consiguen
/kon-SEE-gen/
they get
The children get an apple from the tree.
consiguen(verb)
they get
?obtaining a physical object or an opportunity
,you all get
?plural 'you' (ustedes) obtaining something
they obtain
?slightly more formal way of saying they got something
📝 In Action
Ellos consiguen entradas para el concierto.
A2They get tickets for the concert.
Si estudian mucho, ustedes consiguen mejores notas.
A2If you all study hard, you get better grades.
💡 Grammar Points
The Vowel Swap
This word comes from 'conseguir'. Notice how the 'e' in the middle changes to an 'i' when you're talking about what 'they' are doing right now.
Keeping the Sound
The 'u' in the middle is there to make sure the 'g' stays sounding hard, like 'go', instead of soft like 'h'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Watch the 'u'
Mistake: "consigne"
Correction: consiguen. Don't forget the 'u'! Without it, the pronunciation changes completely.
⭐ Usage Tips
Consiguen vs Obtienen
'Consiguen' is used more often when some effort was involved to get the item, while 'obtienen' is a bit more formal.
They manage to reach the top of the hill.
consiguen(verb)
they manage to
?succeeding in doing something difficult
,they succeed in
?reaching a goal
📝 In Action
Por fin consiguen terminar el proyecto.
B1They finally manage to finish the project.
¿Consiguen ustedes abrir la puerta?
B1Do you all manage to open the door?
💡 Grammar Points
Action + Action
When 'consiguen' means 'manage to', it is almost always followed directly by another verb in its base form (like 'terminar' or 'abrir').
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
present
imperfect
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: consiguen
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence means 'They get the money'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'consiguen' always mean they obtained a physical object?
No, it can also mean 'they manage to do something' when followed by another verb, like 'consiguen ganar' (they manage to win).