mereces
meh-REH-sehs
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
¡Mereces todo lo bueno que te pase!
B1You deserve all the good things that happen to you!
¿De verdad crees que mereces ese ascenso?
B2Do you really believe you deserve that promotion?
Si cumples con tu trabajo, mereces un aumento de sueldo.
B1If you fulfill your job duties, you deserve a salary increase.
💡 Grammar Points
The Special 'zc' Change
The verb 'merecer' is regular in most forms, but the 'yo' form (I) and all forms in the special 'wish/doubt' mood (subjunctive) change the 'c' to 'zc'. Remember: yo merezco, tú mereces.
Using 'merecer' with Nouns
In Spanish, you often use 'merecer' directly with a noun (e.g., mereces un premio). You do not need an extra preposition like 'of' or 'for' as in English.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'z'
Mistake: "Yo mereco"
Correction: Yo merezco. The letter 'c' must change to 'zc' whenever it comes before the vowels 'a' or 'o' to maintain the correct sound.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Worth
If you want to say something 'is worth it' (like a trip or an effort), use the fixed phrase: 'merecer la pena' (E.g., Merece la pena viajar tan lejos - It is worth the effort to travel so far).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mereces
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the base verb 'merecer' for the 'I' form?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'merecer' used for both good and bad consequences?
Yes. While it is often used positively (e.g., 'mereces un premio'), it can also be used negatively (e.g., 'mereces un castigo' - you deserve a punishment). It simply means that the outcome is appropriate for the action.
How is 'merecer' different from 'ganar' (to earn)?
'Ganar' means to acquire something through labor or effort (like money or a competition). 'Merecer' refers to the *worthiness* or *justification* for receiving something, regardless of whether you officially earned it or not.