queríamos
keh-REE-ah-mos
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Cuando éramos jóvenes, queríamos viajar por todo el mundo.
B1When we were young, we wanted to travel all over the world.
Siempre le decíamos que la queríamos mucho.
A2We always told him that we loved him very much.
No sabíamos qué hacer porque queríamos ayudar a todos.
B1We didn't know what to do because we wanted to help everyone.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'We' Past Tense
This form, 'queríamos,' is the 'we' form of querer in the past tense used for ongoing situations. It describes desires or feelings that lasted for a period of time.
Imperfect vs. Preterite
Use 'queríamos' (imperfect) for general desires or states of love in the past. Use 'quisimos' (preterite) for a specific attempt or success at wanting something at a single point in time.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing querer's meaning in the past
Mistake: "Usando 'quisimos' cuando se refiere a un deseo continuo."
Correction: When talking about a desire that didn't stop or start suddenly, stick to 'queríamos' (e.g., 'we wanted a big house'). 'Quisimos' often means 'we tried' or 'we attempted to get it'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember the Accent
The accent mark on the 'i' (queríamos) is essential! It tells you how to pronounce the word and confirms it's the imperfect tense, where the stress falls on that syllable.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: queríamos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'queríamos' to describe an ongoing state of affection in the past?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'queríamos' always mean 'we wanted' and never 'we loved'?
No, 'queríamos' can mean both! When directed towards a person or pet, it usually means 'we loved' or 'we cared for.' When directed toward a thing, an action, or a goal, it means 'we wanted' or 'we wished for.'
Why does 'queríamos' have an accent mark?
The accent mark on the 'i' is necessary to show where the stress falls when you say the word: ke-rí-a-mos. This pattern is typical for the 'we' form of all verbs in the imperfect tense, helping you distinguish it from other forms.