Spanish 102 · Comparison
Pretérito vs. Imperfecto
Both are past tenses but describe different kinds of past actions.
The core distinction
Both are past tenses but describe different kinds of past actions.
When you are unsure, ask: does the sentence stress identity, location, time, purpose, completion, or familiarity? The columns below collect the patterns Spanish 101/102 courses drill most often — match them to what your professor models in class.
When to use each
Pretérito
- Completed actions: Comí una pizza.
- Specific time: Ayer fui al mercado.
- Sequence of events: Llegué, comí, dormí.
- Sudden changes: De repente, llegó.
Ayer hablé con ella.
Fui al cine el sábado.
Se levantó y salió.
Imperfecto
- Ongoing past states: Era muy joven.
- Habitual past actions: Siempre comía arroz.
- Background descriptions: Hacía frío.
- Interrupted actions (background): Dormía cuando llegó.
De niño, jugaba fútbol.
Era una noche oscura.
Tenía diez años.
FAQ
When do you use Pretérito vs. Imperfecto in Spanish?
Both are past tenses but describe different kinds of past actions. Use the bullet lists and examples on this page as a checklist.
What is the difference between Pretérito and Imperfecto?
They often look similar in English glosses, but Spanish keeps separate patterns. Read the left column for the first idea and the right column for the second.
How do I remember when to use Pretérito?
Memorize two or three “signature” sentences from each side, then swap words to build your own. Short daily practice in Chapurra locks in the contrast faster than cramming.