Preterite vs. Imperfect

The form 'abrí' is the simple past tense (called Preterite). You use it for actions that started and finished completely in the past, like a single event: 'I opened the window (and then I stopped opening it).'

The Preterite Tense

Notice the accent mark on the 'i' (abrí). This means the stress falls on the last syllable, which is typical for the 'yo' form in the simple past tense of -er and -ir verbs.

Stress Location

Extremely common; one of the first past-tense verbs a learner encounters.

'Abrí' is the simple past (preterite) 'I opened' form of the regular Spanish verb 'abrir'. Learn its full conjugation, common phrases, and how to use it correctly in the past tense.

abrí

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

conditional

present

preterite

imperfect

future

imperative

affirmative

negative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations