Spanish Preterite: Master The Simple Past Tense

Summary

This video script offers a comprehensive guide to the Spanish preterite tense, also known as the simple past tense. It explains when to use preterite, including for completed actions, specific points in time, and sequences of events. The script provides a step-by-step guide to conjugating regular verbs and highlights common irregular verbs. It also clarifies the difference between preterite and imperfect tenses, using examples to illustrate past completed actions versus habitual actions. The video encourages viewers to practice what they've learned and offers one-on-one Spanish classes for further study.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Spanish preterite tense is used to describe completed past actions with a clear beginning or end.
• 🕒 It is used in four main instances: to describe a completed action, at the start or end of a completed action, for actions at a specific point in time, and for sequences of actions.
• 🌐 Examples provided include 'Comimos pizza ayer' (We ate pizza yesterday) and 'En 1901, Theodore Roosevelt se convirtió en presidente de los Estados Unidos' (In 1901, Theodore Roosevelt became President of the United States).
• 🔄 Regular verbs in the preterite tense have two sets of endings: -AR verbs and -ER/-IR verbs.
• 🇪🇸 The conjugation of preterite for regular verbs involves different endings for Yo, Tú, Él/Ella/Usted, Nosotros, and Ustedes/Ellos/Ellas.
• 📝 Tips are provided to differentiate between the preterite and the present tense, such as looking for context clues and time adverbs.
• 📚 Irregular verbs require memorization of their unique roots for correct conjugation in the preterite tense.
• 👣 Examples of irregular verbs include 'Andar' (to walk), 'Estar' (to be at a place), 'Querer' (to want), 'Hacer' (to do), 'Traducir' (to translate), and 'Decir' (to tell).
• 👀 The verbs 'Ser', 'Ir', and 'Ver' are completely irregular and do not follow the same conjugation rules as other irregular verbs.
• 🔍 A comparison is made between preterite and imperfect tenses, highlighting that preterite is for completed actions while imperfect is for habitual or ongoing past actions.

Q & A

What is the Spanish preterite tense used for?

The Spanish preterite tense is used to describe past actions that have a clear beginning or end.

How many main instances are there for using the Spanish preterite tense?

There are four main instances for using the Spanish preterite tense: to describe a completed action, process, or series of events; to indicate the start or end of a completed action; to describe an action that took place at a specific point like a day, time, or date; and to describe a sequence of actions.

What are the two sets of Spanish preterite endings for regular verbs?

The two sets of Spanish preterite endings for regular verbs are the endings for -AR verbs and the endings for -ER and -IR verbs.

How do you conjugate the Spanish preterite with the pronoun 'Yo' or 'I'?

With the pronoun 'Yo' or 'I', you conjugate the Spanish preterite with either 'é' or 'í'. For example, 'Trabajé' or 'Entendí'.

What ending does the pronoun 'Tú' or 'You' use in the Spanish preterite conjugation?

The pronoun 'Tú' or 'You' uses the ending 'aste' or 'iste' in the Spanish preterite conjugation. For example, 'Trabajaste' or 'Viviste'.

How are the Spanish preterite endings for -ER and -IR verbs the same?

The endings for -ER and -IR verbs are the same in the Spanish preterite conjugation, which saves one-third of the work as you don't have to memorize separate endings for each.

What is the difference between the Spanish preterite and imperfect tenses?

The preterite is used for past completed actions, precise changes, and a series of completed events, while the imperfect is used for habitual past actions, telling time or age in the past, and ongoing actions with no completion.

Can you give an example of how to differentiate between the Spanish preterite and imperfect tenses?

Yes, an example of preterite would be 'Me comí 2 platos de cereal antes de salir' (I had two bowls of cereal before going out), while an example of imperfect would be 'Comía mientras esperaba a que llegaran' (I was eating while I waited for them to arrive).

How can you tell apart the irregular preterite verbs 'Ir' and 'Ser'?

The verb 'Ir' is used when something moves somewhere else, such as 'Fui a ver a mi vecino' (I went to see my neighbor), while 'Ser' is used to give descriptions that are rarely subject to change, like 'Fui su vecino por muchos años' (I was his neighbor for many years).

