deseaba
deh-seh-AH-bah
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Yo deseaba verte antes de que te fueras.
A2I wanted to see you before you left.
Mi abuela siempre deseaba que tuviéramos buena salud.
B1My grandmother always wished that we would have good health.
Él deseaba tanto esa bicicleta que no podía dormir.
A2He wanted that bicycle so much that he couldn't sleep.
Usted deseaba un café, ¿verdad?
B1You wanted a coffee, right?
💡 Grammar Points
Role of the Imperfect Tense
"Deseaba" is the Imperfect tense, which describes ongoing feelings or habitual actions in the past. Think of it as 'was wanting' or 'used to want'.
Using the 'Yo' or 'Él/Ella/Usted' Form
This exact form is used for two subjects: 'Yo' (I) and 'Él/Ella/Usted' (He/She/You formal). Context usually makes it clear who is being talked about.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Imperfect vs. Preterite
Mistake: "Usando 'deseó' (Preterite) para un deseo largo y continuo."
Correction: Use 'deseaba' (Imperfect) for desires that lasted a long time or were background feelings. 'Deseó' suggests a single, momentary wish that finished.
⭐ Usage Tips
Setting the Scene
Use 'deseaba' when you are describing a person's state of mind or feelings that were true over a period of time in the past.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: deseaba
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'deseaba' to describe a continuous, long-term feeling?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'deseaba' means 'I wanted' or 'He/She wanted'?
You need context! Since 'yo' and 'él/ella/usted' share this form, look for the subject pronoun being used (Yo, Él, Ella, Usted) or look at the nouns in the sentence (e.g., 'Mi madre deseaba...').
Is 'deseaba' the same as 'quería'?
They are very close synonyms, both meaning 'wanted' in the past. 'Desear' (deseaba) often implies a slightly stronger, deeper wish or longing than 'querer' (quería).