How to Say "was worrying" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “was worrying” is “preocupaba” — A2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Antes, el futuro no me preocupaba mucho.
Before, the future didn't worry me much.
Ella me preocupaba porque no contestaba mis llamadas.
She was worrying me because she wasn't answering my calls.
Cuando era niño, la oscuridad me preocupaba.
When I was a child, the dark used to worry me.
Dual Role of 'Preocupaba'
'Preocupaba' is the past form used when the subject is 'I' (yo) OR 'he/she/it/you formal' (él/ella/usted). You need context to know who the subject is.
Using the Imperfect Tense
This verb form describes actions or feelings that were ongoing, habitual, or used as background description in the past, like 'I used to feel' or 'it was happening'.
Worrying Yourself vs. Worrying Others
Mistake: “Using 'preocupaba' when you mean 'I was worried' (Yo me preocupaba).”
Correction: 'Preocupaba' means 'it worried someone else.' If you want to say 'I was worried,' you must use the reflexive form: 'Yo me preocupaba.'
Related Translations
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