roba
RO-bah
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Mi hermana roba mi ropa sin preguntar.
A2My sister steals my clothes without asking.
Usted roba el tiempo de la reunión con preguntas largas.
B1You (formal) steal the meeting's time with long questions.
¡Roba la base! ¡Corre!
B1Steal the base! Run!
💡 Grammar Points
Dual Personality
The word 'roba' has two main uses: it describes what a single person (he/she/it, or formal you) is doing now, OR it's a direct command telling an informal friend ('tú') to steal.
Regular -AR Verb
This verb follows the most common Spanish pattern. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar' or 'cantar', you can conjugate 'robar' easily.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing the Command
Mistake: "Using 'tú roba' when you mean 'don't steal' (No roba)."
Correction: The negative command for 'tú' is 'No robes' (adding the 's' and changing the ending to 'e'). 'Roba' is only the positive command.
⭐ Usage Tips
Beyond Theft
While often used for actual stealing, 'robar' is frequently used figuratively for taking time, attention, or even a quick kiss (robar un beso).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: roba
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'roba' as a command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'roba' and 'robo'?
'Roba' is the verb form (he/she/it steals). 'Robo' is the noun meaning 'theft' or 'robbery,' OR it is the 'yo' form of the verb (I steal).
Can 'roba' be used in a positive way?
Yes, often figuratively. If something 'roba la mirada' (steals the glance), it means it is very attractive or eye-catching. If a child 'roba un beso' (steals a kiss), it's usually considered charming.