pretérito
/pɾeˈteɾito/
The English phrase "preterite" is translated into Spanish as pretérito.
The term refers to the preterite tense or the simple past. As a noun, it names the tense itself, but it can also function as an adjective to describe an action that occurred at a specific, determined moment in the past.
Meaning: preterite tense, simple past (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In many Spanish-speaking regions, the specific term pretérito perfecto simple is used to distinguish this simple past tense from the present perfect tense.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾeˈteɾito/
Did you know?
- In Spain, using the pretérito perfecto simple to describe something that happened today can sound jarring or overly dramatic to a local, who would instead use the present perfect.
- Despite its technical name, the pretérito perfecto simple is often called the pretérito indefinido in many Spanish textbooks to highlight that the action's duration is not defined.
- The word pretérito comes from the Latin praeteritus, which literally means 'a thing gone by'.
Examples in context
- A veces Tom utiliza el pretérito de modo incorrecto.Sometimes Tom uses the preterite incorrectly.This sentence is useful for discussing the incorrect use of the form pretérito.Tatoeba #6167127 by emigonza, translation #6171945 by zvzuibqx
- El pretérito es muy común en español.The preterite is very common in Spanish.
- Debes estudiar el pretérito para el examen.You must study the preterite for the exam.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are studying for a Spanish test.
- LucíaMateo, ¿estudiaste el pretérito para el examen?Mateo, did you study the preterite for the exam?
- MateoSí, pero todavía me confundo un poco.Yes, but I'm still a bit confused.
- LucíaYo puedo ayudarte con el pretérito ahora.I can help you with the preterite now.
- Mateo¡Muchas gracias, Lucía!Thank you very much, Lucía!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “preterite” translations and entries pretérito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pretérito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
