escuchaste
es-koo-CHAS-tay
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
¿Escuchaste lo que dijo el profesor?
A1Did you listen to what the teacher said?
Dijiste que escuchaste la canción nueva.
A2You said that you heard the new song.
Llegué tarde porque no escuchaste mi alarma.
A2I was late because you didn't hear my alarm.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Tú' Past Action
This form, 'escuchaste', is the 'tú' version of the simple past tense, used for actions that started and finished completely at a specific time (e.g., yesterday, last week).
Regular -AR Verb Pattern
Since 'escuchar' ends in -ar, the 'tú' simple past form always ends in -aste, just like 'hablaste' (you spoke) or 'cantaste' (you sang).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Past Tense Confusion
Mistake: "¿Escuchabas la música?"
Correction: ¿Escuchaste la música? 'Escuchabas' implies you were listening repeatedly or continuously, while 'escuchaste' refers to a single, completed moment.
Listening vs. Hearing
Mistake: "No te oíste."
Correction: No te escuchaste. While 'oír' means 'to hear' (the sound entered your ear), 'escuchar' means 'to listen' (you paid attention). Use 'escuchaste' when intent was involved.
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronouncing the Ending
Remember to stress the second-to-last syllable (CHAS). The 'e' at the end is pronounced clearly: 'es-koo-CHAS-tay', not a silent or reduced sound like in English.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: escuchaste
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'escuchaste'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'escuchaste' and 'oíste'?
'Escuchaste' (from escuchar) means 'You listened,' implying you chose to pay attention. 'Oíste' (from oír) means 'You heard,' implying the sound simply reached your ear, whether you were paying attention or not.
Can I use 'escuchaste' when speaking to someone I don't know well?
No. 'Escuchaste' is the 'tú' form, which is informal. If you are speaking to a stranger, an elder, or someone in a formal setting, you must use the 'usted' form for respect: 'escuchó'.