What is the difference between "mueven", "mueva", "muevan" in Spanish?

The English word 'stir' can be translated into Spanish in several ways, depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey. These translations often involve slight variations in meaning, such as mixing ingredients versus evoking emotions, and also depend on the grammatical conjugation of the verb.

How to Say "stir" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “stir” is “mueven” — use 'mueven' when referring to the general action of moving or stirring, especially liquids or objects like boxes, in a present tense context for 'they' or 'you all' (plural, informal)..

mueven🔊A1

Use 'mueven' when referring to the general action of moving or stirring, especially liquids or objects like boxes, in a present tense context for 'they' or 'you all' (plural, informal).

{ui.learnMore}

mueva🔊A2

Use 'mueva' when giving a command to one person to stir or move something, or when talking about evoking emotions or consciences.

{ui.learnMore}

muevan🔊A2

Use 'muevan' when commanding multiple people (or formally addressing one person) to stir or move something.

{ui.learnMore}

English → Spanish

mueven

MWEH-vehn/ˈmwe.βen/

verbA1general

Use 'mueven' when referring to the general action of moving or stirring, especially liquids or objects like boxes, in a present tense context for 'they' or 'you all' (plural, informal).

Two large, colorful geometric blocks sliding across a smooth wooden floor, clearly in motion.

Examples

Los trabajadores mueven las cajas pesadas al camión.

The workers move the heavy boxes to the truck.

¿Por qué no se mueven? Tenemos prisa.

Why aren't they moving? We are in a hurry.

Ustedes mueven la reunión a la tarde, ¿verdad?

You (plural, formal) are moving the meeting to the afternoon, right?

The 'O' to 'UE' Change

In the present tense, the 'o' inside the verb stem changes to 'ue' whenever the stress falls on that syllable (like in 'mueven'). The only exceptions are 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' (movemos, movéis).

See full entry for “mueven” →

mueva

MWEH-vah/ˈmwe.βa/

verb (conjugated form)A2general

Use 'mueva' when giving a command to one person to stir or move something, or when talking about evoking emotions or consciences.

A simple illustration of a small red cube sliding across a flat, bright blue surface, clearly indicating movement and a shift in position.

Examples

Por favor, mueva el coche de aquí.

Please, move the car from here.

Mi jefe quiere que yo mueva la reunión al jueves.

My boss wants me to move the meeting to Thursday.

Dudo que la nueva ley mueva la economía tan rápido.

I doubt that the new law will move the economy so quickly.

Ojalá que esta película mueva conciencias sobre el tema.

Hopefully this movie stirs consciences about the issue.

Dual Role of 'Mueva'

'Mueva' has two main functions: it is the formal command (Usted, telling someone to move) and it is the special verb form (subjunctive) used after expressions of desire, doubt, or necessity (for 'yo', 'él/ella', and 'usted').

Stem Change E → UE

The base verb 'mover' is irregular. The 'o' changes to 'ue' in most present tense forms, but 'mueva' comes from the 'e' changing to 'ue' in the root, which then influences the subjunctive forms.

Subjunctive for Influence

When using 'mover' to mean influence or emotional impact, it almost always requires the special verb form ('mueva') because it expresses uncertainty, emotion, or desire, not a simple fact.

Forgetting the Subjunctive

Mistake: “Quiero que él mueve la caja.”

Correction: Quiero que él mueva la caja. (Spanish requires this special verb form when the subject of the desire is different from the subject of the action.)

See full entry for “mueva” →

muevan

/MWEH-bahn//ˈmwe.βan/

verb (conjugated form)A2general

Use 'muevan' when commanding multiple people (or formally addressing one person) to stir or move something.

Three stylized figures wearing brightly colored outfits walking swiftly together across a green field, illustrating the command for a group to move.

Examples

¡Muevan esos coches inmediatamente! No podemos pasar.

Move those cars immediately! We can't get through.

El jefe quiere que ustedes muevan la reunión a la tarde.

The boss wants you all to move the meeting to the afternoon.

Espero que los vientos no muevan las velas tan rápido.

I hope the winds don't move the sails so quickly.

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).

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.

See full entry for “muevan” →

Confusing 'Mueven', 'Mueva', and 'Muevan'

The most common mistake is confusing the command forms ('mueva', 'muevan') with the descriptive present tense ('mueven'). Remember that 'mueva' is for a singular command, 'muevan' for a plural command, and 'mueven' describes what 'they' or 'you all' are doing.

Related Translations

move→shift→influence→motivate→touch→budge→change→drive→

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.