muevan
/MWEH-bahn/
move
When giving a command to a group, muevan means 'You all move!'
muevan(Verb)
move
?as a formal command to a group (You all move!)
,shift
?as a wish or request (That they shift)
stir
?mixing ingredients (That they stir)
,budge
?when something is stuck
📝 In Action
¡Muevan esos coches inmediatamente! No podemos pasar.
A2Move those cars immediately! We can't get through.
El jefe quiere que ustedes muevan la reunión a la tarde.
B1The boss wants you all to move the meeting to the afternoon.
Espero que los vientos no muevan las velas tan rápido.
B1I hope the winds don't move the sails so quickly.
💡 Grammar Points
Dual Role: Command or Wish
The form 'muevan' is used both as a formal command to a group of people (ustedes) and as the special verb form (subjunctive) when talking about what you want, doubt, or request that they (ellos/ellas) or you all (ustedes) do.
Stem Change Reminder
The base verb 'mover' changes its vowel 'o' to 'ue' whenever the stress is on that part of the word. This happens in 'muevan' but not in 'movamos' (we move).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Imperative Forms
Mistake: "Using 'mueven' (present tense) instead of 'muevan' for a command: 'Ustedes mueven la caja.'"
Correction: Use 'muevan' for the formal command: '¡Muevan la caja!' (Move the box!). 'Mueven' just states a fact; 'Muevan' gives the order.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Group Command
If you are addressing a group formally (like coworkers or strangers), use '¡Muevan!' to politely but firmly ask them to shift something.
Muevan can also mean 'to inspire,' causing motivation and action.
muevan(Verb)
inspire
?to cause motivation or action
,touch
?to affect emotionally
motivate
?to encourage someone to act
📝 In Action
Esperamos que sus palabras muevan a la acción a los asistentes.
B2We hope that their words inspire the attendees to take action.
Dudo que las noticias muevan su corazón de piedra.
C1I doubt the news will touch their heart of stone.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive for Influence
When 'mover' means 'to inspire' or 'to motivate,' it almost always requires the special verb form ('muevan') because it follows a phrase expressing desire, doubt, or influence (e.g., 'Espero que...' or 'Dudo que...').
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'Conmover' for Deep Emotion
If you want to say that something truly touched someone's heart, use the related verb 'conmover' instead of just 'mover' to emphasize the emotional depth.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: muevan
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'muevan' as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'mover' change from 'o' to 'ue'?
This is called a 'stem change' and it's very common in Spanish verbs. It happens when the natural stress of the word falls on the vowel 'o' in the stem. When the stress shifts (like in the 'nosotros' form, *movamos*), the vowel goes back to 'o'.
When do I know if 'muevan' is a command or a wish?
If 'muevan' is the first word in the sentence (often with exclamation marks), it's a command ('Move!'). If it follows words like 'que' and is part of a longer sentence expressing desire, doubt, or request (e.g., 'Espero que muevan...'), it is the special verb form (subjunctive/wish).