originar Imperfect Conjugation
originar — to cause
The imperfect of originar (originaba, originabas...) describes ongoing or habitual past causes.
originar Imperfect Forms
When to Use the Imperfect
Use the imperfect tense to describe past situations where something was continuously causing something else, or when it habitually caused something. It sets the background scene. For example, 'El humo originaba tos en los fumadores' (The smoke caused coughing in smokers) describes a habitual past effect.
Notes on originar in the Imperfect
Originar is regular in the imperfect indicative tense. All forms are regular.
Example Sentences
Cuando era joven, mi optimismo originaba muchas ideas.
When I was young, my optimism generated many ideas.
yo
La falta de comunicación originaba malentendidos constantes.
The lack of communication caused constant misunderstandings.
él/ella/usted
Antes, ese ruido originaba miedo en los niños.
Before, that noise caused fear in the children.
él/ella/usted
¿Tú originabas problemas en clase?
Did you used to cause trouble in class?
tú
Ellos originaban la confusión con sus preguntas.
They were causing the confusion with their questions.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect 'originaba' for a specific, completed past cause.
Correct: Use the preterite 'originó' for a specific past cause, e.g., 'El accidente originó el tráfico'.
Why: The imperfect describes ongoing or habitual past actions, while the preterite describes completed actions with a clear endpoint.
Mistake: Confusing 'originábamos' (imperfect nosotros) with 'originamos' (preterite/present nosotros).
Correct: Remember the '-aba-' stem for imperfect and '-amos' for present/preterite nosotros.
Why: The endings can sound similar, but the stem clearly indicates the tense.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: origino
The present tense of originar (origino, originas, origina...) describes actions happening now or habitual causes.
Preterite
yo: originé
The preterite of originar is regular: originé, originaste, originó, originamos, originasteis, originaron.
Future
yo: originaré
The future tense of originar (originaré, originarás...) predicts future causes or actions.
Conditional
yo: originaría
The conditional of originar (originaría, originarías...) expresses hypotheticals ('would cause') or polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: origine
Use the present subjunctive of originar (origine, origines, etc.) after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: originara
The imperfect subjunctive of originar (originara/originase) is used for past hypotheticals or polite requests.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: origina
Use the imperative of originar for direct commands like 'origina tú' or 'originen ustedes'.
Negative Imperative
yo: no origines
Use the present subjunctive after 'no' for negative commands with originar: 'no origines'.