conduce
/kon-DOO-seh/
drives
'Conduce' means 'drives'.
conduce(verb)
drives
?He/She/It drives
,is driving
?He/She/It is driving (habitual or continuous)
you drive (formal)
?Usted form
📝 In Action
Ella conduce un coche muy rápido.
A2She drives a very fast car.
¿Quién conduce el autobús hoy?
B1Who is driving the bus today?
El señor Pérez conduce con mucha precaución.
A2Mr. Pérez drives with a lot of caution.
💡 Grammar Points
Present Tense Action
This form ('conduce') tells you what 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or 'you (formal)' is doing right now, or what they do habitually.
The 'Usted' Command
The form 'conduzca' (not 'conduce') is used when giving a polite, formal command, like 'Usted, conduzca el coche.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Conduce' and 'Maneja'
Mistake: "Using 'maneja' in Spain, where 'conduce' is usually preferred for driving a standard vehicle."
Correction: In Spain, stick to 'conduce' for cars. In much of Latin America, 'maneja' is more common.
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronunciation Tip
Remember the stress is on the second syllable: con-DU-ce. The 'c' sounds like an 's' in Latin America, or like a 'th' in central Spain.
'Conduce' can mean 'leads' when guiding a group.
conduce(verb)
leads
?He/She/It leads (a group, a tour)
,guides
?He/She/It guides
conducts
?He/She/It conducts (electricity, heat, an orchestra)
📝 In Action
El guía conduce a los turistas por el museo.
B1The guide leads the tourists through the museum.
Este material conduce muy bien el calor.
B2This material conducts heat very well.
El director conduce la orquesta con pasión.
B1The conductor leads the orchestra with passion.
💡 Grammar Points
Metaphorical Use
When used with abstract nouns (like 'debate' or 'negotiation'), 'conduce' means to manage or steer the conversation.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Conduce' with 'Trae'
Mistake: "Using 'trae' (brings) when you mean 'leads' (guides)."
Correction: 'Trae' is for physical movement towards the speaker. 'Conduce' is about direction and guidance.
'Conduce' also means 'leads to' a destination.
conduce(verb)
leads to
?It leads to (a consequence or destination)
,results in
?It results in
causes
?It causes
📝 In Action
El camino principal conduce directamente al centro de la ciudad.
B2The main road leads directly to the city center.
La falta de planificación conduce a errores graves.
C1The lack of planning leads to serious mistakes.
Esta investigación conduce a nuevas preguntas.
C1This investigation leads to new questions.
💡 Grammar Points
Requires 'a'
When 'conduce' means 'leads to,' it must be followed by the preposition 'a' (to/at): 'conduce a la solución'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Writing
This meaning is perfect for essays, reports, and formal discussions when describing how one action causes another outcome.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: conduce
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'conduce' in the sense of leading to a result?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'conduce' the command form for 'tú' (you informal)?
No, the command form for 'tú' is actually 'conduce' (the same as the 'él/ella' form). For example: '¡Conduce con cuidado!' (Drive carefully!).
Why does the 'yo' form change to 'conduzco'?
The verb 'conducir' belongs to a small group of verbs where the 'c' changes to a 'zc' only in the 'yo' form of the present tense. This is an irregularity you just need to memorize, but it helps keep the sound consistent.