'Necesitaba' vs. 'Necesité'

This special `-aba` ending tells you the action was happening in the past without a clear end. Think of it as setting the scene, like saying 'I was needing' or describing a continuous state, like 'I used to need glasses'.

Describing a Past Situation: The Imperfect Tense

This one form can mean 'I needed' (yo), 'he needed' (él), 'she needed' (ella), or 'you needed' (usted, the formal you). You'll know who it is from the rest of the sentence.

Who is 'necesitaba'?

Use `necesitaba` to describe the background of a story. For example: 'Hacía frío y yo necesitaba un abrigo, así que entré en la tienda.' (It was cold and I needed a coat, so I went into the store.)

Setting the Scene for a Story

Extremely common. One of the first verbs you'll use to talk about the past.

Learn how to use 'necesitaba' in Spanish. See full conjugations for 'necesitar', examples for 'I needed' and 'he/she used to need', and common mistakes to avoid.

necesitaba

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations