intervenir
“intervenir” means “to intervene” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to intervene
Also: 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.
to operate on
Also: to perform surgery
📝 In Action
El cirujano tuvo que intervenir al paciente de urgencia.
B2The surgeon had to operate on the patient immediately.
to tap
Also: 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.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to 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)
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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!