Confusing Hearing and Listening

Oíste is the past action form (preterite) used when talking directly to one person informally (tú). It describes a completed action: 'Did you hear that sound?'

The 'Tú' Past Tense

The verb 'oír' (to hear) is irregular because it changes the 'i' to a 'y' in many past forms (like 'oyó' or 'oyeron'). However, in 'oíste', the 'i' remains, but it carries a strong written accent to separate the sounds.

Irregularity in Oír

To quickly ask a friend if they noticed something in the past, just start with '¿Oíste...?' (Did you hear...?).

Easy Question Starter

Extremely common. This is a core verb form used daily in conversation.

'Oíste' is the informal past tense form of the verb 'oír' (to hear), meaning 'you heard.' Learn its irregular conjugation, usage tips, and how it differs from 'escuchaste.'

oír (to hear)

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations