robaste
roh-BAHS-teh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
¿Por qué robaste mi cartera anoche?
A2Why did you steal my wallet last night?
Creí que robaste el último pedazo de pastel.
B1I thought you stole the last piece of cake.
Robaste toda mi atención con esa historia increíble.
B2You stole all my attention with that incredible story.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Tú' Past Tense
This form, 'robaste,' is how you tell someone, 'You did this action' (stole), if that action finished completely in the past. It is the simple past (Preterite) and is used when you speak informally to one person.
Regular -AR Pattern
Since 'robar' is regular, the 'tú' form always ends in -aste in the simple past, like 'hablaste' (you spoke) or 'compraste' (you bought).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Past Tenses
Mistake: "Using 'robabas' when talking about a single, finished event."
Correction: Use 'robaste' for a single, completed action (You stole it yesterday). Use 'robabas' only for descriptions or repeated actions in the past (You used to steal).
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
Like in English, 'robar' can be used figuratively to mean capturing something, like 'robaste mi corazón' (you stole my heart) or 'robaste la atención' (you stole the attention).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: robaste
Question 1 of 2
If you are talking formally to a boss, how would you say, 'You stole the idea'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'robaste' formal or informal?
'Robaste' is strictly informal. It is the past tense form used only when addressing a single person you know well (using 'tú'). If you need to be formal or address a group, you must use a different verb ending.
What is the difference between 'robar' and 'hurtar'?
Both mean 'to steal.' 'Robar' usually implies force or violence (like a robbery), or is the general term. 'Hurtar' is typically used for theft without violence, often secretly (like shoplifting).