originar Preterite Conjugation
originar — to cause
The preterite of originar is regular: originé, originaste, originó, originamos, originasteis, originaron.
originar Preterite Forms
When to Use the Preterite
Use the preterite tense for actions that originated something and were completed at a specific point in the past. Think of it as the 'start button' for past events. For example, 'La crisis originó cambios drásticos' (The crisis caused drastic changes) clearly marks the beginning of those changes.
Notes on originar in the Preterite
Originar is a regular -ar verb in the preterite tense. All forms are regular.
Example Sentences
La tormenta originó daños considerables en la costa.
The storm caused considerable damage to the coast.
él/ella/usted
Mi comentario originó una discusión inesperada.
My comment started an unexpected argument.
él/ella/usted
Ellos originaron el problema al no seguir las instrucciones.
They caused the problem by not following the instructions.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Yo originé la idea para el proyecto.
I came up with the idea for the project.
yo
¿Tú originaste el retraso?
Did you cause the delay?
tú
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect 'originaba' instead of the preterite 'originó' for a specific past cause.
Correct: Use 'La lluvia originó la inundación' (The rain caused the flood - completed action).
Why: The preterite marks a specific, completed event that started something, while the imperfect describes ongoing or habitual past actions.
Mistake: Forgetting the accent on 'originó' (él/ella/usted) and 'originé' (yo).
Correct: The yo form is 'originé' and the él/ella/usted form is 'originó', both with accents.
Why: These accents are crucial for pronunciation and to distinguish these forms from other tenses or verb forms.
Master Spanish verbs in context
Memorizing tables only gets you so far. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see verbs like 'originar' used naturally — in the tenses you're learning.
Related Tenses
Present
yo: origino
The present tense of originar (origino, originas, origina...) describes actions happening now or habitual causes.
Imperfect
yo: originaba
The imperfect of originar (originaba, originabas...) describes ongoing or habitual past causes.
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'.