amaba
“amaba” means “I loved” in Spanish (Habitual or continuous past action (Yo)).
I loved, He/She/You (formal) loved
Also: I used to love, He/She/You used to love
📝 In Action
Yo amaba ir al cine todos los sábados cuando era niño.
A1I used to love going to the movies every Saturday when I was a child.
Ella amaba la tranquilidad del campo, por eso se mudó.
A2She loved the tranquility of the countryside; that's why she moved.
Antes, mi abuelo amaba cultivar rosas en el jardín.
A2Before, my grandfather loved (or used to love) growing roses in the garden.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "amaba" in Spanish:
i loved→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: amaba
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'amaba' to describe a repeated action in the past?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'amar' comes directly from the Latin verb *amāre*, meaning 'to love.' The 'aba' ending is a standard, very old pattern used in Spanish and other Romance languages to show ongoing or habitual action in the past.
First recorded: Pre-10th century (Old Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'amaba' and 'amó'?
'Amaba' describes a past state or a repeated action (I/He/She used to love, or loved continuously). 'Amó' (the finished past) describes a single, completed action that happened at a specific point in time (He/She loved [at that moment]).
How do I know if 'amaba' means 'I loved' or 'He loved'?
Since 'amaba' is the same form for 'Yo' (I) and 'Él/Ella/Usted' (He/She/You formal), you must rely on the context of the conversation or include the subject pronoun (Yo amaba, Él amaba) if it's unclear.