Imperfect vs. Preterite

This form of the verb shows an action that was ongoing, habitual, or setting the scene in the past. Think of it as 'I used to fear' or 'I was fearing.'

The Imperfect Tense (El Imperfecto)

When you use 'temer' to express fear about something that might happen or might be true (using 'que'), the next verb often needs the special verb form called the subjunctive: 'Temía que *lloviera*.' (I feared that it *would rain*).

Temer and Subjunctive

Since 'temía' can mean 'I feared' or 'He/She/You formal feared,' listen closely to the context or look for the subject pronoun (Yo, Él, Ella, Usted) to know who is doing the action.

Context is Key

A very common verb form used constantly when talking about past emotions or habitual feelings.

Learn the meaning and usage of the Spanish verb form 'temía' (I/He/She feared). Understand the difference between the imperfect and preterite tenses for the verb 'temer' (to fear).

temía

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations