You’ve been learning Spanish for a while, and you’ve probably come across the imperfect tense and wondered: “When do I actually use this?” Good question—because while the imperfect tense is easy enough to memorize, using it correctly is what separates a beginner from someone who sounds natural in Spanish.
Let’s dive in.
What Is the Imperfect Tense?
The imperfect tense (pretérito imperfecto) is one of the two key past tenses in Spanish (the other being the preterite).
- Preterite = completed actions that happened once and are finished.
- Imperfect = ongoing actions in the past, repeated actions, or background details.
Think of the imperfect as setting the scene or showing that something was happening—not simply an action that began and ended.
How to Form the Imperfect
The good news is that the imperfect is one of the most consistent tenses in Spanish.
Endings
| Subject | -ar |
-er / -ir |
|---|---|---|
| yo | -aba | -ía |
| tú | -abas | -ías |
| él/ella/usted | -aba | -ía |
| nosotros/as | -ábamos | -íamos |
| vosotros/as | -abais | -íais |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | -aban | -ían |
Examples
- hablar → yo hablaba — I was speaking / I used to speak
- comer → tú comías — you were eating / you used to eat
- vivir → nosotros vivíamos — we used to live
When to Use the Imperfect
1. Habitual or repeated actions in the past
If something happened regularly or repeatedly, use the imperfect.
Cuando era niño, jugaba al fútbol todos los días.
2. Ongoing actions without a defined start or end
When something was in progress, but the exact beginning or end isn’t specified.
Ella leía mientras yo cocinaba.
3. Past descriptions
The imperfect provides background details—weather, time, age, emotions, physical or mental states.
Hacía frío y la ciudad estaba oscura.
Tenía 20 años cuando conocí a Marta.
4. Interrupted actions
Use the imperfect for the action already in progress, and the preterite for the interruption.
Estudiaba cuando sonó el teléfono.
Imperfect vs. Preterite: The Quick Test
- Preterite → Can you place the action on a timeline with a clear start and finish? Use the preterite.
- Imperfect → Is it about what used to happen, what was ongoing, or background information? Use the imperfect.
Final Tip
The imperfect isn’t about precision—it’s about atmosphere. If you’re telling a story in Spanish, the imperfect sets the scene, while the preterite moves the plot forward.
Master this balance, and your Spanish will not only be correct but also sound like natural storytelling.
