Spanish present tense consonant change c>z in -cer/-cir verbs

In Spanish, verbs that end in -cer/-cir preceded by a consonant change the -c to -z in the El Presente yo form. Take a look at the verb convencer (to convince) in El Presente.

 Consonant+CER/CIR verb 

CONVENCER
(to convince)

yo

convenzo

convences

él / ella
usted

convence

nosotros/nosotras

convencemos

vosotros/vosotras

convencéis

ellos/ellas
ustedes

convencen


Notice how -c in the infinitive has switched to -z in the yo form.

Some uncommon verbs with consonant+cer and consonant+cir are:
  • ejercer (to practice [a profession])
  • vencer (to win)
  • zurcir (to darn/mend)
  • esparcir (to spread/scatter)

Here are some examples:

Nunca convenzo a mi novia a ir al teatro.I never convince my girlfriend to go the theatre.

Ella esparce los papeles por el suelo.She scatters the pieces of paper on the floor.

¿Tú zurces los calcetines con agujeros?Do you mend socks with holes?

Yo siempre te venzo cuando jugamos al ajedrez.I always beat you when we play chess.

¿Qué tal si esparcimos todas las revistas por la mesa?How about if we scatter all the magazines on the table?

Ellas convencen a todo el mundo.They convince everyone.

Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics

Examples and resources

Ella esparce los papeles por el suelo.She scatters the pieces of paper on the floor.
¿Tú zurces los calcetines con agujeros?Do you mend socks with holes?
Yo siempre te venzo cuando jugamos al ajedrez.I always beat you when we play chess.
Nunca convenzo a mi novia a ir al teatro.I never convince my girlfriend to go the theatre.
¿Qué tal si esparcimos todas las revistas por la mesa?How about if we scatter all the magazines on the table?
Ellas convencen a todo el mundo.They convince everyone.
Clever stuff happening!