Use the Preterite to describe actions that were completed at a specific point in the past. Think of it as marking a clear beginning and end, often for single, decisive events. Our conjugation cheat sheets make it simple.
Key trigger words like 'ayer' (yesterday), 'anoche' (last night), and 'una vez' (once) often signal the need for the Preterite. Master irregular preterite roots for verbs like 'ir', 'ser', and 'hacer' with ease.
The Imperfect: Setting the Scene
The Imperfect tense describes ongoing or habitual actions, conditions, and descriptions in the past. It sets the background for events, without focusing on their completion, painting a picture of past circumstances.
Common trigger words include 'siempre' (always), 'a menudo' (often), and 'cuando era niño' (when I was a child). Use it to talk about what *used to happen* or *was happening*, providing context for your story.
Watch the Full Past Tense Breakdown
Dive deeper into the nuances of Preterite and Imperfect with our instructional video lessons. Get clear grammar breakdowns and see real-world Spanish examples in action.