Inklingo

How to Say "was taking" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “was taking” is “tomaba” — use 'tomaba' when describing a habitual or continuous action in the past that was ongoing, often involving an object or an action..

English → Spanish

tomaba

toh-MAH-bah/toˈma.βa/

VerbA1General
Use 'tomaba' when describing a habitual or continuous action in the past that was ongoing, often involving an object or an action.
A colorful illustration of a child reaching out to take a single red book from a wooden bookshelf.

Examples

Ella siempre tomaba mi mano cuando cruzábamos la calle.

She always used to take my hand when we crossed the street.

Ella siempre **tomaba** mi mano cuando cruzábamos la calle.

She always used to take my hand when we crossed the street.

Yo **tomaba** el libro de la mesa y empezaba a leer.

I would take the book from the table and start reading.

Who is 'Tomaba'?

'Tomaba' can mean 'I was taking/used to take' (yo) OR 'He/She/You formal was taking/used to take' (él/ella/usted). Context is key to knowing who is doing the action.

The Imperfect Tense's Role

This tense describes actions that were repeated habits in the past ('used to do') or actions that were ongoing and unfinished ('was doing'). It often sets the scene.

Confusing Imperfect and Preterite

Mistake: “Usando 'tomó' (preterite) cuando se refiere a un hábito, como 'Cada mañana él tomó café.'”

Correction: Use 'tomaba' for repeated habits: 'Cada mañana él tomaba café.' (Every morning he used to drink coffee.)

llevaba

/yeh-VAH-bah//ʝeˈβaβa/

VerbA2General
Use 'llevaba' when the meaning is 'was guiding' or 'was escorting' someone to a specific place.
An adult holding a child's hand and guiding them along a path toward a small house.

Examples

Yo la llevaba a su casa después del trabajo todos los días.

I used to take her home after work every day.

Llevaba dos horas esperando cuando llegó el tren.

She had been waiting for two hours when the train arrived.

Él llevaba muy bien las finanzas del negocio familiar.

He was handling the finances of the family business very well.

'Llevar' for Time

When 'llevar' is followed by a duration (e.g., 'dos años'), it translates to 'had been.' It describes how long an action had been continuing up to a point in the past.

Using 'Ser' for Duration

Mistake: “Saying 'Era dos horas esperando' (Incorrect use of 'ser' for time duration).”

Correction: Use 'llevaba' to express 'had been' doing something: 'Llevaba dos horas esperando'.

Action vs. Guidance

Learners often confuse 'tomaba' and 'llevaba' when the English is 'was taking'. Remember: 'tomaba' is for ongoing actions or habits, while 'llevaba' specifically means 'was guiding' or 'was escorting' someone.

Related Translations

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