2. In the preterite, -ir verbs like preferir, pedir, and dormir also have stem changes but only in the Ud. /él/ella and Uds./ellos/ellas forms. In these forms e changes to i and o changes to u. Mi mamá se aburrió y se durmió durante la película. Mis padres prefirieron ver el concurso de belleza. En la liga compitieron los mejores equipos de México. Preterite of -ir stem-changing verbs

5. dormir (o u)

6. Note the special spelling of the preterite forms of reír: reí, reíste, rió, reímos, reísteis, rieron Here are other -ir verbs with stem changes in the preterite tense. Verbs like preferir: divertirse, mentir, sentirse Verbs like pedir: competir, despedirse, repetir, seguir, servir, vestirse Verbs like dormir: morir Verbs like reír: sonreír Preterite of -ir stem-changing verbs

8. Other reflexive verbs use reflexive pronouns and verb forms but do not have the meaning of a person doing an action to or for himself or herself. These reflexive verbs often describe a change in mental, emotional, or physical state, and can express the idea that someone gets or becomes. Other reflexive verbs

10. Se durmieron durante la película. Se puso alegre después de ganar. Other reflexive verbs

11. Regional variations of ll / y and c / z The majority of Spanish speakers do not distinguish between ll and y, pronouncing both like y in the English word yes. Listen to and say these words and sentences as the majority of Spanish speakers would: rodilla joyas cepillo rayas llamar sellos Tiene que llevar un yeso. La calle está cerca de la playa.

12. Regional variations of ll / y and c / z Note, however, that the pronunciation of ll and y varies around the Spanish-speaking world. In Argentina and Uruguay, ll and y are pronounced like the s in the English word measure. In other countries, the ll is pronounced with a hint of an l, much like the English word million, but a bit softer.

13. Regional variations of ll / y and c / z Listen to and say the words and sentences above again, first as a speaker from Argentina or Uruguay would pronounce them, and then as many other Spanish speakers would.

14. Regional variations of ll / y and c / z Enjoy this childrens riddle from Mexico:

15. Regional variations of ll / y and c / z In Latin America and parts of Spain, c before e and i, and z before a vowel are pronounced like the s in sink. In some parts of Spain, however, these letters are pronounced like the th in think.

16. Regional variations of ll / y and c / z Listen to and say the following words as most Spaniards would pronounce them: cierto dice bronce ciclismo concierto belleza abrazo azúcar buzón comenzar

17. Regional variations of ll / y and c / z ¡Compruébalo! Try this tongue twister about a cat: