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{{Catalan-Page-Top}}
{{Catalan-Page-Top}}
<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Catalan|Catalan]]  → [[Language/Catalan/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Catalan/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Intermediate Catalan grammar → Past tense conjugation</div>
<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Catalan|Catalan]]  → [[Language/Catalan/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Catalan/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Past tense conjugation</div>
 
Welcome to this exciting lesson on "Catalan Grammar → Past tense conjugation"! As we embark on this journey through the intricacies of the Catalan language, you'll discover how to express actions and events that have already taken place. Understanding past tense conjugation is essential for narrating stories, sharing experiences, and connecting with others in conversations.
 
In this lesson, we will cover two main types of past tenses in Catalan: the '''preterite tense''' and the '''imperfect tense'''. Each has its own nuances and uses, making them crucial tools in your linguistic toolkit. By the end of this lesson, you’ll feel more confident in using these tenses and will be able to tell your own stories in Catalan.
 
Let's outline what we’ll cover today:
 
1. '''Introduction to Past Tenses'''
 
* Importance and use in everyday conversation
 
2. '''Preterite Tense'''
 
* Regular verb conjugation
 
* Common irregular verbs
 
* Examples and tables
 
3. '''Imperfect Tense'''
 
* Regular verb conjugation
 
* Common irregular verbs
 
* Examples and tables
 
4. '''Practice Exercises'''
 
* Exercises to reinforce your understanding
 
* Detailed solutions and explanations
 
__TOC__
__TOC__


== Introduction ==
=== Introduction to Past Tenses ===
 
Understanding how to express past actions is pivotal in any language. In Catalan, we have two primary past tenses: the preterite and the imperfect.
 
* The '''preterite tense''' is used for actions that are completed and specific in time. For instance, "I ate an apple yesterday" would be expressed in the preterite.
 
* The '''imperfect tense''', on the other hand, describes ongoing actions or habitual past actions. An example would be, "I used to eat apples every day."
 
Mastering these tenses will allow you to communicate more effectively about your past experiences and engage more deeply with Catalan speakers.
 
=== Preterite Tense ===
 
==== Regular Verb Conjugation ====


In this lesson, we will delve into the intricacies of past tense conjugation in Catalan. Understanding how to conjugate verbs in the preterite and imperfect tenses is crucial for expressing actions and events that happened in the past. We will also explore common irregular verbs and their conjugations. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently use the past tense in your Catalan conversations.
Regular verbs in Catalan follow specific patterns when conjugated in the preterite tense. Let's look at how to conjugate the three main types of regular verbs: '''-ar''', '''-er''', and '''-ir'''.


== Preterite Tense ==
* Regular '''-ar''' verbs (e.g., "parlar" - to speak):


The preterite tense, or "pretèrit indefinit" in Catalan, is used to describe completed actions or events in the past. To conjugate regular verbs in the preterite tense, we remove the infinitive ending (-ar, -er, or -ir) and add the corresponding endings. Let's take a look at the conjugation of regular verbs in the preterite tense:
* '''jo''' (I) - parl'''i'''


=== Regular -ar verbs ===
* '''tu''' (you, singular) - parl'''ares'''


To conjugate regular -ar verbs in the preterite tense, we use the following endings:
* '''ell/ella''' (he/she) - parl'''à'''
 
* '''nosaltres''' (we) - parl'''àrem'''
 
* '''vosaltres''' (you, plural) - parl'''àreu'''
 
* '''ells/elles''' (they) - parl'''aren'''
 
* Regular '''-er''' verbs (e.g., "menjar" - to eat):
 
* '''jo''' - menj'''i'''
 
* '''tu''' - menj'''ares'''
 
* '''ell/ella''' - menj'''à'''
 
* '''nosaltres''' - menj'''àrem'''
 
* '''vosaltres''' - menj'''àreu'''
 
* '''ells/elles''' - menj'''aren'''
 
