Ask a Question

(Create a thread)
Go Back   Spanish language learning forums > Spanish & English Languages > Grammar


Estar: preterite vs imperfect ?

 

This is the place for questions about conjugations, verb tenses, adverbs, adjectives, word order, syntax and other grammar questions for English or Spanish.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old December 02, 2016, 06:56 PM
AlwaysLost AlwaysLost is offline
Ruby
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 51
AlwaysLost is on a distinguished road
Estar: preterite vs imperfect ?

So my basic understanding of preterite vs imperfect is that emotions stated in the past need to be imperfect. For example:

Estoy triste - I am sad
Estaba triste - I was sad


But are there an exceptions that would allow "Estuve triste"?
Reply With Quote
   
Get rid of these ads by registering for a free Tomísimo account.
  #2  
Old December 02, 2016, 10:31 PM
AngelicaDeAlquezar's Avatar
AngelicaDeAlquezar AngelicaDeAlquezar is offline
Obsidiana
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 9,038
Native Language: Mexican Spanish
AngelicaDeAlquezar is on a distinguished road
When there is a specific time frame for when you were sad; there is a specific moment when the emotion was felt.

- Estuve triste toda la semana porque no me llamabas. -> One week.
I was sad the whole week because you wouldn't call me.

- Estuvimos tristes hasta que el perro regresó a la casa. -> From the moment it disappeared to the moment we found it.
We were sad until the dog came back home.

- ¿Cuántas veces estuviste triste y te hice reír? -> Countable moments
How many times were you sad and I made you laugh.

- Mis amigos estuvieron tristes durante la fiesta porque no había alcohol. -> One occasion
My friends were sad during the party because there was no alcohol.
__________________
Ain't it wonderful to be alive when the Rock'n'Roll plays...
Reply With Quote
Reply

 

Link to this thread
URL: 
HTML Link: 
BB Code: 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Site Rules

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Preterite Vs Imperfect fglorca Grammar 1 January 22, 2015 11:21 AM
Preterite o imperfect? Jellybaby Translations 7 January 04, 2015 04:21 PM
Preterite or Imperfect? Wispy Grammar 9 October 23, 2012 10:11 PM
Help with Preterite/Imperfect AceTravis Grammar 2 October 30, 2011 11:08 AM
Imperfect and preterite jrandlib Practice & Homework 4 July 10, 2011 06:51 PM


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:08 PM.

Forum powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

X