When we think of the word “DISHES” in the context of Spanish grammar, we’re diving into something far more technical than food! The “DISHES Spanish acronym” is a widely taught memory tool used to remember irregular verbs in the present subjunctive tense—an area of grammar that trips up even seasoned Spanish learners.
In this article, we’ll unpack what the DISHES acronym stands for, explore its grammar usage, and then provide 30 alternative mnemonic acronyms and memory tricks you can use when studying the subjunctive. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or language lover, this list will help you find new and fun ways to retain tricky irregular verbs and use them with confidence.
📘 What Is the “DISHES” Spanish Acronym?
“DISHES” represents six of the most commonly irregular verbs in the present subjunctive:
- D – Dar → dé
- I – Ir → vaya
- S – Ser → sea
- H – Haber → haya
- E – Estar → esté
- S – Saber → sepa
These verbs don’t follow the regular subjunctive conjugation rules, so having a quick acronym like DISHES helps lock them into memory.
🧠 30 Alternatives to the “DISHES” Spanish Acronym
Here are 30 fresh acronyms and mnemonic phrases to help you memorize or teach irregular subjunctive verbs. Each includes an explanation, a practical use case, and a context where it’s most helpful.
1. SHIRED
Verbs: Ser, Haber, Ir, Estar, Dar
Use: Focuses on 5 major irregulars (omits Saber).
Example Use: Great for quizzes or quick review games.
2. DIHESS
Verbs: Dar, Ir, Haber, Estar, Ser, Saber
Note: A rearranged DISHES with a double “S.”
Use: Catchy when chanted aloud.
3. SHE DID
Verbs: Ser, Haber, Estar, Dar, Ir, Decir (optional extra)
Use: Add “Decir” for advanced learners tackling extra irregulars.
4. DIE SHS
Verbs: Dar, Ir, Estar, Ser, Haber, Saber
Use: Sounds edgy—fun for teens or memorization challenges.
5. SIDESH
Verbs: Saber, Ir, Dar, Estar, Ser, Haber
Use: Perfect for reordered repetition patterns.
6. REDISH
Verbs: Reinforces Dar, Estar, Ir, Ser, Haber
Use: Easy visual mnemonic (like “radish”).
7. HIDES
Verbs: Haber, Ir, Dar, Estar, Ser
Use: For 5 core verbs; good for mobile flashcards.
8. HISSED
Verbs: Haber, Ir, Ser, Saber, Estar, Dar
Use: Good for auditory learners (sounds like a snake).
9. DASHES
Verbs: Dar, Haber, Ser, Estar, Saber
Use: Helps with fast-paced review exercises.
10. SIDHE
Verbs: Saber, Ir, Dar, Haber, Estar
Use: Celtic word vibe—memorable for fantasy fans.
11. SHREDI
Verbs: Ser, Haber, Estar, Dar, Ir
Use: Skateboard-lingo feel—great for kids.
12. HER DIS
Verbs: Haber, Estar, Ir, Dar, Ir, Ser
Use: Visual learners may imagine a story: “Her DISrespected verbs.”
13. DEISH
Verbs: Dar, Estar, Ir, Ser, Haber
Use: Simple, solid, and structured.
14. BIRTHS *(includes Buscar for stem-changes)
Verbs: Buscar, Ir, Estar, Haber, Ser
Use: Useful when mixing irregulars and stem-changers.
15. SHRED IS
Verbs: Ser, Haber, Estar, Dar, Ir, Saber
Use: Great for skateboarder or active themes.
16. D-HIESS
Verbs: Dar, Haber, Ir, Estar, Ser, Saber
Use: Group classroom recall activities.
17. SHARED
Verbs: Ser, Haber, Estar, Ir, Dar
Use: Sounds cooperative—great for classroom teamwork.
18. DRIESH
Verbs: Dar, Ir, Estar, Ser, Haber
Use: Pronounceable and poetic.
19. DISHER
Verbs: Dar, Ir, Ser, Haber, Estar
Use: Extension of DISHES, easier to remember in story form.
20. SHERID
Verbs: Ser, Haber, Estar, Ir, Dar
Use: Fictional name-style mnemonic.
21. SHIED
Verbs: Ser, Haber, Ir, Estar, Dar
Use: Sounds like “shy”—fun for introverts!
22. HIDES R
Verbs: Haber, Ir, Dar, Estar, Ser, Reflexives
Use: Combines irregulars and reflexive rules.
23. SHE RIDS
Verbs: Ser, Haber, Estar, Reflexives, Ir, Dar, Saber
Use: Full grammar mix—great for advanced students.
24. HEADS
Verbs: Haber, Estar, Andar (stem-change), Dar, Ser
Use: Add Andar as a tricky irregular.
25. SHOVE
Verbs: Ser, Haber, Oír, Ver, Estar
Use: Crosses into irregular subjunctive stems.
26. SHIRDS
Verbs: Ser, Haber, Ir, Reflexives, Dar, Saber
Use: Advanced learners benefit most.
27. DISHRAG
Verbs: Dar, Ir, Ser, Haber, Reflexive, Andar, Gustar
Use: Fun classroom vocabulary activity.
28. SHIPED
Verbs: Ser, Haber, Ir, Poder (irregular stem), Estar, Dar
Use: Mix stem-changing irregulars.
29. DISH-BAG
Verbs: Dar, Ir, Ser, Haber, Buscar, Andar, Gustar
Use: Memory triggers plus thematic nouns.
30. SHIVERD
Verbs: Ser, Haber, Ir, Ver, Estar, Reflexive, Dar
Use: “Shiver” evokes stress = easy to recall for tense grammar!
🧭 How to Choose the Right Acronym
Choosing the right mnemonic depends on:
- Learning style
- Visual learners: Use acronyms like DISHER or DRIESH.
- Auditory learners: Try HISSED, SHREDI, or SHIVERD.
- Kinesthetic learners: Use story-building with SHE RIDS or DISHRAG.
- Visual learners: Use acronyms like DISHER or DRIESH.
- Grammar depth
- Beginners: Stick to the core 6 (DISHES, DIHESS).
- Intermediate: Add stem-changers or reflexives (SHIPED, HEADS).
- Advanced: Include cultural or compound memory tools.
- Beginners: Stick to the core 6 (DISHES, DIHESS).
- Classroom use
- Use SHARED, DASHES, or SHE DID for activities and group recall.
- Use SHARED, DASHES, or SHE DID for activities and group recall.
- Cultural flavor
- Want something fun and thematic? REDISH or DISHRAG offer food-related hooks for younger audiences.
- Want something fun and thematic? REDISH or DISHRAG offer food-related hooks for younger audiences.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Mastering Spanish subjunctive irregulars isn’t about brute memorization—it’s about smart memory techniques. The DISHES Spanish acronym is a great start, but if it’s not clicking, there are plenty of creative alternatives to fit your learning style or classroom needs.
Use these acronyms to break up study monotony, add humor to grammar drills, or just make things a little more sticky. The right word—or acronym—makes a huge difference in how well you learn and remember.