Cristalizar Conjugation in Spanish
cristalizar means "to crystallise" in English, and it comes up when people talk about the sugar in the water, the salt in the saucepan, the dream of his life and the idea into a plan. This page gives you the complete conjugation of cristalizar in every tense and mood — present, preterite, imperfect, future, conditional, the four perfect tenses, both subjunctive tenses and the imperative — with all six persons, plus the gerund and the past participle. Every form below comes from VerbFlow's verified conjugation tables, so you can trust the accents and the spelling changes. cristalizar is a spelling-changing (z → c before e) -ar verb, and the notes under each tense explain exactly where it follows the rules and where it breaks them. To hear it in a real sentence: Cada día, yo cristalizo el azúcar en el agua. — "Every day, I crystallise the sugar in the water." Work through the tables, read the notes, then test yourself with the quiz at the end of the page.
Quick facts
- Infinitive: cristalizar
- English: to crystallise
- Verb type: spelling-changing (z → c before e) -ar verb
- Gerund: cristalizando
- Past participle: cristalizado
- Auxiliary verb: haber (all compound tenses use haber + cristalizado)
- Spelling change: spelling-changing (z → c before e).
Full conjugation table
Every tense of cristalizar with all six persons. The gerund is cristalizando and the past participle is cristalizado.
Present indicative
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | cristalizo |
| tú | cristalizas |
| él/ella/Ud. | cristaliza |
| nosotros/as | cristalizamos |
| vosotros/as | cristalizáis |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | cristalizan |
Preterite (past)
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | cristalicé |
| tú | cristalizaste |
| él/ella/Ud. | cristalizó |
| nosotros/as | cristalizamos |
| vosotros/as | cristalizasteis |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | cristalizaron |
Imperfect
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | cristalizaba |
| tú | cristalizabas |
| él/ella/Ud. | cristalizaba |
| nosotros/as | cristalizábamos |
| vosotros/as | cristalizabais |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | cristalizaban |
Future
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | cristalizaré |
| tú | cristalizarás |
| él/ella/Ud. | cristalizará |
| nosotros/as | cristalizaremos |
| vosotros/as | cristalizaréis |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | cristalizarán |
Conditional
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | cristalizaría |
| tú | cristalizarías |
| él/ella/Ud. | cristalizaría |
| nosotros/as | cristalizaríamos |
| vosotros/as | cristalizaríais |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | cristalizarían |
Present perfect
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | he cristalizado |
| tú | has cristalizado |
| él/ella/Ud. | ha cristalizado |
| nosotros/as | hemos cristalizado |
| vosotros/as | habéis cristalizado |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | han cristalizado |
Pluperfect
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | había cristalizado |
| tú | habías cristalizado |
| él/ella/Ud. | había cristalizado |
| nosotros/as | habíamos cristalizado |
| vosotros/as | habíais cristalizado |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | habían cristalizado |
Future perfect
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | habré cristalizado |
| tú | habrás cristalizado |
| él/ella/Ud. | habrá cristalizado |
| nosotros/as | habremos cristalizado |
| vosotros/as | habréis cristalizado |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | habrán cristalizado |
Conditional perfect
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | habría cristalizado |
| tú | habrías cristalizado |
| él/ella/Ud. | habría cristalizado |
| nosotros/as | habríamos cristalizado |
| vosotros/as | habríais cristalizado |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | habrían cristalizado |
Present subjunctive
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | cristalice |
| tú | cristalices |
| él/ella/Ud. | cristalice |
| nosotros/as | cristalicemos |
| vosotros/as | cristalicéis |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | cristalicen |
Imperfect subjunctive (-ra)
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | cristalizara |
| tú | cristalizaras |
| él/ella/Ud. | cristalizara |
| nosotros/as | cristalizáramos |
| vosotros/as | cristalizarais |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | cristalizaran |
Imperative (affirmative)
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| tú | cristaliza |
| él/ella/Ud. | cristalice |
| nosotros/as | cristalicemos |
| vosotros/as | cristalizad |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | cristalicen |
Imperative (negative)
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| tú | cristalices |
| él/ella/Ud. | cristalice |
| nosotros/as | cristalicemos |
| vosotros/as | cristalicéis |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | cristalicen |
Notes on each tense
A short note for every tense: when it is used, one example, and anything irregular about cristalizar in that tense.
Present indicative
The present indicative of cristalizar is used for routines, habits, general truths and things happening right now. Cada día, yo cristalizo el azúcar en el agua. — "Every day, I crystallise the sugar in the water." For cristalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem cristaliz- plus the usual endings. Learn the six forms in the table above, and practise them with the complements in the examples section below.
Preterite (past)
The preterite (past) of cristalizar is used for one action that started and finished in the past. Ayer, yo cristalicé la sal en la cacerola. — "Yesterday, I crystallised the salt in the saucepan." Watch the spelling: the z becomes c before e, so the yo preterite is cristalicé and the subjunctive forms start with c, for example cristalice. Say each form aloud with the complement after it, so the person and the ending stay linked in your memory.
Imperfect
The imperfect of cristalizar is used for an ongoing or repeated action in the past, background description and habits that no longer happen. Antes, yo cristalizaba el sueño de su vida. — "In the past, I used to crystallise the dream of his life." For cristalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem cristaliz- plus the usual endings. Compare the forms with the present tense as you learn them, and the pattern will stay clear.
Future
The future of cristalizar is used for what will happen, plans and predictions. Mañana, nosotros cristalizaremos la idea en un plan. — "Tomorrow, we will crystallise the idea into a plan." For cristalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem cristaliz- plus the usual endings. Learn the six forms in the table above, and practise them with the complements in the examples section below.
Conditional
The conditional of cristalizar is used for what would happen, hypothetical situations and polite requests. Si pudieras, tú cristalizarías el azúcar en el agua. — "If you could, you would crystallise the sugar in the water." For cristalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem cristaliz- plus the usual endings. Say each form aloud with the complement after it, so the person and the ending stay linked in your memory.
Present perfect
The present perfect of cristalizar is used for an action completed in the recent past that still matters now, or life experience up to now. Yo he cristalizado la sal en la cacerola. — "I have crystallised the salt in the saucepan." For cristalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem cristaliz- plus the usual endings. Compare the forms with the present tense as you learn them, and the pattern will stay clear.
Pluperfect
The pluperfect of cristalizar is used for an action that had already happened before another past action. Antes de la fiesta, yo había cristalizado el sueño de su vida. — "Before the party, I had crystallised the dream of his life." For cristalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem cristaliz- plus the usual endings. Learn the six forms in the table above, and practise them with the complements in the examples section below.
Future perfect
The future perfect of cristalizar is used for an action that will be finished by a point in the future. Para mañana, yo habré cristalizado la idea en un plan. — "By tomorrow, I will have crystallised the idea into a plan." For cristalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem cristaliz- plus the usual endings. Say each form aloud with the complement after it, so the person and the ending stay linked in your memory.
Conditional perfect
The conditional perfect of cristalizar is used for what would have happened if things had been different. Si hubiera podido, yo habría cristalizado el azúcar en el agua. — "If I had been able to, I would have crystallised the sugar in the water." For cristalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem cristaliz- plus the usual endings. Compare the forms with the present tense as you learn them, and the pattern will stay clear.
Present subjunctive
The present subjunctive of cristalizar is used for wishes, doubts, emotions and requests after expressions such as espero que. Espero que él cristalice la sal en la cacerola. — "I hope that he/she crystallises the salt in the saucepan." Watch the spelling: the z becomes c before e, so the yo preterite is cristalicé and the subjunctive forms start with c, for example cristalice. Learn the six forms in the table above, and practise them with the complements in the examples section below.
Imperfect subjunctive (-ra)
The imperfect subjunctive (-ra) of cristalizar is used for the same subjunctive meanings in the past, and in si clauses about unreal situations. Si él cristalizara el sueño de su vida, todo saldría mejor. — "If he/she crystallised the dream of his life, everything would turn out better." For cristalizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem cristaliz- plus the usual endings. Say each form aloud with the complement after it, so the person and the ending stay linked in your memory.
Imperative (affirmative)
The imperative (affirmative) of cristalizar is used for orders, instructions and invitations. ¡Cristaliza la idea en un plan! — "Crystallise the idea into a plan!" Watch the spelling: the z becomes c before e, so the yo preterite is cristalicé and the subjunctive forms start with c, for example cristalice. Compare the forms with the present tense as you learn them, and the pattern will stay clear.
