Three Verb Groups
The infinitive ending -ar, -ir or -re tells you which pattern a verb follows.
How It Works
The infinitive is the form you find in the dictionary. Its ending puts the verb in one of three groups.
| Group | Infinitive | Present: ieu and el |
|---|---|---|
| -ar | parlar (to speak) | parli, parla |
| -ir | finir (to finish) | finissi, finís |
| -re | vendre (to sell) | vendi, vend |
The -ar group is the largest, and almost all its verbs follow parlar. Almost every -ir verb adds -iss- in the present, dormir and partir included. Only sentir and venir do not.
A few verbs end in -er, such as voler (to want), poder (to be able to), saber (to know) and dever (to have to). Their forms are irregular, so you learn them one by one: vòli, vòles, vòl.
The group also decides the other tenses, such as the imperfect and the future. Later entries give each pattern.
Examples (4)
- Parli occitan.
I speak Occitan.
Parlar is an -ar verb, and the I form ends in -i.
- Finissèm lo trabalh.
We finish the work.
Finir adds -iss- before the ending.
- Vendon lo pan.
They sell the bread.
Vendre takes the endings -i, -es, no ending, -èm, -ètz, -on.
- Volèm manjar.
We want to eat.
Voler is an -er verb with its own forms.
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- Present of -ar Verbs
The -ar group is the largest.
Level 1 - Present of -ir Verbs With -iss-
Almost every -ir verb adds -iss-.
Level 2 - Present of -ir Verbs Without -iss-
Sentir and venir do not add -iss-.
Level 2 - Present of -re Verbs
The -re group has its own endings.
Level 2 - The Infinitive
The infinitive names the verb and its group.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Practice Three Verb Groups in Bubblegum
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