What is the difference between Pretérito Perfecto (preterite tense) and Pretérito Imperfecto (imperfect tense)?

The preterite tense (or pretérito perfecto) refers to an event that occurred once in the past, whereas the imperfect tense (pretérito imperfecto) refers to an event that occurred continuously or more than once in the past.

For example:

Pretérito perfecto: Le escribí una carta a mi tía (I wrote a letter to my aunt). In this tense, the verb "escribí" implies that the speaker only wrote one letter.

Pretérito imperfecto: Le escribía cartas a mi tía (I wrote letters to my aunt). Using the imperfect tense implies that the speaker wrote regular letters to their aunt, rather than just one.

AO
Answered by Alma O. Spanish tutor

17852 Views

See similar Spanish GCSE tutors

Related Spanish GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Is the word "impreso" a correct way to say "printed"? I have also seen the word "imprimido"


When should I use the subjunctive?


si fuera un jefe del colegio, qué reglas tendrías?


¿Piensas que los jovenes son demasiado perezosos con respecto a la salud?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences