to choose, to elect
hablamos regular endingpienso stem changetengo irregularbusqué spelling change
Presente · What happens now or habitually
Siempre elijo el asiento de la ventana.
I always choose the window seat.
Pretérito · A completed action in the past
Mi hermana eligió el vestido azul.
My sister chose the blue dress.
Imperfecto · Ongoing or habitual past; "used to"
Los niños elegían sus propios juguetes.
The kids used to choose their own toys.
Futuro · What will happen
Los ciudadanos elegirán un nuevo alcalde.
The citizens will elect a new mayor.
Condicional · What would happen
Yo elegiría la playa.
I'd choose the beach.
Pretérito perfecto · Has/have done
¿Ya has elegido el postre?
Have you chosen dessert yet?
Pluscuamperfecto · Had done
Ya habían elegido la fecha de la boda.
They had already chosen the wedding date.
Futuro perfecto · Will have done
Para mañana ya habrán elegido al ganador.
By tomorrow they will have chosen the winner.
Condicional perfecto · Would have done
Habríamos elegido otro hotel.
We would have chosen another hotel.
Presente de subjuntivo · Wishes, doubts, emotions about the present or future
Quiero que elijas lo que más te guste.
I want you to choose what you like best.
Imperfecto de subjuntivo (-ra) · Hypotheticals and past wishes; the common form
Me sorprendió que eligiera ese color.
I was surprised she chose that color.
Imperfecto de subjuntivo (-se) · Same meaning as -ra; more literary
Pedí que eligiesen un número.
I asked them to choose a number.
Pretérito perfecto de subjuntivo · Subjunctive for something that has happened
Espero que haya elegido bien.
I hope he has chosen well.
Pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo · Contrary-to-fact past: "if I had..."
Si hubiera elegido otra carrera, no estaría aquí.
If I had chosen another career, I wouldn't be here.
Imperativo afirmativo · Commands: do it!
Elige el que quieras.
Choose whichever one you want.
Imperativo negativo · Commands: don't do it!
No elijas por mí.
Don't choose for me.