How to Say ‘They Used to Swim’ in Spanish Imperfect Tense

Learning Spanish vocabulary is essential for effective communication and understanding the nuances of the language. One commonly used phrase is “they used to swim,” which is expressed in the Spanish imperfect tense. This phrase is not only useful in everyday conversations but also helps in narrating past habits and routines.

Understanding the Imperfect Tense

The imperfect tense in Spanish is used to describe actions that were ongoing or habitual in the past. It provides context and depth to storytelling, making it a vital aspect of the language.

How to Say ‘They Used to Swim’ in Spanish

The Spanish translation of “they used to swim” is “ellos nadaban.” Here’s the breakdown:

• Ellos – They
• Nadaban – Used to swim (from the verb nadar)

Pronunciation

To pronounce “ellos nadaban,” say: eh-yohs nah-dah-bahn. The emphasis is on the second syllable of “nadaban.”

Contexts for Usage

This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as:

• Describing childhood activities: Cuando eran niños, ellos nadaban en el lago. (When they were kids, they used to swim in the lake.)
• Talking about past vacations: En las vacaciones, ellos nadaban todos los días. (On vacation, they used to swim every day.)

Grammar Rules

In Spanish, the imperfect tense is formed by taking the stem of the verb and adding the appropriate endings. For nadar (to swim), the endings for the imperfect tense are:

• -aba for the first person singular (yo)
• -abas for the second person singular (tú)
• -aba for the third person singular (él/ella/usted)
• -ábamos for the first person plural (nosotros)
• -abais for the second person plural (vosotros)
• -aban for the third person plural (ellos/ellas/ustedes)

Practical Examples

Here are some practical examples of how to use “ellos nadaban” in sentences:

• Ellos nadaban en la piscina cada verano. (They used to swim in the pool every summer.)
• Cuando vivían cerca del mar, ellos nadaban a menudo. (When they lived near the sea, they used to swim often.)

Tips for Practicing and Remembering

To effectively practice and remember the phrase “ellos nadaban,” consider the following tips:

• Use flashcards to memorize the phrase and its components.
• Incorporate the phrase into your daily conversations in Spanish.
• Listen to Spanish songs or watch movies that include the imperfect tense.

Conclusion

Mastering the phrase “they used to swim” in Spanish imperfect tense is a valuable addition to your vocabulary. By understanding its usage, pronunciation, and grammar rules, you can enhance your Spanish speaking skills and communicate more effectively. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be using this phrase with confidence!