* Regular '''-ir''' verbs (e.g., "dormir" - to sleep):
 
* '''jo''' - dorm'''i'''
 
* '''tu''' - dorm'''ires'''
 
* '''ell/ella''' - dorm'''í'''
 
* '''nosaltres''' - dorm'''írem'''
 
* '''vosaltres''' - dorm'''íreu'''
 
* '''ells/elles''' - dorm'''iren'''
 
Here’s a detailed table to illustrate these regular verbs:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Catalan !! Pronunciation !! English
! Catalan !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| parlar || [pəɾˈlaɾ] || to speak
 
| parlar (to speak) || parˈlar || spoke
 
|-
|-
| cantar  || [kənˈtaɾ] || to sing
 
| menjar (to eat) || menˈdʒar || ate
 
|-
|-
| ballar  || [baˈʎaɾ] || to dance
 
| dormir (to sleep) || dorˈmir || slept
 
|}
|}


Example conjugation of the verb "parlar" (to speak):
==== Common Irregular Verbs ====
 
While regular verbs follow predictable patterns, several important verbs in Catalan are irregular in the preterite tense. Let's look at some of the most common ones:
 
* '''ser''' (to be):
 
* '''jo''' - vaig ser
 
* '''tu''' - vas ser
 
* '''ell/ella''' - va ser
 
* '''nosaltres''' - vam ser
 
* '''vosaltres''' - vau ser
 
* '''ells/elles''' - van ser
 
* '''anar''' (to go):
 
* '''jo''' - vaig anar
 
* '''tu''' - vas anar
 
* '''ell/ella''' - va anar
 
* '''nosaltres''' - vam anar
 
* '''vosaltres''' - vau anar
 
* '''ells/elles''' - van anar
 
Let’s put these irregular verbs in a table for clarity:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Catalan !! Pronunciation !! English
! Catalan !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| jo parlí || [ʒu pəɾˈli] || I spoke
 
| ser (to be) || sɜr || was/were
 
|-
|-
| tu parlàs || [tu pəɾˈlas] || you spoke
 
| anar (to go) || əˈnaɾ || went
 
|-
|-
| ell/ella/vostè parlà || [əʎ/əʎə/βusˈte pəɾˈla] || he/she/you (formal) spoke
 
| fer (to do/make) || fɛɾ || did/made
 
|-
|-
| nosaltres parlàrem || [nuˈzaɫtɾəz pəɾˈlaɾəm] || we spoke
 
|-
| tenir (to have) || təˈni || had
| vosaltres parlàreu || [βuˈzaɫtɾəz pəɾˈlaɾəw] || you all spoke
 
|-
| ells/elles/vostès parlaran || [əʎz/əʎəs/βusˈtɛs pəɾˈlaɾən] || they/you all spoke
|}
|}


=== Regular -er and -ir verbs ===
=== Imperfect Tense ===


To conjugate regular -er and -ir verbs in the preterite tense, we use the following endings:
==== Regular Verb Conjugation ====
 
Just like the preterite tense, the imperfect tense also has patterns for regular verbs in Catalan. Here’s how to conjugate regular '''-ar''', '''-er''', and '''-ir''' verbs in the imperfect tense:
 
* Regular '''-ar''' verbs (e.g., "parlar" - to speak):
 
* '''jo''' - parl'''ava'''
 
* '''tu''' - parl'''aves'''
 
* '''ell/ella''' - parl'''ava'''
 
* '''nosaltres''' - parl'''àvem'''
 
* '''vosaltres''' - parl'''àveu'''
 
* '''ells/elles''' - parl'''aven'''
 
* Regular '''-er''' verbs (e.g., "menjar" - to eat):
 
* '''jo''' - menj'''ava'''
 
* '''tu''' - menj'''aves'''
 
* '''ell/ella''' - menj'''ava'''
 
* '''nosaltres''' - menj'''àvem'''
 