Imperative (negative)
The imperative (negative) of cristalizar is used for prohibitions and negative orders. No cristalices el azúcar en el agua. — "Do not crystallise the sugar in the water." Watch the spelling: the z becomes c before e, so the yo preterite is cristalicé and the subjunctive forms start with c, for example cristalice. Learn the six forms in the table above, and practise them with the complements in the examples section below.
Examples: cristalizar in real sentences
Ten sentences with cristalizar, one for each main tense, each with its English translation. Read them aloud, then try changing the person and the complement to make your own versions.
- Cada día, yo cristalizo el azúcar en el agua. — "Every day, I crystallise the sugar in the water." This is the present tense, used for a habit.
- Ayer, yo cristalicé la sal en la cacerola. — "Yesterday, I crystallised the salt in the saucepan." This is the preterite, one finished action.
- Antes, yo cristalizaba el sueño de su vida. — "In the past, I used to crystallise the dream of his life." This is the imperfect, a repeated action in the past.
- Mañana, nosotros cristalizaremos la idea en un plan. — "Tomorrow, we will crystallise the idea into a plan." This is the future tense, a plan for tomorrow.
- Si pudieras, tú cristalizarías el azúcar en el agua. — "If you could, you would crystallise the sugar in the water." This is the conditional, something that would happen.
- Yo he cristalizado la sal en la cacerola. — "I have crystallised the salt in the saucepan." This is the present perfect, an action with present relevance.
- Espero que él cristalice el sueño de su vida. — "I hope that he/she crystallises the dream of his life." This is the present subjunctive, after espero que.
- Si él cristalizara la idea en un plan, todo saldría mejor. — "If he/she crystallised the idea into a plan, everything would turn out better." This is the imperfect subjunctive, in a si clause.
- ¡Cristaliza el azúcar en el agua! — "Crystallise the sugar in the water!" This is the imperative, a direct order or request.
- Ahora, Yo estoy cristalizando la sal en la cacerola. — "Now, I am crystallising the salt in the saucepan." This is the progressive, with estar and the gerund.
Common mistakes with cristalizar
The errors learners actually make with cristalizar, each with the wrong form, the right form, and why it is wrong.
Mistake 1: Adding a reflexive pronoun that does not belong
- Wrong: Yo me cristalizo el azúcar en el agua.
- Right: Yo cristalizo el azúcar en el agua.
- Why: cristalizar is not reflexive, so there is no pronoun to add. Yo cristalizo el azúcar en el agua. is the correct sentence, and the extra pronoun changes the meaning.
Mistake 2: Using the present tense after espero que
- Wrong: Espero que él cristaliza la sal en la cacerola.
- Right: Espero que él cristalice la sal en la cacerola.
- Why: After espero que Spanish needs the subjunctive, and for cristalizar the subjunctive also changes z to c: cristalice, not cristaliza.
Mistake 3: Using the present tense for yesterday
- Wrong: Ayer, yo cristalizo la sal en la cacerola.
- Right: Ayer, yo cristalicé la sal en la cacerola.
- Why: Ayer means yesterday, so the action is finished and needs the preterite. The present tense is for habits and routines, not for yesterday: Ayer, yo cristalicé la sal en la cacerola. — "Yesterday, I crystallised the salt in the saucepan."
Mistake 4: Mixing up the gerund and the participle
- Wrong: Estoy cristalizado el sueño de su vida.
- Right: Estoy cristalizando el sueño de su vida.
- Why: After estar you need the gerund cristalizando for the progressive. The participle cristalizado goes with haber in the perfect tenses (he cristalizado), never after estar.
Mistake 5: Using the él form for nosotros
- Wrong: Nosotros cristaliza el azúcar en el agua.
- Right: Nosotros cristalizamos el azúcar en el agua.
- Why: The person and the ending must match: nosotros takes cristalizamos, while cristaliza belongs to él and ella. Check the person first, then choose the form.
Quiz: cristalizar conjugation
Test yourself with ten questions on cristalizar. The answers are explained, so read them even when you get a question right.
