Preterite vs. Imperfect

‘Arruinó’ describes an action that was completely finished and done in the past, like a single, completed event. Use it for specific moments: 'Yesterday, the rain ruined the picnic.'

The Preterite Tense

Since 'arruinó' means 'he/she/it/you (formal) ruined,' you often need to look at the context to know who or what performed the action: 'Él/Ella/Usted arruinó.'

Identifying the Subject

Commonly used to describe massive failure, destruction, or financial collapse in the past.

In Spanish, non-living things often act as the subject of 'arruinó.' For example, 'The noise ruined the movie' ('El ruido arruinó la película').

Use with Non-People Subjects

Use 'arruinó' when the action resulted in a final, negative outcome, like when a reputation is permanently damaged or a plan is definitively canceled.

Focus on the Result

Very common figurative use to mean 'to spoil' or 'to mess up' plans, moods, or events.

Learn the definition and conjugation of 'arruinó,' the past tense form of 'arruinar' (to ruin, spoil, or bankrupt). Includes examples for financial ruin and spoiling events.

Arruinó Meaning, Conjugation & Usage | InkLingo

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arruinar (to ruin)

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

imperfect

preterite

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

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