* '''vosaltres''' - menj'''àveu'''
 
* '''ells/elles''' - menj'''aven'''
 
* Regular '''-ir''' verbs (e.g., "dormir" - to sleep):
 
* '''jo''' - dorm'''ia'''
 
* '''tu''' - dorm'''ies'''
 
* '''ell/ella''' - dorm'''ia'''
 
* '''nosaltres''' - dorm'''íem'''
 
* '''vosaltres''' - dorm'''íeu'''
 
* '''ells/elles''' - dorm'''ien'''
 
Here’s a table to visualize these regular verbs in the imperfect tense:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Catalan !! Pronunciation !! English
! Catalan !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| beure  || [bəˈweɾ] || to drink
 
| parlar (to speak) || parˈlar || was speaking
 
|-
|-
| escriure  || [əsˈkɾi.wɾə] || to write
 
| menjar (to eat) || menˈdʒar || was eating
 
|-
|-
| partir  || [pəɾˈti] || to leave
 
| dormir (to sleep) || dorˈmir || was sleeping
 
|}
|}


Example conjugation of the verb "beure" (to drink):
==== Common Irregular Verbs ====
 
Just like in the preterite tense, there are also some common irregular verbs in the imperfect tense. Here are a few that you should know:
 
* '''ser''' (to be):
 
* '''jo''' - era
 
* '''tu''' - eres
 
* '''ell/ella''' - era
 
* '''nosaltres''' - érem
 
* '''vosaltres''' - éreu
 
* '''ells/elles''' - eren
 
* '''anar''' (to go):
 
* '''jo''' - anava
 
* '''tu''' - anaves
 
* '''ell/ella''' - anava
 
* '''nosaltres''' - anàvem
 
* '''vosaltres''' - anàveu
 
* '''ells/elles''' - anaven
 
Let’s summarize these irregular verbs in a table:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Catalan !! Pronunciation !! English
! Catalan !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| jo beguí || [ʒu bəˈɡi] || I drank
 
| ser (to be) || sɜr || was/were
 
|-
|-
| tu begué || [tu bəˈɡe] || you drank
 
| anar (to go) || əˈnaɾ || was going
 
|-
|-
| ell/ella/vostè begué || [əʎ/əʎə/βusˈte bəˈɡe] || he/she/you (formal) drank
 
| fer (to do/make) || fɛɾ || was doing/making
 
|-
|-
| nosaltres beguérem || [nuˈzaɫtɾəz bəˈɡeɾəm] || we drank
 
|-
| tenir (to have) || təˈni || was having
| vosaltres beguéreu || [βuˈzaɫtɾəz bəˈɡeɾəw] || you all drank
 
|-
| ells/elles/vostès begueren || [əʎz/əʎəs/βusˈtɛs bəˈɡeɾən] || they/you all drank
|}
|}


== Imperfect Tense ==
=== Practice Exercises ===
 
Now that we've covered the theory behind past tense conjugation, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Below are some exercises for you to practice.


The imperfect tense, or "pretèrit imperfect" in Catalan, is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past. It is also used to set the scene or provide background information. To conjugate regular verbs in the imperfect tense, we remove the infinitive ending (-ar, -er, or -ir) and add the corresponding endings. Let's take a look at the conjugation of regular verbs in the imperfect tense:
==== Exercise 1: Conjugate the verbs ====


=== Regular -ar verbs ===
Conjugate the following regular verbs in the preterite tense:


To conjugate regular -ar verbs in the imperfect tense, we use the following endings:
1. (parlar) - yo


{| class="wikitable"
2. (menjar) - tu
! Catalan !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
3. (dormir) - ell/ella
| parlar  || [pəɾˈlaɾ] || to speak
 
|-
4. (parlar) - nosaltres
| cantar  || [kənˈtaɾ] || to sing
 
|-
5. (menjar) - vosaltres
| ballar  || [baˈʎaɾ] || to dance
 
|}
''Solutions:''
 
1. vaig parlar
 
2. vas menjar
 
3. va dormir
 
4. vam parlar
 
5. vau menjar
 
==== Exercise 2: Identify the tense ====
 
Read the sentences below and identify whether they are in the preterite or imperfect tense.
 
1. Jo menjava a les 8.
 
2. Ell va parlar amb la seva amiga.
 
3. Nosaltres anàvem a la platja cada estiu.
 
4. Tu vas fer els deures ahir.
 
''Solutions:''
 
1. Imperfect
 
2. Preterite
 
3. Imperfect
 
4. Preterite
 
==== Exercise 3: Fill in the blanks ====
 
Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the verb in parentheses:
 
1. Ahir (parlar) amb el meu professor.
 
2. Quan era petit, (menjar) moltes fruites.
 
3. L'any passat, (anar) a Barcelona.
 
4. Cada diumenge, (dormir) fins tard.
 
''Solutions:''
 
1. vaig parlar
 
2. menjava
 
3. vaig anar
 
4. dormia
 
==== Exercise 4: Translate the sentences ====
 
Translate the following sentences from English to Catalan:
 
1. I was eating breakfast.
 
2. They went to the movies.
 
3. We were playing soccer.
 
4. You made a cake.
 
''Solutions:''
 
1. Jo esmorzava.
 
2. Ells van anar al cinema.
 
3. Nosaltres jugàvem a futbol.
 
4. Tu vas fer un pastís.
 
==== Exercise 5: Conjugate the irregular verbs ====
 
Conjugate the following irregular verbs in the imperfect tense:
 
1. (ser) - jo
 
2. (anar) - tu
 
3. (fer) - ell/ella
 
4. (tenir) - nosaltres
 
5. (ser) - vosaltres
 
''Solutions:''
 
1. era
 
2. anaves
 
3. feia
 
4. érem
 
5. éreu
 
==== Exercise 6: Choose the correct verb ====
 
Choose the correct form of the verb to complete the sentence:
 
1. Cada matí, jo (parlar/parlo) amb la meva mare.
 
2. Ahir, nosaltres (anar/anàvem) al mercat.
 
3. Ell (menjaria/menjava) una poma cada dia.
 
4. Vosaltres (festeu/fèieu) el cap de setmana passat.
 
''Solutions:''
 
1. parlo
 
2. anàvem
 
3. menjaria
 
4. fèieu
 
==== Exercise 7: Write sentences ====
 
Write a sentence using the preterite tense and another using the imperfect tense with the verb "jugar" (to play).
 
''Solutions:''
 
1. Jo vaig jugar a futbol ahir. (Preterite)
 
2. Quan era petit, jugava a futbol cada diumenge. (Imperfect)
 
==== Exercise 8: Make a dialogue ====


Example conjugation of the verb "parlar" (to speak):
Create a short dialogue between two friends discussing what they did last weekend. Use both preterite and imperfect tenses.


{| class="wikitable"
''Solutions:'' (Example)
! Catalan !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| jo parlava || [ʒu pəɾˈlaβə] || I used to speak
|-
| tu parlaves || [tu pəɾˈlaβəs] || you used to speak
|-
| ell/ella/vostè parlava || [əʎ/əʎə/βusˈte pəɾˈlaβə] || he/she/you (formal) used to speak
|-
| nosaltres parlàvem || [nuˈzaɫtɾəz pəɾˈlaβəm] || we used to speak
|-
| vosaltres parlàveu || [βuˈzaɫtɾəz pəɾˈlaβəw] || you all used to speak
|-
| ells/elles/vostès parlaven || [əʎz/əʎəs/βusˈtɛs pəɾˈlaβən] || they/you all used to speak
|}


=== Regular -er and -ir verbs ===
A: Què vas fer el cap de setmana passat?


