Preterite vs Imperfect in Spanish: Rules, Trigger Words and Examples
Preterite or imperfect? Learn when each Spanish past tense is used, the trigger words that give it away, and two worked examples.
PRETERITE = DONE
- Completed action · comí
- Happened once · fui
- Specific time · ayer, anoche
- Sudden event · de repente
If you can mark the start or end, use the preterite.
IMPERFECT = BACKGROUND
- Habits · jugaba todos los días
- Ongoing action · mientras comía
- Descriptions · era alto
- Age and time · eran las tres
No clear start or end? Use the imperfect.
Example 1
Ayer yo ___ (comer) pizza.
- Ayer marks a specific, finished time.
- Finished action means preterite.
Ayer yo comí pizza.
Example 2
Cuando era niña, yo ___ (jugar) en el parque.
- Cuando era niña describes a repeated habit.
- Habits take the imperfect.
Yo jugaba en el parque.
Common mistake
Cuando era niña, jugué todos los días
Todos los días points to a habit, so it needs the imperfect.
Some verbs change meaning: conocí = I met, conocía = I knew.
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