insiste
in-SEES-te
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Mi hermano insiste en usar mi coche.
A2My brother insists on using my car.
Si el cliente insiste, tendremos que darle un descuento.
B1If the client insists, we will have to give him a discount.
¡Insiste! No dejes que te digan que no.
B1Insist! Don't let them tell you no.
Usted insiste demasiado en ese punto.
B2You (formal) insist too much on that point.
💡 Grammar Points
The Necessary 'en'
In Spanish, the verb 'insistir' almost always needs the little word 'en' (on/in) before the thing or action that is being insisted upon. Think of it as 'to insist on something'.
Present Tense Uses
'Insiste' is used for three different people: 'él,' 'ella,' and 'usted' (the formal 'you'). It means 'He/She/You insists' and describes an action happening right now or habitually.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Preposition
Mistake: "Ella insiste que vayamos."
Correction: Ella insiste en que vayamos. (Always include 'en' before the thing or idea being insisted upon.)
Using the Wrong Command Form
Mistake: "Usted, insistes en la oficina."
Correction: Usted, insista en la oficina. (The formal command for 'usted' is 'insista', not 'insiste'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Polite vs. Firm
'Insistir' implies a level of firmness. Use it when someone is being stubborn or asking repeatedly. For a simple request, use 'pedir' (to ask).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: insiste
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'insiste' to mean 'She insists'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'insiste' the same as 'insista'?
No. 'Insiste' is the form used for 'he/she/you formal insists' (present tense) and the informal command 'Insist!'. 'Insista' is used for the formal command 'Insist!' (for 'usted') or when the verb is in the special form used for wishes and doubts (subjunctive).
Can I use 'insiste' without 'en'?
In standard Spanish, you should always use 'en' (on/in) after 'insiste' when specifying what is being insisted upon. For example, 'Insiste en la respuesta' (He insists on the answer).