What are some common irregular verbs in Spanish preterite and their conjugation roots?

Some common irregular verbs in Spanish preterite include 'Andar' with the root 'Anduv', 'Estar' with the root 'Estuv', 'Querer' with the root 'Quis', 'Hacer' with the root 'Hic', 'Traducir' with the root 'Traduj', and 'Decir' with the root 'Dij'.

Where can one find a full list of irregular verbs in Spanish preterite?

A full list of irregular verbs in Spanish preterite can be found on the blog post for this video, which is linked in the description below.

Outlines

00:00

🐊 Introduction to Spanish Preterite

This paragraph introduces the concept of the Spanish preterite tense, also known as the simple past tense, and its usage in describing completed past actions with a clear beginning or end. It outlines four main instances where the preterite is used: to describe a completed action, process, or series of events; to indicate the start or end of a completed action; to specify an action that occurred at a particular point in time; and to describe a sequence of actions. Examples are provided to illustrate the use of the preterite tense in sentences. The paragraph also promotes BaseLang.com for further Spanish learning and encourages viewers to check out another video on past tenses.

05:00

📚 Conjugation of Spanish Preterite

This section delves into the conjugation of the Spanish preterite tense with regular verbs. It explains the endings for -AR, -ER, and -IR verbs and provides examples of each conjugation. The paragraph highlights the similarities between the endings of -ER and -IR verbs, simplifying the learning process. It also contrasts the preterite tense with the simple present tense, using context and adverbs to differentiate between the two. Examples are given to show how the preterite is used in different scenarios, and tips are offered to help learners distinguish between similar verb forms in the two tenses.

10:01

🚸 Distinguishing Preterite from Imperfect

The final paragraph focuses on differentiating the preterite tense from the imperfect tense, a common challenge for Spanish learners. It contrasts the preterite, used for completed past actions, with the imperfect, used for habitual past actions. The paragraph explains that the preterite is for precise changes or isolated events, while the imperfect is for ongoing actions without a clear completion. It also clarifies that the preterite is used for events that interrupt another action, whereas the imperfect is used for descriptions or background information. The summary encourages viewers to test their knowledge with practice questions and to consider scheduling a class with a BaseLang teacher for further assistance.

Keywords

💡Preterite

The preterite is a past tense in Spanish used to describe actions that have a clear beginning and end. It is the focus of the video, as it teaches viewers how to use this tense properly. For instance, the script provides the example 'Comimos pizza ayer,' which translates to 'We ate pizza yesterday,' demonstrating the use of preterite to express a completed action in the past.

💡Imperfect

The imperfect tense is contrasted with the preterite in the video. It is used to describe habitual or ongoing actions in the past that did not have a specific end point. The video clarifies the difference by comparing it with the preterite, as in 'Comía mientras esperaba a que llegaran,' meaning 'I was eating while I waited for them to arrive,' to show an ongoing action in the past.

💡Conjugation

Conjugation refers to the alteration of a verb's form to indicate person, number, tense, mood, voice, or aspect. The video explains how to conjugate the preterite tense for both regular and irregular verbs. It shows that regular verbs follow specific patterns, such as 'Trabajé' (I worked) for -AR verbs and 'Entendí' (I understood) for -ER and -IR verbs.

💡Regular Verbs

Regular verbs are verbs that follow standard patterns when conjugated. In the context of the video, regular verbs are those that adhere to the typical endings for the preterite tense, such as '-é' for 'Yo' and '-aste' for 'Tú'. The script uses 'Trabajaste' (You worked) as an example of a regular verb conjugated in the preterite tense.

💡Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs are those that do not follow the standard conjugation patterns and require memorization of their unique forms. The video mentions that each irregular verb has a specific root that changes with the preterite endings. Examples given include 'Andar' becoming 'Anduv' and 'Estar' becoming 'Estuv' in the preterite tense.

💡Context

Context is crucial in language for understanding the meaning of words and phrases. The video emphasizes the importance of context in distinguishing between the preterite and imperfect tenses. It points out that while the endings for the first person plural in both tenses may look similar, the context of the sentence clarifies which tense is being used, as seen in the examples 'Nosotros trabajamos en la oficina' vs. 'Nosotros trabajamos en la oficina esta mañana'.

💡Adverbs of Time

Adverbs of time provide information about when an action takes place. The video uses adverbs of time to differentiate between the present and preterite tenses, such as 'esta mañana' (this morning) to specify when an action occurred. These adverbs help to clarify the timing of events in past tense narratives.

💡Sequence of Actions

A sequence of actions refers to a series of events that occur in a specific order. The video explains that the preterite tense can be used to describe such sequences, where each action has a distinct beginning and end. An example provided is 'Luego de hablar con él, sus amigos fueron a su casa a saludar, le dejaron algo de comida y se fueron,' which outlines a clear sequence of past actions.

💡BaseLang.com

BaseLang.com is mentioned in the video as a resource for learning Spanish. It offers one-on-one classes with native-speaking teachers via Zoom, which is relevant to the video's theme of mastering Spanish tenses like the preterite. The website is presented as a tool for practical application and further study of the language.

💡Practice Questions

Practice questions are exercises designed to reinforce learning and test understanding. The video encourages viewers to test their knowledge of the preterite tense with practice questions on the website. This suggests that active engagement with the material through practice is an essential part of mastering Spanish grammar.

Highlights

Spanish preterite, or simple past tense, is used to describe past actions with a clear beginning or end.

Four main instances to use the Spanish preterite tense are described.

Preterite is used to describe a completed action, process, or series of events.

It can be used at the start or end of a completed action to describe its beginning or end.

Preterite is used to describe actions that took place at a specific point such as a day, time, or date.

It is also used to describe a sequence of actions in successive order.

Regular verbs in Spanish preterite have two sets of endings: for -AR verbs and for -ER and -IR verbs.

Conjugation patterns for Yo (I), Tú (You), Él/Ella/Usted (He/She/Formal You), and Nosotros (We) are explained.

Ustedes (plural You) and Ellos/Ellas (They) use aron or ieron endings.

First person plural endings for We/Nosotros are the same in simple present and preterite tenses for regular -AR and -IR verbs.

Context and adverbs of time help differentiate between simple present and preterite past tenses.

Irregular verbs have unique conjugations that need to be memorized.

Examples of common irregular verbs like Andar, Estar, Querer, Hacer, Traducir, and Decir are provided.

Three completely irregular preterite verbs - Ser, Ir, and Ver - are discussed with their unique conjugations.

The difference between Ir (to go) and Ser (to be) is clarified with usage examples.

A comparison between preterite and imperfect tenses is provided to avoid confusion.

Preterite is for past completed actions, while imperfect is for habitual past actions.

Preterite is for precise changes or isolated causes, imperfect for telling time or age in the past.

Preterite is a series of completed events, imperfect is for ongoing ones with no completion.

An event that interrupts another action is preterite, descriptions or background information use imperfect tense.

The video encourages viewers to test their knowledge with practice questions on the website.

A special offer for the first week of unlimited one-on-one Spanish classes with BaseLang is mentioned.

Transcripts

Alligators and crocodiles.

Turtles and tortoises.

Spanish preterite and imperfect tenses?

Sometimes, it's easy to confuse similar things,

but we're here to help.

No, we're not wrestling crocs like Steve Irwin.

Ooh. (body thudding)

Oh, crikey!

But we are gonna help you master the Spanish preterite

or simple past tense in a matter of minutes.

Let's get started.

(upbeat music)

Spanish preterite also known as simple past tense Spanish

is used to describe past actions

that we already completed with a clear beginning or end.

We're gonna take a look at when we use preterite,

how to conjugate it with regular and irregular verbs,

and how to make sure we don't confuse it

with imperfect tense.

If you wanna learn how to speak Spanish,

make sure to check out BaseLang.com,

where you can get access to unlimited

one-on-one Spanish classes

with native-speaking teachers, all via Zoom.

If you'd like an overview of all the Spanish tenses,

be sure to check out our other video

on past tenses right here.

First off, when to use the Spanish preterite tense.

Before we explore the Spanish preterite conjugation,

we need to clarify

exactly when and where you can use this past tense.

As we already mentioned,

this tense is used to talk about past actions

that have a clear beginning or end.

So when can you use the preterite?

There are four main instances.

Firstly, you can use it to describe a completed action,

process, or series of events.

For example:

We ate pizza yesterday.

Comimos Pizza ayer.

Secondly, we could use it at a start or end

of a completed action to help us to describe an action

that has your beginning or end.

For example:

I started to listen to his discography today.

Comencé a escuchar su discografía hoy.

Thirdly, we can use it to describe an action

that took place at a specific point,

such as a day, time, or date.

For example:

In 1901, Theodore Roosevelt became President

of the United States.

En 1901, Theodore Roosevelt se convirtió

en presidente de los Estados Unidos.

And finally, Spanish preterite is also used to describe

a sequence of actions.

This is when several past actions are mentioned

as occurring in successive fashion,

disregarding how long they might take

since each action has a start and finish

for the next one to take place.

For example:

After talking with him,

his friends went to his house to say hello,

left some food for him and then left.

Luego de hablar con él,

sus amigos fueron a su casa a saludar,

le dejaron algo de comida y se fueron.

Now that you know where and when Spanish preterite is used,

it's time to learn how to conjugate it.

Let's start with conjugating the Spanish preterite

with regular verbs.

When dealing with regular verbs,

there are two sets of Spanish preterite endings

that you must learn: the endings for -AR verbs

and endings for -ER and -IR verbs.

Let's take a look at how each group of verbs is conjugated

in the Spanish preterite with the new endings

for each conjugated underlined.

First off, we've got the pronoun Yo or I in English,

which is conjugated with either é or í.

For example, Trabajé or Entendí.

Next, we have Tú or You,

which uses the ending aste or iste.

For example, Trabajaste or Viviste.

Then we have Él/Ella (He/She)

as well as Usted (the formal You)

which all use the ending ó.

For example, Trabajó or Entendió.

Quick tip: Notice how the endings

for -ER and -IR verbs are the same.

There you are, saved you one-third of the work.

Next, we have Nosotros (We),

which uses amos or imos like in Trabajamos or Vivimos.

Finally, we have Ustedes (the plural You)

and Ellos or Ellas, which are both They.

These all use aron or ieron as endings

For example, Trabajaron or Vivieron.

Now we know the conjugation patterns,

let's take a look at some examples

we can see how the Spanish preterite past tense is used.

I studied piano for five years.

Yo estudié piano por cinco años.

Ana worked that night.

Ana trabajó esa noche.

I gave Claudia that book.

Yo le regalé ese libro a Claudia.

That happened before we arrived.

Eso pasó antes de que llegáramos.

Another quick tip:

You may have noticed the first person plural endings,

We/Nosotros, in the Spanish preterite tense.

And simple present tenses are the same

for regular -AR and -IR verbs.

Now, let's take a look at comparing both tenses

in the first person plural, We/Nosotros.

Both tenses are written similarly,

but you can usually differentiate depending on context

or the additional adverbs used within the same sentences.

Let's see the examples.

Simple present tense:

We work at the office.

Nosotros trabajamos en la oficina.

And preterite past tense:

We worked at the office this morning.

Nosotros trabajamos en la oficina esta mañana.

Notice the addition of esta mañana,

which helps us differentiate

between simple present and preterite past tenses.

Another example:

We write a letter for you.

Nosotros escribimos una carta para ti.

Or: We wrote a letter for you the other day.

Nosotros escribimos una carta para ti el otro día.

So look out for those helpful hints of context

and adverbs of time to help you.

For example, you have Ayer for Yesterday

or Anoche for Last Night.

If you're enjoying this video

and want more in depth Spanish lessons,

be sure to hit that subscribe button.

Next, we have Spanish preterite endings: irregular verbs.

With irregular verbs, they can be tricky

because many of them have to be conjugated differently.

Each regular verb has an irregular root,

which you have to memorize

in order to conjugate it correctly.

