Spanish Verb Tenses

The foundation of everyday Spanish

Actions happening right now: Estudio español. (I am studying Spanish.)

Completed actions in the past

Completed past actions with a definite endpoint: Comí la pizza entera. (I ate the whole pizza.)

Ongoing states and habits in the past

Habitual past actions: De niño, comía helado todos los viernes. (As a child, I used to eat ice cream every Friday.)

Predictions, promises, and future plans

Future events and plans: Mañana hablaré con el director.

Hypotheticals, polite requests, and reported speech

Hypothetical situations (si + imperfect subjunctive): Si tuviera dinero, viajaría por el mundo.

Wishes, doubts, emotions, and hypotheticals

Wishes and desires: Espero que vengas. (I hope you come.) / Quiero que estudies.

Commands, instructions, and requests

Direct commands: ¡Habla más despacio! (Speak more slowly!)