To conjugate regular -er and -ir verbs in the imperfect tense, we use the following endings:
B: Vaig anar a la platja i vaig jugar a vòlei. I tu, què feies?


{| class="wikitable"
A: Jo llegia un llibre a casa.
! Catalan !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| beure  || [bəˈweɾ] || to drink
|-
| escriure  || [əsˈkɾi.wɾə] || to write
|-
| partir  || [pəɾˈti] || to leave
|}


Example conjugation of the verb "beure" (to drink):
==== Exercise 9: Correct the mistakes ====


{| class="wikitable"
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
! Catalan !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| jo bevia || [ʒu bəˈβiə] || I used to drink
|-
| tu bevies || [tu bəˈβiəs] || you used to drink
|-
| ell/ella/vostè bevia || [əʎ/əʎə/βusˈte bəˈβiə] || he/she/you (formal) used to drink
|-
| nosaltres bevíem || [nuˈzaɫtɾəz bəˈβiəm] || we used to drink
|-
| vosaltres bevíeu || [βuˈzaɫtɾəz bəˈβiəw] || you all used to drink
|-
| ells/elles/vostès bevien || [əʎz/əʎəs/βusˈtɛs bəˈβiən] || they/you all used to drink
|}


== Cultural Section ==
1. Jo menjava un pastís ahir.


In different regions of Catalonia, there may be slight variations in the usage or understanding of the past tense. For example, in some areas, the preterite tense is used more frequently to describe completed actions in the past, while in other areas, the imperfect tense is preferred for setting the scene or providing background information. These regional variations can add richness and diversity to the language.
2. Ells van jugaven a bàsquet.


An interesting cultural fact related to the past tense in Catalan is its connection to historical events. The preterite tense is often used when talking about significant historical events, such as the Spanish Civil War or the Catalan independence movement. By using the preterite tense, speakers can convey a sense of immediacy and highlight the importance of these events in shaping Catalan history and identity.
3. Nosaltres va ser a la festa.


== Practice Exercises ==
''Solutions:''


Now it's time to practice what you've learned! Complete the following exercises using the appropriate form of the verb in the past tense. Solutions and explanations will be provided after each exercise.
1. Jo vaig menjar un pastís ahir.


Exercise 1: Conjugate the following regular -ar verbs in the preterite tense:
2. Ells van jugar a bàsquet.


1. Parlar (to speak)
3. Nosaltres vam ser a la festa.
2. Cantar (to sing)
3. Ballar (to dance)


Exercise 2: Conjugate the following regular -er and -ir verbs in the imperfect tense:
==== Exercise 10: Conjugate and translate ====


1. Beure (to drink)
Conjugate the following verbs in the preterite tense and then translate them into English:
2. Escriure (to write)
3. Partir (to leave)


Exercise 3: Translate the following sentences into Catalan using the appropriate form of the verb in the preterite or imperfect tense:
1. (fer) - tu


1. Last summer, we went to Barcelona and visited the Sagrada Familia. (preterite tense)
2. (anar) - nosaltres
2. When I was young, I used to play soccer every day. (imperfect tense)
3. They sang a beautiful song at the concert last night. (preterite tense)


== Solutions ==
3. (parlar) - ells/elles


Exercise 1:
4. (dormir) - jo


1. Jo vaig parlar
''Solutions:''
2. Tu vas cantar
3. Ell/Ella/Vostè va ballar
4. Nosaltres vam parlar
5. Vosaltres vau cantar
6. Els/Elles/Vostès van ballar


Exercise 2:
1. vas fer - you did/made


1. Jo bevia
2. vam anar - we went
2. Tu bevies
3. Ell/Ella/Vostè bevia
4. Nosaltres bevíem
5. Vosaltres bevíeu
6. Els/Elles/Vostès bevien


Exercise 3:
3. van parlar - they spoke


1. L'estiu passat, vam anar a Barcelona i vam visitar la Sagrada Família.
4. vaig dormir - I slept
2. Quan era jove, jugava a futbol cada dia.
3. Van cantar una cançó bonica al concert d'anit.


