Past tense - Indefinido vs imperfecto

Question

When do we use the indefinido form of verb and when do we use the imperfecto form?

Like when will we use lei for leer and when will we use leia for it? - charizmaroxz, Sep 20, 2012

This is big question, books have been written .. - annierats, Sep 20, 2012

I know but no one seems to be able to tell it in a simple 2 min way.... - charizmaroxz, Sep 20, 2012

Answer 1

Charizmaroxz said

...no one seems to be able to tell it in a simple 2 min way

That's because there is no easy explanation for this topic in Spanish. You need to look at the lessons and the "rules" and then practice, practice, and practice each way to finally get a good grip on the differences between the preterit (simple past) and the imperfect.

...when will we use lei for leer and when will we use leia for it?

Leía = Something ongoing or habitual in the past.

Ex. I was reading when you came in. I used to read every day when I was a child.

Leí = Something started and completed.

Ex. I read a book last night. I already read that article.

Mejor dicho, ¡imposible! - francobollo, Sep 20, 2012

Thnx - charizmaroxz, Sep 22, 2012

Answer 2

Check out the link below from our reference section

[link][1]

[1]: http://Imperfect vs. Simple past or preterit.

Thnx.......... - charizmaroxz, Sep 20, 2012