately. (Formal command)
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive Mood
The form 'case' is used when expressing desire, doubt, emotion, or necessity about someone marrying. This is the special verb form (subjunctive) Spanish uses when the main part of the sentence expresses uncertainty or influence.
Formal Commands
'Case' is also the formal way to tell one person (usted) to perform the action of marrying, often used by a superior or in a ceremony.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'se'
Mistake: "Espero que él case."
Correction: Espero que él se case. (The verb is usually 'casarse' when the subject is the one getting married, meaning 'to marry oneself.')
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember the 'se'
If you are talking about someone getting married (the main event), use the reflexive form 'casarse.' If you are talking about the person performing the ceremony (like a priest or judge), use the non-reflexive 'casar.'
This image illustrates case meaning (that) it matches, showing two elements fitting perfectly.
case(Verb)
(that) it matches
?Present Subjunctive, 3rd person singular
,(that) it harmonizes
?Present Subjunctive, 3rd person singular
(that) it fits
?Referring to colors or tastes
,pair with
?Referring to food and wine
📝 In Action
Dudo que esta camisa case con ese pantalón.
B1I doubt this shirt matches those pants.
El chef sugirió un vino que case perfectamente con el postre.
B2The chef suggested a wine that pairs perfectly with the dessert.
Es crucial que el diseño case con la identidad de la marca.
C1It is crucial that the design fits the brand's identity.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive for Opinion/Doubt
When using 'case' to talk about matching or fitting, it often follows expressions of doubt or opinion (like 'dudo que' or 'no creo que') because the matching is not a definite fact.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Alternative to 'Combinar'
While 'combinar' is often used for matching clothes, 'casar' sounds more sophisticated and is preferred in discussions of interior design, cooking, or high-level compatibility.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: case
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses the form 'case' correctly to express a wish?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'case' sound like 'casa' (house) in Spanish?
They are related! The verb 'casar' (to marry/join) comes from the same root as the noun 'casa' (house), reflecting the ancient idea of marriage being the act of starting a new household.
How do I know if 'case' means 'marry' or 'match'?
Context is key! If the sentence mentions people, weddings, or relationships, it means 'marry.' If it mentions colors, clothing, food, or general compatibility, it means 'match' or 'pair.'