1. What is the yo form of cristalizar in the present tense?
- (a) cristalizamos
- (b) cristalizo
- (c) cristalizas
- (d) cristaliza
Answer: (b) cristalizo. The yo form is cristalizo. Check the person before you answer.
2. What is the tú form of cristalizar in the present tense?
- (a) cristalizas
- (b) cristalizo
- (c) cristaliza
- (d) cristalizamos
Answer: (a) cristalizas. The tú form is cristalizas. Check the person before you answer.
3. What is the él/ella form of cristalizar in the present tense?
- (a) cristalizo
- (b) cristalizas
- (c) cristalizamos
- (d) cristaliza
Answer: (d) cristaliza. The él/ella form is cristaliza. Check the person before you answer.
4. What is the nosotros form of cristalizar in the present tense?
- (a) cristalizas
- (b) cristaliza
- (c) cristalizamos
- (d) cristalizo
Answer: (c) cristalizamos. The nosotros form is cristalizamos. Check the person before you answer.
5. What is the ellos/ellas form of cristalizar in the present tense?
- (a) cristaliza
- (b) cristalizan
- (c) cristalizo
- (d) cristalizas
Answer: (b) cristalizan. The ellos/ellas form is cristalizan. Check the person before you answer.
6. What is the gerund of cristalizar?
- (a) cristalizar
- (b) cristalizando
- (c) cristalizado
- (d) cristalizo
Answer: (b) cristalizando. The gerund is cristalizando, used for the progressive: estoy cristalizando.
7. What is the past participle of cristalizar?
- (a) cristalizado
- (b) cristalizando
- (c) cristalicé
- (d) cristalizar
Answer: (a) cristalizado. The past participle is cristalizado, used with haber in all perfect tenses: he cristalizado.
8. Complete the sentence: Cada día, yo ___ el azúcar en el agua.
- (a) cristalizas
- (b) cristaliza
- (c) cristalizamos
- (d) cristalizo
Answer: (d) cristalizo. The sentence needs the yo form cristalizo (Every day, I crystallise the sugar in the water.)
9. What is the yo form of cristalizar in the preterite?
- (a) cristalizó
- (b) cristalizamos
- (c) cristalicé
- (d) cristalizaste
Answer: (c) cristalicé. The yo preterite is cristalicé. The preterite describes one finished action.
10. Complete the sentence: Espero que él ___ el sueño de su vida.
- (a) cristalice
- (b) cristalices
- (c) cristalicemos
- (d) cristalicéis
Answer: (a) cristalice. After espero que Spanish needs the subjunctive, and the él form is cristalice.
Frequently asked questions about cristalizar
Is cristalizar regular?
Almost. cristalizar is a spelling-changing (z → c before e) -ar verb, so its endings are regular but its spelling changes in some forms: Watch the spelling: the z becomes c before e, so the yo preterite is cristalicé and the subjunctive forms start with c, for example cristalice. The rest of the conjugation follows the regular pattern, and the tables above show every form exactly.
What does cristalizar mean, and when do I use it?
cristalizar means "to crystallise" in English. Use it when you talk about the sugar in the water, the salt in the saucepan, the dream of his life and the idea into a plan — for example: Yo cristalizo el azúcar en el agua. — "I crystallise the sugar in the water." It is a practical verb for everyday conversation, and it appears in all the tenses on this page.
How do you say it in a real sentence?
A natural sentence is: Yo cristalizo el azúcar en el agua. — "I crystallise the sugar in the water." Change the person using the table above, and change the complement to talk about your own life: the verb stays the same, only the ending changes.
Is there a reflexive form of cristalizar?
No. cristalizar is not reflexive, so it is used without a pronoun: Yo cristalizo el azúcar en el agua. — "I crystallise the sugar in the water." Adding me, te or se would change the meaning, so keep the verb plain unless you mean the reflexive partner.
When do I use the present tense instead of the preterite with cristalizar?
Use the present for habits and routines: Yo cristalizo el azúcar en el agua. — "I crystallise the sugar in the water." Use the preterite for one finished action: Ayer, yo cristalicé el azúcar en el agua. — "Yesterday, I crystallised the sugar in the water." If the action happens regularly, choose the present; if it happened once and is finished, choose the preterite.