retornar Imperfect Conjugation
retornar — to return
The imperfect of 'retornar' (retornaba, retornabas, etc.) describes ongoing or habitual past actions of returning.
retornar Imperfect Forms
When to Use the Imperfect
Use the imperfect for past actions that were habitual (e.g., returning something regularly) or ongoing in the past (e.g., describing a scene where someone was returning). It sets the background.
Notes on retornar in the Imperfect
'Retornar' is a regular -ar verb in the imperfect indicative tense. All forms follow the standard pattern.
Example Sentences
Yo retornaba ese informe cada viernes.
I used to return that report every Friday.
yo
Tú retornabas a casa a la misma hora todos los días.
You used to return home at the same hour every day.
tú
Él retornaba las herramientas después de usarlas.
He would return the tools after using them.
él/ella/usted
Nosotros retornábamos a la ciudad cada verano.
We returned to the city every summer.
nosotros
Ellos retornaban las llamadas perdidas.
They used to return missed calls.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite for habitual actions: 'Retorné las llaves cada semana'.
Correct: 'Retornaba las llaves cada semana'.
Why: The imperfect is used for repeated or habitual actions in the past, whereas the preterite is for single, completed events.
Mistake: Confusing the 'yo' and 'él/ella/usted' forms (retornaba).
Correct: Both yo and él/ella/usted use 'retornaba'. Context is key.
Why: These forms are identical; determine the subject from the rest of the sentence or context.
Master Spanish verbs in context
Memorizing tables only gets you so far. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see verbs like 'retornar' used naturally — in the tenses you're learning.
Related Tenses
Present
yo: retorno
The present tense of 'retornar' (retorno, retornas, etc.) describes current actions or habits of returning.
Preterite
yo: retorné
The preterite of 'retornar' is regular: retorné, retornaste, retornó, retornamos, retornasteis, retornaron.
Future
yo: retornaré
The future tense of 'retornar' (retornaré, retornarás, etc.) indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: retornaría
The conditional of 'retornar' (retornaría, retornarías, etc.) expresses hypothetical actions, polite requests, or future-in-the-past.
Present Subjunctive
yo: retorne
The present subjunctive of 'retornar' (retorne, retornes, etc.) expresses wishes, doubts, emotions, and uncertainty.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: retornara
The imperfect subjunctive of 'retornar' (retornara, retornaras, etc.) is used for past hypotheticals, wishes, or suggestions.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: retorna
Use 'retorna' (tú), 'retorne' (usted), 'retornemos' (nosotros), 'retornad' (vosotros), 'retornen' (ustedes) for direct commands.
Negative Imperative
yo: no retornes
Negative commands use 'no' + present subjunctive: 'no retornes' (tú), 'no retorne' (usted), etc.