Congratulations on completing the exercises! You are now one step closer to mastering the past tense in Catalan.
Congratulations on completing this lesson on past tense conjugation in Catalan! You've taken an important step toward mastering the language. Remember to practice regularly, as consistency is key in language learning. Keep engaging with the material, and don’t hesitate to revisit this lesson whenever you need a refresher!


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Catalan Grammar → Intermediate Catalan grammar → Past tense conjugation
 
|keywords=Catalan past tense, Catalan preterite tense, Catalan imperfect tense, Catalan verb conjugation, regular verbs in Catalan, irregular verbs in Catalan
|title=Catalan Grammar: Past Tense Conjugation
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to conjugate regular verbs in the preterite and imperfect tenses in Catalan. We will also explore common irregular verbs and their conjugations. Get ready to dive into the past tense and enhance your Catalan language skills!
 
|keywords=Catalan, Grammar, Past Tense, Preterite, Imperfect, Conjugation, Language Learning
 
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to conjugate regular and irregular verbs in the preterite and imperfect tenses in Catalan, with examples and practice exercises.
 
}}
}}


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==Videos==
==Videos==

Latest revision as of 10:00, 1 August 2024


01B356FC-D089-467C-8B1C-836911B8D8E7.png
Catalan → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Past tense conjugation

Welcome to this exciting lesson on "Catalan Grammar → Past tense conjugation"! As we embark on this journey through the intricacies of the Catalan language, you'll discover how to express actions and events that have already taken place. Understanding past tense conjugation is essential for narrating stories, sharing experiences, and connecting with others in conversations.

In this lesson, we will cover two main types of past tenses in Catalan: the preterite tense and the imperfect tense. Each has its own nuances and uses, making them crucial tools in your linguistic toolkit. By the end of this lesson, you’ll feel more confident in using these tenses and will be able to tell your own stories in Catalan.

Let's outline what we’ll cover today:

1. Introduction to Past Tenses

  • Importance and use in everyday conversation

2. Preterite Tense

  • Regular verb conjugation
  • Common irregular verbs
  • Examples and tables

3. Imperfect Tense

  • Regular verb conjugation
  • Common irregular verbs
  • Examples and tables

4. Practice Exercises

  • Exercises to reinforce your understanding
  • Detailed solutions and explanations

Introduction to Past Tenses[edit | edit source]

Understanding how to express past actions is pivotal in any language. In Catalan, we have two primary past tenses: the preterite and the imperfect.

  • The preterite tense is used for actions that are completed and specific in time. For instance, "I ate an apple yesterday" would be expressed in the preterite.
  • The imperfect tense, on the other hand, describes ongoing actions or habitual past actions. An example would be, "I used to eat apples every day."

Mastering these tenses will allow you to communicate more effectively about your past experiences and engage more deeply with Catalan speakers.

Preterite Tense[edit | edit source]

Regular Verb Conjugation[edit | edit source]

Regular verbs in Catalan follow specific patterns when conjugated in the preterite tense. Let's look at how to conjugate the three main types of regular verbs: -ar, -er, and -ir.

  • Regular -ar verbs (e.g., "parlar" - to speak):
  • jo (I) - parli
  • tu (you, singular) - parlares
  • ell/ella (he/she) - parlà
  • nosaltres (we) - parlàrem
  • vosaltres (you, plural) - parlàreu
  • ells/elles (they) - parlaren
  • Regular -er verbs (e.g., "menjar" - to eat):
  • jo - menji
  • tu - menjares
  • ell/ella - menjà
  • nosaltres - menjàrem
  • vosaltres - menjàreu
  • ells/elles - menjaren
  • Regular -ir verbs (e.g., "dormir" - to sleep):
  • jo - dormi
  • tu - dormires
  • ell/ella - dormí
  • nosaltres - dormírem
  • vosaltres - dormíreu
  • ells/elles - dormiren

Here’s a detailed table to illustrate these regular verbs:

Catalan Pronunciation English
parlar (to speak) parˈlar spoke
menjar (to eat) menˈdʒar ate
dormir (to sleep) dorˈmir slept

Common Irregular Verbs[edit | edit source]

While regular verbs follow predictable patterns, several important verbs in Catalan are irregular in the preterite tense. Let's look at some of the most common ones:

  • ser (to be):
  • jo - vaig ser
  • tu - vas ser
  • ell/ella - va ser
  • nosaltres - vam ser
  • vosaltres - vau ser
  • ells/elles - van ser
  • anar (to go):
  • jo - vaig anar
  • tu - vas anar
  • ell/ella - va anar
  • nosaltres - vam anar
  • vosaltres - vau anar
  • ells/elles - van anar

Let’s put these irregular verbs in a table for clarity:

Catalan Pronunciation English
ser (to be) sɜr was/were
anar (to go) əˈnaɾ went
fer (to do/make) fɛɾ did/made
tenir (to have) təˈni had

Imperfect Tense[edit | edit source]

Regular Verb Conjugation[edit | edit source]

Just like the preterite tense, the imperfect tense also has patterns for regular verbs in Catalan. Here’s how to conjugate regular -ar, -er, and -ir verbs in the imperfect tense:

  • Regular -ar verbs (e.g., "parlar" - to speak):
  • jo - parlava
  • tu - parlaves
  • ell/ella - parlava
  • nosaltres - parlàvem
  • vosaltres - parlàveu
  • ells/elles - parlaven
  • Regular -er verbs (e.g., "menjar" - to eat):
  • jo - menjava
  • tu - menjaves
  • ell/ella - menjava
  • nosaltres - menjàvem
  • vosaltres - menjàveu
  • ells/elles - menjaven
  • Regular -ir verbs (e.g., "dormir" - to sleep):
  • jo - dormia
  • tu - dormies
  • ell/ella - dormia
  • nosaltres - dormíem
  • vosaltres - dormíeu
  • ells/elles - dormien

Here’s a table to visualize these regular verbs in the imperfect tense:

Catalan Pronunciation English
parlar (to speak) parˈlar was speaking
menjar (to eat) menˈdʒar was eating
dormir (to sleep) dorˈmir was sleeping

Common Irregular Verbs[edit | edit source]

Just like in the preterite tense, there are also some common irregular verbs in the imperfect tense. Here are a few that you should know:

  • ser (to be):
  • jo - era
  • tu - eres
  • ell/ella - era
  • nosaltres - érem
  • vosaltres - éreu
  • ells/elles - eren
  • anar (to go):
  • jo - anava
  • tu - anaves
  • ell/ella - anava
  • nosaltres - anàvem
  • vosaltres - anàveu
  • ells/elles - anaven

Let’s summarize these irregular verbs in a table:

Catalan Pronunciation English
ser (to be) sɜr was/were
anar (to go) əˈnaɾ was going
fer (to do/make) fɛɾ was doing/making
tenir (to have) təˈni was having

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now that we've covered the theory behind past tense conjugation, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Below are some exercises for you to practice.

Exercise 1: Conjugate the verbs[edit | edit source]

Conjugate the following regular verbs in the preterite tense:

1. (parlar) - yo

2. (menjar) - tu

3. (dormir) - ell/ella

4. (parlar) - nosaltres

5. (menjar) - vosaltres

Solutions:

1. vaig parlar

2. vas menjar

3. va dormir

4. vam parlar

5. vau menjar

Exercise 2: Identify the tense[edit | edit source]

Read the sentences below and identify whether they are in the preterite or imperfect tense.

1. Jo menjava a les 8.

2. Ell va parlar amb la seva amiga.

3. Nosaltres anàvem a la platja cada estiu.

4. Tu vas fer els deures ahir.

Solutions:

1. Imperfect

2. Preterite

3. Imperfect

4. Preterite

Exercise 3: Fill in the blanks[edit | edit source]

Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the verb in parentheses:

1. Ahir (parlar) amb el meu professor.

2. Quan era petit, (menjar) moltes fruites.

3. L'any passat, (anar) a Barcelona.

4. Cada diumenge, (dormir) fins tard.

Solutions:

1. vaig parlar

2. menjava

3. vaig anar

4. dormia

Exercise 4: Translate the sentences[edit | edit source]

Translate the following sentences from English to Catalan:

1. I was eating breakfast.

2. They went to the movies.

3. We were playing soccer.

4. You made a cake.

Solutions:

1. Jo esmorzava.

2. Ells van anar al cinema.

3. Nosaltres jugàvem a futbol.

4. Tu vas fer un pastís.

Exercise 5: Conjugate the irregular verbs[edit | edit source]

Conjugate the following irregular verbs in the imperfect tense:

1. (ser) - jo

2. (anar) - tu

3. (fer) - ell/ella

4. (tenir) - nosaltres

5. (ser) - vosaltres

Solutions:

1. era

2. anaves

3. feia

4. érem

5. éreu

Exercise 6: Choose the correct verb[edit | edit source]

Choose the correct form of the verb to complete the sentence:

1. Cada matí, jo (parlar/parlo) amb la meva mare.

2. Ahir, nosaltres (anar/anàvem) al mercat.

3. Ell (menjaria/menjava) una poma cada dia.

4. Vosaltres (festeu/fèieu) el cap de setmana passat.

Solutions:

1. parlo

2. anàvem

3. menjaria

4. fèieu

Exercise 7: Write sentences[edit | edit source]

Write a sentence using the preterite tense and another using the imperfect tense with the verb "jugar" (to play).

Solutions:

1. Jo vaig jugar a futbol ahir. (Preterite)

2. Quan era petit, jugava a futbol cada diumenge. (Imperfect)

Exercise 8: Make a dialogue[edit | edit source]

Create a short dialogue between two friends discussing what they did last weekend. Use both preterite and imperfect tenses.

Solutions: (Example)

A: Què vas fer el cap de setmana passat?

B: Vaig anar a la platja i vaig jugar a vòlei. I tu, què feies?

A: Jo llegia un llibre a casa.

Exercise 9: Correct the mistakes[edit | edit source]

Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:

1. Jo menjava un pastís ahir.

2. Ells van jugaven a bàsquet.

3. Nosaltres va ser a la festa.

Solutions:

1. Jo vaig menjar un pastís ahir.

2. Ells van jugar a bàsquet.

3. Nosaltres vam ser a la festa.

Exercise 10: Conjugate and translate[edit | edit source]

Conjugate the following verbs in the preterite tense and then translate them into English:

1. (fer) - tu

2. (anar) - nosaltres

3. (parlar) - ells/elles

4. (dormir) - jo

Solutions:

1. vas fer - you did/made

2. vam anar - we went

3. van parlar - they spoke

4. vaig dormir - I slept

Congratulations on completing this lesson on past tense conjugation in Catalan! You've taken an important step toward mastering the language. Remember to practice regularly, as consistency is key in language learning. Keep engaging with the material, and don’t hesitate to revisit this lesson whenever you need a refresher!

Table of Contents - Catalan Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Introduction to Catalan


Greetings and Introductions


Articles and Nouns


Numbers and Time


Adjectives and Pronouns


Family and Relationships


Verbs and Tenses


Food and Dining


Prepositions and Conjunctions


Travel and Transportation


Catalan Culture

Videos[edit | edit source]

Learn Catalan Language: Past Verbal Tenses - YouTube[edit | edit source]


Sources[edit | edit source]


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]


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