''used to''

Question

How would you said the ''used to'' ?

Not as in being used to (accustomed) doing something, but as if something had passed, for example:

''He used to dream of living in the South of France?''

Perhaps in this case, Utilizó? Solía?

Thankyou in advance, and apologies if my English is bad i am just learning.

Bienvenido. Your English seems excellent, don't worry. Good question. - annierats, Dec 2, 2012

Answer 1

Hello Aeneas

"used to" is the English Modal that can make what in Spanish is the "imperfect past tense".

"Vivía en Bolivia ' I used to live in Bolivia.

It is the only way it can be made in English.

thankyou! - aeneas, Dec 2, 2012

Very good answer, one of the big differences between the two languages. You get a special medal for this, Ian. - annierats, Dec 2, 2012

:) - ian-hill, Dec 2, 2012

Answer 2

Solía soñar con vivir en el sur de Francia. But it would sound better to simply say Soñaba con vivir en el sur de Francia.

Answer 3

One will here the imperfect a lot where we English speakers use "used to"

When I was a boy, I used to play baseball on Saturdays

Cuando era niña, jugaba al beisbol los Sabados.

Note that both SER and JUGAR are in imperfect, even though a time (Saturdays) was mentioned, since ¨on Saturdays¨ is not really a specific time, but rather a past recurring, habitual action. That requires the imperfect.

"one will hear" I think Rog and you're a "niño" by the look of you not a "niña". - geofc, Dec 2, 2012