for English speakers · 5 grammar rules · 15 words · 10 example sentences
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Use the pretérito indefinido for completed actions at a specific point in the past:
Use the pretérito imperfecto for habits, descriptions, or ongoing states in the past:
| Situation | Tense |
|---|---|
| Completed action | Indefinido |
| Past habit | Imperfecto |
| Background description | Imperfecto |
Both mean to be, but they are used differently:
Ser — permanent or inherent qualities:
Estar — temporary states, locations, emotions:
Tip: Descriptions with adjectives can change meaning depending on which verb you use: Es aburrido (He is a boring person) vs. Está aburrido (He is bored right now).
The subjuntivo expresses doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty. It is commonly triggered after certain phrases:
Form it by taking the yo present-tense stem and adding opposite vowel endings:
Direct object pronouns replace the thing receiving the action:
Indirect object pronouns replace the recipient:
When both are used together, the indirect comes first:
Pronouns attach to infinitives and gerunds: Voy a comprarlo / Estoy comprándolo.
Both translate as for in English, but serve different purposes:
Para — purpose, destination, deadline, opinion:
Por — cause, exchange, duration, movement through, on behalf of:
| Spanish | English | Part of speech |
|---|---|---|
| el consejom | advice / tip | noun |
| la reuniónf | meeting / gathering | noun |
| el plazom | deadline / time limit | noun |
| la quejaf | complaint | noun |
| el comportamientom | behavior / conduct | noun |
| sin embargo | however / nevertheless | phrase |
| a pesar de | in spite of / despite | phrase |
| aprovechar | to take advantage of / to make the most of | verb |
| lograr | to achieve / to manage to | verb |
| el ambientem | atmosphere / environment / vibe | noun |
| la mayoríaf | the majority / most | noun |
| actual | current / present-day | adjective |
| extrañar | to miss (someone/something) | verb |
| disponible | available | adjective |
| de repente | suddenly | adverb |
Cuando era pequeña, mi familia viajaba a la playa todos los veranos.
When I was little, my family used to travel to the beach every summer.
Ayer logré terminar el informe antes del plazo, así que estoy muy aliviado.
Yesterday I managed to finish the report before the deadline, so I am very relieved.
La mayoría de los estudiantes prefiere estudiar por la noche, pero yo rindo mejor por la mañana.
Most students prefer to study at night, but I perform better in the morning.
El ambiente en esa cafetería es tan agradable que siempre quiero quedarme más tiempo.
The atmosphere in that café is so pleasant that I always want to stay longer.
Es importante que aproveches todas las oportunidades que te da la vida.
It's important that you make the most of every opportunity life gives you.
Me gustaría que me dieras un consejo sobre cómo mejorar mi español.
I would like you to give me some advice on how to improve my Spanish.
A pesar de la lluvia, decidimos salir a caminar por el parque.
In spite of the rain, we decided to go for a walk through the park.
De repente, el cielo se puso oscuro y empezó a llover con fuerza.
Suddenly, the sky turned dark and it started to rain heavily.
Extraño mucho a mis amigos de la universidad; sin embargo, hablamos por video todas las semanas.
I miss my university friends a lot; however, we talk by video every week.
¿Está disponible el médico ahora, o tengo que esperar hasta la próxima reunión?
Is the doctor available now, or do I have to wait until the next appointment?
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