Neutralizar Conjugation in Spanish
neutralizar means "to neutralise" in English, and it comes up when people talk about the acid with the base, the poison with the antidote, the smell with vinegar and the threat with an agreement. This page gives you the complete conjugation of neutralizar 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. neutralizar 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 neutralizo el ácido con la base. — "Every day, I neutralise the acid with the base." Work through the tables, read the notes, then test yourself with the quiz at the end of the page.
Quick facts
- Infinitive: neutralizar
- English: to neutralise
- Verb type: spelling-changing (z → c before e) -ar verb
- Gerund: neutralizando
- Past participle: neutralizado
- Auxiliary verb: haber (all compound tenses use haber + neutralizado)
- Spelling change: spelling-changing (z → c before e).
Full conjugation table
Every tense of neutralizar with all six persons. The gerund is neutralizando and the past participle is neutralizado.
Present indicative
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | neutralizo |
| tú | neutralizas |
| él/ella/Ud. | neutraliza |
| nosotros/as | neutralizamos |
| vosotros/as | neutralizáis |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | neutralizan |
Preterite (past)
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | neutralicé |
| tú | neutralizaste |
| él/ella/Ud. | neutralizó |
| nosotros/as | neutralizamos |
| vosotros/as | neutralizasteis |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | neutralizaron |
Imperfect
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | neutralizaba |
| tú | neutralizabas |
| él/ella/Ud. | neutralizaba |
| nosotros/as | neutralizábamos |
| vosotros/as | neutralizabais |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | neutralizaban |
Future
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | neutralizaré |
| tú | neutralizarás |
| él/ella/Ud. | neutralizará |
| nosotros/as | neutralizaremos |
| vosotros/as | neutralizaréis |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | neutralizarán |
Conditional
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | neutralizaría |
| tú | neutralizarías |
| él/ella/Ud. | neutralizaría |
| nosotros/as | neutralizaríamos |
| vosotros/as | neutralizaríais |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | neutralizarían |
Present perfect
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | he neutralizado |
| tú | has neutralizado |
| él/ella/Ud. | ha neutralizado |
| nosotros/as | hemos neutralizado |
| vosotros/as | habéis neutralizado |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | han neutralizado |
Pluperfect
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | había neutralizado |
| tú | habías neutralizado |
| él/ella/Ud. | había neutralizado |
| nosotros/as | habíamos neutralizado |
| vosotros/as | habíais neutralizado |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | habían neutralizado |
Future perfect
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | habré neutralizado |
| tú | habrás neutralizado |
| él/ella/Ud. | habrá neutralizado |
| nosotros/as | habremos neutralizado |
| vosotros/as | habréis neutralizado |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | habrán neutralizado |
Conditional perfect
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | habría neutralizado |
| tú | habrías neutralizado |
| él/ella/Ud. | habría neutralizado |
| nosotros/as | habríamos neutralizado |
| vosotros/as | habríais neutralizado |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | habrían neutralizado |
Present subjunctive
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | neutralice |
| tú | neutralices |
| él/ella/Ud. | neutralice |
| nosotros/as | neutralicemos |
| vosotros/as | neutralicéis |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | neutralicen |
Imperfect subjunctive (-ra)
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | neutralizara |
| tú | neutralizaras |
| él/ella/Ud. | neutralizara |
| nosotros/as | neutralizáramos |
| vosotros/as | neutralizarais |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | neutralizaran |
Imperative (affirmative)
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| tú | neutraliza |
| él/ella/Ud. | neutralice |
| nosotros/as | neutralicemos |
| vosotros/as | neutralizad |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | neutralicen |
Imperative (negative)
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| tú | neutralices |
| él/ella/Ud. | neutralice |
| nosotros/as | neutralicemos |
| vosotros/as | neutralicéis |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | neutralicen |
Notes on each tense
A short note for every tense: when it is used, one example, and anything irregular about neutralizar in that tense.
Present indicative
The present indicative of neutralizar is used for routines, habits, general truths and things happening right now. Cada día, yo neutralizo el ácido con la base. — "Every day, I neutralise the acid with the base." For neutralizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem neutraliz- 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 neutralizar is used for one action that started and finished in the past. Ayer, yo neutralicé el veneno con el antídoto. — "Yesterday, I neutralised the poison with the antidote." Watch the spelling: the z becomes c before e, so the yo preterite is neutralicé and the subjunctive forms start with c, for example neutralice. Say each form aloud with the complement after it, so the person and the ending stay linked in your memory.
Imperfect
The imperfect of neutralizar is used for an ongoing or repeated action in the past, background description and habits that no longer happen. Antes, yo neutralizaba el olor con vinagre. — "In the past, I used to neutralise the smell with vinegar." For neutralizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem neutraliz- 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 neutralizar is used for what will happen, plans and predictions. Mañana, nosotros neutralizaremos la amenaza con un acuerdo. — "Tomorrow, we will neutralise the threat with an agreement." For neutralizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem neutraliz- 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 neutralizar is used for what would happen, hypothetical situations and polite requests. Si pudieras, tú neutralizarías el ácido con la base. — "If you could, you would neutralise the acid with the base." For neutralizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem neutraliz- 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 neutralizar is used for an action completed in the recent past that still matters now, or life experience up to now. Yo he neutralizado el veneno con el antídoto. — "I have neutralised the poison with the antidote." For neutralizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem neutraliz- 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 neutralizar is used for an action that had already happened before another past action. Antes de la fiesta, yo había neutralizado el olor con vinagre. — "Before the party, I had neutralised the smell with vinegar." For neutralizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem neutraliz- 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 neutralizar is used for an action that will be finished by a point in the future. Para mañana, yo habré neutralizado la amenaza con un acuerdo. — "By tomorrow, I will have neutralised the threat with an agreement." For neutralizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem neutraliz- 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 neutralizar is used for what would have happened if things had been different. Si hubiera podido, yo habría neutralizado el ácido con la base. — "If I had been able to, I would have neutralised the acid with the base." For neutralizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem neutraliz- 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 neutralizar is used for wishes, doubts, emotions and requests after expressions such as espero que. Espero que él neutralice el veneno con el antídoto. — "I hope that he/she neutralises the poison with the antidote." Watch the spelling: the z becomes c before e, so the yo preterite is neutralicé and the subjunctive forms start with c, for example neutralice. 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 neutralizar is used for the same subjunctive meanings in the past, and in si clauses about unreal situations. Si él neutralizara el olor con vinagre, todo saldría mejor. — "If he/she neutralised the smell with vinegar, everything would turn out better." For neutralizar this tense follows the regular -ar pattern: the stem neutraliz- 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 neutralizar is used for orders, instructions and invitations. ¡Neutraliza la amenaza con un acuerdo! — "Neutralise the threat with an agreement!" Watch the spelling: the z becomes c before e, so the yo preterite is neutralicé and the subjunctive forms start with c, for example neutralice. Compare the forms with the present tense as you learn them, and the pattern will stay clear.
Imperative (negative)
The imperative (negative) of neutralizar is used for prohibitions and negative orders. No neutralices el ácido con la base. — "Do not neutralise the acid with the base." Watch the spelling: the z becomes c before e, so the yo preterite is neutralicé and the subjunctive forms start with c, for example neutralice. Learn the six forms in the table above, and practise them with the complements in the examples section below.
Examples: neutralizar in real sentences
Ten sentences with neutralizar, 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 neutralizo el ácido con la base. — "Every day, I neutralise the acid with the base." This is the present tense, used for a habit.
- Ayer, yo neutralicé el veneno con el antídoto. — "Yesterday, I neutralised the poison with the antidote." This is the preterite, one finished action.
- Antes, yo neutralizaba el olor con vinagre. — "In the past, I used to neutralise the smell with vinegar." This is the imperfect, a repeated action in the past.
- Mañana, nosotros neutralizaremos la amenaza con un acuerdo. — "Tomorrow, we will neutralise the threat with an agreement." This is the future tense, a plan for tomorrow.
- Si pudieras, tú neutralizarías el ácido con la base. — "If you could, you would neutralise the acid with the base." This is the conditional, something that would happen.
- Yo he neutralizado el veneno con el antídoto. — "I have neutralised the poison with the antidote." This is the present perfect, an action with present relevance.
- Espero que él neutralice el olor con vinagre. — "I hope that he/she neutralises the smell with vinegar." This is the present subjunctive, after espero que.
- Si él neutralizara la amenaza con un acuerdo, todo saldría mejor. — "If he/she neutralised the threat with an agreement, everything would turn out better." This is the imperfect subjunctive, in a si clause.
- ¡Neutraliza el ácido con la base! — "Neutralise the acid with the base!" This is the imperative, a direct order or request.
- Ahora, Yo estoy neutralizando el veneno con el antídoto. — "Now, I am neutralising the poison with the antidote." This is the progressive, with estar and the gerund.
Common mistakes with neutralizar
The errors learners actually make with neutralizar, 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 neutralizo el ácido con la base.
- Right: Yo neutralizo el ácido con la base.
- Why: neutralizar is not reflexive, so there is no pronoun to add. Yo neutralizo el ácido con la base. is the correct sentence, and the extra pronoun changes the meaning.
Mistake 2: Using the present tense after espero que
- Wrong: Espero que él neutraliza el veneno con el antídoto.
- Right: Espero que él neutralice el veneno con el antídoto.
- Why: After espero que Spanish needs the subjunctive, and for neutralizar the subjunctive also changes z to c: neutralice, not neutraliza.
Mistake 3: Using the present tense for yesterday
- Wrong: Ayer, yo neutralizo el veneno con el antídoto.
- Right: Ayer, yo neutralicé el veneno con el antídoto.
- 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 neutralicé el veneno con el antídoto. — "Yesterday, I neutralised the poison with the antidote."
Mistake 4: Mixing up the gerund and the participle
- Wrong: Estoy neutralizado el olor con vinagre.
- Right: Estoy neutralizando el olor con vinagre.
- Why: After estar you need the gerund neutralizando for the progressive. The participle neutralizado goes with haber in the perfect tenses (he neutralizado), never after estar.
Mistake 5: Using the él form for nosotros
- Wrong: Nosotros neutraliza el ácido con la base.
- Right: Nosotros neutralizamos el ácido con la base.
- Why: The person and the ending must match: nosotros takes neutralizamos, while neutraliza belongs to él and ella. Check the person first, then choose the form.
Quiz: neutralizar conjugation
Test yourself with ten questions on neutralizar. The answers are explained, so read them even when you get a question right.
1. What is the yo form of neutralizar in the present tense?
- (a) neutralizas
- (b) neutraliza
- (c) neutralizamos
- (d) neutralizo
Answer: (d) neutralizo. The yo form is neutralizo. Check the person before you answer.
2. What is the tú form of neutralizar in the present tense?
- (a) neutraliza
- (b) neutralizamos
- (c) neutralizas
- (d) neutralizo
Answer: (c) neutralizas. The tú form is neutralizas. Check the person before you answer.
3. What is the él/ella form of neutralizar in the present tense?
- (a) neutralizamos
- (b) neutraliza
- (c) neutralizo
- (d) neutralizas
Answer: (b) neutraliza. The él/ella form is neutraliza. Check the person before you answer.
4. What is the nosotros form of neutralizar in the present tense?
- (a) neutralizamos
- (b) neutralizo
- (c) neutralizas
- (d) neutraliza
Answer: (a) neutralizamos. The nosotros form is neutralizamos. Check the person before you answer.
5. What is the ellos/ellas form of neutralizar in the present tense?
- (a) neutralizo
- (b) neutralizas
- (c) neutraliza
- (d) neutralizan
Answer: (d) neutralizan. The ellos/ellas form is neutralizan. Check the person before you answer.
6. What is the gerund of neutralizar?
- (a) neutralizado
- (b) neutralizo
- (c) neutralizar
- (d) neutralizando
Answer: (d) neutralizando. The gerund is neutralizando, used for the progressive: estoy neutralizando.
7. What is the past participle of neutralizar?
- (a) neutralicé
- (b) neutralizar
- (c) neutralizado
- (d) neutralizando
Answer: (c) neutralizado. The past participle is neutralizado, used with haber in all perfect tenses: he neutralizado.
8. Complete the sentence: Cada día, yo ___ el ácido con la base.
- (a) neutralizamos
- (b) neutralizo
- (c) neutralizas
- (d) neutraliza
Answer: (b) neutralizo. The sentence needs the yo form neutralizo (Every day, I neutralise the acid with the base.)
9. What is the yo form of neutralizar in the preterite?
- (a) neutralicé
- (b) neutralizaste
- (c) neutralizó
- (d) neutralizamos
Answer: (a) neutralicé. The yo preterite is neutralicé. The preterite describes one finished action.
10. Complete the sentence: Espero que él ___ el olor con vinagre.
- (a) neutralicemos
- (b) neutralicéis
- (c) neutralice
- (d) neutralices
Answer: (c) neutralice. After espero que Spanish needs the subjunctive, and the él form is neutralice.
Frequently asked questions about neutralizar
Is neutralizar regular?
Almost. neutralizar 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 neutralicé and the subjunctive forms start with c, for example neutralice. The rest of the conjugation follows the regular pattern, and the tables above show every form exactly.
What does neutralizar mean, and when do I use it?
neutralizar means "to neutralise" in English. Use it when you talk about the acid with the base, the poison with the antidote, the smell with vinegar and the threat with an agreement — for example: Yo neutralizo el ácido con la base. — "I neutralise the acid with the base." 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 neutralizo el ácido con la base. — "I neutralise the acid with the base." 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 neutralizar?
No. neutralizar is not reflexive, so it is used without a pronoun: Yo neutralizo el ácido con la base. — "I neutralise the acid with the base." 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 neutralizar?
Use the present for habits and routines: Yo neutralizo el ácido con la base. — "I neutralise the acid with the base." Use the preterite for one finished action: Ayer, yo neutralicé el ácido con la base. — "Yesterday, I neutralised the acid with the base." If the action happens regularly, choose the present; if it happened once and is finished, choose the preterite.