caer
/kaˈeɾ/
To fall in Spanish is caer.
The verb is used to describe moving downward quickly and freely from a higher to a lower level.
Which one should you use?
The pronominal form caerse is frequently used in everyday speech to describe a person falling down or tripping.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of caer is the irregular form caído. Additionally, in everyday speech, the pronominal form caerse is often used when a person falls.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈeɾ/
Did you know?
- The phrase caer bien does not mean to fall well, but is the standard way to say that you like someone's personality or that they 'strike you as a good person'.
- In certain contexts, particularly in slang, the phrase caer en cuenta is used to describe the moment someone 'gets' a joke or realizes the truth.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase caerle a alguien can mean to start arguing with or attacking someone, shifting the meaning from a physical fall to a verbal confrontation.
Examples in context
- No me voy a caer.I'm not going to fall.This sentence shows how to use caer in a negative future construction.Tatoeba #7308202 by arh, translation #8160931 by magnificentgoddess
- Tengo miedo de caer.I'm afraid to fall.This sentence demonstrates expressing fear regarding the action of caer.Tatoeba #394306 by hayastan, translation #1810 by Zifre
- Cuidado de no caerte.Be careful not to fall.This sentence uses the pronominal form to warn someone to be careful.Tatoeba #1674324 by marcelostockle, translation #1345547 by CK
- Es peligroso caminar cuando las hojas caen.It's dangerous to walk when the leaves fall.
- El árbol se desplomó debido a la tormenta.The tree fell down due to the storm.
- La pared se derrumbó después del terremoto.The wall collapsed after the earthquake.
- Tropecé con una piedra y caí al suelo.I stumbled over a stone and fell to the ground.
- Mi hermana resbaló en el hielo y se cayó.My sister slipped on the ice and fell.
- Se cayó de la silla.He fell off the chair.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are hiking on a rocky trail.
- MateoTen cuidado, que puedes caer.Be careful, you could fall.
- MaríaSí, estas piedras están muy resbaladizas.Yes, these stones are very slippery.
- MateoNo quiero que nadie llegue a caer.I don't want anyone to end up falling.
- MaríaGracias por avisarme, Mateo.Thanks for warning me, Mateo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry caer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
