Preterite vs. Imperfect

'Salía' is the verb form you use to paint the background scene in the past. It shows actions that happened repeatedly (habits) or actions that were ongoing and continuous.

The Imperfect Tense's Job

This form works for three subjects: 'yo' (I), 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), and 'usted' (the formal 'you'). The accent on the 'i' is essential to keep the correct sound.

Who is 'Salía'?

If you can translate the sentence into English using 'used to' or 'was leaving,' you almost certainly need the imperfect form 'salía'.

Think 'Used To' or 'Was -ing'

Extremely common. Used constantly to talk about past routines, continuous actions, or descriptions of the past.

'Salía' is the imperfect tense form of the verb 'salir' (to leave/go out). It means 'I/he/she used to leave' or 'I/he/she was leaving,' and is essential for describing past habits and continuous actions in Spanish.

salía

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations