Introduction
The imperfect tense in Italian is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past, habits, and background details. It provides context and sets the scene for past events.
Uses of the Imperfect Tense
- Ongoing Actions in the Past
- Repeated or Habitual Actions
- Background Details or Descriptions
Conjugation of the Imperfect Tense
The imperfect tense is formed by adding specific endings to the stem of the verb. These endings are consistent across all three conjugations (-are, -ere, -ire).
Regular Verb Conjugation
-ARE Verbs (e.g., parlare)
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|
| io | parlavo |
| tu | parlavi |
| lui/lei | parlava |
| noi | parlavamo |
| voi | parlavate |
| loro | parlavano |
-ERE Verbs (e.g., leggere)
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|
| io | leggevo |
| tu | leggevi |
| lui/lei | leggeva |
| noi | leggevamo |
| voi | leggevate |
| loro | leggevano |
-IRE Verbs (e.g., dormire)
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|
| io | dormivo |
| tu | dormivi |
| lui/lei | dormiva |
| noi | dormivamo |
| voi | dormivate |
| loro | dormivano |
Irregular Verbs in the Imperfect Tense
Some verbs have irregular forms in the imperfect tense. Here are three of the most common:
Essere (to be)
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|
| io | ero |
| tu | eri |
| lui/lei | era |
| noi | eravamo |
| voi | eravate |
| loro | erano |
Fare (to do/make)
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|
| io | facevo |
| tu | facevi |
| lui/lei | faceva |
| noi | facevamo |
| voi | facevate |
| loro | facevano |
Dire (to say/tell)
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|
| io | dicevo |
| tu | dicevi |
| lui/lei | diceva |
| noi | dicevamo |
| voi | dicevate |
| loro | dicevano |
Examples
- Ongoing Action: "Leggevo un libro quando mi hai chiamato." (I was reading a book when you called me.)
- Habitual Action: "Andavamo al mare ogni estate." (We used to go to the beach every summer.)
- Background Description: "Era una notte buia e tempestosa." (It was a dark and stormy night.)
The imperfect tense is essential for conveying past narratives and descriptions, helping to create a vivid picture of events and situations.
