Preterite vs. Imperfect

'Salvó' tells you that the action of saving happened and finished completely at a specific point in the past. It describes a single, completed event.

Action in the Past

The accent mark on the 'ó' is crucial! It tells you this is the past tense (preterite) for 'he/she/it/you formal.' Without it ('salvo'), the word means 'I save' (present tense).

Using the Accent Mark

Extremely common way to describe a past rescue or saving action.

When 'salvó' means saving resources, it usually takes a direct object (what was saved): 'salvó [el trabajo]' or 'salvó [la plata].'

Direct Object Use

Commonly used when discussing economics, time management, or digital files.

In this context, 'salvó' means successfully dealing with a tricky situation, like 'saving face' or 'saving the day' in English.

Figurative Use

Less common, used figuratively to mean overcoming a hurdle or clearing a challenge.

'Salvó' is the past tense (preterite) of 'salvar' (to save or rescue) for 'he, she, or formal you.' Learn how to use it for physical rescues, saving time/money, and overcoming obstacles.

salvó

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations