Do you remember that I often say I want to make learning Spanish as easy as possible for you? Well, in this post, we’re going to do just that.
Both English and Spanish have a unique tense that falls between the past and the present. For example, when we say “Today I have eaten eggs,” it suggests that even if I ate the eggs hours ago, today is still ongoing. Similarly, when we say, “Look, Juan has come to visit us!” it indicates that, although Juan may have arrived half an hour ago, his visit still has significance in the present.
In English, this tense is called the present perfect. In contrast, Spanish scholars often refer to it as pretérito perfecto compuesto (“compound perfect past.”)
However, as your friend and teacher, I want you to become a great Spanish speaker rather than a grammarian. Therefore, I’ve chosen a much simpler name for this tense: the compound present. This name will make it easier for you to learn all the other compound tenses we’ll learn.
But remember, if you ever take a Spanish test, you should refer to this tense using its scholarly name: pretérito perfecto compuesto.
Now, enough theory! Let’s look at a few examples:
1. This morning I have eaten breakfast with my family.
Esta mañana he desayunado con mi familia.
Explanation: “This morning” has not finished yet, so the action is relevant to the present.
2. My uncle has come to the wedding.
Mi tío ha venido a la boda.
Explanation: The action of coming is still relevant because the uncle is currently at the wedding.
3. I have visited several countries in my life.
He visitado varios países en mi vida.
Explanation: The experience of visiting countries is still relevant to my life and identity today.
4. Recently, I have watched a fascinating documentary.
Recientemente he visto un documental fascinante.
Explanation: “Recently” suggests that the experience is still fresh and relevant to the current context.
5. I have cleaned the house today.
He limpiado la casa hoy.
Explanation: “Today” has not ended yet, meaning the action’s effects are still felt in the present.
CONJUGATION
The compound present is formed by using the verb haber in the simple present with the past participle. Let’s take the verb hablar as an example. Listen to Angelina, from Spain, read it aloud:
| Person | Haber (Presente) | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|
| yo | he | |
| tú | has | |
| usted | ha | |
| él ella | ha | hablado |
| nosotros nosotras | hemos | |
| ustedes | han | |
| ellos ellas | han |
| vos | has | hablado |
| vosotros vosotras | habéis |
TIP! In real life, many natives might use the simple past instead of the compound present.
Now, let’s play so you learn this tense in a snap!
GAME 1
GAME 2
GAME 3
