ofrecer
/o-fre-sér/
to offer
To 'ofrecer' means to offer or propose something, like a gift.
ofrecer(Verb)
to offer
?to propose something
,to provide
?to make available
to propose
?an idea or plan
,to give
?formal context
📝 In Action
El camarero nos ofreció café y postre.
A1The waiter offered us coffee and dessert.
Le ofrecí mi ayuda para mover los muebles.
A2I offered him my help to move the furniture.
La empresa ofrece un servicio de atención al cliente excelente.
B1The company provides excellent customer service.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Yo' Form Irregularity (c > zc)
In the present tense, the 'yo' form changes from 'ofreco' to 'ofrezco'. This 'zc' pattern is required for all verbs ending in '-ecer' and '-ucir' (like 'conocer' or 'traducir').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'zc'
Mistake: "Yo ofreco"
Correction: Yo ofrezco. The 'zc' sound is needed to connect the verb stem to the 'o' ending.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
'Ofrecer' is often used in formal situations (business, customer service) or when making a significant proposal. For simply 'giving' an object, 'dar' might be more common.
When you offer yourself for a task, you 'ofrecer' to volunteer.
ofrecer(Verb)
to volunteer
?to offer oneself for a task
,to become available
?used for things or opportunities
to present oneself
?to show up
📝 In Action
Ella se ofreció para organizar la fiesta.
B1She volunteered to organize the party.
Se nos ofreció una gran oportunidad de trabajo.
B2A great job opportunity became available to us (or: offered itself to us).
¿Te ofreces a llevarme al aeropuerto?
B1Are you offering to take me to the airport?
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Use ('se')
When you use 'ofrecerse,' you are offering yourself. Remember to match the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se) to the subject performing the action.
Impersonal Use
This form is often used impersonally to describe opportunities: 'Se ofrecen muchas becas' (Many scholarships are offered/become available). This emphasizes the opportunity itself, not who is offering it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Reflexive Pronoun
Mistake: "Yo ofrecí para ayudar (I offered to help)"
Correction: Yo me ofrecí para ayudar (I offered myself to help). The reflexive pronoun is essential when volunteering or making oneself available.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ofrecer
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the special 'yo' form of ofrecer in the present tense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'ofrecer' change to 'ofrezco' in the 'yo' form?
This is a common pattern for many Spanish verbs that end in '-ecer' or '-ucir.' The change from 'c' to 'zc' helps maintain a consistent sound and is considered an irregularity you just have to memorize for the present indicative 'yo' form and the entire present subjunctive.
Is 'ofrecer' only used for positive things?
No. While it often involves giving help or goods, you can also 'ofrecer resistencia' (offer resistance) or 'ofrecer peligro' (present danger). It simply means 'to present' or 'to put forward,' whether good or bad.