Inklingo
A uniformed authority figure gently placing one hand on the wrist of a civilian figure, symbolizing taking them into custody.

arrestar Preterite Conjugation

arrestarto arrest

B1regular -ar★★★★
Quick answer:

The preterite of arrestar is regular: arresté, arrestaste, arrestó, arrestamos, arrestasteis, arrestaron.

arrestar Preterite Forms

yoarresté
arrestaste
él/ella/ustedarrestó
nosotrosarrestamos
vosotrosarrestasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedesarrestaron

When to Use the Preterite

Use the preterite for a specific, completed instance of an arrest. It marks the exact moment the handcuffs went on or the event was finalized.

Notes on arrestar in the Preterite

Arrestar is fully regular in the preterite. Note that the 'nosotros' form is the same as the present tense.

Example Sentences

  • La policía arrestó al ladrón anoche.

    The police arrested the thief last night.

    él/ella/usted

  • Me arrestaron por error en el aeropuerto.

    They arrested me by mistake at the airport.

    ellos/ellas/ustedes

  • Arresté al sospechoso después de una persecución.

    I arrested the suspect after a chase.

    yo

Common Mistakes

  • Mistake: arresto

    Correct: arrestó

    Why: Without the accent, 'arresto' means 'I arrest' (present). 'Arrestó' means 'he/she arrested' (past).

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Related Tenses