Pretérito Imperfecto VS. Pretérito Indefinido
Normally, there is a lot of confusion between when you have to use Pretérito Imperfecto or Pretérito Indefinido (in some books this appears as “Pretérito Perfecto Simple”.)
The “Pretérito Indefinido” tense, is a tense that is used when we are speaking about things that happened one time in the past, Ex: “Esta mañana desayuné frutas” or when you express duration of time, Ex: “Juan trabajó en un banco por 10 años”.
On the other hand, the “Imperfecto” tense is used when you are speaking about “Habits or Routines” in the past, Ex.: “Cuando era adolescente hablaba mucho por teléfono con mis amigas.”
Also, we use “Imperfecto” to describe something in the past, Ex.: “Mi escuela era grande y tenia un jardín muy bonito”.
However, is not only for a physical description, is also for a character description: “Mi abuelo era simpático y no se enojaba por nuestras bromas”, the weather: “Era otoño y llovía un poco”, the time: “Eran las 8 cuando llegaste”, places and what people did in those places: “El almacen de mi barrio era un lugar donde la gente compraba las cosas del día, como leche o galletas”.
The “Indefinido” is always the things which allow the story to continue while the “Imperfecto” is the context, which puts color into the story.
Feel free to ask any questions you might have below!!!
Anna Rivera
When to use the Pretérito Indefinido is not as confusing, since it it comparable to the past tense in English. The Pretérito Imperfecto is much more confusing since in English we will often say “I used to” but it’s not required.
I understand the difference in the two tenses by definition and I can give examples of each. That is, until I attempt to combine them into 1 dialogue or conversation in Spanish. It’s the switching back and forth within the same sentence or idea that gets confusing. That’s when it’s difficult to know when the imperfect comes into play.
I would like to see more examples of the two tenses used together in the same conversation.
Hi Marketta, thanks for your comment. I know this is one of the most difficult things for spanish students, it is very important to practice it orally. I´m preparing the second part of the article with both tenses combinated in the same sentences.
Cheers,
Anna Rivera
Hola Ana
Muchas gracias por la informacion. Como usted sabe, este tema es muy dificil. Tengo una sugerencia para sus estudiantes. Lean libros de los ninos (childrens books). Es muy util ver la diferencia en oraciones. A proposito, ha visto el programa “Bueno entonces”? Me encanta !
Hola Anna
Is it possible to have the English translation, along with the spanish. I’m not that versed in reading spanish yet. It’s very difficult for me to read the lesson in spanish and not no what is being said.
Lo siento
Hi Cathrin,
I am going to have some lessons that are in English and others that are in Spanish. I understand that if you are a beginner it might be hard to understand the lessons that are all in Spanish, but hang in there, the more exposure you have, the more you will start to understand!!
Anna Rivera