Question

What's the difference between imperfect and preterite tenses in Spanish?


Create one sentence for each of the following verbs using the tense given in parentheses.

1. conocer (preterite)

2. querer (imperfect)

3. saber (preterite)

4. poder (imperfect)

5. no querer (imperfect)

I have to do this, but I don't really get it. Any helpful tips?

Answer 1

To conjugate regular -ar verbs in the preterite, simply drop the ending (-ar) and add one of the following:

é
aste
ó
amos
asteis
aron



To conjugate regular -ar verbs in the imperfect, simply drop the ending (-ar) and add one of the following:

aba
abas
aba
ábamos
abais
aban
Generally speaking, the preterite is used for actions in the past that are seen as completed. Use of the preterite tense implies that the past action had a definite beginning and definite end.

Juan habló de la una hasta las dos.
Juan spoke from one until two o'clock.
(clearly stated beginning and end)



It is important to realize that the beginning and the end may not always be clearly stated.

Juan habló dos horas.
Juan spoke for two hours.
(implied beginning and end)

Juan habló con la estudiante.
Juan spoke with the student.
(implied beginning and end)



Generally speaking, the imperfect is used for actions in the past that are not seen as completed. Use of the imperfect tense implies that the past action did not have a definite beginning or a definite end.

Las chicas hablaban en inglés.

The girls used to speak in English.
(no definite beginning or end)



You have now learned the basic difference between the preterite and the imperfect:

-The preterite tells us specifically when an action took place.
-The imperfect tells us in general when an action took place.

I hope this was helpful? I know that at first this is a tricky concept to grasp. :D
Good Luck!