Inklingo

How to Say "mattered" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “mattered” is “importaba” — use this form when 'mattered' refers to something that was important or significant to someone in the past, often implying a continuous or ongoing feeling..

English → Spanish

importaba

eem-por-TAH-bah/im.porˈta.βa/

verbA2
Use this form when 'mattered' refers to something that was important or significant to someone in the past, often implying a continuous or ongoing feeling.
A small, brightly glowing golden key resting on a small, purple velvet cushion, symbolizing its importance and value.

Examples

No me importaba lo que pensaran los demás.

I didn't care (it didn't matter to me) what others thought.

A ella le importaba mucho su trabajo.

Her job was very important to her.

Antes no nos importaba el dinero.

Money didn't matter to us before.

The 'Gustar' Structure

'Importar' works just like 'gustar' (to like). The thing that matters is the subject, and the person it matters to is shown by a small word (me, te, le, etc.) placed before the verb. Example: 'Me importaba' (It mattered to me).

Using the Imperfect Tense

'Importaba' describes a continuous or habitual state in the past. It means something 'used to matter' or 'was important' over a period of time, not just in one single moment.

Confusing the person who cares

Mistake: “Yo importaba la noticia. (Literally: I mattered the news.)”

Correction: A mí me importaba la noticia. (The news mattered to me.) Remember the person who cares needs 'me,' 'te,' or 'le' before the verb.

importó

verbA2
Use this form when 'mattered' refers to a specific instance or event in the past where something was significant or had an impact.

Examples

A él no le importó el resultado del partido.

The result of the game didn't matter to him.

Imperfect vs. Preterite for 'Mattered'

The main confusion lies in choosing between the imperfect ('importaba') and the preterite ('importó'). Think about whether the 'mattering' was an ongoing state or a completed event. If it was a continuous feeling or situation in the past, use 'importaba'; if it was a specific, completed event, use 'importó'.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.