fascinar Preterite Conjugation
fascinar — to fascinate
Use the preterite ('fasciné', 'fascinó') for completed actions in the past, like something that fascinated you once.
fascinar Preterite Forms
When to Use the Preterite
The preterite is for actions completed at a specific point in the past. If something fascinated you for a clear, finished period or at a particular moment, use the preterite.
Notes on fascinar in the Preterite
Fascinar is regular in the preterite. The forms are standard for -ar verbs.
Example Sentences
Ayer, la exposición me fascinó por completo.
Yesterday, the exhibition completely fascinated me.
él/ella/usted
La historia de ese país me fascinó durante el viaje.
The history of that country fascinated me during the trip.
él/ella/usted
Nos fascinó la arquitectura de la ciudad.
The city's architecture fascinated us.
él/ella/usted
Tú me fascinaste con tu presentación.
You fascinated me with your presentation.
tú
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect instead of the preterite for a specific past event.
Correct: Use 'fascinó' for a specific past fascination, not 'fascinaba'.
Why: The preterite marks a finished action, while the imperfect describes ongoing or habitual past actions.
Mistake: Confusing the 'yo' and 'él/ella/usted' forms.
Correct: The 'yo' form is 'fasciné' (accent on é), and the 'él/ella/usted' form is 'fascinó' (accent on ó).
Why: The accents are crucial for correct pronunciation and meaning.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: fascino
Use the present tense ('fascino', 'fascina') for current actions, habits, or general truths about fascination.
Imperfect
yo: fascinaba
Use the imperfect ('fascinaba') for ongoing past actions or descriptions, like how something used to fascinate you.
Future
yo: fascinaré
The future tense ('fascinaré', 'fascinará') is for actions that will happen or to express probability.
Conditional
yo: fascinaría
Use the conditional ('fascinaría') for hypotheticals ('would fascinate') and polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: fascine
Use present subjunctive like 'fascine' (yo/él/ella/Ud.) after verbs of doubt, emotion, or desire.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: fascinara
The imperfect subjunctive ('fascinara', 'fascinaras') is used for past hypotheticals, wishes, and suggestions.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: fascina
Use imperative forms like 'fascina' (tú) and 'fascine' (usted) for direct commands.
Negative Imperative
yo: no fascines
Negative commands like 'no fascinen' (ustedes) use the present subjunctive with 'no'.