Inklingo

How to Say "went" in Spanish

English → Spanish

fue

/fweh//fwe/

VerbA1movement to a destination
Use 'fue' to describe a completed movement to a specific destination in the past.
Footprints in the sand leading away toward the ocean, representing the action of 'went'.

Examples

Mi hermano fue a la tienda.

My brother went to the store.

Ella se fue de la fiesta temprano.

She left the party early.

¿Adónde fue el perro?

Where did the dog go?

A Past Form of 'Ir' (to go)

This 'fue' comes from the verb 'ir'. Use it when you're talking about someone or something moving to a destination in the past. It's all about movement from one place to another.

Confusing with 'Iba'

Mistake: “Cuando era niño, fue a la playa cada verano.”

Correction: Cuando era niño, iba a la playa cada verano. Use 'iba' for repeated actions in the past (like 'used to go'). Use 'fue' for a single, completed trip ('Ayer fue a la playa').

fuera

/FWEH-rah//ˈfweɾa/

VerbB1in sentences about requests or possibilities
Use 'fuera' (subjunctive mood) when expressing past desires, requests, or possibilities, often after verbs like 'querer que' (to want that) or 'pedir que' (to ask that).
A person on a phone call is imagining themselves walking into a supermarket, representing the idea of being asked to go somewhere.

Examples

Mi madre quería que yo fuera al supermercado.

My mother wanted me to go to the supermarket.

No me sorprendería que él no fuera a la reunión.

It wouldn't surprise me if he didn't go to the meeting.

Te lo daría si fuera posible.

I would give it to you if it were possible.

Reporting Requests to 'Go'

This 'fuera' comes from 'ir' (to go). You use it after verbs like 'querer' (to want) or 'pedir' (to ask) when talking about a past request for someone to go somewhere.

Confusing with 'iba'

Mistake: “Me pidió que yo iba a la tienda.”

Correction: Me pidió que yo fuera a la tienda. When someone asks, wants, or doubts something in the past, the next verb often needs this special 'fuera' form, not the regular past form 'iba'.

verbB1how a process developed
Use 'marchó' to describe how a process, event, or situation developed or proceeded in the past, often implying it went smoothly.

Examples

La presentación marchó sin ningún problema técnico.

The presentation went without any technical problems.

Confusing 'fue' and 'fuera'

The most common mistake is using 'fue' (indicative) when the context requires 'fuera' (subjunctive). Remember, if you're talking about a past wish, request, or uncertainty ('My mom wanted me to go'), you need the subjunctive 'fuera'.

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