intervenir
“intervenir” means “to intervene” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to interveneAlso: to step in, to mediate
📝 In Action
La policía tuvo que intervenir para detener la pelea.
B1The police had to intervene to stop the fight.
Si el conflicto escala, la ONU intervendrá.
B2If the conflict escalates, the UN will step in.
Word Connections
to operate onAlso: to perform surgery
📝 In Action
El cirujano tuvo que intervenir al paciente de urgencia.
B2The surgeon had to operate on the patient immediately.
Word Connections
to tapAlso: to seize, to audit
📝 In Action
El juez ordenó intervenir los teléfonos de los sospechosos.
C1The judge ordered the suspects' phones to be tapped.
El gobierno decidió intervenir el banco por irregularidades.
C1The government decided to seize/audit the bank due to irregularities.
Word Connections
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "intervenir" in Spanish:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: intervenir
Question 1 of 2
Which form of 'intervenir' is correct for 'I intervened' (past tense)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
From Latin 'intervenire', made of 'inter' (between) and 'venire' (to come). Essentially, it means 'to come between'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'intervenir' always mean 'to meddle'?
Not necessarily. While it can mean meddling in someone's business, it often has a positive or neutral meaning, like a doctor performing a life-saving surgery or a moderator taking part in a debate.
How do I remember its irregular forms?
Just remember 'venir' (to come). If you know 'yo vengo', you know 'yo intervengo'. If you know 'yo vine', you know 'yo intervine'. It's a perfect match!