To conjugate, you adjust the irregular verb's root

with one of these endings,

depending on the pronoun being used.

Here they are.

You have Yo and e, Tú and iste.

Él, Ella, and Usted conjugate with o.

Nosotros conjugates with imos.

And Ustedes, Ellos, Ellas use ieron

Now, let's take a look

at some of the most common irregular verbs

and how to conjugate them in the Spanish preterite.

We'll start with some -AR verbs.

So first off, the verb Andar, To Walk Around

or Move Around has the conjugation root Anduv.

For example:

El hombre anduvo muy deprisa.

The man walked around in a hurry.

Another -AR example is Estar with the root Estuv.

For example:

Estuve en casa hasta la tarde.

I was at home until afternoon.

Now, let's try some -ER verbs.

First off, Querer, To Want, has the conjugation root Quis.

For example:

Quise traer varios juegos, pero solo encontré este.

I wanted to bring a few games, but I only found this one.

Our next -ER verb is Hacer, To Do,

with the conjugation root Hic.

For example:

Hice algo de comida, ¿tienes hambre?

I made some food, are you hungry?

And finally, some -IR verbs.

First off, and this one can come in handy

when you're learning, is Traducir, To Translate,

which has the root Traduj.

For example:

Traduje esto para que lo entendieras.

I translated this so you can understand it.

Another -IR verb is Decir, To Tell, with the root Dij.

For example:

Dijiste que era muy complicado.

You said it was too complicated.

There are far way too many examples to fit them all here

but you can find a full list of irregular verbs

on our blog post for this video.

Just click in the description below.

There are also three irregular preterite verbs in Spanish

that we have yet to mention: Ser (To Be),

Ir (To Go), and Ver (To See).

These verbs are completely irregular

and don't follow any of the same conjugation rules

we covered for the other irregular verbs.

As you can see, they have a variety of conjugations.

I know that you're probably thinking,

well, the verbs Ir and Ser look exactly the same, right?

So how do we differentiate them?

The verb Ir can be used to talk about going or leaving.

For example:

I went to see my neighbor.

Fui a ver a mi vecino.

By comparison, the verb Ser is used to give descriptions

that are rarely subject to change.

For example:

I was his neighbor for many years.

Fui su vecino por muchos años.

While these verbs can cause some confusion

for Spanish students, once you pay attention

to the context of the sentence,

it should be easy to know which verb is being used.

A reasonably easy and effective trick

to tell both verbs apart is to remember

that the verb Ir is used

when something moves somewhere else.

By comparison, the verb Ser is typically followed up

by a description.

On the topic of telling things apart,

let's take a look at how to stop confusing Spanish preterite

versus imperfect.

Mixing up preterite versus imperfect is a common problem

for many Spanish students.

But don't worry,

we've created a simple side-by-side comparison

so that you never confuse these tenses again.

Let's take a look at the differences.

First off, preterite is used for past completed actions.

Imperfect is used for habitual past actions.

For example:

I had two bowls of cereal before going out.

Me comí 2 platos de cereal antes de salir.

That would be the preterite tense.

While the imperfect tense would be:

I was eating while I waited for them to arrive.

Comía mientras esperaba a que llegaran.

Next, preterite is for precise changes for isolated causes,

while imperfect is for telling time or age in the past.

The preterite is a series of completed events.

Imperfect is for ongoing ones with no completion.

And finally, an event that interrupts another action

is preterite

while descriptions or background information

uses imperfect tense.

And that's it!

Hopefully, you've begun to master the Spanish preterite.

Why not go and test your knowledge

with some practice questions on our website?

Link is in the description below.

If you want some help with a simple past tense

or any other Spanish grammar,

why not schedule your first class

with a BaseLang teacher today?

At BaseLang.com, you can get access to unlimited

one-on-one Spanish classes

with native-speaking teachers, all via Zoom.

Try your first week for only $1.

Now that you've learned about the simple past tense,

check out our other video

that covers everything else you need to know

about past tense in Spanish.

Thanks for watching,

and I'll see you the next lesson.