topar Preterite Conjugation
topar — to run into
The preterite of 'topar' is regular: 'topé', 'topaste', 'topó', 'topamos', 'topasteis', 'toparon'.
topar Preterite Forms
When to Use the Preterite
Use the preterite of 'topar' for completed actions in the past, like running into someone at a specific time or unexpectedly encountering something.
Notes on topar in the Preterite
Topar is fully regular in the preterite. The 'nosotros' form 'topamos' is identical to the present indicative, so context is key.
Example Sentences
Yo topé con mi vecino en el supermercado.
I ran into my neighbor at the supermarket.
yo
¿Topaste con algún problema al llegar?
Did you run into any problems upon arrival?
tú
Ella topó con una oferta increíble.
She ran into an incredible offer.
él/ella/usted
Ellos toparon con tráfico denso.
They ran into heavy traffic.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using 'topaba' (imperfect) instead of 'topó' (preterite).
Correct: Use 'topó' for a single, completed instance of running into something.
Why: The imperfect describes ongoing or habitual past actions, not a specific, completed encounter.
Mistake: Writing 'topé' without the accent.
Correct: The 'yo' form 'topé' requires an accent on the 'é'.
Why: The accent distinguishes the preterite 'yo' form and indicates the stressed syllable.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: topo
Use the present tense 'topo', 'topas', 'topa' for habitual actions or things happening now with 'topar'.
Imperfect
yo: topaba
The imperfect 'topaba' describes ongoing or habitual past encounters with 'topar'.
Future
yo: toparé
The future tense 'toparé' predicts or assumes you will run into something/someone.
Conditional
yo: toparía
The conditional 'toparía' expresses hypothetical encounters or polite suggestions with 'topar'.
Present Subjunctive
yo: tope
Use 'topo' (yo) and 'tope' (él/ella/usted) in the present subjunctive after doubts, wishes, or emotions.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: topara
The imperfect subjunctive 'topara' or 'topase' expresses past hypotheticals or wishes.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: topa
Use the imperative 'topa' (tú) and 'tope' (usted) for direct commands with 'topar'.
Negative Imperative
yo: no topes
Use 'no topes' (tú) or 'no tope' (usted) for negative commands with 'topar'.