conduzco

Conduzco is the first-person singular present indicative form of the Spanish verb conducir. It is commonly translated as “I drive” when referring to operating a vehicle, but it can also mean to lead, guide, or conduct a process, project, or organization. The verb conducir comes from Latin ducere, with the prefix con- meaning “together” or “with,” and carries a broad range of senses related to directing or guiding.

In present tense conjugation, conducir is irregular in the yo form: yo conduzco, tú conduces, él conduce, nosotros conducimos, vosotros conducís, ellos conducen. The yo form uses -zco (conduzco) to preserve the pronunciation before the o; this orthographic change is characteristic of verbs ending in -ducir. In other tenses, the root is conduc- and the endings follow the regular -cir pattern (for example, conduces, conduce, conducimos, conducís, conducen). The preterite forms are also irregular (conduje, condujiste, condujo, condujimos, condujisteis, condujeron).

Related forms include the present subjunctive: conduzca, conduzcas, conduzca, conduzcamos, conduzcáis, conduzcan; the imperative: conduce (tú), conduzca (usted), conduzcamos, conduzcáis, conduzcan; gerund: conduciendo; past participle: conducido. The verb’s core meaning remains driving or guiding, while its broader sense covers leading a team, managing a process, or directing a course of action.

Usage notes: conducir is standard for driving in many Spanish varieties, though manejar can be common in some regions. Conducir also appears in technical senses, such as electrical conduction or the act of guiding a public project. Examples: Yo conduzco al trabajo cada día. Espero que él conduzca con precaución.