Inklingo
A colorful storybook illustration showing a small child character pulling themselves up onto a safe, grassy ledge using a rope, escaping a deep, dark pit below.

salvarte

sahl-VAHR-teh

VerbA2regular ar
to save yourself?reflexive action (most common),to rescue you?direct object
Also:to spare you?avoiding trouble or effort

Quick Reference

infinitivesalvar
gerundsalvando
past Participlesalvado

📝 In Action

Tienes que correr para salvarte del incendio.

A2

You have to run to save yourself from the fire.

Intenté llamarte para salvarte el viaje, pero no contestaste.

B1

I tried to call you to spare you the trip, but you didn't answer.

¿Qué podemos hacer para salvarte de esta situación tan difícil?

B2

What can we do to save you from this difficult situation?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • rescatarte (to rescue you/yourself)
  • librarte (to free yourself)

Antonyms

  • condenarte (to condemn yourself)
  • perderte (to lose yourself)

Common Collocations

  • intentar salvarteto try to save you
  • poder salvarteto be able to save yourself

💡 Grammar Points

The Verb + Pronoun Combo

When you see a verb ending in -te, it means the verb's action is directed at 'you' (tú). This form is used when the verb is in its base form (infinitive), like 'salvarte', or the -ing form (gerund), like 'salvándote'.

Reflexive vs. Direct Object

If you are saving yourself ('Tú vas a salvarte'), the 'te' is reflexive. If someone else is saving you ('Yo voy a salvarte'), the 'te' is the person receiving the action (direct object).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Misplacing the Pronoun with Modals

Mistake: "Te necesito salvar."

Correction: Necesito salvarte.

⭐ Usage Tips

The Stress in Commands

When 'te' is attached to a command form (like '¡Sálvate!'), an accent mark is often needed on the original stressed vowel ('a') to make sure the word is pronounced correctly.

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

él/ella/ustedse salva
yome salvo
te salvas
ellos/ellas/ustedesse salvan
nosotrosnos salvamos
vosotrosos salváis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedse salvaba
yome salvaba
te salvabas
ellos/ellas/ustedesse salvaban
nosotrosnos salvábamos
vosotrosos salvabais

preterite

él/ella/ustedse salvó
yome salvé
te salvaste
ellos/ellas/ustedesse salvaron
nosotrosnos salvamos
vosotrosos salvasteis

subjunctive

present

él/ella/ustedse salve
yome salve
te salves
ellos/ellas/ustedesse salven
nosotrosnos salvemos
vosotrosos salvéis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedse salvara/salvase
yome salvara/salvase
te salvaras/salvases
ellos/ellas/ustedesse salvaran/salvasen
nosotrosnos salváramos/salvásemos
vosotrosos salvaraís/salvaseis

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: salvarte

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'salvarte' to mean 'to save you' (direct object)?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

salvar(to save (base infinitive)) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'salvarte' a complete verb form?

No, it is the infinitive (base form) of the verb 'salvar' with the pronoun 'te' attached. It must usually follow another conjugated verb, like 'quiero' (I want) or 'debes' (you must).

How do I say 'save yourself!' as a command?

You must conjugate the verb and attach the pronoun: '¡Sálvate!' (informal tú command). The accent is important here.